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1
Jan

1898 - C. W. Allen invents the self-leveling table

On this day, C. W. Allen invented the self-leveling table, an innovative device designed to maintain a level surface regardless of movement. He was... Continue →

5
Jan

1943 - George Washington Carver Day

On January 5, 1943, George Washington Carver Day was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt following Carver’s death. This day honors the... Continue →

7
Jan

1890 - W.B. Purvis patented the fountain pen

African American inventor William B. Purvis was granted U.S. Patent No. 419,065 for improvements to the fountain pen. His design helped regulate ink... Continue →

10
Jan

1888 - A.B. Blackburn patents pail signal

A.B. Blackburn was granted U.S. Patent No. 376,362 for an innovative railway signal on this day in 1888. His invention contributed to improved... Continue →

10
Jan

1864 - Birth of George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver, a pioneering Black scientist, inventor, and agricultural chemist, was born into slavery in Diamond, Missouri. He became... Continue →

2
Feb

1897 - Ice Cream Scooper Invented

Alfred L. Cralle invented the ice cram scooper, patent #576,395

13
Feb

1973 - Wm. Desjardin patents corner cleaner attachment

Gertrude E. Downing and William Desjardin Corner Cleaner Attachment, Patent No. 3,715,772 on February 13, 1973

18
Feb

1896 - H. Grenon patents razor stropping device

Grenon, H. Razor Stropping Device Feb. 18, 1896 Patent No. 554,867

21
Feb

1961 - Otis Boykin patents the Electrical Resistor

Otis Boykin, Inventor, patented the Electrical Resistor. U.S. 2,972,726 He is responsible for inventing the electrical device used in all guided... Continue →

27
Feb

1883 - Hand Stamp Patented

Walter B. Purvis patented hand stamp.

28
Feb

1932 - Automatic Gear Shift

Richard Spikes invented/patented automatic gear shift.

3
Mar

1886 - Guitar patented

Robert F. Flemming, Jr. patents a guitar.

14
Mar

1794 - Eli Whitney patented cotton gin

Eli Whitney patented cotton gin which made cotton king and increased demand for slave labor.

26
Mar

1872 - Thomas J.Martin is awarded a patent for the fire extinguisher.

Thomas J. Martin is awarded a patent for the fire extinguisher.

3
Apr

1883 - H.H. Reynolds patents Ventilator for rail car

Reynolds, H. H. Window Ventilator for Railroad Cars Apr. 03, 1883 Patent No.275,271

26
Apr

1898 - J.A. Joyce patents ore bucket

Joyce, J. A. Ore Bucket Apr. 26, 1898 Patent No. 603,143

29
May

1945 – F.M. Jones Patents a 2-Cycle Gasoline Engine

Frederick M. Jones, a prolific African American inventor, was granted a patent for a two-cycle gasoline engine on May 29, 1945 (U.S. Patent No.... Continue →

5
Jun

1894 - G.W. Murray patents fertilizer distributor

On this day in 1894, G.W. Murray patents Fertilizer Distributor Patent No. 520,889

5
Jun

1894 - G.W. Murray patents cotton chopper

On this day in 1894, G.W. Murray patents Cotton Chopper, Patent No. 520,888.

5
Jun

1894 - G.W. Murray patents Planter

On thus day in 1894, G.W. Murray patents Planter, Patent No. 520,887

2
Jul

1872 - E. McCoy patents steam engine lubricator on this date.

On this date, Elijah McCoy was granted a patent for the steam engine lubricator (U.S. Patent No. 129,843). This device automatically lubricated steam... Continue →

2
Jul

2001 - Robert Tools receives artificial heart

On this date in 2001, Robert Tools became the first person to receive the AbioCor, a self-contained artificial heart, at Jewish Hospital in... Continue →

3
Jul

1904 - Charles Drew was born

On this date in 1904, Dr. Charles Drew, born in Washington, D.C., made groundbreaking contributions to the field of medicine. He attended McGill... Continue →

5
Jul

1892 - Andrew Beard granted patent number 478,271 for his rotary engine.

On this date in 1892, Andrew Beard, an African American inventor, was granted Patent No. 478,271 for his rotary engine design. His invention aimed to... Continue →

6
Jul

1971 - Cellular Phone Invented

On this date in 1971, Henry Sampson, an African American inventor, received a patent for his work related to the cellular phone. He is credited with... Continue →

12
Jul

1949 - F.M. Jones patents a/c unit

On this date in 1949, F.M. Jones was granted Patent No. 2,475,841 for an air conditioning unit. This patent was for an invention relating to a... Continue →

12
Jul

1949 - F.M. Jones patents starter generator

On this date in 1949, Patent No. 2475842, was granted to F. M. Jones for a starter generator. This patent relates to a device that functions both as... Continue →

14
Jul

1891 - Inventor, J Standard, awarded patent for making the refrigerator.

On this date in 1891, inventor J. Standard (sometimes referred to as John Standard) was awarded a patent US455891A for his non-electrical... Continue →

14
Jul

1885 - Sara E. Goode invented the cabinet bed.

On this date in 1885, Sara E. Goode was awarded a patent 322,177 for the cabinet bed. The cabinet bed was an innovative piece of furniture designed... Continue →

17
Jul

1888 - Miriam E. Benjamin (School teacher) issued patent.

On this date in 1888, Miriam E. Benjamin, an African American school teacher, was granted a Patent number 386,289 for her invention, which was a... Continue →

18
Jul

1899 - L.C. Bailey granted patent # 620,286

On this date 1899, L.C. Bailey was granted U.S. Patent #620,286 for the invention of the folding bed. This design allowed the bed to be conveniently... Continue →

25
Jul

1916 - Inventor of the gas mask, Garrett T Morgan, rescues six.

Garrett T. Morgan is widely recognized for his significant contribution to safety with the invention of the gas mask. On July 25, 1916, he famously... Continue →

4
Aug

1885 - William C. Carter patents an umbrella stand

On August 4, 1885, William C. Carter patented an umbrella stand, a simple yet practical design to hold umbrellas, typically in an upright position.... Continue →

10
Aug

1894 - George Washington Murray read into the Congressional Record a list of 92 patents

on August 10, 1894, George Washington Murray, an African American inventor and politician, read into the Congressional Record a list of 92 patents... Continue →

21
Aug

1877 - Inventor, AP Abourne was awarded patent for refining coconut oil.

Inventor, AP Abourne was awarded patent 194,287 for refining coconut oil, 1877

23
Aug

1954 - Inventor Philip Emeagwali was born

Philip Emeagwali, a Nigerian-American inventor, was born on August 23, 1954, in Akure, Nigeria. He is known for his groundbreaking work in... Continue →

30
Aug

1881 - W.S. Campbell patents improved animal trap

On August 30, 1881, W.S. Campbell patented the self-setting animal trap, which is patent number 246,369. This innovation made it easier for people to... Continue →

2
Sep

1884 - John Parker patents "Parker Pulverizer"

On September 2, 1884, John Parker was granted U.S. Patent #304,552 for a "Follower-Screw for Tobacco Presses." This patent was for an innovative... Continue →

2
Sep

1766 - Abolitionist, inventor, entrepreneur, James Forten was born on this date.

James Forten was born on September 2, 1766, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a prominent African American abolitionist, inventor, and... Continue →

4
Sep

1923 - George Washington Carver of Tuskegee Institute received the Spingarn Medal.

On September 4, 1923, George Washington Carver, the renowned agricultural scientist and educator, received the Spingarn Medal. The medal, awarded by... Continue →

4
Sep

1848 - Inventor and engineer, Louis Latimer was born.

Louis Latimer was born on September 4, 1848, in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He was an African American inventor and engineer, best known for his work on... Continue →

5
Sep

1899 - J. Ross patents Bailing Press

On September 5, 1899, J. Ross was granted U.S. Patent No. 632,539 for a Bailing Press. This device was an important innovation in the field of... Continue →

13
Sep

1881 - Louis Howard Latimer patents his electric lamp with a carbon filament.

On this date in 1881, Louis Howard Latimer patents his electric lamp with a carbon filament.

15
Sep

1852 - Inventor Jan E. Matzeliger born

On this date in 1852, Inventor Jan E. Matzeliger was born in Dutch Guyana and immigrated to the US in 1878. He patented a shoe lasting machine in... Continue →

21
Sep

1891 - Inventor, FW Leslie, patents the envelope seal, 1891

Inventor, FW Leslie, patents the envelope seal, 1891

23
Sep

1884 - Judy W. Reed patents dough kneader and roller

On this dated in 1884, Judy W. Reed patents dough kneader and roller, Patent No. 305,474

30
Sep

1975 - Virgie Ammons patents fireplace damper actuator

Virgie M. Ammons of Eglon, West Virginia "Inside the fireplace chimney is a device called a "Damper". The damper is opened and closed to allow smoke... Continue →

6
Oct

1895 - Riding Saddle

On this date in 1895, W.D. Davis patented an improved riding saddle. Davis invented his saddle while serving as a buffalo soldier, African American... Continue →

7
Oct

1890 - Humphrey H. Reynolds patents safety gate for bridge

On this date in 1890, Humphrey H. Reynolds, patents Safety Gate for Bridges, Patent No. 437,937

9
Oct

1888 - Obadiah.B. Clare patents rail trestle

ON this date in 1888, Obadiah. B. Clare, patents Trestle, Patent# 390,753

9
Oct

1806 - Mathematician Benjamin Banneker dies.

On this date in 1806, Mathematician Benjamin Banneker (74) dies, in Ellicott's Mills, Maryland.

10
Oct

1899 - Issac R. Johnson patents folding bicycle frame

Inventor Isaac R.Johnson patented his frame of a bicycle which can be separated or folded to store in the trunk of a car or other small places. This... Continue →

11
Oct

1898 - Shampoo Headrest patented.

ON this date in 1898, C.O. Bailiff patented the shampoo headrest. Patent #US612008 A

11
Oct

1887 - Elevator and Safety Devices Invented

On this date in 1887, the elevator as well as safety devices for elevators where invented by Alexander Miles, Patent # 371,207

13
Oct

1914 - Garrett T Morgan patents the gas mask, Patent #US1113675 A

O this date in 1914, Garrett T Morgan patents the gas mask. Patent #US1113675 A

14
Oct

1834 - Harry Blair patents his corn-planting machine.

On this date in 1834, Harry Blair patents his corn-planting machine. The planter resembled a wheelbarrow, with a compartment to hold the seed and... Continue →

21
Oct

1986 - George Alcorn patents fabrication of spectrometer

Patent # 4,618,380 George E. Alcorn (Reston, VA) patents method of fabricating an imaging X-ray spectrometer.

21
Oct

1980 - Valerie Thomas invents the illusion transmitter

On this date in 1980, Valerie Thomas invented the illusion transmitter. Patent #US4229761.

25
Oct

1915 - Attorney James L. Curtis named minister of Liberia

On this date in 1915, Attorney James L. Curtis named minister of Liberia.

25
Oct

1892 - Lincoln .F. Brown patents bridle bit

On this date in 1892, Lincoln F. Brown patents Bridle bit. Patent No. 484,994

26
Oct

1806 - Benjamin Banneker, inventor and scientist, dies

On this dated in 1806, Benjamin Banneker, inventor and scientist, dies at the age of 74. In 1753, he borrowed a pocket watch from a well-to-do... Continue →

27
Oct

1891 - P.B. downing patents Street Letter Drop Box

On this date in 1891, P. B. Downing's Street Letter Mail Box patented. Patent No. 462,096 and a patent #462,093 for the mailbox (letterbox).

31
Oct

1899 - W.F. Burr patents railway switch

W.F. Burr patents Switching device Oct.31,1899 Patent # 636,197

1
Nov

1898 - C.W. Allen patents table (self-leveling)

ON this date in 1898, C. W. Allen Self-leveling table. Patent No.613,436

3
Nov

1896 - J.H. Hunter patents portable weighing scales

On this date in 1896, J. H. Hunter Portable Weighing Scales. Patent No. 570,533

4
Nov

1879 - T Elkins puts patents on the refrigerating apparatus.

On this date in 1879, T. Elkins puts patents on the refrigerating apparatus. U.S. patent #221,222

9
Nov

1731 - Benjamin Banneker, Pioneering African American Scientist and Almanac Author, Is Born

Benjamin Banneker was born on this day in Ellicott Mills, Maryland, to a free African American woman and a formerly enslaved father. Despite having... Continue →

10
Nov

1891 - Granville T. Woods Patents Electric Railway Technology

On November 10, 1891, prolific African American inventor Granville T. Woods was granted a patent for an electric railway system. Known as the... Continue →

11
Nov

1969 - Dr. George R. Carruthers Patents the Image Converter

Dr. George R. Carruthers, an African American physicist and inventor, was granted a patent for the Image Converter, a device that helped detect... Continue →

11
Nov

1890 - D. McCree patents portable Fire Escape

D. McCree, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 440,322 for a portable fire escape. His design focused on improving public... Continue →

13
Nov

1894 – A.C. Richardson Patents the Casket Lowering Device

A.C. Richardson, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 529,311 for a casket lowering device. This innovation provided a safer and... Continue →

14
Nov

1950 - Lydia Holmes patents wood toys

On this day, Lydia D. Holmes, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 2,529,828 for her innovative design of educational wooden... Continue →

15
Nov

1887 - Granville T Woods patents the Synchronous Multiplier Railway Telegraph.

Granville T. Woods, a prolific African American inventor known as "the Black Edison," was granted a patent for his Synchronous Multiplex Railway... Continue →

15
Nov

1898 – Lyda A. Newman Patents Improved Hairbrush

Lyda A. Newman, an African American inventor and women’s rights activist in New York City, was granted U.S. Patent No. 614,335 for an innovative... Continue →

20
Nov

1923 – Garrett Morgan Granted Patent for Three-Position Traffic Signal

On this day, Garrett T. Morgan, a Black American inventor and entrepreneur, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,475,024 for his innovative three-position... Continue →

21
Nov

1933 - S.H. Love patents improved vending machine

S.H. Love, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,936,515 for an improved vending machine. His design allowed for better control... Continue →

23
Nov

1897 – Andrew J. Beard Patents the Improved Railroad Coupler

Andrew Jackson Beard, an African American inventor and former slave, was granted a patent on November 23, 1897, for an improved version of the... Continue →

23
Nov

1897 – J.L. Love Patents the Pencil Sharpener

John Lee Love, an African American inventor, received U.S. Patent No. 594,114 for his design of a portable pencil sharpener. Known as the "Love... Continue →

27
Nov

1928 – Marjorie Joyner Patented the Permanent Wave Machine

Marjorie Joyner, an African American inventor and businesswoman, was granted U.S. Patent No. 1,693,515 for her invention of the permanent wave... Continue →

30
Nov

2001 – Robert Tools, First Recipient of AbioCor Artificial Heart, Passes Away

Robert Tools, the first human to receive the AbioCor fully self-contained artificial heart, died at age 59 due to multiple organ failure after... Continue →

30
Nov

1875 – A.P. Ashbourne Patents the Biscuit Cutter

Alexander P. Ashbourne, an African American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 170,460 for a biscuit cutter. His invention automated the process... Continue →

1
Dec

1874 - T.J. Byrd patents rail car coupling

On December 1, 1874, T. J. Byrd was granted U.S. Patent No. 157,370 for an improvement in car couplings, a device crucial for connecting railroad... Continue →

2
Dec

1969 – Marie Van Brittan Brown Awarded Patent for First Home Security System

Marie Van Brittan Brown, a Black American inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 3,482,037 for her invention of the first home security system.... Continue →

2
Dec

1884 – Granville T. Woods Patents His First Electrical Invention

On this day, Granville T. Woods, often called the “Black Edison,” was granted a patent for his improved telephone transmitter. This device... Continue →

3
Dec

1922 – Ralph Gardner-Chavis Born

Ralph Gardner-Chavis, born in Cleveland, Ohio, was a pioneering African American chemist whose research played a crucial role in the development of... Continue →

10
Dec

1846 – Norbert Rillieux Patents the Multiple-Effect Evaporator

Norbert Rillieux, a free-born Black inventor and chemical engineer from New Orleans, patented his multiple-effect evaporator under vacuum on this... Continue →

11
Dec

1928 – Inventor Lewis Howard Latimer Passed Away

Lewis H. Latimer, an accomplished African American inventor and engineer, died on this day in Flushing, New York. He began his career as a draftsman... Continue →

12
Dec

1899 – George F. Grant Patents Wooden Golf Tee

Dr. George F. Grant, an African American dentist, professor, and inventor, was granted U.S. Patent No. 638,920 for a wooden golf tee. A... Continue →

15
Dec

1883 – William A. Hinton, Renowned Bacteriologist, Is Born

William Augustus Hinton, a pioneering African American bacteriologist and pathologist, was born on this day. He is best known for developing the... Continue →

15
Dec

1896 - Black Women Inventors

On December 15, 1896, Julia Terry Hammonds, an African American inventor from Lebanon, Illinois, was granted U.S. Patent No. 572,985 for her... Continue →

23
Dec

1919 - Alice H Parker patents the gas heating furnace

Alice H. Parker, an African American inventor, was granted a patent for a gas-powered central heating system that used natural gas to provide warmth... Continue →

28
Dec

1897 - C.V. Rickey patents Fire Escape bracket

On this day in 1897, inventor C. V. Rickey was granted U.S. Patent No. 596,427 for a fire escape bracket. This innovation contributed to safer... Continue →