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Gadgets Inventor Ron Popeil (3:13)

From the Smokeless Ashtray to Mr. Microphone, inventor Ron Popeil has developed scores of household products and hawked them in infomercials. What are some of Popeil's most talked-about inventions?

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Gadget Tech

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    Video Clip (2:46)

    Hi-tech bathroom gadgets are making today's toilet a thing of the past.

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    The corkscrew has been a popular--and useful--gadget for hundreds of years, but it might not be around forever.

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    The Citizens Band radio of the 1970s is still the trucker's favorite gadget.

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    Hammacher Schlemmer, in business since the 19th century, is known for selling the latest and greatest gadgets. Which products have been among the company's bestsellers? Find out more.

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  • Origins of the Compass
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    Video Clip (1:18)

    Originally known as the Chinese Magic Spoon, this handy gadget dates back to 2600 B.C. Find out how it was discovered.

    Video Clip (1:18)
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    Wacky Patents

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    From eyeglasses for chickens to an annunciator for the dead, some unusual inventions have been granted patents. Find out more.

    Video Clip (3:37)
  • Rube Goldberg Machines
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    Cartoonist Rube Goldberg was famous for drawing made-up gadgets that complicated life's simplest tasks. Who was this man and what did he really think of technology?

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    Video Clip (1:15)

    Who was Professor I.M. Nutts and what did he invent to make breakfast a neater meal? Find out more.

    Video Clip (1:15)
  • Gadgets Inventor Ron Popeil
    Gadgets Inventor Ron Popeil

    Video Clip (3:13)

    From the Smokeless Ashtray to Mr. Microphone, inventor Ron Popeil has developed scores of household products and hawked them in infomercials. What are some of Popeil's most talked-about inventions?

    Video Clip (3:13)
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    Video Clip (1:47)

    Was the Swiss Army knife really designed for the Swiss Army? Learn the story behind this versatile invention.

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