16. Copy Machine

The Xerox 914 was the first successful plain paper photocopier. It reproduced documents fast and cheaply, and transformed offices, schools, and the publishing industry globally. The Xerox copier was the impetus for the modern office to change and adopt digital document management. 

Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash

17. Weather Satellite

The first weather satellite was launched in 1959. The Vanguard 2 captured vital data on clouds and Earth's atmosphere. These satellites have continued to evolve and provide valuable insight into our weather systems, making us more prepared for hurricanes, tsunamis, and other weather-related disasters. 

NASA on Unsplash

18. Lawn Mower with Cushioned Seat

Lawn mower technology was greatly improved during the 1950s. In 1959, Leonard Goodall developed the first riding mower. The addition of a cushioned seat made mowing a lawn faster, easier, less physically demanding, and less of a chore. This invention contributed to the expansion of suburban developments, which were needed during the post-war housing boom. 

J Dean on Unsplash

19. Pacemaker

In 1985, Rune Elmqvist, an engineer, and Ake Senning, a surgeon, implanted the first internal pacemaker into a person. These pacemakers were lighter, battery-powered, and could expertly regulate heartbeats. Pacemakers have gone on to save millions of lives by treating arrhythmias and heart disease.

Steven Fruitsmaak on Wikimedia

20. Super Glue

If you've ever superglued your hand to your forehead, then you have Dr. Harry Coover to thank. He developed super glue in 1951, and, though it was dismissed initially, it eventually became a huge commercial success. Super glue is a staple in most homes and offices around the world. 

Scott Sanker on Unsplash