African-American Resource Center

"Black Miracles"
The miracles of Black inventors and scientists

By Shannon H. Mapp (Purpose Publishing)

INVENTION

INVENTOR

DATE

1. Air Conditioning Method

Jones, F.M.

Dec.7, 1954

2. Air Conditioning Unit

Jones, F.M.

July12, 1949

3. Air Conditioning/Heating Unit

Jones, F.M.

Oct.24, 1950

4. Alarm for Boilers

O'Conner &Turner

Aug.25,1896

5. Alphabet

Africans in Egypt

 

6. Animal Trap

Lee, H.

Feb.12,1867

7. Bailing Press

Gray, R.H.

Aug.28,1894

8. Bait Holder

Walker, P.

Mar.8, 1898

9. Basin, Portable

Haines, J.H.

Sept.28,1897

10. Bathroom Tissue Holder

Kenner, M.B.

Oct.19, 1982

11. Bed Rack

Bradberry, H.

May25, 1943

12. Bed, Folding

Bailey, L.C.

Jul.18, 1899

13.  Bed, Side Guard Attachment

Russell, L.A.

Aug.13,1895

14.  Bicycle Frame

Johnson, I.R.

Oct.10,1899

15.  Blimp (Airship)

Pickering, J.F.

Feb.20, 1900

16.  Boot

Burwell, W.

Nov.28,1899

17. Bottle

Richardson

Dec.12,1899

18. Bottle Caps

Jones & Long

Sept.13,1898

19. Bottle, Non-refillable

Reynolds, R.R.

May2,1899

20. Brake, Automatic Air

Woods, G.T.

Jun.10,1902

21. Brake, Fail Safe

Spikes, R.B.

Jan.2,1962

22. Bread Crumbing Machine

Lee, J.

Jun.4,1895

23. Bridle Bit

Brown, L.F.

Oct.25,1892

24. Brush

Newman, L.D.

Nov.15,1898

25. Bullet Proof Plexiglas

Logan, E.

 

26. Car Coupler

Beard, A.J.

Nov.23,1897

27. Car Wash Apparatus

Phelps, W.H.

Mar.23,1897

28. Carbons, Manufactured

Latimer/Nichols

Jun.17,1882

29. Carpet Cleaning & Preserving Agent

Hyde, R.N.

Nov.6, 888

30. Carriage for the Child

Richardson, W.H.

Jun.18,1889

31. Carrier Attachment for Invalid Walker

Kenner, M.B.

May8,1976

32. Casket Lowering Device

Richardson, A.C.

Nov.13,1894

33. Caster Wheels (used on furniture to allow mobility)

Fisher, D.A.

Mar.14,1876

34. Cell, Optical High Pressure

Weir, C.E.

Feb.1963

35. Chair, Folding

Purdy/Sadgwar

Jun.11,1889

36. Churn

Richardson, A.C.

Feb.17,1891

37. Cigarette Rolling Device

Sweeting, J.A.

Nov.30,1897

38. Clamp, Joiner's (used in carpentry to hold wood together)

Fisher, D.A.

Apr.20,1875

39. Clothes Drier

Sampson, G.T.

Jun.7,1892

40. Clothes Wringer

Elgin, E.

1880's

41. Coconut (process for domestic use)

Ashebourne, A.P.

Jun.1,1875

42. Coin Changer

Bauer, J.A.

Jan.1970

43. Corn Husking Machine

Washington, W.

Aug.14,1883

44. Corner Cleaner Attachment

Downing, G.

Apr.5,1977

45. Cot for Invalid (Narrow bed used by military for the sick)

Cargill, B.F.

Jul.25,1899

46. Cotton Chopper

Murray, G.W.

Jun.5,1894

47. Cotton Cultivator

Sutton, E.H.

Apr.7,1874

48. Cotton Seed Cleaning Machine

Walker, P.

Feb.16,1897

49. Cultivator and Marker (to loosen ground for planting)

Murray, G.W.

Apr.10,1894

50. Curling/Pressing Iron

Stephens, T.

 

51. Curtain Rod

Sutton, E.H.

Aug.30,1892

52. Device that detaches the horse from the carriage

Byrd, T.J.

Mar.19,1872

53. Door Stop

Dorsey, O

Dec.10,1878

54. Dough Kneader

Bell, L.

Dec.10,1872

55. Dough Kneader/Roller

Reed, J.W.

Sept.23,1884

56. Draft Regulator

Cornwell, P.W.

Oct.2,1888

57. Dresser, Clothes

Jordan, J

 

58. Dry Cleaning Process

Jennings, T.L.

Mar.3,1821

59. Dust Pan

Ray, L.P.

Aug.3,1897

60. Egg Beater

Johnson, W.

Feb.5,1884

61. Electric Lamp (improved)

Latimer/Nichols

Sept.13,1881

62. Electric Railway

Woods, G.T.

Jul.29,1901

63. Electric Railway System

Woods, G.T.

Jul.9,1901

64. Elevator

Miles, A.

Oct.11,1887

65. Elevator Device

Cooper, J.

Apr.2,1895

66. Envelope Seal

Leslie, F.W.

Sept.21,1897

67. Eye Protector

Johnson, P.

Nov.2,1880

68. Fertilizer Distributor

Murray, G.W.

Jun.5,1894

69. Filing Cabinet (holder)

Pinn, T.B.

Aug.17, 880

70. Fire Escape (portable)

McCree, D.

Nov.11,1890

71. Fire Escape Ladder

Winter, J.B.

May7,1878

72. Fire Extinguisher

Marshall, T.J.

May26,1872

73. Fireplace Damper

Ammons, V.M.

Sept.30,1975

74. Fountain Pen

Purvis, W.B.

Jan.7,1890

75. Furrow Opener/ Stalk-Knocker Combo (to make grooves in the earth for farming)

Murray, G.W.

Apr.10,1894

76. Gas Burner

Jackson, B.F.

Apr.4,1899

77. Gas Mask (Safety hood)

Morgan, G.A.

Oct.13,1914

78. Gear Shift, Automatic

Spikes, R.B.

Dec.6,1932

79. Golf Tee

Grant, G.F.

Dec.12,1899

80. Grain Binder

Smith, P.D.

Feb.23,1892

81. Gridiron

Hawkins, J.

Mar.26,1845

82.  Guitar

Flemming, R.F., Jr.

Mar.3,1886

83. Hair Brush

Newman, L.D.

Nov.15,1898

84. Hair Curlers (Thermo)

Harper, S

 

85. Hame Attachment

Abrams, W.B.

Apr.14,1891

86. Hame Fastener

Richardson, A.C.

Mar.14,1882

87. Harness Attachment

Hawkins, R.

Oct.4,1887

88. Harness Attachment

Coolidge, J.S.

Nov.13,1888

89. Heating Furnace

Parker, A.H.

Dec.23,1919

90. Hoisting Loading Mechanism

Reynolds, M.J.

Apr.20,1920

91. Holder for Driving Reins

Mendenhall, A.

Nov.2,1899

92. Horse Detaches

Dunnington, J.H.

Mar.16,1897

93. Horsehoe

Brown, O.E.

Aug.23,1892

94. Hose Leak Stop

Dorticus, C.J.

Jul.18,1899

95. Hydraulic Shock Absorber

Sanderson, R.

Jan.1968

96. Ice Cream Mold

Cralle, A.L.

Feb.2,1897

97. Reins Holders (improvement)

Byrd, T.J.

Feb.6,1872

98. Insect Destroyer Gun

Richardson, A.C

Feb.28,1899

99. Ironing Board

Boone, S.

Apr.26,1892

100. Kitchen Table

Jackson, H.A.

Oct.6,1896

101. Kneading Machine

Lee, J.

Aug.7,1894

102. Knife & Scoop Combination

Sweeting, J.A.

Jun.7,1898

103. Lantern

Harney, M.

 

104. Shoe Lasting Machine

Matzeliger, J.E.

Mar.20,1883

105. Lawn Mower

Burr, J.A.

May9,1899

106. Lawn Mower Grass Receiver

Johnson, D.

Jun.10,1890

107. Lawn Sprinkler

Smith, J.W.

May4,1897

108. Lemon Squeezer

White, J.T.

Dec.8,1896

109. Linamentnt:

Snow/Johnson

Oct.7,1890

110. Lock

Martin, W.A.

Jul.23,1889

111. Locomotive Smoke Stack

Bell, L.

May23,1871

112. Lubricator

McCoy, E.J.

May27,1873

113. Lubricator for Steam Engine

McCoy, E.J.

Jul.2,1872

114. Luggage Carrier

Butts, J.W.

Oct.10,1899

115. Lunch Box (Dinner pail)

Robinson, J.

Feb.1,1887

116. Mail box (Letter box)

Downing, P.B.

Oct.27,1891

117. Mail box (Street Box)

Downing, P.B.

Oct.27,1891

118. Medicine

African Tribes

 

119. Medicine Tray

Clark, J.

Apr.1,1987

120. Milk Bottle Opener & Cover Combination

Spikes, R.B.

Jun.29,1926

121. Missile, Guided

Boykin, O.

 

122. Mop

Stewart, T.W.

Jun.13,1893

123. Motor

Gregory, J.

Apr.26,1887

124. Neck Yokes for Wagons

Byrd, T.J.

Apr.30,1872

125. Nursery Chair

Carter, I.O.

Feb.9,1960

126. Oil Cup

McCoy, E.J.

Nov.15,1898

127. Oil Heater or Cooker

Newson, S.

May22,1894

128. Overboot for Horses

Coates, R.

Apr.30,1892

129. Pace Maker Controls

Boykin, O.

 

130. Paper

Africans in Egypt

 

131. Pencil Sharpener

Love, J.L.

Nov.23,1897

132. Photographic Print Wash(used to develop pictures)

Dorticus, C.J.

Apr.23,1895

133. Pianola (Small player piano)

Dickinson, J.H.

1899

134. Planter (Device for planting seed)

Murray, G.W.

Jun.5,1894

135. Potato Digger

Smith, P.D.

Jan.21,1891

136. Preserving Perishables (method for)

Jones, P.D.

Feb.12,1957

137. Pressing Comb

Sammons, W.

Dec.24,1920

138. Pressure Cooker

Maurice, W.L.

1989

139. Printing Press

Lavalette, W.A.

Sept.17,1878

140. Propeller for Vessels

Toliver, G.

Apr.28,1891

141. Rain Hat

Snowden, M.

1983

142. Range

Carrington, T.A.

Jul.25,1876

143. Razor Stropping Device (Leather used to sharpen razors)

Grenon, H.

Feb.18 1896

144. Refrigerator

Standard, J.

Jul.14,1891

145. Register (Metal grill to allow passage of air)

Hilyer, A.F.

Oct.14,1890

146. Remote Control (programmable)

Jackson, J.N.

 

147. Remote Control for TV

Jackson, J.N.

 

148. Riding Saddles

Davis, W.D.

Oct.6, 896

149. Roller Coaster

Woods, G.T.

Dec.19,1899

150. Rotary Engine

Beard, A.J.

Jul.5,1892

151. Sail Control

Forten, J.

1850

152. Sanitary Belt

Kenner, M.B.

Mar.15,1956

153. Sanitary Belt with Moisture Proof Napkin Pocket

Kenner, M.B.

Apr.14,1959

154. Scafford

Pickett, H.

Jun.30,1874

155. Seats with Spring Cushion

Blackburn, A.B.

Apr.3,1888

156. Security System For the Home (with TV surveillance)

Brown, M.V.

Dec.2,1969

157. Shampoo Headrest

Bailiff, C.O.

Oct.11,1898

158. Shoe

Deitz, W.A.

Apr.30,1867

159. Shoe, Ventilated

Faulkner, H.

Apr.29,1890

160. Snow Melting Apparatus

Ferrell, F.J.

May27,1890

161. Spark Plug

Berger, E.

Jul.1968

162. Stainless Steel Pads

Benjamin, A.

Jun.1962

163. Stamp Hand

Purvis, W.S

Feb.27,1883

164. Steam Boiler Furnace

Woods, G.T.

Jun.3,1884

165. Steam Gage

O'Conner/Turner

Aug.25,1896

166. Step Extension for Cars

White, D.L.

Jan.12,1897

167. Stove (Oil fueled)

Standard, J.

Oct.29,1889

168. Street Sweepers

Brooks, C.B.

Mar.17,1896

169. Sugar Refiner

Rillieux, N.

Dec.10,1846

170. Super Soaker

Johnson, L.

Sept.29,1992

171. Supporting Bracket

Scottron, S.R.

Sept.12,1893

172. Suspenders (trousers support)

Ross, A.L.

Nov.28,1899

173. Syringe (disposable)

Brooks, P.

Apr.9,1974

174. Table Extension

Harding, F.H.

Nov.22,1898

175. Telephone Transmitter

Woods, G.T.

Dec.2,1884

176. Ticket Dispensing Machine

Jones, F.M.

Jun.27,1939

177. Toilet (Chamber commode)

Elkins, T.

Jun.9,1872

178. Tonic

Davis, I.D.

Nov.2,1886

179. Torpedo Discharge Means

Bradberry, H.

Dec.11,1945

180. Traffic Signal

Morgan, G.A.

Feb.27,1922

181. Transmission & Shifting for Cars

Spikes, R.B.

Nov.28,1933

182. Truss and Bandage Combo (to keep a hernia in a reduced state)

Bailey, L.C.

Sept.25,1883

183. Typewritter (improved)

Burridge & Marshman

 

184. Umbrella Stand

Carter, W.C.

Aug.4,1885

185. Urinalysis Machine

Sanderson, D.

Jul.1970

186. Vacuum Pan

Rillieux, N.

Aug.26,1843

187. Wagon

West, J.W.

Oct.18,1870

188. Waste Trap (used to catch food under the sink)

Thomas, S.E.

Oct.16,1883

189. Water Sprinkler

Smith, J.W.

May4,1897

190. Weighing Scales, Portable

Hunter, J.H.

Nov.3,1896

191. Wheelchair (Stair climbing)

Weaver, R.J.

Nov.1968

192. Window Cleaner

Lewis, A.L.

Sept.27,1892

193. Window Lock (Sash fastener)

Loudin, F.J.

Dec.12,1892

194. Wrench

Johnson, J.A.

Apr.18,1922

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