What Did Gustaf Dalén Invent to Win the Nobel Prize for Physics?

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Gustaf Dalén won the Nobel Prize in Physics for inventing automatic regulators used with gas accumulators to illuminate lighthouses and buoys. The discussion questions the significance of his contribution to physics, suggesting it may not warrant a Nobel Prize. Some participants speculate that his blindness from a gas explosion may have influenced the decision to award him. There is also curiosity about the specifics of his invention and its operational mechanics. Overall, the thread reflects a mix of admiration for Dalén's work and skepticism about the merit of the Nobel recognition.
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Gustaf Daléns Invention

He won the Nobel price for Physics for his invention.

"for his invention of automatic regulators for use in conjunction with gas accumulators for illuminating lighthouses and buoys"

How did his invention actually work?

You could hardly call it a mayor contribution to Physics (with all respect) can you?

(Changed the name into the correct name, thanks to Chen)
 
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Well, he was blinded in a gas explosion before the award so maybe they gave it to him out of compassion? *shrugs*

(It's Gustaf, by the way.)
 
Chen said:
Well, he was blinded in a gas explosion before the award so maybe they gave it to him out of compassion? *shrugs*

(It's Gustaf, by the way.)

That's what I read and it probably was the case, but still... they should have waited (when did he actually make this invention?). Then he probably wouldn't have won. It was probably a fine invention, but a Nobel price?, I think not.

But I'm still curious about what he exactly invented anyway. So does anybody know?
 
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