<正> Thomas Edison got many patents (专利) oninventions than other American.When he diedin 1931,Americans wondered what they couldbest show their respect for him.One suggestionwas that the nation observed a minute or twoof blaekout(断电).All electric power would shutoff at homes,streets and factories.Perhapsthis suggestion made Americans to realize fullywhat Edison and his inventions meaned to them.