Black African inventions that changed the world yet no one talks about them

We all know that Many people have read the story of how George Washington Carver invented peanut butter. Others are familiar with the story of Sarah Breedlove, aka Madam C. J. Walker, the inventor of beauty products and the first woman to become a self-made millionaire in America. And thanks to the Academy Award nominated film, Hidden Figures, we’re now all familiar with the amazing contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Black African inventions

Dry Cleaning invented by African Man Thomas Jennings

But, did you know that many of the products we use every day were created by black African people? Here’s a list of of them that, until now, you probably didn’t know about. Thomas L. Jennings is the inventor and first to patent the commercial dry cleaning process known as “dry scouring”, on March 3, 1821 (Patent Number: US 3,306X).

Did you know that dry cleaning was invented in 1821 by an African American named Thomas Jennings? Thomas L. Jennings (1791–1856) was an African–American tradesman and abolitionist. He was a FREE BLACK who operated a dry–cleaning business in New York City, and was the first African American to be granted a patent.

Thomas Jennings, a U.S. tailor and inventor, as well as the first known African-American to receive a patent in the United States, used a method called “dry scouring” to clean clothes that traditional cleaning methods would damage.

Charles Baker, the little-known African inventor of the first friction radiator (inventions)

Baker worked over the span of decades on his product, attempting several different forms of friction, including rubbing two bricks together mechanically, as well as using various types of metals. After twenty-three years, the invention was perfected in the form of two metal cylinders, one inside of the other, with a spinning core in the center made of wood, that produced the friction.^[1] Baker started a business with several other men to manufacture the heater. The Friction Heat & Boiler Company was established in 1904, in St. Joseph, with Baker on the board of directors.^[2] The company worked up to 136,000 dollars in capital, equal to nearly 4 million dollars in 2018

Automobiles invented and manufactured by C.R Patterson (inventions)

C.R Patterson, Born Slave, Built Automobiles Before Henry Ford. Some of the finest buggies made in the late 1800s came out of a small, black-owned company in Ohio. Though its name is little recognized today, there is in fact a very important reason to ensure that it is not lost to history: it was, and remains to this day, the only African American owned and operated automobile company. Charles Richard Patterson was born into slavery on a Virginia plantation in 1833.

*Charles Richard Patterson’s birth in 1833 is celebrated on this date. He was a Black slave who gained his own freedom and became an inventor and carriage company entrepreneur. Born on a Virginia plantation, Charles R. … There, Patterson worked for the Dines and Simpson Carriage and Coach Makers Company.

Chemotherapy invented by Dr. Jane C. Wright (inventions)

Dr. Jane C. Wright was a pioneering cancer researcher and surgeon celebrated for her contributions to chemotherapy. Working alongside her father who was one of the first African American graduates of Harvard Medical School and New York City’s first African American surgeons, Dr. Wright made many important contributions to modern cancer treatment.

Dr. Jane C. Wright was a pioneering cancer researcher and surgeon celebrated for her contributions to chemotherapy. Working alongside her father who was one of the first African American graduates of Harvard Medical School and New York City’s first African American surgeons

Alfred L. Cralle invented the Ice cream Scoop (inventions)

Alfred L. Cralle died in a car accident nearly 100 years ago, but his invention continues to provide an essential part of your summer experience.

July 15 is National Ice Cream Day, and while you’re feverishly shoveling spoonfuls of your favorite flavor into your mouth, it’s Cralle you can thank for those picture perfect scoops.

While working as a porter in Markell Brothers drugstore and St. Charles Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pa, Cralle noticed that ice cream stuck to the spoons and ladles the servers used, and they usually had to use two hands to separate them.

Cralle responded to this ice cream crisis by creating the ice cream scoop — originally called the Ice Cream Mold and Disher. It was designed to be strong, inexpensive and easy to operate with one hand. It had no moving parts that could break or malfunction.

On February 2, 1897, thirty-year-old Cralle applied for and received the patent #576,395. He was the first African-American in Pittsburgh to receive a patent.

Water closet was invented by J.B. Rhodes in 1899 (inventions)

On December 19, 1899, J.B. Rhodes invented the water closet. Today, it is commonly known as the toilet or commode A holder of over 200 patents, Rhodes never received much fame for any of his inventions, however, one, in particular, caught our attention. On December 19, 1899, J.B. Rhodes applied for a patent for his invention, the water closet. At first glance, it looks like a regular toilet but read the patent.

Did you know this black man is behind the invention of the first digital cell phone? (inventions)

One of such unrelenting black personalities is the inventor of the digital cellphone Jesse Eugene Russell. He is an electrical engineer, and a business executive. He was born on April 26, 1948, in Nolensville, Tennessee to Mary Louise Russell and Charles Albert Russell and raised in inner-city Nashville along with his 10 other siblings.

Touch-tone telephone, the portable fax, caller ID, call waiting, and the fiber-optic cable invented by – Dr. Shirley Jackson (inventions)

Dr. Shirley Jackson is an African in American physicist who received her Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1973. She was the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in nuclear physics at MIT. In addition to her lengthy list of academic achievements, she also has an impressive number of inventions under her belt.

Her experiments with theoretical physics paved the way for numerous developments in the telecommunication space including the touch-tone telephone, the portable fax, caller ID, call waiting, and the fiber-optic cable.

Today, Dr. Shirley Jackson is the 18th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

Carbon filament, a vital component of the light bulb invented by Lewis Latimer (inventions)

Inventor and engineer Lewis Latimer was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on September 4, 1848. He collaborated with science greats Hiram Maxim and Thomas Edison.

One of Latimer’s greatest inventions was the carbon filament, a vital component of the light bulb. His inventions didn’t stop there, working with Alexander Graham Bell, Latimer helped draft the patent for Bell’s design of the telephone. This genius also designed an improved railroad car bathroom and an early air conditioning unit. So the next time you’re escaping a hot day inside your cool house, don’t forget to thank Lewis Latimer.

Closed-circuit television camera invented (CCTV) by Marie Van Brittan Brown (inventions)

A closed-circuit television camera can produce images or recordings for surveillance or other private purposes. Cameras can be either video cameras, or digital stills cameras. Walter Bruch was the inventor of the CCTV camera. The main purpose of a CCTV camera is to capture light and convert it into a video signal. Underpinning a CCTV camera is a CCD sensor (charge-coupled device). The CCD converts light into an electrical signal and then signal processing converts this electrical signal into a video signal that can be recorded or displayed on the screen.

Did you know that the first home security system was invented by a Black nurse? Meet Marie Van Brittan Brown. Although she was a full-time nurse, she recognized the security threats to her home and devised a system that would alert her of strangers at her door and contact relevant authorities as quickly as possible. Before security systems became a fixture in homes, an African-American nurse Mary Van Brittan Brown, devised an early security unit for her own home. She spent many nights at home alone in Queens, New York while her husband was away, and felt unsafe with high rates of crime in her neighborhood. On top of that, police were unreliable and unresponsive. So she created a device that would help put her mind at ease

Her original invention consisted of peepholes, a camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone. The finishing touch was an alarm button that, when pressed, would immediately contact the police. Her patent laid the groundwork for the modern closed-circuit television system that is widely used for surveillance, home security systems, push-button alarm triggers, crime prevention, and traffic monitoring. She added other features to the system, including a microphone to speak to anyone at the door, a button to unlock the door, and a button to contact the police. She and her husband took out a patent for the system in the same year, and they were awarded the patent three years later in 1969. Home security systems commonly used today took various elements from her design.

Wire precision resistor and a control unit for the pacemaker invented by Otis Boykin

Boykin, who took a special interest in working with resistors, began researching and inventing on his own. He sought and received a patent for a wire precision resistor on June 16, 1959. This resistor would later be used in radios and televisions. Two years later, he created a breakthrough device that could withstand extreme changes in temperature and pressure. The device, which was cheaper and more reliable than others on the market, came in great demand by the United States military for guided missiles and IBM for computers.

Otis Boykin’s most notable contribution to science was likely the circuit improvements he made to pacemakers after losing his mother to heart failure — a contribution that has saved countless lives since. But this single improvement was among a long list of achievements.

Boykin had 26 patents in his name and is famed for the development of IBM computers, burglar-proof cash register, chemical air filters, and an electronic resistor used in controlled missiles and other devices.

In 1964, Boykin moved to Paris, creating electronic innovations for a new market of customers. His most famous invention was a control unit for the pacemaker. Ironically, Boykin died in Chicago in 1982 as a result of heart failure. Upon his death, he had 26 patents to his name.

The Super Soaker invented by Lonnie G. Johnson (inventions)

Get to know engineer Lonnie Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Research and Development Co., who invented the wildly-popular Super Soaker water gun, worked on high-performance Nerf dart guns, and focuses today on inventions related to clean energy.

Did you ever enjoy water gun fights as a kid? Well, meet Lonnie Johnson, the man that gave us the most famous water gun — the Super Soaker. Lonnie wasn’t a toymaker, he was actually an Aerospace Engineer for NASA with a resume boasting a stint with the US Air Force, work on the Galileo Jupiter probe and Mars Observer project, and more than 40 patents.

Yes, he is also working on the Johnson Thermoelectric Energy Converter (JTEC) which converts heat directly into electricity — but it’s the squirt gun he created that has given us all the most joy.

Blood banks and blood plasma programs. invented by Charles Drew (inventions)

 Charles Drew was an African in America surgeon who pioneered methods of … who developed ways to process and store blood plasma in “blood banks.”

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Thanks to Charles Drew, that blood is available. Drew was a physician, surgeon, and medical researcher who worked with a team at Red Cross on groundbreaking discoveries around blood transfusions. In World War II, he played a major role in developing the first large-scale blood banks and blood plasma programs.

He also invented the, and get ready because this name is pretty charming — bloodmobiles. These are the refrigerated trucks that, to this day, safely transport stored blood to the location where it is needed most.

Drew was one of the most prominent doctors working in his field, and one of the only African-Americans, during a time when blood donation was still separated along lines of race. Drew eventually resigned from his position with the American Red Cross over their insistence on adhering to this policy. It was 1950 before the Red Cross finally recognized all blood as being equal.

Internet protocol (VoIP) invented by Marian R. Croak

Her tenacity led her to become the pioneer behind VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which enabled secure and reliable voice communications over the internet. After Hurricane Katrina, Croak invented technology that allowed people to securely donate to charity via text message.

In 2013, Marian Croak was inducted into Women in Technology International’s hall of fame, a move that recognizes her remarkable achievements in tech. Croak holds over 135 patents, primarily in voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP), some in other areas. She has another 100 patents currently under review.

Today, Marian is an SVP at AT&T, serves as a mentor for women in AT&T labs, and sits on the board for the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Center.

Shockwave, a technology that formed the beginning of web animation invented by Lisa Gelobter

If you ever enjoyed an animated Gif on the web, like this one amazing clip of a kitten being scared by an iguana, then you have Lisa Gelobter to thank.

Gelobter was integrally involved with the advent of Shockwave, a technology that formed the beginning of web animation. She also played a major role in the emergency of online video, later serving on the senior management team at Hulu.

Previously, Lisa was the Interim Head of Digital for BET Networks and ran Technology, Product and Business Operations. Today, you can catch Lisa at the White House, in the United States Digital Service. She is currently serving as the Chief Digital Service Officer with the US Department of Education.

World’s first super computer — able to perform 3.1 billion calculations per second, Internet and programming invented by Philip Emeagwali

Due to cost, Philip Emeagwali was forced to drop out of school at age 14. But this didn’t stop him from becoming one of the greatest computer pioneers of our time. In fact, he’s often called “The Bill Gates of Africa.”

As an adult, Emeagwali began studying nature, specifically bees. The construction of the honeycombed inspired him to rethink computer processing. In 1989, he put this idea to work, using 65,000 processes to invent the world’s first super computer — able to perform 3.1 billion calculations per second.

Invention of mathematical models to explain gamma radiation by Jesse Ernest Wilkins, Jr.

He developed mathematical models by which the amount of gamma radiation absorbed by a given material can be calculated. This technique of calculating radiative absorption is widely used among researchers in space and nuclear science projects. In 1976, Wilkins was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering.

Jesse Ernest Wilkins, Jr. is one of America’s most important contemporary mathematicians. At 13, he became the University of Chicago’s youngest student. Wilkins continued his studies there, earning bachelor, master, and eventually earning his doctorate degree in mathematics at the age of 19.

He’s published papers in mathematics, optics, and nuclear engineering. As a mathematician for the American Optical Company in Buffalo, N.Y., he perfected lens design for microscopes and ophthalmologic uses. His greatest contribution to scholarship was the development of mathematical models to explain gamma radiation and his work on developing a shielding against gamma radiation.

His other claim to fame came from working on the Manhattan Project. At the Manhattan Project, Wilkins worked with future Nobel laureate Eugene Wigner and made significant contributions to nuclear-reactor physics, now known as the Wilkins effect and the Wigner-Wilkins spectrum.

Automatic lubricator for oiling the  engines invented by Elijah McCoy

Often regarded as one of the most famous black inventors ever, McCoy was credited for 50 inventions over the span of his career. He invented an automatic lubricator for oiling the steam engines of locomotives and ships, patenting it in 1872 as “Improvement in Lubricators for Steam-Engines” (U.S. Patent 129,843).

In an effort to improve efficiency and eliminate the frequent stopping necessary for lubrication of trains, McCoy devised a method of automating the task. In 1872 he developed a “lubricating cup” that could automatically drip oil when and where needed — vital in avoiding sticking to the track. The lubricating cup met with enormous success and orders for it came in from railroad companies all over the country. It was so popular that when other inventors attempted to steal his idea and sell their own versions of the device, companies were not fooled. They insisted on the authentic device, calling it “the Real McCoy.”

Invention of Gas Mask and Thre light Traffic Lights (Signal) by Garrett Morgan in 1923

In 1914, Garrett Morgan patented a breathing device in the form of a canvas hood—a precursor to the modern gas mask. … Garrett Morgan invented the first automatic three-way traffic signal system, which he eventually sold to General Electric. The Three-Light Traffic Light, Invented by Garrett Morgan in 1923

Those who survived either of the World Wars thanks to a gas mask have Garrett Morgan to thank. Morgan first created the “safety hood” to help firefighters navigate smokey buildings, later modifying it to carry its own air supply— making it the world’s first effective gas masks.

He also had the good sense to add a third position to the traffic signal — yes, there was a time when traffic signals just said indicated “stop” or “go” — an addition that further reduced automobile accidents.

Sanitary belt, the walker and the toilet-tissue holder invented by Mary and Mildred Davidson

Mary and her sister Mildred patented many practical inventions. They didn’t have technical education, but they were both exceptional at spotting ways to make peoples’ lives better. Together, they invented the sanitary belt. Later, Mary invented the moisture-resistant pocket for the belt. While disabled from multiple sclerosis, Mary went on to invent the walker and the toilet-tissue holder.

Improved Ironing Board, Invented by Sarah Boone in 1892

Sarah Boone (1832–1904) was an American inventor who on April 26, 1892, obtained United States patent number 473,563 for her improvements to the ironing board. Boone’s ironing board was designed to improve the quality of ironing sleeves and the bodies of women’s garments.The ironing board is a product that’s used possibly just as much as it’s overlooked. In the late 19th century, it was improved upon by Sarah Boone, an African-American woman who was born a slave. One of the first black women in U.S. history to receive a patent, she expanded upon the original ironing board, which was essentially a horizontal wooden block originally patented in 1858. With Boone’s 1892 additions, the board featured a narrower and curved design, making it easier to iron garments, particularly women’s clothing. Boone’s design would morph into the modern ironing board that we use today.

Refrigerated Trucks, Invented by Frederick McKinley Jones in 1940

It was Minnesota-based engineer Frederick McKinley Jones who finally “broke the ice” with his invention and 1940 patent of the first practical transport refrigeration unit for trucks. His portable air-cooling device featured a gasoline motor built to handle the jolts of over-the-road travel.

If your refrigerator has any produce from your local grocery store, then you can credit African in America inventor Frederick McKinley Jones. Jones took out more than 60 patents throughout his life, including a patent for the roof-mounted cooling system that’s used to refrigerate goods on trucks during extended transportation in the mid-1930s. He received a patent for his invention in 1940, and co-founded the U.S. Thermo Control Company, later known as Thermo King. The company was critical during World War II, helping to preserve blood, food and supplies during the war.

Automatic Elevator Doors, Invented by Alexander Miles in 1887

Alexander Miles (May 18, 1838 – May 7, 1918) was an African  inventor and business person, best known for being awarded a patent for automatically opening and closing elevator doors. He was awarded U.S. Patent 371,207 on October 11, 1887.

The use of elevators in everyday life keeps people from committing to long and grueling climbs up several flights of stairs. However, before the creation of elevator doors that close automatically, riding a lift was both complicated and risky.

Before automatic doors, people had to manually shut both the shaft and elevator doors before riding. Forgetting to do so led to multiple accidents as people fell down elevator shafts. When the daughter of African-American inventor Alexander Miles almost fatally fell down the shaft, he took it upon himself to develop a solution. In 1887 he took out a patent for a mechanism that automatically opens and closes elevator shaft doors and his designs are largely reflected in elevators used today.

Electret Microphone, Co-Invented by James E. West in 1964

Upon his graduation in 1957, he joined Bell Labs and began work in electroacoustics, physical acoustics, and architectural acoustics. In conjunction with Gerhard Sessler, West patented the electret microphone in 1964 while working at Bell Laboratories.

Even for those who aren’t quick to pick up the mic during karaoke, microphones are used every day to communicate over distances far and wide. And more than 90 percent of the microphones used today, including the microphones used in phones and cameras, use a microphone co-invented by a black man. Dr. James E. West was tasked with creating a more sensitive and compact microphone while working at Bell Labs in 1960.

Along with his German colleague Gerhard Sessler, West invented the foil electret microphone, which was considerably less expensive to produce than the typically used condenser microphones. Two years after it was invented, the final model of the microphone was developed and in 1964 they patented the landmark invention. Only four years later, the new microphone was in wide production was used in hearing aids, tape recorders, most telephones and baby monitors.

Color IBM PC Monitor and Gigahertz Chip, Co-Invented by Mark Dean c. 1980 and 1999

His work led to the development of the color PC monitor and, in 1999, Dean led a team of engineers at IBM’s Austin, Texas, lab to create the first gigahertz chip—a revolutionary piece of technology that is able to do a billion calculations a second.

Before flat screens and hi-definition LCD monitors were the norm, PC displays were limited to screens with no color that were tethered to computers with limited processing power. That all changed thanks to black inventor and engineer Mark Dean. Dean began working for IBM as a chief engineer in the early 1980s, making up a team of 12 people who would develop the first IBM PC. In addition to helping create IBM’s original machine in his early years with the company, he also worked to develop the color monitor and led the team that developed the first gigahertz processor. The massive chip, built in 1999, would allow for for higher processing rates at faster speeds within PCs.

Abrams, W. B. Invented the HAME attachment in 1891

Abrams, W. B. Invented the HAME attachment in 1891. Invented a ladder scaffold support (patented August 5, 1879).

Patent Number: 450550

Patent Date: 4/14/1891

Invention of an x-ray spectrometer by George Edward Alcorn, Jr. (Born March 22, 1940)

George Edward Alcorn Jr. was born on March 22, 1940 to Arletta Dixon Alcorn in Indianapolis, Indian, he invented an X-ray Spectrometer. He was involved with the computer analysis of launch trajectories and orbital mechanics for Rockwell missiles like the Titan 1 and 2, the Saturn and the Nova

George Edward Alcorn, Jr. is a physicist whose work in the aerospace industry helped revolutionize astrophysics and semiconductor manufacturing. He is credited with 20 inventions, eight of which he received patents for. Perhaps his best-known innovation is for an x-ray spectrometer used to analyze distant galaxies and other deep-space phenomena, which he patented in 1984. Alcorn’s research into plasma etching, for which he received a patent in 1989, is still used in the production of computer chips, also known as semiconductors. 

What their invention or inventions was/were: X-Ray Spectrometer For Distant Galaxies And 19 Others

Additional information: George is best known as the inventor of the Imagining X-Ray Spectrometer. This would ultimately earn him the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Inventor of the Year in 1984.

George was born in March of 1940 who would later earn his B.A. in Physics in 1962, a Masters in 1963 and Ph.D. in 1967. He would spend a large portion of his career at NASA. Alcorn has around 20 other inventions to his name too

Benjamin Banneker (Nov. 9, 1731-Oct. 9, 1806)

Benjamin Banneker was a self-educated astronomer, mathematician, and farmer. He was among a few hundred free African Americans living in Maryland, where enslavement was legal at the time. Despite having little knowledge of timepieces, among his many accomplishments, Banneker is perhaps best known for a series of almanacs he published between 1792 and 1797 that contained detailed astronomical calculations of his, as well as writings on topics of the day. Banneker also had a small role in helping to survey Washington D.C. in 1791. 

Invention of ladder scaffold support (patented August 5, 1879) by Bailes, William

Invented the HAME attachment in 1891. Bailes, William: Invented a ladder scaffold support (patented August 5, 1879).

Invention of an instrument for measuring degrees of heat higher than those recorded by a mercurial thermometer by Baltimore, Jeremiah Daniel

Baltimore, Jeremiah Daniel: Invented the Pyrometer. An Instrument for measuring degrees of heat higher than those recorded by a mercurial thermometer.

Invention of a derrick for hoisting heavy weights invented by Benton, J. W.

Invented a derrick for hoisting heavy weights. Walked from Kentucky to Washington to obtain his patent, on October 2, 1900.

A derrick is a lifting device composed at minimum of one guyed mast, as in a gin pole, which may be articulated over a load by adjusting its guys. Most derricks have at least two components, either a guyed mast or self-supporting tower, and a boom hinged at its base to provide articulation, as in a stiffleg derrick.

Invention of a railroad signal by Blackburn, A. B.

Invented a railroad signal, used to alert engineer in trains to danger along the route (Patented 1888).

Invention of the corn planting machine by Blair, Henry – U.S. patent (October 14, 1834).

Invented a corn planting machine. First black man to receive a U.S. patent (October 14, 1834).

On October 14, 1834, Blair received his patent for his mechanical corn seed planter. Blair’s corn planter resembles a wheelbarrow with a chamber fixed to the bottom that disperses the seed. After the seed is dispersed, rakes attached to the back of the wheelbarrow drag over the seed to cover them with soil.

Invention of an Aerial torpedo by Blair, Joseph N. long range bombing (patented 1944).

Invented an aerial torpedo for long range bombing (patented 1944). Blair, Joseph N. Inventor (born 1904, died 1980). Mr. Blair invented a speedboat in 1942. He invented an aerial torpedo for long range bombing in 1944

Invention of self setting animal trap in 1881 by Campbell, W. S.

Campbell, W. S. Invented a self setting animal trap in 1881. The trap automatically resets after it catches an animal.

Invention of  mechanical tabulator or adding machine by Davidson, Shelby J.

Davidson, Shelby J. Invented a mechanical tabulator or adding machine. He invented a paper rewinding device for a tabulating machine and an adding machine attachment for automatically adding in set amounts. Shelby Davidson’s Papers are at Howard University.

Golf T invented by Grand, George F.

George Franklin Grant (September 15, 1846 – August 21, 1910) was the first African-American professor at Harvard. He was also a Boston dentist, and an inventor of a wooden golf tee. George Grant, frustrated with this tedious and messy process, invented a wooden golf tee. Dr. Grant was born to escaped slaves in 1846, eventually finding work as an assistant at a dentist’s office.

Invention of Antenna Feed for Two Coordinate Tracking Radars by Lewis, James Earl

Lewis, James Earl Invented Antenna Feed for Two Coordinate Tracking Radars in 1968.

Martin, W. A. Invented a lock, that was an improvement over the 4,000 year old bolt invented by the Chinese 

Martin, W. A.Invented a lock, that was an improvement over the 4,000 yearold bolt invented by the Chinese that could be fastened or unfastened from either side; a forerunner of modern door locks (Patented in 1889).

W. A. Martin, African American inventor, patented the lock (July 21, 1889). This was an improvement over the 4000–year–old bolt invented by the Chinese. Martin’s lock consisted of a cylinder and spiral spring, coiled around a metal pin (the forerunner of modern door locks).

Pickering, J. F. Invented an airship (dirigible). powered by an electric motor.

Pickering, J. F.Invented an airship (dirigible). powered by an electric motor. It was the first to have directional control; it was patented on February 20, 1900.

The first airship was developed in 1852 but was filled with hydrogen gas, which is very combustible. Invention. John F. Pickering invented the first airship (blimp) powered by an electric motor and directional controls.

Richardson, A. CInvented Casket lowering device (Patented in 1894

On November 13, 1894, Richardson patented the casket lowering device which consisted of a series of pulleys and ropes or cloths which ensured uniformity in the lowering process. This invention was very significant at that time and is used in all cemeteries today.

Richardson, W. H.Invented a leveler for a child’s baby carriage to prevent it from tipping over (Patented in 1889).

African American inventor William H. Richardson patented an improvement to the baby carriage in the United States on June 18, 1889. It is U.S. patent number 405,600. His design ditched the shell shape for a basket-shaped carriage that was more symmetrical. The bassinet could be positioned to face either out or in and rotated on a central joint.

A limiting device kept it from being rotated more than 90 degrees. The wheels also moved independently, which made it more maneuverable. Now a parent or nanny could have the child face them or face away from them, whichever they preferred, and change it at will.

The use of prams or baby carriages became widespread among all economic classes by the 1900s. They were even given to poor mothers by charitable institutions. Improvements were made in their construction and safety. Going for a stroll with a child was believed to have benefits by providing light and fresh air.

Rickman, A. L. Invented Rubberized shoe (Patented in 1898).

Rickman, A. L.Invented Rubberized shoe to act as covering to prevent feet from getting wet; forerunner of modern shoe rubbers (Patented in 1898).

Rillieux, Norbert Invented a sugar refining pan (Patented in 1846).

Norbert Rillieux invents the vacuum evaporatorRillieux’s invention revolutionised the processing of sugar. In 1846 he received a patent for a multiple-effect vacuum evaporator that turned sugar cane juice into a fine grade of white sugar crystals.

Robinson, Elbert R. Invented an electric trolley: using electricity in overhead wires to propel a passenger carrying vehicle (Patented in 1893).

19, 1893, Elbert R. Robinson received a patent for the electric highway trolley. The trolley was an important mode of transportation for that time. Robinson was a black inventor who is also credited with acquiring another patent for improving the railway system https://patents.google.com/patent/US505370A/en

Russel, L. A. Invented guard attachment for beds

Russel, L. A.Invented guard attachment for beds, preventing invalids and infants from falling out (Patented in 1895).

Sampson, G. T. Invented a clothes dryer; forerunner of present day gas and electrc dryers (Patented in 1892).

An African in America inventor, George T. Sampson of Dayton, Ohio, came up with a better ventilator-type dryer. It had a rack and used heat from a stove, rather than an open fire. He was granted a patent for his invention in on June 7, 1892.

Scrottron, S. R. Invented curtain rod.

Scrottron, S. R.Invented curtain rod. A long metal tube open at each end to attach curtains to a supporting wall structure, no further need to nail curtains over windows (Patented in 1892). Samuel Raymond Scottron (ca. 1843-1905) Samuel Scottron was a inventor of the late 1800s, best known for his invention of the curtain rod. It is unclear if Scottron was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or New England in the years 1841 or 1843

Smith, P. D. Invented a potato digger which scopped the potatoes from the soil and left them exposed to be picked up (Patented in 1891).

https://patents.google.com/patent/US445206

P. D. Smith, inventor, patented the Potato Digger on this date in 1891. This instrument helped with efficiency and increased the harvest of potatoes. Patent # 445,206.

Standard, J. Invented a refrigerator

Standard, J. Invented a refrigerator, which used compressed air and ether as a coolant. (Patented in 1834). Invented Oil stove. (Patented in 1889). John Standard was an African American inventor from Newark, N.J., responsible for the patent on an improved refrigerator cooling system.

John Standard found a way to improve the existing design of refrigerators by developing a non-electrical and unpowered design Note 1740s. The first form of artificial refrigeration was invented by William Cullen, a Scottish scientist.

Stokes, Rufus Invented an air purification service

Stokes, Rufus Invented an air purification service to reduce to a safe level the gases and ash from furnace and power plant smoke (Patented in 1968).

“Rufus Stokes was an inventor born in Alabama in 1924. He later moved to Illinois, where he worked as a machinist for an incinerator company. In 1968, Rufus Stokes was granted a patent on an air–purification device to reduce the gas and ash emissions of furnace and powerplant smokestack emissions

Walker, Sarah Breedlove McWilliams Invented a metal heating comb and conditioner for straightening hair

Madam C.J. Walker. Photo courtesy A’Lelia Bundles/Madam Walker Family Collection. Most people who’ve heard of her will tell you one or two things: She was the first black millionairess, and she invented the world’s first hair-straightening formula and/or the hot comb.

In 1897, Andrew J. Beard invented an automatic car-coupling device

In 1897, Andrew Beard patented an improvement to railroad car couplers. His improvement came to be called the Jenny Coupler. It was one of many that aimed to improve the knuckle coupler patented by Eli Janney in 1873 (patent US138405).

In 1897, Andrew J. Beard invented an automatic car-coupling device, sold to a New York car company for $50,000. William H. Johnson invented a successful device dead center in motion—one for a compound engine and another for a water boiler. Joseph Lee patented 3 inventions for kneading dough. Brinay Smart invented a number of reverse valve gears. JW Benton invented a derrick for hoisting heavy weights. John T. Parker invented screws for tobacco presses. Henry A Bowman, after establishing a thriving business in a new way of making flags, a New York firm outstripped him by using his invention. Being unable to hire a competent attorney to protect his invention, he had to quit business. EA Robinson, suffering the same fate, invented a number of devices, such as the casting composite for car wheels, a trolley wheel, a railway switch, and a rail.

Patent Numbers: 478271, 594059

Patent Dates: 7/5/1892, 11/23/1897

AB Albert an African invented a cotton-picking machine

The apparatus involves in its make-up a pneumatic .cotton-picking conduit, which may consist of a tube or pipe, and it is one of the objects of the invention to provide cated is provided; forshould the suction be not sufficient to separate the cotton from the boll the means in question will do so in a satisfactory, efficient manner.

The conduit or pipe, to which I have referred, in practice will have directly associated therewith a fan, and the fan may be of any suitable character, adapted, when operated, to create suction through conduit or pipe for the purpose of drawing cotton thereinto and through the same.

B.F. JACKSON invented a heat apparatus

An African-American from Cambridge, Massachusetts. Received a patent for gas burner in 1899. The burner is a heating device that uses natural gas for fuel. Jackson also invented an improved heating apparatus, a matrix drying apparatus, and a steam boiler.

B.F. JACKSON invented a heat apparatus, a gas burner, an electrotyper’s furnace, a steam boiler, a trolley wheel controller, a tank signal, and a hydrocarbon burner system.

Allen, C. W. invention or inventions was/were: Self-Levelling Table

What their invention or inventions was/were: Self-Levelling Table

Patent Number: 613436

Patent Date: 11/1/1898

Allen, J. B. invention or inventions was/were: Clothes Line Support

What their invention or inventions was/were: Clothes Line Support

Patent Number: 551105

Patent Date: 12/10/1895

Ashbourne, Alexander P. invented Process Preparing Coconut For Domestic Use,Biscuit Cutter, Process Of Treating Coconut, Refining Coconut Oil

What their invention or inventions was/were: Process Preparing Coconut For Domestic Use,Biscuit Cutter, Process Of Treating Coconut, Refining Coconut Oil

Patent Numbers: 163962, 170460, 194287, 230518

Patent Dates: 6/1/1875, 11/30/1875, 8/21/1877, 7/27/1880

Bailey, L. C. invented a Combined Truss And Bandage, Folding Bed, Shampoo Headrest

What their invention or inventions was/were: Combined Truss And Bandage, Folding Bed, Shampoo Headrest

Patent Number: 285545, 629286

Patent Date: 9/25/1883, 7/18/1899

Additional information: Leonard was born in 1825 into poverty and physically disabled. He would go on to receive various patents for his inventions.

Bailey also invented the rapid mail-stamping machine, a device to shunt trains to different tracks, and a hernia truss that was adopted by the United States Military. Leonard died in 1905.

Ballow, W. J. invented a Combined Hat Rack And Table

What their invention or inventions was/were: Combined Hat Rack And Table

Patent Numbers: 601422

Patent Dates: 4/29/1898

Banneker, Benjamin invented Astronomical Almanac

What their invention or inventions was/were: Astronomical Almanac The almanac included information on medicines and medical treatment and listed tides, astronomical information, and eclipses that Banneker had calculated. He published the journal annually from 1791 to 1802. On August 19, 1791, Banneker sent a copy of his first almanac to then secretary of state Thomas Jefferson.

Bath, Patricia invented the The Cataract Laserphaco Probe

Additional information: Patricia was born in Harlem and would go on to become a pioneer ophthalmologist, inventor, and academic who is known for inventing a tool and procedure for the removal of cataracts using a laser beam called the Laserphaco Probe.

She was born in 1942 in New York as the daughter of the first African-American motorman to work in NYC subway. Patricia would show an early interest and ability for science at a young age. This passion would drive her onwards and upwards.

She would eventually become the first African-American to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first female appointed to the faculty of the University of California at Los Angeles.

Becket, G. E. invented the Letter Box

By 1890, hundreds of cities delivered mail to residents’ homes, thus leading to a need for mailboxes. While not the earliest, in 1892, George E. Becket, of Providence, R.I., was granted a patent for his “house-door letter–box,” an improved mail slot that was permanently mounted on the front door of a house.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Letter Box

Patent Number: 483325

Patent Date: 10/4/1892

Bell, Landrow inventions was/were: Broom Moisteners And Bridles, Dough Kneader

What their invention or inventions was/were: Broom Moisteners And Bridles, Dough Kneader

Patent Numbers: 115153, 133823

Patent Dates: 5/23/1871, 12/10/1872

Benjamin, L. W. inventions was/were: Broom Moisteners And Bridles

What their invention or inventions was/were: Broom Moisteners And Bridles

Patent Numbers: 497747

Patent Dates: 5/16/1893

What their invention or inventions was/were: Gong And Signal Chairs For Hotels

Patent Number: 386286

Patent Date: 7/17/1888

18. Berger, Edmond

What their invention or inventions was/were: Spark Plug

19. Binga, M. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Street Sprinkling Apparatus

Patent Number: 217843

Patent Date: 7/22/1879

20. Blackburn, A. B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Railway Signal, Spring Seat For Chairs, Cash Carrier

Patent Numbers: 376362, 380420, 391577

Patent Dates: 1/1/1888, 4/3/1888, 10/23/1888

21. Blue, L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Design For Rubber Scraping Knife

Patent Numbers: 298937

Patent Dates: 5/20/1884

22. 17: Booker, L. F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Spring Seat For Chairs

Patent Number: 30404

Patent Date: 3/28/1899

23. Boone, Sarah

What their invention or inventions was/were: Ironing Board

Patent Number: 473653

Patent Date: 4/26/1892

Additional information: Sarah Boone was born in 1832 in North Carolina who would go on to develop a special type of ironing board. Her invention was made from a narrow wooden board that had collapsible legs with the entire device having a padded cover.

Prior to this invention, the most common solution was a simple plank of wood placed across a pair of chairs.

24. Bowman, H. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Making Flags

Patent Number: 469395

Patent Date: 2/23/1892

25. Boykin, Otis

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Artificial Heart Pacemaker Control Unit

Additional information: Otis Boykin was born in Dallas, Texas on August 29, 1920. After his invention of the control unit for pacemakers, he would ironically die from a heart attack in 1982.

Boykin would graduate from Fisk College, Tennessee in 1941 and later took up work at in 1945 P.J. Nilsen Research Laboratories to fund further studies at Illinois Institute of Technology. He dropped out two years later and started his own business in 1947.

26. Bradberry, Henrietta

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Bed Rack

Patent Number: 2320027

Patent Date: 5/25/1943

27. Bradley, Benjamin

What their invention or inventions was/were: First Steam Engine For A Ship

Additional information: Benjamin was born a slave in 1830 and was taught to read and write by his master’s children. He would show a talent for invention and later devised the first steam engine for a ship.

Showing a great natural talent for invention, his master referred him to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland to take up a position as an assistant in their Science Department. It was here that he developed his own design for a steam engine.

Being a slave he was not able to patent his invention – he did sell the rights to it, however, and bought his own freedom.

28. Brody & Surgwar

What their invention or inventions was/were: Folding Chair

29. Brooks, Charles B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Street Sweepers, Punch

Patent Numbers: 556711, 507672, 560154

Patent Dates: 3/17/1890, 10/31/1893, 5/12/1896

30. Brooks, Hallstead/Page

What their invention or inventions was/were: Street Sweepers

Patent Number: 558719

Patent Date: 4/21/1896

31. Brown, Henry

What their invention or inventions was/were: Desk-Top File Box/The Modern-Day Fireproof Safe

Patent Number: 352036

Patent Date: 11/2/1886

Additional information: Henry patented his invention for storing and preserving documents and valuables in 1886. Brown’s invention was, later on, improved to evolve into what is known today as a strongbox.

32. Brown, Lincoln F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Bridle Bit

Patent Number: 484994

Patent Date: 10/25/1892

33. Brown, M. V. B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Early Form Of Cctv

Patent Number: 3482037

Patent Date: 25246

Additional information: Marie V. B. Brown was born in 1922 into the crime-ridden neighborhood of Queens, NYC. Her experiences in her youth would ultimately lead her to develop an early form CCTV.

Marie and her partner, Albert Brown, who was an electronics technician, applied for a patent for their invention on August 1, 1966. Their patent was filed for their Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance, a closed circuit television system, known today as CCTV system.

Their patent was granted on December 2, 1969.

34. Burr, John

What their invention or inventions was/were: Lawn Mower

35. Burridge & Marshman

What their invention or inventions was/were: Typewriter

36. Burwell, W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Boot Or Shoe

Patent Number: 638143

Patent Date: 11/28/1899

37. Butler, R. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Train Alarm

Patent Number: 584540

Patent Date: 6/15/1897

38. Butts, John W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Luggage Carrier

Patent Numbers: 634611

Patent Dates: 10/10/1899

39. Byrd, T. J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Improvement In Holders For Reins For Horses, Apparatus Detaching Horses From Carriages, Improvement In Neck Yokes For Wagons, Improvement In Car Couplings

Patent Numbers: 123328, 124790, 126181, 157370

Patent Dates: 2/6/1872, 3/19/1872, 4/30/1872, 12/1/1874

40. Campbell, W. S.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Self-Setting Animal Trap

Patent Numbers: 246369

Patent Dates: 8/30/1881

41. Cargill, B. F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Invalid Cot

Patent Numbers: 629658

Patent Dates: 7/25/1899

42. Carrington, T. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Range

Patent Numbers: 180323

Patent Dates: 7/25/1876

43. Carter, W. C.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Umbrella Stand

Patent Number: 323397

Patent Date: 8/4/1885

44. Carver, George Washington

What their invention or inventions was/were: Peanut Butter, Cosmetics And Producing The Same, Paint And Stain And Producing The Same, Producing Paint And Stains

Patent Numbers: 1522176, 1541478, 1632365

Patent Dates: 01/06/1925, 06/09/1925, 6/14/1927

Additional information: George was born a slave in Missouri between 1860 and 1865 (not exact records exist) during the Civil War. He would later devise over 300 different uses for peanuts, including cooking oil, printer’s ink, and axle grease.

George earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from Iowa State in 1894 which he followed up with a masters in 1896. He received the 1923 Spingarn Medal and was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

45. Certain, Jerry M.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Parcel Carrier For Bicycles

Patent Number: 639708

Patent Date: 12/26/1899

46. Cherry, M. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Velocipede, Street Car Fender

Patent Numbers: 382351, 531908

Patent Dates: 5/8/1888, 1/1/1895

47. Church, T. S.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Carpet Beating Machine

Patent Number: 302237

Patent Date: 7/29/1884

48. Clare, O. B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Trestle

Patent Number: 390753

Patent Date: 10/9/1888

49. Coates, Robert

What their invention or inventions was/were: Overboot For Horses

Patent Number: 473295

Patent Date: 4/19/1892

50. Cook, George

What their invention or inventions was/were: Automatic Fishing Device

Patent Number: 625829

Patent Date: 5/30/1899

51. Coolidge, J. S.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Harness Attachment

Patent Number: 392908

Patent Date: 11/13/1888

52. Cooper, A. R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Shoemaker’s Jack

Patent Number: 631519

Patent Date: 8/22/1899

53. Cooper, J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Shutter And Fastening, Elevator Device

Patent Number: 276563, 536605, 590257

Patent Date: 5/1/1883, 4/2/1895, 9/21/1897

54. Cornwell, P. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Draft Regulator

Patent Numbers: 390284, 491082

Patent Dates: 10/2/1888, 2/7/1983

55. Cosgrove, W. F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Automatic Stop Plug For Gas Oil Pipes

Patent Number: 313993

Patent Date: 3/17/1885

56. Cralle, Alfred L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Ice-Cream Mold And Disher

Patent Number: 576395

Patent Dates: 2/2/1897

Additional information: Alfred L. Cralle was a Black American inventor and businessman. He is best known for his invention of the ice cream scoop. Cralle was born on the 4th September 1866 in Virginia.

He never acquired a formal education beyond basic schooling as a child. He worked various odd jobs and he would devise the idea for his scoop whilst working at a hotel in Pittsburgh where he noticed how much difficulty people were having serving ice cream with spoons and ladles alone. He was tragically killed during a car accident in 1920.

58. Creamer, H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Steam Trap Feeder, Steam Feed Water Trap

Patent Numbers: 394463, 313854

Patent Dates: 12/11/1888, 3/17/1895

59. Carruthers, George R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Ultraviolet Camera Spectrograph

60. Darkins, J. T.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Ventilation Aid

Patent Number: 534322

Patent Date: 2/19/1895

61. Davis, I. D.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Tonic

Patent Number: 351829

Patent Date: 11/2/1886

62. Davis, William D.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Riding Saddles

Patent Number: 568939

Patent Date: 10/6/1896

63. Davis, W. R., Jr.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Library Table

Patent Number: 208378

Patent Date: 9/24/1878

64. Deitz, W. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Shoe

Patent Number: 64205

Patent Date: 4/30/1867

65. De Leon, Martha (Mary) Jones

What their invention or inventions was/were: A Cooking Apparatus

Patent Number: 140253

Patent Date: 24/6/1873

Additional information: Martha DeLeon was the second African-American woman to receive and patent for her invention. Her invention was an early precursor of the steam tables that we see at food buffets worldwide today.

66. Dickinson, Joseph H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Player Piano, Arm For Recording Machine

Patent Numbers: 1028996, 1262411

Patent Dates: 06/11/1912, 01/08/1918

67. Dorsey, O.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Door Knob, Door Stop

Patent Numbers: 210764

Patent Dates: 12/10/1878

68. Dorticus, Clatonia Joaquin

What their invention or inventions was/were: Applicator For Coloring Liquids-Soles And Heels, Machine For Embossing Photo, Photographic Print Wash, Hose Leak Stop

Patent Numbers: 535820, 537442, 537968, 629315

Patent Dates: 3/19/1895, 4/16/1895, 4/23/1895, 7/18/1899

69. Downing, Gertrude E.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Corner Cleaner Attachment

Patent Numbers: 3715772

Patent Dates: 2/13/1973

70. Downing, Paul L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Mail Box

71. Downing, Phillip B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Electric Switch For Railroad, Letter Box

Patent Numbers: 430118, 462093

Patent Dates: 6/17/1890, 10/27/1891

72. Drew, Charles R. Md

What their invention or inventions was/were: Apparatus For Preserving Blood/Blood Plasma Bag

Patent Number: 2301710

Patent Date: 11/10/1942

73. Dunnington, J. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Horse Detachers

Patent Number: 578979

Patent Date: 3/16/1897

74. Edmonds, T. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Separating Screens

Patent Number: 586724

Patent Date: 7/20/1897

75. Eglin, Ellen

What their invention or inventions was/were: Mechanical Clothes Wringer

Additional information: Little is known about Ellen Eglin except she was born in 1849 and worked as a housekeeper and is the inventor of a mechanical clothes wringer.

Afraid that no-one would buy the invention because of her ethnicity she sold her invention for pennies in 1888. She later died in 1890 and never received any recognition for her device in her lifetime.

76. Elkins, T.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Dining, Ironing Table And Quilting Frame, Chamber Commode, Refrigerating Apparatus, Chamber Commode

Patent Numbers: 100020, 122518, 221222

Patent Dates: 2/22/1870, 1/9/1872, 11/4/1879

77. Evans, J. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Convertible Settees

Patent Numbers: 591095

Patent Dates: 10/5/1897

78. Faulkner, H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Ventilated Shoe

Patent Number: 426495

Patent Date: 4/29/1890

79. Ferrell, F. J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Steam Trap, Apparatus For Melting Snow

Patent Numbers: 420993, 428670

Patent Dates: 2/11/1890, 5/27/1890

80. Fisher, David A., Jr.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Joiner’S Clamp, Furniture Castor

Patent Numbers: 162281, 174791

Patent Dates: 4/20/1875, 3/11/1876

81. Fisher, O. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Furniture Caster

82. Flemming, Jr., Robert F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Guitar

83. Grant, George, F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Golf Tee

Additional information: George was an African America dentist, academic, and inventor. He is famed for being the first Black American professor at Harvard and developing the “Perfectum Golf Tee”.

He was born in 1846 in Oswego, New York, to former slaves. George was also famed for being the first Black American professor at Harvard University and became the President of the University’s Dental Association.

George died in 1910 from liver disease.

84. Goode, Sarah E.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Cabinet Bed

Patent Number: 322177

Patent Date: 7/14/1885

Additional information: Sarah was the second of seven children and was born into slavery in 1855. She was freed at the end of Civil War, and she went on to become the fourth African-American to be awarded a patent.

It was in Chicago where Sarah met her husband, Archibald Goode, a carpenter, and stair builder. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, Sarah opened a furniture store.

It was here that she conceived of her revolutionary bed design after hearing complaints from the neighborhood about bed sizes in their crowded homes. Sarah died on April 8, 1905, in Chicago at the age of 50.

85. Gourdine, Meredith C.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Electrogasdynamic Method And Apparatus

Patent Number: 3449667

Patent Date: 6/10/1969

86. Gray, R. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Bailing Press, Cistern Cleaners

Patent Numbers: 525203, 537151

Patent Dates: 8/28/1894, 4/9/1895

87. Gregory, J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Motor

Patent Number: 361937

Patent Date: 4/26/1887

88. Grenon, H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Razor Stropping Device

Patent Number: 554867

Patent Date: 2/18/1896

89. Griffen, F. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Pool Table Attachment

Patent Number: 626902

Patent Date: 6/13/1899

90. 8: Gunn, S. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Boot Or Shoe

Patent Number: 641642

Patent Date: 1/16/1900

91. Haines, J. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Portable Basin

Patent Number: 590833

Patent Date: 9/28/1897

92. Hall, Lloyd

What their invention or inventions was/were: Food Preservation Techniques

Additional information: Lloyd Hall was a Black American inventor, chemist, and scientist. He is best known for his work on food preservation techniques. Hall was born in 1894 in Elgin, Illinois, and earned his degree in B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 1916.

He would later take up employment at Griffith’s Laboratories where he would devise his new techniques for food preservation. Hall died in 1971.

93. Hammonds, Julia Terry

What their invention or inventions was/were: Apparatus For Holding Yarn Skeins

Patent Number: 572985

Patent Date: 12/15/1896

94. Hannah, Marc

What their invention or inventions was/were: A Pioneer Of 3-D Graphics In Films

95. Harding, F. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Extension Banquet Table

Patent Number: 614468

Patent Date: 11/22/1898

96. Harney, M. C.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Lantern Or Lamp

Patent Number: 303844

Patent Date: 8/19/1884

97. Harris, Dr. Betty Wright

What their invention or inventions was/were: TATB Spot Test

Patent Number: 4618452

Patent Date: 18/21/1986

Additional information: Dr. Betty Harris is an American organic analytical chemist, a leading expert in explosives, environmental remediation, and hazardous waste treatment. She was awarded a patent for her TATB spot test, which identifies explosives in a field environment.

She was born in July 1940 in rural Louisiana and was one of 12 children. Harris later earned her Bachelor’s in Chemistry in 1961 and her Master’s in 1963 followed by her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1973.

98. Harvey, M.C

What their invention or inventions was/were: Lantern

99. Hawkins, Joseph

What their invention or inventions was/were: Gridiron

Patent Number: 3973

Patent Date: 3/26/1845

100. Hawkins, Lincoln Walter

What their invention or inventions was/were: Plastic Cable Sheath

Additional information: Walter was born in 1911 and whilst working at AT & T, he devised and patented a new polymer plastic cable sheath for cables. Walter was fascinated by how things worked at a young age and even built his own spring-driven toy boats and working radio in his youth.

After graduating, he began a lifetime’s career at Bell Labs. He finally retired in 1976 and began teaching science and engineering.

101. Hawkins, R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Harness Attachment

Patent Number: 370943

Patent Date: 10/4/1887

102. Headen, M.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Foot Power Hammer

Patent Number: 350363

Patent Date: 10/5/1886

103. Hearness, R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Sealing Attachment For Bottles, Detachable Car Fender

Patent Numbers: 598929, 628003

Patent Dates: 2/15/1898, 7/4/1899

104. Hilyer, A. F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Water Evaporator Attachment Hot Air Registers

Patent Numbers: 435095, 438159

Patent Dates: 8/26/1890, 10/14/1890

105. Holmes, E. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Gage

Patent Numbers: 549513

Patent Dates: 11/12/1895

106. Holmes, Lydia M.

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Knockdown Wheeled Toy

Patent Number: 2529692

Patent Date: 11/14/1950

107. Hunter, John W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Portable Weighing Scales

Patent Numbers: 570553

Patent Dates: 11/3/1896

108. Hyde, R. N.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Composition For Cleaning & Preserving Carpets

Patent Numbers: 392205

Patent Dates: 11/6/1888

109. Jackson, B. F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Heating Apparatus, Matrix Drying Apparatus, Gas Burner

Patent Numbers: 599985, 603879, 622482

Patent Dates: 3/1/1898, 5/10/1898, 4/4/1899

110. Jackson, H. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Kitchen Table

Patent Number: 596135

Patent Date: 10/6/1896

111. Jackson, W. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Railway Switch, Automatic Locking Switch

Patent Numbers: 578641, 593665, 609436

Patent Dates: 3/9/1897, 3/16/1897, 8/23/1898

112. Jennings, Thomas L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Dry Scouring Cleaning Technique

Additional information: Thomas was born in 1791 as a freeman who successfully developed a means of cleaning clothes with a technique called dry scouring. Thomas apprenticed as a tailor in his youth with part of his services being providing dry-cleaning services to clients.

Later on, he created his own business as a tailor and dry-cleaner and became highly respected by his local community. He used his early profits to buy his wife’s and children’s freedom.

113. Johnson, Issac R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Bicycle Frame

Patent Number: 634823

Patent Date: 10/10/1899

115. Johnson, Lonnie

What their invention or inventions was/were: Super Soaker And 8 Other Patents

116. Johnson, Payton

What their invention or inventions was/were: Swinging Chairs

Patent Number: 249530

Patent Date: 11/15/1881

117. Johnson, Powell

What their invention or inventions was/were: Eye Protector

Patent Number: 234039

Patent Date: 11/2/1880

118. Johnson, W. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Overcoming Dead Centers

Patent Numbers: 554223, 612345

Patent Dates: 2/4/1896, 10/11/1898

119. Johnson, Willis

What their invention or inventions was/were: Egg Beater, Paint Vehicle, Velocipede

Patent Numbers: 292821, 393763, 627335

Patent Dates: 2/5/1884, 12/4/1888, 6/20/1899

120. Jones, Frederick

What their invention or inventions was/were: Air Conditioning Unit, Thermostat Control, Motor Ticket Dispensing Machine, Design For Air Conditioning Unit, Automatically Stopping & Starting Gas Engines, Two-Cycle Gas Engine, Air Conditioning Unit, Starter Generator, Thermostatically Operating Gas Engines, Rotary Compressor, Controlling Operation Of Refrigeration Units, Heating Or Cooling Atmosphere In Enclosures, Two-Cycle Gasoline Engine, Prefabricated Refrigerator Construction, Refrigeration Control Device, Means Of Defrosting A Cold Diffuser, Method For Air Conditioning, Control Device For Internal Combustion Engine, Thermostat And Temperature Control System

121. Joyce, J. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Ore Bucket

Patent Number: 603143

Patent Date: 4/26/1898

122. Julian, Percy L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Process Of Synthesis

123. Kelley, George W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Steam Table

Patent Number: 592591

Patent Date: 10/26/1897

124. Latimer & Brown

What their invention or inventions was/were: Water Closets For Railway Cars

Patent Number: 147363

Patent Date: 2/10/1874

125. Latimer, Lewis H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Electric Lamp Bulb, Manufacturing Carbons, Apparatus For Cooling And Disinfecting, Locking Racks For Coats, Hats, And Umbrellas

Patent Numbers: 252386, 334078, 557076

Patent Dates: 6/17/1882, 1/12/1886, 3/24/1896

126. Latimer, Lewis-Nichols, Joseph

What their invention or inventions was/were: Electric Lamp

Patent Number: 247097

Patent Date: 9/13/1881

127. Lavalette, W. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Printing Press

Patent Number: 208184

Patent Date: 9/17/1878

128. Lee, H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Animal Trap

Patent Number: 61941

Patent Date: 2/12/1867

129. Lee, Joseph

What their invention or inventions was/were: Kneading Machine, Bread Crumbing Machine

Patent Numbers: 524042, 540553

Patent Dates: 8/7/1894, 6/4/1895

130. Leslie, F. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Envelope Seal

Patent Number: 590325

Patent Date: 9/21/1897

131. Lewis, A. L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Window Cleaner

Patent Number: 483359

Patent Date: 9/27/1892

132. Lewis, E. R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Spring Gun

Patent Number: 362096

Patent Date: 5/3/1887

133. Linden, H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Piano Truck

Patent Number: 459365

Patent Date: 9/8/1891

134. Little, E.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Bridle-Bit

Patent Number: 254666

Patent Date: 3/7/1882

135. Long, A. E. And Jones, A. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Caps For Bottles

Patent Number: 610715

Patent Date: 9/13/1898

136. Loudin, F. J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Key Chain, Sash Fastener, Key Fastener

Patent Numbers: 510432, 512308

Patent Dates: 12/12/1892, 1/9/1894

137. Love, J. L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Plasterers’ Hawk, Pencil Sharpener

Patent Numbers: 542419, 594114

Patent Dates: 7/9/1895, 11/23/1897

138. Maceo West, James Edward

What their invention or inventions was/were: Foil Electret Microphone

Patent Number: 3118022

Patent Date: 5/22/1962

Additional information: James Maceo West is a prolific American inventor and professor best-known for the invention of an early microphone called the electroacoustic transducer electret microphone (ETEM).

He holds over 250 other patents as well. He was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia in 1931. James would later graduate from Temple University in 1957 with a degree in Physics. He then began a lifetime career at Bell Labs as full-time acoustical scientist.

139. Marishane, Ludwick

What their invention or inventions was/were: Dry Bath

140. Marshall, T.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Fire Extinguisher

141. Marshall, W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Grain Binder

Patent Number: 341599

Patent Date: 5/11/1886

142. Marshman, Newman R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Type Writing Machine

Patent Number: 315366

Patent Date: 4/7/1885

143. Martin, Thomas J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Fire Extinguisher

Patent Number: 125063

Patent Date: 5/26/1872

145. Martin, W. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Lock

Patent Numbers: 407738, 443945

Patent Dates: 7/23/1889, 12/30/1890

146. Matzeliger, Jan E.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Shoe Lasting Machine, Tack Separating Mechanism, Lasting Machine, Nailing Machine, Mechanism For Distributing Tacks

Patent Numbers: 274207, 423937, 459899, 421954, 415726

Patent Dates: 3/20/1883, 3/25/1890, 9/22/1891, 11/26/1899

Additional information: Jan was born in 1852 in Paramaribo in Dutch Guiana. After experimenting with different designs, Jan Matzeliger invented a shoe lasting machine that adjusted the shoe leather upper snugly over the mold.

Jan was born in 1852 as a son of Surinamese and Dutch parents in Paramaribo in Dutch Guiana (now called Suriname). He showed interest in mechanics from a young age and later on in life started work at a shoe factory in 1877 – it was here that he conceived of his invention.

147. Mccoy, Elijah J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Lubricator For Steam Engines, Lubricator, Steam Lubricator, Steam Lubricator, Steam Lubricator, Ironing Table, Steam Cylinder Lubricator, Steam Dome, Lubricator Attachment, Lubricator For Safety Valves, Drip Cup, Oil Cup, Lawn Sprinkler Design And Many More

Patent Numbers: 129843, 130305, 139407, 146697, 150876, 173032, 179585, 255443, 261166, 320379, 320354, 357491, 361435, 363529, 383745, 383746, 460215, 465875, 472066, 610634, 611759, 615307, 627623, 631549

Patent Dates: 7/2/1872, 8/6/1872, 5/27/1873, 1/20/1874, 5/12/1874, 2/1/1876, 7/4/1876, 3/28/1882, 7/18/1882, 6/16/1885, 6/16/1885, 2/8/1887, 4/19/1887, 5/24/1887, 5/29/1888, 5/29/1888, 9/29/1891, 12/29/1891, 4/5/1892, 9/13/1898, 10/4/1898, 11/15/1898, 6/27/1899, 9/26/1899

Additional information: Elijah McCoy was born in 1844 in Ontario, Canada. His family was one of the few families who was successfully relocated to Canada by the Underground Railroad organization, and later on, their family became very successful.

His parents worked hard and saved money until they had enough put together to send him to Scotland to learn Mechanical Engineering in an apprenticeship. He returned to the U.S. and lead a highly successful career as an engineer.

148. Mccree, D.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Portable Fire Escape

Patent Number: 440322

Patent Date: 11/11/1890

149. Mendenhall, A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Holder For Driving Reins

Patent Number: 637811

Patent Date: 11/28/1899

150. Miles, Alexander

What their invention or inventions was/were: Elevator

Patent Number: 371207

Patent Date: 10/11/1867

151. Mitchell, C. L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Phneterisin

Patent Number: 291071

Patent Date: 1/1/1884

152. Mitchell, J. M.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Cheek Row Corn Planter

Patent Number: 641462

Patent Date: 1/16/1900

153. Montgomery, Benjamin

What their invention or inventions was/were: Shallow Water Steam Propeller

Additional information: Benjamin was born into slavery in 1837. Later on in his life, he developed a special propeller design especially for dealing with shallow waters. Whilst a young slave, he attempted to escape but was recaptured.

His master was deeply disturbed by his attempted escape and after some negotiation gave Ben some senior responsibilities at his master’s plantation. He was later freed, bought his former master’s plantation and become a successful businessman.

154. Moody, W. U.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Game Board Design

Patent Number: 27046

Patent Date: 5/11/1897

155. Morehead, K.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Reel Carrier

Patent Number: 568916

Patent Date: 10/6/1896

156. Morgan, Garrett

What their invention or inventions was/were: Gas Mask & Traffic Light, Breathing Device, Traffic Signal

Additional information: Garrett Morgan was a Black American inventor and community leader. He famously rescued workers trapped within a water intake tunnel in 1916 and was a prolific inventor.

Repairing sewing machines inspired him to make his first invention, a belt fastener for sewing machines. In 1907, he opened his own sewing machine and shoe repair shop. This would grow and expand into the Morgan’s Cut Rate Ladies Clothing Store in 1909 which had 32 employees.

157. Murray, G. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Combined Furrow Opener And Stalk-Knocker, Cultivator And Marker, Combined Cotton Seed, Cotton Chopper, Planter, Planter And Fertilizer Distributor Reaper, Attachment For Bicycles

Patent Numbers: 517960, 517961, 520891, 520888, 520889, 520887, 520890, 520892, 445452

Patent Dates: 4/10/1894, 4/10/1894, 6/5/1894, 6/5/1894, 6/5/1894, 6/5/1894, 6/5/1894, 6/5/1894, 1/27/1891

158. Nance, L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Game Apparatus

Patent Number: 464035

Patent Date: 12/1/1891

159. Nash, H. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Life Preserving Stool

Patent Number: 168519

Patent Date: 10/5/1875

160. Newman, Lyda D.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Improvement On The Hair Brush

Patent Numbers: 614335

Patent Dates: 11/15/1898

Additional information: Lydia is best known for her invention of an improved hairbrush design in 1898. She was born in Ohio in 1885 and later worked privately in Manhattan as a family hairdresser.

Whilst working here, she developed her concept for a new design of hairbrush. Her design greatly improved on conventional through its improved efficiency and hygiene.

161. Newson, S.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Oil Heater Or Cooker

Patent Number: 520188

Patent Date: 5/22/1894

162. Nickerson, W. J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Mandolin And Guitar Attachment For Pianos

Patent Number: 627739

Patent Date: 6/27/1899

163. O’Connor & Turner

What their invention or inventions was/were: Alarm For Boilers, Steam Gage, Alarm For Coasts Containing Vessels

Patent Numbers: 566612, 566613, 598572

Patent Dates: 8/25/1896, 8/25/1896, 2/8/1898

164. Outlaw, J. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Horseshoes

Patent Number: 614273

Patent Date: 11/15/1898

165. Parker, Alice H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Improvement On The Heating Furnace

Patent Number: 1325905

Patent Date: 12/23/1919

166. Perryman, F. R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Caterers’ Tray Table

Patent Number: 468038

Patent Date: 2/2/1892

167. Peterson, H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Attachment For Lawn Mowers

Patent Number: 402189

Patent Date: 4/30/1889

168. Phelps, W. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Apparatus For Washing Vehicles

Patent Number: 579242

Patent Date: 3/23/1897

169. Pickering, J. F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Air Ship

Patent Number: 643975

Patent Date: 2/20/1900

170. Pickett, H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Scaffold

Patent Number: 152511

Patent Date: 6/30/1874

171. Pinn, T. B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: File Holder

Patent Number: 231355

Patent Date: 8/17/1880

172. Polk, A. J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Bicycle Support

Patent Number: 558103

Patent Date: 4/14/1896

173. Pugsley, A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Blind Stop

Patent Number: 433306

Patent Date: 7/29/1890

174. Purdy & Peters

What their invention or inventions was/were: Design For Spoons

Patent Number: 24228

Patent Date: 4/23/1895

175. Purdy & Sadgwar

What their invention or inventions was/were: Folding Chair

Patent Number: 405117

Patent Date: 6/11/1889

176. Purdy, W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Device For Sharpening Edged Tools

Patent Numbers: 570337, 609367, 630106

Patent Dates: 10/27/1896, 3/16/1898, 8/1/1899

177. Purvis, William B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Bag Fastener, Hand Stamp, Fountain Pen, Electric Railway, Magnetic Car Balancing Device, Electric Railway Switch

Patent Numbers: 256856, 273149, 419065, 519291, 539542, 588176

Patent Dates: 4/25/1882, 2/27/1885, 1/7/1890, 5/1/1894, 5/21/1895, 8/17/1897

178. Queen, W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Guard For Companion Ways And Hatches

Patent Number: 458131

Patent Date: 8/18/1891

179. Ray, Lawrence P.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Dust Pan

180. Ray, Lloyd P.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Chair Supporting Device

Patent Numbers: 587607, 620078

Patent Dates: 8/3/1887, 2/21/1899

181. Reed, John W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Rolling Pin

182. Reed, Judy W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Improvements In The Doug Kneader And Roller

Patent Number: 305474

Patent Date: 9/20/1884

Additional information: Judy was the third African-American to ever receive a patent. Little else is known about her life.

183. Reynolds, Humphrey H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Window Ventilator For Railroad Cars, Safety Gate For Bridges

Patent Number: 275271, 437937

Patent Date: 4/3/1883, 10/7/1890

184. Reynolds, Mary Jane

What their invention or inventions was/were: Hoisting And Loading Mechanism

Patent Number: 1337667

Patent Date: 4/20/1920

185. Reynolds, R. R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Non-Refillable Bottle

Patent Number: 624092

Patent Date: 5/2/1899

186. Rhodes, J. B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Water Closet

Patent Numbers: 639290

Patent Dates: 12/19/1899

187. Richardson, W.H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Baby Buggy

188. Richardson, Albert C.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Hame Fastener, Churn, Casket Lowering Device, Insect Destroyer, Bottle

Patent Numbers: 255022, 446470, 529311, 620362, 638811

Patent Dates: 3/14/1882, 2/17/1891, 11/13/1894, 2/28/1899, 12/12/1899

189. Richardson, William H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Cotton Chopper

Patent Numbers: 343140, 405599, 405600

Patent Dates: 6/1/1886, 6/18/1889, 6/18/1889

190. Richardson, William. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Child’S Carriage

191. Richey, C. V.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Car Coupling, Railroad Switch, Fire Escape Bracket, Combined Hammock And Stretcher

Patent Numbers: 584650, 587657, 592448, 596427, 615907

Patent Dates: 6/15/1897, 8/3/1897, 10/26/1897, 12/28/1897, 12/13/1898

192. Rickman, A. L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Overshoe

Patent Number: 598816

Patent Date: 2/8/1898

193. Ricks, J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Horse Shoe

Patent Numbers: 338781, 626245

Patent Dates: 3/30/1886, 6/6/1899

194. Rillieux, Norbert

What their invention or inventions was/were: Sugar Refiner (Evaporating Pan)

Patent Number: 4879

Patent Date: 12/10/1846

195. Robinson, E. R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Electric Railway Trolley, Casting Composite

Patent Numbers: 505370, 594286

Patent Dates: 9/19/1893, 11/23/1897

196. Robinson, J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Dinner Pail, Life Saving Guards For Locomotives, Life Saving Guards For Street Cars

Patent Numbers: 356852, 621143, 623929

Patent Dates: 2/1/1887, 3/14/1899, 4/25/1899

197. Romain, A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Passenger Register

Patent Number: 402035

Patent Date: 4/23/1889

198. Ross, A. L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Runner For Stops, Bag Closure, Trousers Support

Patent Numbers: 565301, 605343, 638068

Patent Dates: 8/4/1896, 6/7/1898, 11/28/1899

199. Ross, J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Bailing Press

Patent Number: 632539

Patent Date: 9/5/1899

200. Roster, D. N.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Feather Curler

Patent Number: 556166

Patent Date: 3/10/1896

201. Ruffin, S.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Vessels For Liquids And Manner Of Sealing

Patent Number: 737603

Patent Date: 11/20/1899

202. Russell, Lewis A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Guard Attachment For Beds

Patent Number: 544381

Patent Date: 8/13/1895

203. S. Grant, William

What their invention or inventions was/were: Curtain Rod Support

204. Sammons, W. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Comb

Patent Number: 1362823

Patent Date: 12/21/1920

205. Sampson, George T.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Sled Propeller, Clothes Drier

Patent Numbers: 312388, 476416

Patent Dates: 2/17/1885, 6/7/1892

206. Sampson, Henry T.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Cellular Phone

207. Scott, R. P.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Corn Silker

Patent Numbers: 524223

Patent Dates: 8/7/1894

208. Scottron, S. R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Adjustable Window Cornice, Cornice, Pole Tip, Curtain Rod, Supporting Bracket, Scottron’S Improved Mirror

Patent Numbers: 224732, 270851, 349525, 481720, 505008

Patent Dates: 2/17/1880, 1/16/1883, 9/30/1886, 8/30/1892, 9/12/1893

Additional information: Samuel R. Scottron was a Black American inventor and entrepreneur. He was a prominent member of Brooklyn’s Black Elite community and is best known as the inventor of the Scottron’s Improved Mirror.

He worked as a barber with his father in his early years who later worked as a merchant during the civil war. Postwar he opened a series of grocery shops and a barber shop in Springfield.

It was with his barber venture that he conceived of his famed mirror and other inventions. His devices would eventually make him a wealthy man.

209. Shanks, S. C.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Sleeping Car Berth Register

Patent Number: 587165

Patent Date: 7/21/1897

210. Shorter, D. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Feed Rack

Patent Number: 363089

Patent Date: 5/17/1887

211. Smith, J. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Lawn Sprinkler, Improvement In Games

Patent Numbers: 601065, 647887, 581785

Patent Dates: 3/22/1898, 4/17/1900, 5/4/1897

212. Smith, Mildred E.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Family Relationships Card Game

Patent Number: 4230321

Patent Date: 10/28/1980

213. Smith, P. D.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Potato Digger, Grain Binder

Patent Numbers: 445206, 469279

Patent Dates: 1/21/1891, 2/23/1892

214. Snow & Johns

What their invention or inventions was/were: Liniment

Patent Number: 437728

Patent Date: 10/7/1890

215. Spears, H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Portable Shield For Infantry Y

Patent Number: 110599

Patent Date: 12/27/1870

216. Spikes, R. B.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Combination Milk Bottle Opener & Bottle Cover, Automatic Gear Shift, Obtaining Samples & Temp. Of Liquids, Transmission And Shifting Thereof

Patent Numbers: 1590557, 1828753, 1889814, 1936996

Patent Dates: 6/29/1926, 10/27/1931, 12/06/1932, 11/28/1933

217. Standard, J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Oil Stove, Refrigerator

Patent Numbers: 413689, 455891

Patent Dates: 10/29/1889, 7/14/1891

218. Stewart & Johnson

What their invention or inventions was/were: Metal Bending Machine, Mop

Patent Number: 375512

Patent Date: 12/27/1887

219. Stewart, E. W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Machine For Forming Vehicle Sear Bars, Punching Machine

Patent Number: 373698, 362190

Patent Date: 3/22/1887, 5/3/1887

220. Stewart, Thomas W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Mop, Station Indicator

Patent Numbers: 499402, 499895

Patent Dates: 6/13/1893, 6/20/1893

221. Sutton, E. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Cotton Cultivator

Patent Number: 149543

Patent Date: 4/7/1874

222. Sweeting, J. A.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Device For Rolling Cigarettes, Combined Knife And Scoop

Patent Numbers: 594501, 605209

Patent Dates: 11/30/1897, 6/7/1898

223. Taylor, B. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Rotary Engine, Slide Valve

Patent Numbers: 202888, 585798

Patent Dates: 4/23/1878, 7/6/1897

224. Temple, Lewis

What their invention or inventions was/were: Temple’S Toggle/Blood Harpoon

Additional information: Lewis was born in 1800. He is most famed for his invention of a revolutionary harpoon that was based on an Eskimo design.

He was later freed and moved to the whaling village of New Bedford, Massachusetts sometime in the 1820’s – where he took up work as a blacksmith.

It was here that he developed his new type of harpoon. He never patented it and so it became freely copied.

225. Thomas, S. E.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Waste Trap For Basins, Closets, Etc., Casting, Pipe Connection

Patent Numbers: 286746, 371107, 386941, 390821

Patent Dates: 10/16/1883, 10/4/1887, 7/31/1888, 10/9/1888

226. Thomas, Valerie

What their invention or inventions was/were: Illusion Transmitter

Patent Number: 4229761 

Patent Date: 29515

Additional information: Valerie Thomas is an accomplished African-American scientist and inventor who patented the illusion transmitter and contributed greatly to NASA research.

She was born in May 1943 in Maryland and quickly showed an aptitude and fascination for technology at a young age. She later graduated from Morgan State University and became one of only two women to major in Physics there.

She later began a lifelong career at NASA in 1964.

227. Toliver, G.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Propeller For Vessels

Patent Number: 451086

Patent Date: 4/28/1891

228. Tregoning & Latimer

What their invention or inventions was/were: Globe Supporter For Electric Lamps

Patent Number: 255212

Patent Date: 3/21/1882

229. Turner, M. Turner

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Fruit Press

Patent Number: 1180959

Patent Date: 4/25/1916

230. Virgle M. Ammons

What their invention or inventions was/were: Fireplace Damper Actuating Tool

Patent Number: 3908633

Patent Date: 9/30/1975

231. Walker, Madam C. J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Straightening Comb

Additional information: Madame C. J. Walker was born in 1867 into a family of slaves. She was later freed and would go on to build a very successful hairdressing salon.

Born as Sarah Breedlove, she was orphaned at age 7 and was later freed under President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation that came into force in 1863.

232. Walker, P.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Machine For Cleaning Seed Cotton, Bait Holder

Patent Numbers: 577153, 600241

Patent Dates: 2/16/1897, 3/8/1898

233. Waller, J. N.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Shoemaker’S Cabinet Or Bench

Patent Number: 224253

Patent Date: 2/3/1880

234. Washington, W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Corn Husking Machine

Patent Number: 283173

Patent Date: 8/14/1883

235. Watkins, Isaac

What their invention or inventions was/were: Scrubbing Frame

Patent Number: 437849

Patent Date: 10/7/1890

236. Watts, J. R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Bracket For Miners’ Lamp

Patent Number: 493137

Patent Date: 3/7/1893

237. West, E. H.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Weather Shield

Patent Number: 632385

Patent Date: 9/5/1899

238. West, John W.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Running Gear (Wagon)

Patent Number: 108419

Patent Date: 10/18/1870

239. White, D. L.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Extension Steps For Cars

Patent Number: 574969

Patent Date: 1/12/1897

240. White, J. T.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Lemon Squeezer

Patent Number: 572849

Patent Date: 12/8/1896

241. Williams, C.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Canopy Frame

Patent Number: 468280

Patent Date: 2/2/1892

242. Williams, J. P.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Pillow Sham Holder

Patent Number: 634784

Patent Date: 10/10/1899

243. Winn, Frank

What their invention or inventions was/were: Direct Acting Steam Engine

Patent Number: 394047

Patent Date: 12/4/1888

244. Winters, Joseph R.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Fire Escape Ladders

Patent Numbers: 203517, 214224

Patent Dates: 5/7/1878, 4/8/1879

Additional information: Joseph Winters was a Black American abolitionist and inventor. He is best known for his patent for a wagon-mounted fire escape ladder.

He was also an active member in the Underground Railroad movement in the United States. Joseph developed his ladders whilst noting the trouble fireman had unloading and raising their ladders from wagons. Joseph died in 1916 at the age of 100.

245. Wood, J. F.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Potato Digger

Patent Numbers: 537953, 299894, 308876, 315368, 364619, 366192

Patent Dates: 4/23/1895, 6/3/1884, 12/2/1884, 4/7/1885, 6/7/1887, 7/5/1887

246. Woods, Granville T.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Steam Boiler Furnace, Telephone Transmitter, App. For Transmission Of Messages By Electricity, Relay Instrument, Polarized Relay, Electromechanical Brake, Electromagnetic Brake Apparatus, Railway Telegraphy, Induction Telegraph System, Overhead Conducting System For Electric Railway, Electromotive Railway System, Tunnel Construction For Electric Railway, Galvanic Battery, Automatic Cut-Off Switch, Electric Railway System, Electric Railway Conduit, System Of Electrical Distribution, Amusement Apparatus, Electric Railway, Regulating/Controlling Elec. Translating Devices, Automatic Air Brake

Patent Numbers: 299894, 308876, 315368, 364619, 366192, 368265, 371241, 371655, 373383, 373915, 383844, 385034, 386282, 387839, 388803, 395533, 463020, 509065, 569443, 639692, 667110, 678086, 681768, 687098, 701981, 718183, 729481

Patent Dates: 6/3/1884, 12/2/1884, 4/7/1885, 6/7/1887, 7/5/1887, 8/16/1887, 10/11/1887, 10/18/1887, 11/15/1887, 11/29/1887, 5/29/1888, 6/26/1888, 7/17/1888, 8/14/1888, 8/28/1888, 1/1/1889, 11/10/1891, 11/21/1893, 10/13/1896, 12/19/1899, 1/29/1901, 616, 434, 11/19/1901, 1010, 1/13/1903, 5/26/1903

Additional information: Granville Woods was a very prolific inventor who came to be known as the Black Edison. He made key contributions to the development of the telephone, streetcar and more.

247. Wormley, J.

What their invention or inventions was/were: Life Saving Apparatus

Patent Number: 242091

Patent Date: 5/24/1881

248. Zang, Arthur

What their invention or inventions was/were: The Cardio Pad