Widget tops invention list

It measures less than an inch wide, is made of plastic and is rarely seen but has brought pleasure to millions.

The humble widget - placed inside a beer can to make the contents pour with a head - has been crowned the greatest technological invention of the past 40 years.

Almost half those who voted in an online poll put the device ahead of the Internet, e-mail and mobile phones.

'We know Britain is a nation of beer lovers but nothing prepared us for this finding,' said David Warren, of razor blade maker Wilkinson Sword.

'It just goes to show Britons let nothing get in the way of a good pint.

'That might explain why, of all the hi-tech things that have been invented in 40 years of progress, we are down to the humble widget.'

Wilkinson commissioned the poll, which was hosted by online technology magazine T3.co.uk.

From almost 9,000 responses, 48 per cent voted for the widget.

The Internet and e-mail came second - but with just 13 per cent of the vote.

Mobile phones were third with a seven per cent share, while cloning, microwaves, contact lenses, 3-D technology used in cinema, video games, CDs, DVDs and plastic surgery all received five per cent each.

However, there were some notable absentees from the definitive top ten. Video messaging may be revolutionary but it joined solar-powered cars, pocket TV and the Pill in failing to make the list.