Patent Stories
History of the Life Saving Apparatus
The history of the lifeboat from ancient Greece to Jacob Greener's 1895 life-saving apparatus patent. How maritime rescue technology evolved over two millennia.
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History of the Level
The history of the level from ancient Egyptian plumb bobs to Gustavus Cook's 1886 spirit level patent. How one of construction's most essential tools was invented and refined.
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History of the Legos
The history of LEGO from Ole Kirk Christiansen's 1932 wooden toys to Godtfred Christiansen's 1961 clutch power patent. How a Danish carpenter built a global toy empire.
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History of the Jukebox
The history of the jukebox from the 1889 nickel-in-the-slot phonograph to David Rockola's 1940 ornamental patent. How coin-operated music shaped American culture.
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History of the Hot Air Balloon
The history of the hot air balloon from 1783 to Ralph Upson's 1923 patent. How lighter-than-air flight went from royal spectacle to military tool to sport.
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