Andrew Jackson Beard, an African American inventor and former slave, was granted a patent on November 23, 1897, for an improved version of the railroad coupler, often referred to as the “Jenny Coupler.”
His invention automated the dangerous process of coupling train cars, saving countless workers from injury and death. The coupler allowed cars to connect automatically when they bumped together—eliminating the need for a worker to manually insert a pin between cars, which often resulted in crushed limbs.
Beard’s innovation is a foundational element in railroad safety and remains influential in modern rail systems today.
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