Task 4 Thomas Alva Edison was awarded more patents ( 专利 ) on inventions than any other American. When he died in 1931, Americans wondered how they could best show their respect for him. One suggestion was that the nation observe a minute or two of total blackout ( 停电 ). All electric power would be shut off in homes, streets and factories. Perhaps this suggestion made Americans realize fully what Edison had his invention meant to them. Electric power was too important to the country. Shutting it off for even a short time would have led to complete confusion. A blackout was out of the question. On the day of Edison's funeral ( 葬礼 ), many people silently dimmed their lights. In this way they honored the man who had done more than anyone else to put the great force of electricity at his country-men's fingertips ( 指尖 ).