MISGUIDED MAGAZINE SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020
INVENTORS
BRADLEY BENJAMIN
Bradley Benjamin was born a slave in 1830. He showed a talent
for invention and was referred by his master to the U.S. Naval
Academy as an assistant in their science department. It was
here that he invented the first steam engine for a ship. Since
he was a slave, he was not allowed to patent his invention,
however, he did sell the rights to it and bought his freedom.
Source: interestingengineering.com/the-a-z-list-of-black-inventors
ELIJAH MCCOY
Elijah McCoy was a master mechanic and engineer. In an effort
to improve efficiency and eliminate the frequent stopping
necessary for lubrication of the train, McCoy set out to
create a method of automating the task. In 1872 he invented
the “lubricating cup,” an automatic lubricating device for
locomotive steam engines. McCoy later invented the “graphite
lubricator” for superheater trains. Other inventors attempted
to sell their own versions of the device but most companies
wanted the authentic device, requesting “the Real McCoy,”
which is where this term originated. Owner of 57 U.S. Patents.
Source: blackinventor.com/pages/elijah-mccoy.html
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