In 1853 Isaac Brown patented an integrated steam engine and reciprocating sawmill of elegantly simple design. He manufactured his invention in versions capable of cutting up to 50 boards at once. In 1869 he was granted an extension to his patent, which implies that he had not made as much money on his invention as he deserved, perhaps because of the cost of defending his patent against imitators. In 1873 he obtained a patent for an integrated steam engine and circular sawmill, an unusual combination.
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