Patent Earth Blog

Henry Ford was one of the pioneers of the automotive industry. Even today, 120 years after it was founded, Ford Motor Company remains one of the worlds largest car manufacturers. While Henry Ford would go on to leave a controversial legacy, there is no doubting the impact he had on the modern world. Considered one of the fathers of the automobile industry, Henry Ford's legacy is something most people are at least somewhat familiar with. That said, there's still a lot about this titan of indus …

For many people, elevators are one of those parts of everyday life that you just don't think about. They get in, push a button, get off and go about their day without giving it a second thought. But elevators at not only mechanically fascinating, they have also played a major role in shaping our modern day society.Getting Into Elevators Elevators are an integral part of the modern world, so much so that most don't think twice about using one throughout the day. However, these seemingly mundan …

We all love our pets, and naturally we want to take them with us everywhere we go. But where do you draw the line? Most people would probably draw it somewhere on dry land... but there's always an exception!People love to bring their pets along for the ride, and this is especially true for dogs. We live in an age of dedicated dog parks, doggy daycares and dog friendly restaurants. But there are limits, of course. Most people wouldn't take their dogs to work, for example (but some do).So whe …

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments in modern music. It is the core instrument of genres like rock and blues and it is beloved by music aficionados and hobbyists alike. What few know, though, is that the modern guitar is a relatively recent invention. The evolution of the guitar is certainly an interesting journey, starting before written language and developing through the modern-day. A story that's as much about engineering and innovation as it is music, the tale of the guitar st …

George Westinghouse was a famous and influential inventor and visionary. Though typically discussed in relation to his rival, Thomas Edison, Westinghouse's own contributions to the railway and electrical technology make him far more than a bit player in the legacy of industrial America. Let's explore George Westinghouse's life, accomplishments and legacy to detail just how critical he was in making the world what it is today.Humble Beginnings George Westinghouse Jr. was born in 1846 as the eigh …

Thomas Edison is one of the most industrious men to have ever lived in the United States. Widely regarded as the greatest American inventor of all time, his claim to fame as one of the fathers of electricity has cemented his place in history. There's a lot more to Edison than just having perfected the light bulb, however. Let's explore the life and legacy of Thomas Edison to learn more about this great mind.Early YearsThomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. His parents were S …

When making a list of history's smartest people, Nikola Tesla occupies a well-earned space near the top. One of the leading minds of the 19th and early 20th century, Tesla revolutionized electricity as we knew it and paved the way for much of the modern world's gadgetry and appliances.However, Telsa didn't get this way overnight. Like with many prolific people, the story of Nikola Tesla is a long and winding affair filled with eccentricity and intrigue. To better understand this complex man and …

We all love to show off our pets. We keep photos on our phones ready to show off any chance we get, and we take them with us everywhere we can. There are entire industries devoted to helping our pets be a part of our daily lives. You can find a leash or a harness to fit almost any four legged friend, from majestic horses to dogs and even cats (if you can get them to cooperate), to wily ferrets and cuddly rabbits, all the way down to the star of today's Funny Patent expo: wee little gerbils.On …

Bicycles are a wonder of modern technology, persisting to this day despite there being many other more efficient means of transport. While being fun and easy to use are its main appeal, the bicycle also sports a long history of innovation and evolution that brought it to where it is today.One thing that makes bicycles so special is that they represent not only the evolution of technology, but also the evolution of human skill. While much technology is created to make life simpler and easier, fe …

When all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Apparently the same rule applies when all you have is a six-shooter. Fellow history buffs and invention trivia fans, we present to you: the Gun Powered Mouse Trap.One can only assume that there must have been a long running feud between J. A. Williams and the rodents of Fredonia, Texas. Clearly there was some bad blood, for only the deepest of grudges could have called for such extreme measures. What foul treachery and deceit la …