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DQ News: Today in Entrepreneurial History: June 30

On this day in 191, inventor Paul Edward Yost was born. He was the inventor of the modern hot air balloon and is called the “Father of the Modern Day Hot-Air Balloon.”

In the 1950s, Yost’s own interests turned toward reviving the lost practice of manned hot-air ballooning. This technology had first been invented in France by in the late 18th century by pioneers led by the Montgolfier brothers, but under the Montgolfier system the balloon’s air was heated by a ground fire prior to the balloon being released. The inherent danger of this type of balloon flight led to the system being abandoned when hydrogen and later helium became available.

One of Yost’s key engineering insights was that a hot-air balloon could be made to carry its own fuel. The invention of relatively light burners fueled by bottled propane made it possible for the balloonist to re-heat the air inside the balloon for a longer flight. Yost’s invention improved modern hot-air balloons into semi-maneuverable aircraft. Yost’s other hot-air balloon patents included nonporous synthetic fabrics, maneuvering vents, and deflation systems for landing. Yost also designed the distinctive “teardrop” shape of the hot air balloon envelope itself. This hot-air balloon image has become an icon, used for example on the standard license plate of motor vehicles registered in New Mexico.

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Today in Entrepreneurial History: May 31

1578 – Martin Frobisher sails from Harwich, England to Frobisher Bay, Canada, eventually to mine fool’s gold, used to pave streets in London. 1790 – Alferez Manuel Quimper explores the Strait of Juan de Fuca. 1929 – The first talking cartoon of Mick

Today in Entrepreneurial History: June 2

1835 – P. T. Barnum and his circus start their first tour of the United States. 1896 – Guglielmo Marconi applies for a patent for his newest invention: the radio. 2004 – Ken Jennings begins his 74-game winning streak on the syndicated game show Jeopardy!

The Evolution of the Office

Have you ever wondered how we got from this: to this? If so, check out this neat little pictorial from HigherSalary.com on the evolution of the office.