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Tesla’s First U.S. Patent

Tesla’s First U.S. Patent
1886

On this day in 1886, Nikola Tesla was awarded his very first US patent for a Commutator for Dynamo Electric Machines. Read the patent’s fascinating description in Tesla’s own words.

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Pivotal Moments in Nikola Tesla’s Life

Explore the inventor's most influential moments and discoveries using our interactive Tesla Timeline.

Birth of Nikola Tesla
1856
1856

Birth of Nikola Tesla

Nikola Milutinov Tesla was born in the small village of Smiljan in what is modern-day Croatia.
Childhood Inventions
1860
1860

Childhood Inventions

Tesla began inventing at a very young age. His autobiography describes boyhood inventions such as...
Early Influences
1866
1866

Early Influences

Young Nikola's education and interests have great impact on his later inventions.
Cholera & A New Path
1873
1873

Cholera & A New Path

After graduating from high school in 1873, Nikola contracts cholera and makes a life-changing choice.
College Years
1875
1875

College Years

Graz Polytechnic institution of higher education where Nikola Tesla studied for several years.
Overcoming Hardship
1879
1879

Overcoming Hardship

Personal challenges test Nikola's character and abilities
Rotating Field Revelation
1882
1882

Rotating Field Revelation

Tesla's breakthrough moment was a walk in the park (literally) that changed history...
Career Beginnings
1882
1882

Career Beginnings

Tesla's skill and ingenuity lead to recognition and opportunities, including a life-changing course to America.
Arrives in America
1884
1884

Arrives in America

Tesla's new life in the USA is a tale of the young inventor's trials and triumphs.
Tesla Electric Light & Manufacturing
1885
1885

Tesla Electric Light & Manufacturing

The young inventor begins a new enterprise and learns a difficult lesson.
Tesla’s First U.S. Patent
1886
1886

Tesla’s First U.S. Patent

On this day in 1886, Nikola Tesla was awarded his very first US patent for a Commutator for Dynamo Electric Machines.
Egg of Columbus
1887
1887

Egg of Columbus

Tesla's ingenious idea for gaining support of the induction motor.
Year of Discovery
1890
1890

Year of Discovery

Tesla makes groundbreaking discoveries in his NY laboratory.
Columbian Exposition
1893
1893

Columbian Exposition

The infamous "Battle of the Currents" between Tesla and Edison comes to a head at the 1893 Chicago World Fair.
Colorado Springs
1899
1899

Colorado Springs

Tesla's experiments with high voltage and high frequency in the Colorado mountains .
Vision of the Future
1904
1904

Vision of the Future

Tesla's work in wireless communications leads to a remarkable prediction
Tower Dismantled
1917
1917

Tower Dismantled

Tesla's wireless transmitting tower is dismantled amid controversy
1882
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