Newton's Cradle inventor

Apparently he was an actor and jounalist called Prebble. Why did he not become a millionaire from this one invention? I can only find info about him as an actor and journalist.

Did not seem much of a journalist, which is why a letter seemed to disappear from that word

I am bumping this once. Is noone interested?

I had to google Newton’s Cradle. I guess it’s that ball knocker thing that some people keep on their desks. I never knew what they were called.

As to why he didn’t get rich – maybe he sold the patent without knowing it would become popular?

Well, when you ask a question, it would be nice to post a little information about it.
I take it that the invention to which you are referring is this?
Newton’s Cradle

And by the inventor you refer to as “Prebble” I guess you mean Simon Prebble ?

I wonder how much money the inventor of the drinking bird made.

Doesn’t seem to be the kind of thing you can patent.