Frederick McKinley Jones (May 17, 1893 – February 21, 1961) was an American inventor, entrepreneur, and engineer who received the National Medal of Technology and became a member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He developed mobile refrigeration technology, which helps keep items cold while moving. Jones received 61 patents, 40 of which were for refrigeration technology.
Jan Ernst Matzeliger was born on September 15, 1852, and died on August 24, 1889. He was an inventor from Suriname and America who created an automated lasting machine that greatly changed how shoes were made. A company called the Consolidated Lasting Machine Company was started to produce his shoe-making machines.
Lewis Howard Latimer was born on September 4, 1848, and died on December 11, 1928. He was an American inventor and patent draftsman. He created several important inventions, including an evaporative air conditioner, a better way to make carbon filaments for electric light bulbs, and an improved toilet system for railroad cars.
Elijah J. McCoy was a Canadian-American engineer of African-American descent. He was born free on May 2, 1844, on the Ontario shore of Lake Erie.
Granville Tailer Woods (April 23, 1856 – January 30, 1910) was an American inventor who held more than 60 patents in the United States. He was the first African American mechanical and electrical engineer after the Civil War ended. He was self-taught and focused most of his work on trains and streetcars.
The Saratoga, Mount McGregor and Lake George Railroad was a railroad owned by businessman Joseph William Drexel. It started at North Broadway in Saratoga Springs, New York, USA, and passed through the towns of Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Moreau, and Corinth. The railroad extended for about 12 miles (19 kilometers) to the top of Mount McGregor.
Charles Joseph Van Depoele was born on April 27, 1846, and died on March 18, 1892. He was a Belgian-American electrical engineer and inventor who made important contributions to electric railway technology. He is known for creating the first trolley pole, a key part of electric trains.
Frank Julian Sprague was born on July 25, 1857, and died on October 25, 1934. He was an American inventor who helped develop the electric motor, electric railways, and electric elevators. His work was important for helping cities grow larger by improving transportation and allowing businesses to gather in downtown areas through the use of electric elevators in tall buildings.
Ernst Werner Siemens (later known as von Siemens starting in 1888; pronounced SEEM-ənz; German: [ˈziːməns, -mɛns]; born December 13, 1816; died December 6, 1892) was a German electrical engineer, inventor, and business leader. The SI unit of electrical conductance, called the siemens, is named after him. He started a large company that works in electrical and communication systems.
Ernst Werner Siemens (later known as von Siemens starting in 1888; pronounced /ˈsiːmənz/ SEEM-ənz; German: [ˈziːməns, -mɛns]; December 13, 1816 – December 6, 1892) was a German electrical engineer, inventor, and business leader. The SI unit of electrical conductance, called the siemens, is named after him. He started the large company Siemens and invented the electric tram, trolley bus, electric locomotive, and electric elevator.