Patents
The Bottom Line About Bidets
Amid toilet paper shortages, many Americans are making the switch—but does all the fuss about bidets really hold water?
How the Trampoline Came to Be
Inspired by circus performers, George Nissen created the bouncing ‘tumbling device’ that still captures imaginations 75 years later
A Vibrant Tour of America's Neon Signs
In his upcoming book ‘Neon Road Trip,’ photographer John Barnes captures a luminous part of advertising history
The History of the Hard Hat
With some canvas, leather, shelac and black paint, inventor Edward Bullard helped America usher in a new era of workplace safety
The History of the StairMaster
The 1980s brought about America's gym obsession—and a machine that demands a notoriously grueling cardio workout
A Brief History of the Crock Pot
More than eighty years after it was patented, the Crock Pot remains a comforting presence in American kitchens
The Accidental Invention of Play-Doh
The much-loved children’s toy was a desperate spinoff of a putty used to clean soot off of wallpaper
How the Zamboni Changed the Game for Ice Rinks
Invented by rink owner Frank Zamboni, the ice-clearing machine celebrates its 70th anniversary this year
How Susan Kare Designed User-Friendly Icons for the First Macintosh
The graphic designer is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Cooper Hewitt for her recognizable computer icons, typefaces and graphics
Ten Inventive Attempts to Make Camping More Comfortable
Making a stay in the great outdoors more luxe isn’t new—even if glamping and #vanlife are
In This Interactive Football League, Fans Pick the Plays
Your Call Football's streaming app platform lets fans control the actions of real live players, earning points and winning prizes
A Century Ago, This Eerie-Sounding Instrument Ushered in Electronic Music
Now, the theremin—a strange little invention that translates hand gestures into pitch and volume—could make a comeback
The Accidental Invention of the Slinky
The idea for the timeless toy sprung to mind when Naval engineer Richard James dropped some coiled wires
How Biology Inspires Future Technology
Bioengineers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute showcase their ingenious medical, industrial and environmental designs at the Cooper Hewitt
A Brief History of the Waffle Iron
Cornelius Swartwout’s invention, patented more than 150 years ago, helped feed America’s passion for waffles
You Can Thank Chemist Stephanie Kwolek for Bulletproof Vests and Yoga Pants
The long-serving researcher at DuPont invented kevlar and contributed to spandex
The Ohio State University Seeks to Trademark 'The'
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14 Fun Facts About Roller Coasters
For starters, one of the oldest coasters in America carried coal before it carried passengers
How the Wiffle Ball Came to Be
Patented in 1957, the lightweight ball saved players' arms and more than a few windows
These Lenses Zoom With a Couple Blinks of Your Eyes
Researchers have developed a soft polymer lens that changes shape based on electrical input
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