United States Patent number 2046837, Means for Uniting a Screw with a Driver, was awarded to Portland businessman Henry F. Phillips on July 7, 1936.
Better known as the Phillips head screw and screwdriver, Phillips’ invention improved upon the earlier efforts of Portlander John P. Thompson. General Motors converted to using the system in manufacturing in 1937, and by 1940 most screw manufacturers had licensed the technology.
Dear Dave
Thank you for writing up my grandfather’s most famous invention. He also invented the metal pour spout that you find on salt and ceral boxes. I still have his prototypes.
Mary Brigid Phillips