Curiously, De Forest did not realiz

Curiously, De Forest did not realize the significance
of his discovery. Working on wireless technology, he
was satisfied that the device provided sufficient amplitude
to allow listeners to pick up telegraphic signals sent
through the air. Since 1902, De Forest had invested considerable
energy and time marketing his wireless system
to the U.S. Navy and later to the United Fruit Company.
Both organizations saw the benefit of being able to communicate
by wireless to ships at sea, and for a time De
Forest was successful in raising capital and generating
profits from his venture. Unfortunately, the Panic of
1907 had caused investors to look warily at wireless telegraphy,
and over the years that skepticism turned into
efforts to seek legal recourse against inventors and companies
that had not delivered on promises of improved
technology and handsome dividends.