This expression, typically used to mean ‘the real thing’. But none of the other cups worked as well as his, so customers started asking for "the real McCoy." That's where the expression comes from. Ahrons' Lubrication of Locomotives (1922), which does identify several other early pioneers and companies of the field. Other inventors tried to copy McCoy's oil-dripping cup. Early twentieth-century lubrication literature barely mentions him for example, his name is absent from E. He is credited in some biographical sketches with revolutionizing the railroad or machine industries with his devices. Historians have not agreed on the importance of McCoy's contribution to the field of lubrication. Later, Elijah McCoy became a consultant to the railroad industry on patent matters. Railroad and shipping lines began using McCoy’s new lubricators and the Michigan Central Railroad promoted him to an instructor in the use of his new inventions. McCoy continued to improve upon his design and invented several more improvements. He formed the Elijah McCoy Manufacturing Company to produce his works.Įlijah McCoy was issued his first patent - US patent #129,843 - on July 12th, 1872 for his improvement in lubricators for steam engines. Lubricators with the McCoy name were not manufactured until 1920, near the end of his career. Lacking the capital with which to manufacture his lubricators in large numbers, he usually assigned his patent rights to his employers or sold them to investors. Most of these were related to lubrication, but others also included a folding ironing board and a lawn sprinkler. He continued to invent until late in life, obtaining as many as 57 patents. This creativity gave McCoy an honored status in the black community that has persisted to this day. Washington in Story of the Negro (1909) recognized him as having produced more patents than any other black inventor up to that time. After the turn of the century, he attracted notice among his black contemporaries. His lubricator used steam pressure to pump oil wherever it was needed.McCoy continued to refine his devices and design new ones 50 of his patents dealt with lubricating systems. Elijah McCoy developed a lubricator for steam engines that did not require the train to stop. ![]() At that time, trains needed to periodically stop and be lubricated, to prevent overheating. Because of his training, he was able to identify and solve the problems of engine lubrication and overheating. The fireman on a train was responsible for fueling the steam engine and the oilier lubricated the engine's moving parts as well as the train's axles and bearings. However, the only job he found was that of a locomotive fireman and oiler for the Michigan Central Railroad. Afterwards, he returned to Michigan to pursue a position in his field. Born free in Canada, he returned as a five-year-old child with his family to the United States in 1847, where he lived for the rest of his life and became a US citizen.Īt the age of fifteen, Elijah McCoy served a mechanical engineering apprenticeship in Edinburgh, Scotland. patents, most to do with lubrication of steam engines. He was a black Canadian-American inventor and engineer, who was notable for his 57 U.S. His parents were former slaves, George and Mildred McCoy (nee Goins) had fled Kentucky for Canada on the underground railroad. This inventor was born in 1843, in Colchester, Ontario, Canada. ![]() President Gerald Ford spoke in regards to this, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." The first celebration of the Black History Month took place at Kent State one year later, in February 1970.In 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial, the informal expansion of Negro History Week to Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S. The expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month was first proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. Their names, as well as their personal histories, have become synonymous with the rich legacy that is African-American culture. In celebration of Black History Month, explore our Black History collection and learn more about the black individuals who have made extraordinary achievements in their fields, including inventors such as George Washington Carver, activists like Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, athletes such as Willie Mays and Michael Jordan, and entertainers like Bessie Smith and Oprah Winfrey. Black History Month brings to the forefront, the inspiring stories of African-American icons, many of whom overcame great odds to leave their mark on the United States.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |