"I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others..." Thomas Edison Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. Edison became one of the greatest inventors and obtained over 1,000 patents, the most issued to any individual in the United States. Edison's greatest contribution was the first practical electric lighting. He not only invented the first successful electric light bulb, but also set up the first electrical power distribution company. Edison invented the first media recording device : the phonograph! He made improvements to the telegraph, telephone and motion picture technology and thus contributed to the rise of the multimedia and entertainment industry. He also founded the first modern research laboratory. Edison was also a good businessman. He not only designed important new devices, he created companies worldwide for the manufacture and sale of his inventions. 1882 The Continental Edison company is set up by Thomas Edison. 1891 The company is merged with Thomson Houston corp. 1958 The company is purchased by CGE (Compagnie Génerale d’Electricité). 1971 Thomson becomes the new owner of the company. Déc. 2002 the Ait Yala group takes over Continental Edison company and brand. 2004 Continental Edison is proud to launch a completely renewed range of products including plasma and LCD TVs