what did thomas alva edison invent?

"Edison is the third most prolific inventor in history, holding 1,093 US patents in his name, as well as many patents in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. He is credited with numerous inventions that contributed to mass communication and, in particular, telecommunications. These included a stock ticker, a mechanical vote recorder, a battery for an electric car, electrical power, recorded music and motion pictures. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison

Thomas Alva Edison was a prolific American inventor who made numerous significant contributions to various fields. Here are some of his most notable inventions:

1. Phonograph: Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, which was the first practical device that could record and reproduce sound. It revolutionized the music industry and laid the foundation for modern-day audio recording.

2. Electric Light Bulb: Although Edison did not invent the first light bulb, he made substantial improvements to the existing designs and created a practical and commercially viable incandescent light bulb in 1879. His bulb used a carbon filament and lasted longer than previous designs.

3. Motion Picture Camera: In 1888, Edison developed the first viable motion picture camera known as the Kinetograph. This device was a precursor to modern film cameras and played a vital role in the development of the motion picture industry.

4. Electrical Distribution System: Edison is also recognized for developing a direct current (DC) electrical distribution system, which allowed the generation and transmission of electricity to homes and businesses. This system laid the groundwork for modern electrical grids.

5. Electric Power Meter: To facilitate electrical billing, Edison invented the electric power meter. This device measured the amount of electricity consumed, enabling fair and accurate billing for customers.

These are just a few of Edison's numerous inventions. To find a comprehensive list of his inventions and contributions, you can refer to reference materials such as books, articles, and reputable online sources.