He was known as the inventor of the microwave but even though he possessed an ingenious mind, Percy L Spencer didn’t live a life of ease in the early years. Born in Maine, Percy was left an orphan at a young age. He never graduated from a traditional school but his brains carried him through life and never failed him.
Percy L Spencer invented the microwave oven in 1945 which was after World War II. What is known today as a conventional kitchen feature began as a very unconventional discovery.
Spencer discovered the microwave because he was at one of the Raytheon Companies when he noticed a sudden and odd feeling surge through his body. Around the same time, Percy Spencer realized that his chocolate candy bar was melting. As he noted these strange and peculiar happenings, he also recognized that both were a result of where he chose to stand.
Standing in front of a magnetron, Percy realized the power tube that drives the radar set was also capable of doing much more. He immediately took some kernels of popcorn and held it up to the magnetron. He watched with curiosity and splendid amazement as popcorn formed.
From the experiment conducted at Raytheon, the microwave was developed. The first oven was basically developed for the use in commercial settings like restaurants and ocean vessels or railroad cars. These ovens weighed around seven hundred and fifty pounds. Today, the microwave oven is a familiar appliance in many homes across the world.
Percy L. Spencer died in 1970. He left behind a lifetime of accomplishments. During his time at Raytheon, not only did he invent the microwave but he also held the position of Senior Vice-President of Raytheon. Percy L. Spencer secured over one hundred patents during his lifetime.
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