Top 15 Things You Didn’t Know Were Invented By Black Inventors


 

There is an intriguing narrative that has gone far too long unnoticed and unappreciated in a world that is usually lit by the genius of creation. Enter the world of black inventors, those brilliant minds that pushed the envelope, questioned accepted wisdom, and fundamentally changed the path of human history.

They created a legacy by fusing intelligence and tenacity to create incredible solutions to common problems in the face of adversity. From Marie Van Brittan Brown’s revolutionary home security system to Lewis Latimer’s incandescent light bulb filament, black innovators have had a lasting impact on our lives by promoting growth and stimulating creativity.

Their innovations provide as tangible evidence of their tenacity, vision, and persistent pursuit of excellence. We discover not just the triumphs of people, but also the victory of the human spirit as we journey through their extraordinary achievements, motivating future generations to dream greater, aim higher, and embrace the limitless power of imagination.

1. Traffic Lights – Garrett Morgan

Traffic lights rus.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Businessman, entrepreneur, and community leader Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr., was born on March 4, 1877, and died on July 27, 1963. His two most notable creations were the first three-way traffic signal and a gas mask, the latter of which was famously applied during a rescue effort following a tunnel construction accident in 1916.

With his rise to prominence and financial success in Cleveland, Morgan was able to buy a new automobile thanks to the success of his business. He saw an accident between a horse-drawn carriage and an automobile in 1922, which motivated him to lessen the chance of further occurrences.

Police officers were used in the usual traffic signaling way, although it took longer and was less noticeable to drivers. Additionally, there were just “stop” and “go” options, making it challenging to direct traffic. The words “stop” and “go” were etched on several placards and set on a pillar above traffic. Morgan constructed a folding traffic signal with folding arms.

The ability to raise the signals halfway between was the precursor to the contemporary practice of using a yellow signal to signify caution moving forward. All lanes could be stopped if necessary by flashing “stop” and turning the post. In 1923, Morgan’s traffic signal received a patent, and for $40,000 at the time, he sold General Electric the rights.

Read On A Black Man Was The Inventor of The Traffic Light: 10 Great Facts About Him And His Invention

2. Carbon Filament for Light Bulbs – Lewis Latimer

Carbonfilament.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

On September 13, 1881, Latimer and Joseph V. Nichols received a patent for their technique for fastening carbon filaments to the conducting wires of an electric lamp. Latimer was granted a second patent on January 17, 1882, for a “process of manufacturing carbons,” a technique for creating carbon filaments for lightbulbs that prevented breakages by encasing the filaments in a cardboard envelope before manufacture.

The Edison Electric Light Company in New York City employed Latimer as a draftsman and expert witness in a patent dispute regarding electric lights in 1884.

In addition to producing the first book on electric lighting, Incandescent Electric Lighting (1890), Latimer oversaw the construction of public electric lights in New York, Philadelphia, Montreal, and London while working for Edison.

When the business merged with the Thomson-Houston Electric Company to establish General Electric in 1892, he stayed in the legal department.

3. Three-Signal Railway Switch – Granville T. Woods

Granville T. Woods c. 1895.jpg , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Due to his invention and patent of Tunnel Construction for the electric railroad system, Granville T. Woods earned the moniker “Black Edison” from some. For his creations, which included an automatic brake, an egg incubator, and upgrades to existing technologies including the safety circuit, telegraph, telephone, and phonograph, Granville Woods was granted more than 50 patents.

A brilliant black inventor named Granville T. Woods created the three-signal railway switch, a ground-breaking device that completely changed the railroad business. Due to faulty signalling, railroad accidents were all too prevalent in the late 1800s. By giving distinct signals for several lines, Woods’ brilliant switch improved safety and productivity for railway operations.

This development increased the overall effectiveness of transportation networks while also enhancing railway safety. Modern railroad infrastructure was built on Woods’ three-signal railway switch, which sparked other developments in signalling technology. His work shows the inventiveness and perseverance of black innovators in influencing the path of history.

4. Gas Mask – Garrett Morgan

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Garrett Morgan was inspired to create the safety hood smoke protection device after observing firemen fighting to stay alive while carrying out their duties in the thick smoke.

His technique cooled the air and filtered smoke by using a wet sponge. It did this by utilizing an air intake tube that dangled near the floor, leaving a layer of more breathable air below, taking advantage of how smoke and contaminants normally ascend to higher locations.

In the hood, a network of tubes was employed to extract clean air from the lowest area that they could access. Because smoke rises because it is hotter than the surrounding air, the Safety Hood made it possible for the user to do emergency breathing. Later, the gas mask replaced the smoke hood as its name.

5. Home Security System – Marie Van Brittan Brown

IFacility CCTV Cameras.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

Because Albert was an electrician and Marie was a nurse, their work schedules were usually unpredictable and their hours frequently did not match. Marie would thus spend several evenings alone at her home. Due to the high rate of crime in her neighbourhood and the lengthy wait times for police to arrive, Brown developed the first home security system. At the time, Brown was forty years old.

Marie and her husband’s security system originally consisted of four peepholes, a sliding camera, TV monitors, and microphones. One peephole to the next might be covered by the cameras.

Without having to stand in front of or open the door, Marie could utilize the TV monitors connected to the cameras inside her home to observe exactly who was at her door. Since she could communicate with anyone outside without having to open the door and address them, the microphones were also essential to her strategy.

On August 1st, 1966, Marie and her husband submitted a patent application for their invention. The patent, the first of its kind, had her name stated first, followed by the name of her husband. Her invention received a patent from the government on December 2, 1969, and the New York Times wrote a piece about it four days later.

6. Blood Bank – Dr Charles Drew

Charles R Drew portrait.png , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With his ground-breaking innovation, the blood bank, Dr Charles Drew, a trailblazing black entrepreneur and medical pioneer, transformed the healthcare sector. In the 1940s, he developed a technique for preserving blood plasma, which prompted the creation of the first sizable blood banks.

Many lives were saved during WWII thanks to Drew’s innovation, which is still employed in contemporary medical procedures. Drew’s idea was inspired by a desire to extend access to life-saving blood transfusions. In addition to revolutionizing medicine, his ground-breaking work in blood banking paved the path for cutting-edge emergency treatment and life-saving organ transplants. We will remember Dr Charles Drew as a remarkable humanitarian and innovator.

Read On Top 10 Amazing Facts about Charles Richard Drew

7. Automatic Elevator Doors – Alexander Miles

Alexander-Miles.png , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Alexander Miles, a trailblazing black innovator, revolutionized the world of vertical transportation when he created mechanized elevator doors. Manually controlled elevator doors were cumbersome and unsafe until he created them. By including a mechanism that automatically opened and closed elevator doors, Miles’ design, which was granted a patent in 1887, increased efficiency and safety.

His creation transformed not just the elevator business but also urban planning, enabling the development of taller buildings and the explosive expansion of contemporary cities. Alexander Miles’ uniqueness and the worth of his work are demonstrated by the fact that he created automatic elevator doors, which are now a common feature in buildings all over the world.

8. Portable Pencil Sharpener – John Lee Love

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, , via Wikimedia Commons

The invention of John Lee Love’s portable pencil sharpener revolutionized both education and creativity. Love’s portable and practical invention, which offered a convenient means of sharpening pencils while traveling, was patentable in 1897.

Pencil sharpening was a challenging and time-consuming operation before his invention. The manner that professionals, artists, and students worked was changed by Love’s portable pencil sharpener by making it easier to keep accurate and sharp pencils.

This straightforward yet clever approach not only improved productivity but also sparked the minds of many people, enabling them to quickly turn their ideas into reality. John Lee Love’s portable pencil sharpener is now considered as a classic illustration of clever ingenuity and the strength of simplicity.

9. Super Soaker Water Gun – Lonnie G. Johnson

Col. Scott Long ‘fini flight’ jpg , Wikimedia Commons

A wave of joy and excitement was released by the renowned Super Soaker water cannon created by black inventor Lonnie G. Johnson. After Johnson’s potent water cannon innovation was granted a patent in 1990, the water play industry was forever altered.

Generations of kids and adults were delighted by the Super Soaker’s innovative pump-action system, which changed backyard disputes and summertime fun.

Johnson’s creation was an example of engineering and ingenuity that also brought happiness and laughter. Thanks to Lonnie G. Johnson’s extraordinary ingenuity, the Super Soaker became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most well-liked and treasured toys in history.

10. Laserphaco Probe for Cataract Surgery – Patricia Bath

Patriciabath.jpg , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With her revolutionary innovation, the Laserphaco Probe, black trailblazer Patricia Bath forever changed the field of ocular surgery. In 1986, Bath received a patent for her ground-breaking device, which transformed cataract surgery.

The Laserphaco Probe made the procedure more effective and less invasive by using a laser to remove cataracts accurately and securely. Bath’s finding not only enhanced surgical results but also gave patients access to revolutionary eye surgeries anywhere.

Her groundbreaking work changed the science of ophthalmology and helped countless others regain their vision. The Laserphaco Probe by Patricia Bath is a prime example of her inventiveness, fervour, and unwavering dedication to medical innovation.

11. Refrigerated Trucks – Frederick McKinley Jones

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A black inventor named Frederick McKinley Jones created the first refrigerated truck, which was a game-changing invention that transformed the food and transportation sectors. Jones’ ground-breaking invention, which provided vehicles with a reliable refrigeration system, was patented in 1940.

His creation revolutionized the distribution of food and medicine by making it feasible to carry perishable products in a secure manner across great distances. Jones’ refrigerated vans provide access to fresh commodities while reducing waste and spoilage, boosting economies and increasing living standards.

Read On Top 10 Famous Food Scientists Around the World

12. Folding Chair – Nathaniel Alexander

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With his magnificent invention, the folding chair, black inventor Nathaniel Alexander transformed the field of mobile seating. In 1911, Alexander received a patent for his ground-breaking invention, which made it simple to fold and store chairs for practical and space-saving transit.

Before his innovation, moving chairs were usually difficult and cumbersome. Alexander’s collapsible chair served as an efficient option for events, parties, and daily use.

His idea changed how people interacted and enjoyed many circumstances in addition to improving mobility. The innovative work of Nathaniel Alexander continues to have an effect on the furniture industry and serves as a perfect example of how successful practical innovation and useful design can be.

13. Shoe Lasting Machine – Jan Ernst Matzeliger

Jan ernst matzeliger.gif , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

With his ground-breaking invention, the shoe-lasting machine, black inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger transformed the shoe manufacturing sector. In 1883, Matzeliger received a patent for his ground-breaking creation, which simplified the previously laborious process of shoe lasting.

His invention, the shoe-lasting machine, significantly decreased the time and cost involved in making shoes. The footwear business was completely transformed by Matzeliger’s invention, which also paved the door for mass production, improved shoe affordability, and increased accessibility for the general public. His remarkable accomplishment exemplifies how inventions may enhance lives and influence businesses.

14. Potato Chip Bag Clip – George Crum

George Crum and ‘Aunt Kate’ Weeks.jpg , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The potato chip bag clip was a brilliant invention created by the trailblazing black businessman George Crum that improved snack time’s efficiency and freshness. Crum’s creation, which received a patent in 1893, offered a straightforward yet efficient method of securing and maintaining the crispness of potato chip packets.

Consumers struggled to keep their favorite snack fresh before his invention. Crum’s chip bag clip increased convenience and decreased food waste while extending the shelf life of potato chips. The fact that George Crum’s innovation is being used on a daily basis in homes all across the world speaks much about his inventiveness.

15. Bicycle Frame – Isaac R. Johnson

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A black inventor named Isaac R. Johnson made history in the field of transportation when he created the bicycle frame. Johnson’s ground-breaking concept, which greatly increased bicycles’ stability and toughness, was patented in 1899.

His frame was constructed using an uncommon blend of lightweight components and improved structural stability to make riding safer and more efficient. Along with advancing bicycle technology, Johnson’s notion had an influence on the creation of new transportation options.

His outstanding contributions to the field of transportation engineering continue to motivate and have an impact on the design of bicycles, motorcycles, and cars, advancing global progress and mobility.

Black innovators have broken through barriers, defied expectations, and changed the course of history because creativity has no limits. Their ground-breaking creations serve as enduring illustrations of the strength of creativity, persistence, and the boundless potential that everyone of us possesses. Future generations are still motivated and inspired by the legacy of black inventors.

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