Complex sentence: He was known for his remarkable skills at mechanical design, earning the nickname "Old Purchase" following his design and construction of a cot fitted with pulleys that allowed it to be adjusted by the person lying in it.
Split into simpler sentences: He was known for his remarkable skills at mechanical design. He earned the nickname "Old Purchase" due to his design and construction of a cot fitted with pulleys that allowed it to be adjusted by the person lying in it.