John/Combo -
I have learned more concerning the origin of the DA agitator. You were much more correct than I was in its development.
Though Sears does have and has had an engineering and testing laboratory, this particular advance was a WP idea for which Sears obtained a 15 year exclusive. The concept was patented (which has a duration of 17 years, thereby preventing other manufacturers from copying it from 1975 until 1992 or so).
This more or less explains the appearance of WP's version of the DA in around 1990, and the advent of it in other manufacturers a couple years later.
Thanks for the interesting debate!
Gordon
I have learned more concerning the origin of the DA agitator. You were much more correct than I was in its development.
Though Sears does have and has had an engineering and testing laboratory, this particular advance was a WP idea for which Sears obtained a 15 year exclusive. The concept was patented (which has a duration of 17 years, thereby preventing other manufacturers from copying it from 1975 until 1992 or so).
This more or less explains the appearance of WP's version of the DA in around 1990, and the advent of it in other manufacturers a couple years later.
Thanks for the interesting debate!
Gordon
