George de Mestral — Questions and answers

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When did the world first see George de Mestral's new invention, VELCRO?

Choices

  1. In 1955 at the Swiss Industries Fair. ✓
  2. In his quiet Swiss workshop.
  3. After years of experimentation with nylon.
  4. When he filed for a patent in 1951.

Answer: In 1955 at the Swiss Industries Fair.

From page 1

What did George de Mestral, as a young engineer, often reflect on in his workshop?

Choices

  1. The challenges of mass production.
  2. The complex elegance of natural design. ✓
  3. The best materials for fastening systems.
  4. How to file for a patent.

Answer: The complex elegance of natural design.

From page 2

What sparked George de Mestral's curiosity during an autumn walk?

Choices

  1. Seeing a new type of gear mechanism.
  2. Discovering a new plant species.
  3. His dog, Milka, getting covered in burrs. ✓
  4. Reading a quote from Charles F. Kettering.

Answer: His dog, Milka, getting covered in burrs.

From page 3

What did George de Mestral discover when he looked at a burr under his microscope?

Choices

  1. It was made of silk.
  2. It had hundreds of tiny, resilient hooks. ✓
  3. It was a very sticky adhesive.
  4. It was full of microscopic loops.

Answer: It had hundreds of tiny, resilient hooks.

From page 4

After understanding how burrs work, what was George de Mestral's biggest challenge?

Choices

  1. Finding a different dog to walk with.
  2. Replicating nature's design in a durable material. ✓
  3. Learning how to use a microscope.
  4. Getting a patent for his discovery.

Answer: Replicating nature's design in a durable material.

From page 5

What material did George de Mestral finally choose for his invention after years of development?

Choices

  1. Cotton
  2. Silk
  3. Wool
  4. Nylon ✓

Answer: Nylon

From page 6

What was a critical part of making the hooks durable during mass production, according to Jean Pingeon?

Choices

  1. The type of loom used.
  2. The precise cutting of the loops.
  3. The heat treatment for the hooks. ✓
  4. The color of the nylon.

Answer: The heat treatment for the hooks.

From page 7

In the late 1960s, where did George de Mestral see his invention being used that showed its amazing reach?

Choices

  1. In everyday apparel for children.
  2. In noisy textile factories.
  3. By astronauts inside a spacecraft. ✓
  4. For securing equipment in his workshop.

Answer: By astronauts inside a spacecraft.

From page 8

How was VELCRO being used in the new athletic shoe described by designer Clara Schmidt?

Choices

  1. To clean the shoes.
  2. For a customizable, secure fit. ✓
  3. To make the shoes shine.
  4. To help the shoes float.

Answer: For a customizable, secure fit.

From page 9

What did George de Mestral say was his greatest lesson from nature?

Choices

  1. That insects are fascinating to watch.
  2. That solutions to complex problems are often hidden in simple natural forms. ✓
  3. That gardens are peaceful places for reflection.
  4. That inventing requires many years of hard work.

Answer: That solutions to complex problems are often hidden in simple natural forms.

From page 10