Edison's phonograph
One of Thomas Edison’s best known inventions is the phonograph, patented May 18, 1880. Edison was a prolific inventor; he received patents for his changes to the...
Explosive Projectiles
Drawing from B. B. Hotchkiss’s patent for “Explosive Projectiles,” May 6, 1862
Fire ladder
James Johnson’s invention for a fire ladder was patented on April 18, 1831. He states in his application that the ladder on wheels allows for easy access to a...
Harp guitar
In 1831, E.N. Sheer submitted his patent application for an improvement on the guitar, which he called the harp guitar. In his application, he states, “the shape of...
“Hat to Prevent Drowning”
Samuel W. White's invention, submitted in 1840, was intended to prevent people from drowning. In his application, he claims that the hat or bonnet is buoyant, and the...
Hook and eye
On January 6, 1903, Christian Andresen, of St. Louis, Missouri, submitted a patent application for his hook and eye invention. In his application, he states, “my...
Improved boot
William A. Deitz of Albany, New York, submitted his patent application for an improved boot. In his application of 1867, he states that opening the boot in the back,...