10 Canadian Inventions

Summary

In this engaging video, Christopher Greene highlights ten remarkable inventions by Canadians, showcasing their ingenuity and resourcefulness. The list includes time zones, the BlackBerry smartphone, wheelchair-accessible buses, and electric wheelchairs, emphasizing Canada's commitment to accessibility. Other notable inventions are the Canada Arm, snowmobiles, snowblowers, gas masks, the Robertson screw, and the egg carton, which originated from a local dispute. Each invention is paired with intriguing backstories, reflecting the spirit of innovation in Canada. Greene encourages viewers to appreciate these contributions while subscribing for more content.

Takeaways

• 🕒 Time zones were invented by Sir Sandford Fleming, helping synchronize time across regions.
• 📱 The BlackBerry, created by Mike Lazaridis, was one of the first smartphones that captured users' attention.
• 🚌 Walker Harris Callo invented the first wheelchair accessible buses in 1947 to aid veterans returning from WWII.
• ⚡ George Klein invented the electric wheelchair in 1952, promoting mobility for those with disabilities.
• 🤖 The Canada Arm, a robotic arm used in space shuttles and the International Space Station, has ties to Canadian inventor Joseph Lackner.
• ❄️ Josef Armand Bombardier invented the snowmobile, motivated by a personal tragedy to improve winter travel.
• ⛄ Robert Carr Harrison and Artistic Art invented early versions of the snowblower, making snow removal easier.
• 💨 Dr. Cluny Macpherson developed a gas mask during WWI, saving many lives from poison gas attacks.
• 🔩 The Robertson screw, designed by PL Robertson in 1908, revolutionized DIY projects with its unique square indent.
• 🥚 Joseph Coyle invented the egg carton in 1911 to solve transportation issues for farmers, preventing egg breakage.

Q & A

Who invented time zones and why?

Time zones were invented by Sir Sandford Fleming to standardize timekeeping across different regions.

What role did Mike Lazaridis play in mobile technology?

Mike Lazaridis invented the BlackBerry, which was one of the first smartphones and played a significant role in mobile communication.

What innovation did Walker Harris Callo introduce for public transport?

Walker Harris Callo invented wheelchair accessible buses in 1947 to accommodate veterans returning from World War II.

Who is credited with inventing the electric wheelchair?

The electric wheelchair was invented by George Klein in 1952, allowing greater mobility for individuals with disabilities.

What is the Canada Arm and its purpose?

The Canada Arm is a robotic arm used on space shuttles and the International Space Station, contributing to space exploration.

What motivated Josef Armand Bombardier to invent the snowmobile?

Josef Armand Bombardier was motivated to invent the snowmobile after a personal tragedy involving his son during a blizzard.

What advancements did Robert Carr Harrison and Artistic Art make?

Robert Carr Harrison and Artistic Art were credited with patents for early versions of the snowblower, improving snow removal.

How did Dr. Cluny Macpherson contribute during World War I?

Dr. Cluny Macpherson invented a modified gas mask using a helmet to protect soldiers from poison gas during World War I.

What is the significance of the Robertson screw?

The Robertson screw, invented by P.L. Robertson in 1908, features a square indent that improves fastening efficiency.

How did Joseph Coyle solve a packaging problem with the egg carton?

Joseph Coyle invented the egg carton in 1911 to prevent eggs from breaking during transport after a dispute between a farmer and a hotel owner.