Patent Stories

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 Garden Tools

Joseph Fornelli's 2000 patent redesigned the garden tool handle for better leverage. The full history of garden tools from Bronze Age shovels to modern ergonomic design.

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History of the Garden Plow

Eugene Ruhlmann's 1877 wheel-hoe patent combined a weed cutter with a garden plow in a single tool. The full history of the plow from ancient Mesopotamia to the modern garden.

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