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| 1884 |
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| Charles A. Parsons (1854–1931) patented the steam turbine. The steam turbine (1887) of the Swede Gustav de Laval (1845–1913) proved successful for engines of smaller power. | 1 |
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| 1886 |
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| Beginning of the first great hydroelectric installation at Niagara Falls, N.Y. | 2 |
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| 1888 |
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| Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) invented the alternating current electric motor: he also made possible the polyphase transmission of power over long distances and pioneered the invention of radio. | 3 |
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| 1892 |
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| Rudolf Diesel (1858–1913) patented his heavy oil engine, first manufactured successfully in 1897. | 4 |
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