| | I spent many fascinating years doing basic research. One of the most
interesting labs had a lot of unique equipment, much of it specially
designed to collect specific types of data. Occasionally, however, one
would find relatively standard research test equipment in various
areas. This did not, however, mean they were commonly found outside a
laboratory. Engineers and scientists are, as a whole very practical.
They always try to keep things as simple as possible. Most of the time
the name for equipment is straightforward and descriptive. Sometimes,
however, equipment has a name that is as unique as one could imagine,
clearly setting it apart.
One such machine sat in a room of its own. It had originally
been designed for a special task, but had proven so versatile that many
more had been built and installed in labs all over the world. It was
produced by a small company in New England, I believe, literally in a
garage. At one point, due to a new research effort, it looked like we
might need a second machine. Our machine, which was the prototype,
however, didn't have a regular name. So when I called the company, I
described the machine and asked for literature on the currently
available model.
The man on the phone said that he had designed the original
machine and was more than happy to send information and be on call for
any questions that we had. Several days later, a thick packet arrived.
When I opened the literature, I had to laugh. Others curious about my
reaction came over to see what was so funny. Soon everyone was having a
good laugh. I just had to call the man at the company again.
Having an amiable chuckle, I felt relaxed right away, asking
for an explanation. He described how designing the original machine was
done under contract to accomplish a certain task. He had never
considered that the machine would be so successful that other labs
would want one. So, they hired a consultant, who said it was,
imperative, the machine have one-of-a-kind, catchy name. He spent weeks
trying to come up with something, to no avail. Discussing his
frustration with his wife one evening, he flippantly remarked that
perhaps he ought to let their toddler name the machine. Shortly
thereafter, the baby girl actually uttered something that caught his
imagination. He decided immediately that was surely special name no one
could easily forget. So in an instant, the machine would forever be
known as "Gleeble."
What unusual names have you come across?
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| | Posted 3/20/2007 10:27 PM - 37 Views - 8 eProps - 4 comments
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