In the late 70's we were developing a Variable Reluctance Indicator for aircraft. I was a julior engineer and the designer of the instrument. My bosses who were electrical engineers inststed that we build the laminations used in the indicator out of a super magnetic material. I kept asking why our comeptitor didn't use the super magnetic material. I was told I didn't know what I was takling about. As it worked out when I was talking to the lamination manufacturer, I asked if laminations could be made out of common magnetic material. He said he would use that material for set-up and send me the pieces. As the deadline for the project neared, the prototype was built using the super magnetic material with the EE's touting how superior the instrument would be. The Thursday before the prototype was due at the customers the prototype was tested. It was in ful magnetic saturation so that no matter what was done, it would not work. The next day the company CEO had us in a meeting to determine what was needed for recovery. I pulled my shoe box of laminations out and suggested we try them. The CEO said we had until 7:00 PM Sunday to produce three instruments. A technician and I started working immediatel after the meeting and at 5:00 AM on Sunday succeeded in getting the right output from the instrument. The conclusion was that we got the contract and recieved a patent for our efforts. The simplest approach is sometimes the right answer.

Keith C., Chicago.