1845 – Robert W. Thompson, a Scottish Engineer, received a British patent for the invention of the pneumatic tire (inner tube inflated with air inside a rubber tire).

The introduction of subway tokens was an invention of necessity. Before 1953 riders bought tickets to ride subways, after 1953 when coin turnstiles were introduced they couldn’t handle the two coins necessary for paying for a ride – and so the token was born.

The only U.S. President with a registered patent is Abraham Lincoln

Who is the only U.S. President with a registered patent? Abraham Lincoln of course. In 1849, Lincoln received a patent for his invention of adjustable buoyant chambers for steamboats. As one who spent many years of his life living in Mississippi along its tributaries, Lincoln witnessed all the labor and time spent transferring loads from larger to smaller craft. This device enabled large ships to alter their draft in water, allowing them to navigate in shallow waters.

Dr. John Gorrie an early pioneer in the invention of air conditioning created his first ice-making machine to cool the sickrooms in his hospital during the yellow fever boom.

After this he went back and used the same technologies to create refrigerators.

Prior to the invention of the light bulb, people slept on average for 10 hours a night. Today, people average 6-7 hours of sleep per night.

The troubling part? Because of the invention of the internet – experts see that number falling to 3-5 hours a night.