Black American Inventions 1900 – 1949

🌟 The Age of Refinement and Systemic Challenge: Black Inventions (1900–1949)

The first half of the 20th century was a pivotal era for African American inventors, characterized by the continued integration of their innovations into modern systems, despite the pervasive and intensifying legal and social restrictions of the Jim Crow era and the turbulence of two World Wars.

1. The Apex of Systemic Innovation

African American inventors moved beyond pioneering simple tools to designing complex, integrated systems that addressed the high demands of the industrial, urban, and military sectors:

Automobile Safety and Convenience: With the rise of the car, inventors focused on utility and maintenance. Garrett Morgan’s three-position traffic signal (patented in 1923, after this period but based on earlier work) revolutionized urban traffic control and safety. Richard Spikes invented the automatic gear shift and improved the turn signal.
Aviation and Transportation: Inventor Charles H. Drew, though not a patent holder, developed blood plasma preservation techniques that were critical for saving lives during World War II, revolutionizing medical logistics. Frederick McKinley Jones developed automatic refrigeration units for trucks and rail cars, completely transforming food transport and storage.
Consumer Technology: While still limited, inventions continued to focus on domestic and commercial convenience, refining earlier ideas. For instance, Madame C.J. Walker (Sarah Breedlove) built an empire based on specialized hair care products and manufacturing methods, though the bulk of her innovation was in formulation and business strategy.

2. Economic and Social Landscape

This period saw a peak in both contribution and constraint for Black inventors:

Peak Patenting: Black patenting rates remained notably high at the turn of the century, largely due to the documentation efforts of figures like Henry E. Baker (U.S. Patent Office examiner), who cataloged thousands of Black-held patents. Baker’s work provided crucial data, counting 461 patents issued to Black Americans between 1870 and 1889, and showing continued activity into the early 20th century.
The Great Migration: The mass movement of Black citizens from the rural South to industrial Northern cities provided new access to factories, tools, and technical resources, fostering a concentration of mechanical ingenuity.
Racial and Economic Suppression: Despite technical achievements, inventors still faced immense challenges. Jim Crow laws in the South, combined with rampant de jure and de facto segregation nationwide, severely restricted access to capital, legal services, and the markets needed to sell inventions. As noted by economist Lisa Cook, the environment of racial violence and theft often deterred Black citizens from patenting, as the legal system offered little protection against having their ideas stolen by white competitors.

3. Laying the Groundwork for the Modern Era

The innovations of 1900–1950 often bridged the gap between the purely mechanical solutions of the 19th century and the electrical/electronic age that followed:

The Intersection of Industries: Inventors like Frederick Jones and Morgan demonstrated how solving a problem in one area (refrigeration) could revolutionize another (transportation), establishing the template for modern logistics.
World War II Contributions: The period culminated with crucial contributions to the war effort, particularly in medicine (Dr. Drew’s blood banking) and transport stability (Jones’s reliable refrigeration), showcasing Black ingenuity as a direct national asset.

In conclusion, the first half of the 20th century saw African American inventors create sophisticated, market-ready solutions for a rapidly modernizing society, contributing massively to public safety, logistics, and industry, often in the face of maximum legal and social opposition.

(Pages in Progress)

1900 – 1909

1910 – 1919

Lamp fixture – Lewis Howard Latimer – 1910 – Patent: US968787A
Indicator or Bulletin – Ned E. Barnes – 1910 – Patent: US969592A
Self-locking rack for billiard cues – Richard Bowie Spikes – 1910 – Patent: US972277A
Bedstead Extensions – Oscar Robert Cassell – 1911 – Patent: US990107A
Folding Chair – Nathaniel Alexander – 1911 – Patent: US997108A
Timing device – Charles Fred White – 1912 – Patent: US1018799A
Automatic serving system – James Doyle – 1912 – Patent: US1019137A
Flying Machines – Oscar Robert Cassell – 1912 – Patent: US1024766A
Phonograph – Joseph Hunter Dickinson – 1912 – Patent: US1028996A
Sanitary attachment for drinking glasses – Luther McNair – 1912 – Patent: US1034636A
Angle Indicator – Oscar Robert Cassell – 1912 – Patent: US1038291A
Device for removing and inserting taps and plugs in water mains – William Hearns – 1912 – Patent: US1040538A
Flying machine – Walter G. Madison – 1912 – Patent: US1047098A
Wheel – Brinay Smartt – 1913 – Patent: US1052290A
Railway Signal Apparatus – David Baker – 1913 – Patent: US1054267A
Telephone register and lock-out device – Charles V. Richey – 1913 – Patent: US1063599A
Tallying machine – Robert A. Pelham – 1913 – (No patent number provided)
Envelope moistener – James M. Brooks – 1914 – Patent: US1092688A
Package-tie – John S. Allen – 1914 – Patent: US1093096A
Server for automatic serving systems – James Doyle – 1914 – Patent: US1098788A
Bedstead Extension – Oscar Robert Cassell – 1914 – Patent: US1105487A
Gas mask – Garrett A. Morgan – 1914 – Patent: US1113675A
Automatic film mover – Ned E. Barnes – 1915 – Patent: US1124879A
Life preserver – Samuel J. Hines – 1915 – Patent: US1137971A
Signal Apparatus High Water Indicator for Bridges – David Baker – 1915 – Patent: US1154162A
Leprosy treatment injection – Alice Augusta Ball – 1915 – (No patent number provided)
Tie Plate for Railroad – Ned E. Barnes – 1916 – Patent: US1180467A
Fruit press – Madeline M. Turner – 1916 – Patent: US1180959A
Gun – William D. Polite – 1917 – Patent: US1218458A
Automatic stopping and releasing device for mine cars – George M. Johnson – 1917 – Patent: US1249106A
Phonograph – Joseph Hunter Dickinson – 1918 – Patent: US1252411A
Machine gun – Clarence Gregg – 1918 – Patent: US1277307A
Spectrometers – Elmer Samuel Imes – 1918 – (No patent number provided)
Heating furnace – Alice H. Parker – 1919 – Patent: US1325905A

1920 – 1929

Automatic railway car door – Walter N. McClennan – 1920 – Patent: 1333430
Hoisting and loading mechanism – Mary Jane Reynolds – 1920 – Patent: 1337667
Float-operated circuit-closer – Mary Toland – 1920 – Patent: 1339239
Comb – Sacramenta G. Tankins – 1920 – Patent: 1339632
Apparatus for returning water to boilers – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1920 – Patent: 1353457
Propelling means for airplanes – James S. Adams – 1920 – Patent: 1356329
Woodworking machine – Simon Vincent – 1920 – Patent: 1361295
Comb – Walter H. Sammons – 1920 – Patent: 1362823
Hypophyscope – William Harry Barnes – 1920 – (No patent number provided)
Airplane safety appliance – Hubert Julian – 1921 – Patent: 1379264
Comb – Samuel T. Crawford – 1921 – Patent: 1381804
Pneumatic tire – Norman Jackson – 1921 – Patent: 1384134
Flying Machine – Oscar Robert Cassell – 1922 – Patent: 1406344
Picture projection theater – Arthur L. MacBeth – 1922 – Patent: 1419281
Wrench – Jack Johnson – 1922 – Patent: 1413121
Car door actuating mechanism – Walter N. McClennan – 1922 – Patent: RE 15338
Vehicle wheel – Neal Moore Robinson – 1922 – Patent: 1422479
Theft-preventing device for vehicles – Jack Johnson – 1922 – Patent: 1438709
Pneumatic – toy pistol – Benedict F. Edelin – 1923 – Patent: US1441975A
Improvement on 815059 – Ned E. Barnes – 1923 – Patent: 1446957
Motor control system for self-serving tables – Essex Delaotch – 1923 – Patent: 1466890
Automatic traffic signal – Garrett A. Morgan – 1923 – Patent: 1475024
Coin mechanism – Walter N. McClennan – 1924 – Patent: 1518208
Cosmetics & Plant Products – George Washington Carver – 1925 – Patent: 1522176
Railroad crossing flag signal – Clifton M. Ingram – 1925 – Patent: 1526215
Design for a traffic signal casing – Hassel D. Robinson – 1925 – Patent: D 66703
Paints & Stains – George Washington Carver – 1925 – Patent: 1541478
Vehicle parking attachment – Oliver L. Thompson Thompson – 1925 – Patent: 1541670
Well drilling tool – Clifton M. Ingram – 1925 – Patent: 1542776
Aeroplane – William Hale – 1925 – Patent: 1563278
Work cabinet – Ambrose Caliver – 1926 – Patent: 1568498
Cap and collar case – James J. Coles – 1926 – Patent: 1577632
Traffic signal for automobiles – Hassel D. Robinson – 1926 – Patent: 1580218
Automatic Cashier – Bertram F. Baker – 1926 – Patent: 1582659
Combination milk bottle opener and cover – Richard Bowie Spikes – 1926 – Patent: 1590557
Self-directing headlight – Samuel Moore – 1926 – Patent: 1608903
Interliners to Prevent Tire Punctures – David Baker – 1927 – Patent: 1620054
Display rack – Richard Warren – 1927 – Patent: 1619900
Paints & Stains – George Washington Carver – 1927 – Patent: 1632365
Tie Plate and Joint Brace – Ned E. Barnes – 1928 – Patent: 1655305
Vehicle-headlight mechanism – Samuel Moore – 1928 – Patent: 1658534
Locomotive headlight – Samuel Moore – 1928 – Patent: 1659328
Combination cotton thinning and cultivating machine – James King – 1928 – Patent: 1661122
Method and apparatus for setting thermostats – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1928 – Patent: 1661323
Motor vehicle – William Hale – 1928 – Patent: 1672212
Pole Post and Tree Protector – Ned E. Barnes – 1928 – Patent: 1673729
Firearm – Felix B. Jones – 1928 – Patent: 1685673
Electric heater – Elbert Stallworth – 1928 – Patent: 1687521
Permanent waving machine – Marjorie Stewart Joyner – 1928 – Patent: 1693515
Automobile key and license holder – Edward H. C. Thomas – 1928 – Patent: 1693006
Food product and process of producing the same – Jay Montgomery – 1928 – Patent: 1694680
Hobby horse – Samuel Moore – 1929 – Patent: 1705991
Safety window cleaning device – Virginia Scharschmidt – 1929 – Patent: 1708594
Combined sleigh and boat – Robert Dedmon – 1929 – Patent: 1716230
Self-feeding attachment for furnaces – Firmin Charles Brown – 1929 – Patent: 1719258
Electric chamber – Elbert Stallworth – 1929 – Patent: 1727842
Iron alloy – James A. Parsons, Jr. – 1929 – Patent: 1728360

1930 – 1939

Manicuring device – Sylvester S. Jones – 1930 – Patent: 1742862
Airplane appliance – James C. Evans – 1930 – Patent: 1749858
Airplane appliance to prevent ice formation – Richard E.S. Toomey – 1930 – Patent: 1749858
Differential vacuum pump – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1930 – Patent: 1755430
Assembled Composition Printing Process – Charles A. Bankhead – 1930 – Patent: 3097594
Hydraulic Jack – Charles M. Banks – 1930 – Patent: 1758640
Electrical hair treating implement – Solomon Harper – 1930 – Patent: 1772002
Jack – Charles M. Banks – 1930 – Patent: 1774693
Locomotive headlight – William N. Cobbs – 1930 – Patent: 1780865
Colloidal silver iodide compound – Keelan & Harry Sanderlin – 1930 – Patent: 1783334
Head lamp rim remover – Paul D. Burgin – 1931 – Patent: 1788507
Steam trap – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1931 – Patent: 1797258
Cuff for trousers – Louis W. Freeman – 1931 – Patent: 1805577
Lockout for outgoing calls for telephone systems – Charles V. Richey – 1931 – Patent: 1812984
Method of making silicon iron compounds – James A. Parsons, Jr. – 1931 – Patent: 1819479
Apparatus for automatically recording telephonic messages – Benjamin Thornton – 1931 – Patent: 1831331
Signaling device – Benjamin A. Crenshaw – 1931 – Patent: 1836705
Therapeutic lamps – Paul E. Johnson – 1932 – Patent: 1842100
Apparatus for automatically transmitting messages over a telephone line – Benjamin Thornton – 1932 – Patent: 1843849
Combination tooth brush and paste holder – Jesse Harrison – 1932 – Patent: 1844036
Method and means for treating human hair – Sacramenta G. Tankins – 1932 – Patent: 1845208
Flag staff – Francis D. Crichton – 1932 – Patent: 1855824
Advertising apparatus – Harry Jackson – 1932 – Patent: 1865374
Automatic discharge valve – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1932 – Patent: 1871044
Freezing temperature indicator – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1932 – Patent: 1874911
Refrigerating method and apparatus – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1932 – Patent: 1874912
Design for a doorcheck – Henry R. Lovell – 1932 – Patent: D 87753
Asphalt emulsion and manufacture thereof – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1932 – Patent: 1882834
Method and apparatus for obtaining average samples and temperature of tank liquids – Richard Bowie Spikes – 1932 – Patent: 1828753
Automatic blow-off – Theophilus Ealey Neal – 1932 – Patent: 1885466
Automatic gear shift – Richard Bowie Spikes – 1932 – Patent: 1889814
Shower bath spray – Theophilus Ealey Neal – 1933 – Patent: 1893435
Release Valve – Charles M. Banks – 1933 – Patent: 1893757
Exhausting mechanism – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1933 – Patent: 1893883
Time control system for telephones – Charles V. Richey – 1933 – Patent: 1897533
Automobile seat cape – Williams S. Hawkins – 1933 – Patent: 1899327
Aeroplane aerofoil wing – Jay H. Montgomery – 1933 – Patent: 1910626
Lawn mower attachment – Samuel J. Hines – 1933 – Patent: 1911278
Means for receiving mail and other matter on aeroplanes while in motion – Henry F. Stilwell – 1933 – Patent: 1911248
Protective coating – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1933 – Patent: 1914351
Bucket trap – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1933 – Patent: 1930224
Guard for downspouts – Ervin G. Greene – 1933 – Patent: 1930354
Transmission and shifting means therefor – Richard Bowie Spikes – 1933 – Patent: 1936996
Blood bank (Doctoral Thesis “Banked Blood”) – Dr. Charles Richard Drew – 1933 – (No patent number provided)
Vacuum pump – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1934 – Patent: 1972705
Design for a card for a chemistry card game – Dennis A. Forbes – 1934 – Patent: D 91996
Method of steam heating from central station mains – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1934 – Patent: 1963735
Spraying machine – Robert T. Smith – 1934 – Patent: 1970984
Refrigerating method and apparatus – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1934 – Patent: 1946524
Refrigerating apparatus and process – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1934 – Patent: 1972704
Process for treating silicon alloy castings – James A. Parsons, Jr. – 1934 – Patent: 1972103
Alarm clock electric switch – Elbert Stallworth – 1934 – Patent: 1972634
Steam heating apparatus – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1934 – Patent: 1977304
Steam heating system – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1934 – Patent: 1977303
Vacuum heating system – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1935 – Patent: 1986391
Solid seasoning composition containing capsicum and chloride – Carroll L. Griffth – 1935 – Patent: 1995119
Nonbleaching solid seasoning composition – Carroll L. Griffth – 1935 – Patent: 1995120
Stabilized solid seasoning composition – Carroll L. Griffth – 1935 – Patent: 1995121
Stabilized solid seasoning composition – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1935 – Patent: 1995121
Solid seasoning composition containing capsicum and chloride – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1935 – Patent: 1995119
Nonbleaching solid seasoning composition – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1935 – Patent: 1995120
Toy – Margaret Cheetham – 1935 – Patent: 1998270
Protective device for automobiles – Curtis L. Bryant – 1935 – Patent: 1999171
Fuel-valve lock for motor vehicles – Samuel Moore – 1935 – Patent: 2006027
Remote control proportional movement motor – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1935 – Patent: 2007240
Vitamin concentrate – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1935 – Patent: 2022464
Arch and heel support – Earl M. Stewart – 1936 – Patent: 2031510
Solid seasoning composition containing lecithin – Carroll L. Griffth – 1936 – Patent: 2032612
Solid seasoning composition containing lecithin – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1936 – Patent: 2032612
Protective appliance – Harry & Mary E. Jackson – 1936 – Patent: 2038491
Protective appliance – Harry & Mary E. Jackson – 1936 – Patent: 2053035
Method of heating – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1936 – Patent: 2064197
Self propelled toy fish – Arthur Lee – 1936 – Patent: 2065337
Burglar alarm switch – Harry & Mary E. Jackson – 1937 – Patent: 2071343
Leaf holder – Richard Taylor – 1937 – Patent: D 105 037
Remote control apparatus – James Metthew Allen – 1937 – Patent: 2085624
Effective temperature thermostat – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1937 – Patent: 2086258
Motor vehicle elevating and parking device – John P. Thompson – 1937 – Patent: 2086142
Effective temperature control apparatus – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1937 – Patent: 2094738
Exhausting method and apparatus – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1937 – Patent: 2096226
Dentist apparatus – William B. Jones – 1937 – Patent: 2096375
Manufacture of bleached pepper products – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1937 – Patent: 2097405
One pipe heating system regulating plate – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1937 – Patent: 2102197
Carborundum printing process – Dox Thrash – 1937 – (No patent number provided)
Portable electric light – Cap B. Collins – 1938 – Patent: 2105719
Sterilizing foodstuffs – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1938 – Patent: 2107697
Regulating radiator valve – David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr – 1938 – Patent: 2114139
Safety attachment for automotive vehicles – Robert Lee – 1938 – Patent: 2132304
Airplane – Hermon L. Grimes – 1938 – Patent: 2137486
Optical apparatus for indicating the position of a tool – Darnley E. Howard – 1939 – Patent: 2145116
Inhibited detergent composition – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1939 – Patent: 2155045
Ticket dispensing machine – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1939 – Patent: 2163754
Auxiliary circulating device for automobile heaters – Lionel F. Page – 1939 – Patent: 2170032

1940 – 1949

Sterilizing colloid materials – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1940 – Patent: 2189949
Corrosion-resisting ferrous alloy – James A. Parsons, Jr. – 1940 – Patent: 2200208
Recovery of sterols – Percy Lavon Julian – 1940 – Patent: 2218971
Protein composition of matter – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1941 – Patent: 2251334
Design for air conditioning unit – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1942 – Patent: D 132182
Machine for assembling and/or disassembling the parts of spring tensioned devices – Asa J. Taylor – 1942 – Patent: 2286695
Denture – Ulysses S. Walton – 1943 – Patent: 2314674
Bed Rack – Henrietta Bradberry – 1943 – Patent: 2320027
Yeast food – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1943 – Patent: 2321673
Load weighing and totaling device for cranes hoists and the like – Stephen H. Davis – 1943 – Patent: 2324769
Removable cooling units for compartments – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1943 – Patent: 2336735
Means for automatically stopping and starting gas engines – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1943 – Patent: 2337164
Emergency landing runway – Gus Burton – 1944 – Patent: 2351002
Puncture sealing composition and manufacture thereof – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1944 – Patent: 2357650
Manufacture of nitrogen-fortified whey concentrate – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1944 – Patent: 2363730
Two-cycle gas engine – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1945 – Patent: 2376968
Float operated mechanism – James H. Crumble – 1945 – Patent: 2384536
Capsicum-containing seasoning composition – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1945 – Patent: 2385412
Torpedo Discharge Means (Underwater Cannon) – Henrietta Bradberry – 1945 – Patent: 2390688
Croquignole iron – Jessie T. Pope – 1946 – Patent: 2409791
Production of protein hydrolysate flavoring material – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1947 – Patent: 2414299
Two-cycle gas engine – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1947 – Patent: 2417253
Fluid joint – Asa J. Taylor – 1948 – Patent: 2434629
Foot warmer – Joseph Ausbon Thompson – 1948 – Patent: 2442026
Manufacture of stable dry papain composition – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1949 – Patent: 2464200
Antioxidant – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1949 – Patent: 2464927
Electric release for toy guns – Clinton Jones – 1949 – Patent: 2474054
Automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1949 – Patent: 2475841
Starter generator – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1949 – Patent: 2475842
Means operated by a starter generator for cooling a gas engine – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1949 – Patent: 2475843
Means for thermostatically operating gas engines – Frederick McKinley Jones – 1949 – Patent: 2477377
Gelatin-base coating for food and the like – Lloyd Augustus Hall – 1949 – Patent: 2477742

My 2 cents

By Ed Odom