Elijah McCoy’s patent for a “Lubricator Attachment”, No. 361,435, describes an innovative device designed for lubricating air-brake cylinders. Patented on April 19, 1887, this invention was a practical and cost-effective solution to a common problem faced by railroad companies.
The key innovations of this attachment included:
- The Slush-Cup: The device featured a valve with a hollow stem and a “slush-cup” at its top. This cup provided an emergency supply of oil. If a train’s main lubricator stopped working or its glass broke, the engineer could open the valve on the slush-cup to manually deliver oil to the air-brake cylinder.
- Dual Functionality: This design eliminated the need for railroad companies to carry two types of lubricators: a visible-feed lubricator for normal operation and a “blind-feed” lubricator for emergencies. McCoy’s attachment provided a single apparatus that could perform both functions, saving significant expense and hassle.
- Non-Conducting Handle: The main valve was equipped with a handle made of non-conducting material, allowing an engineer to operate it by hand even when the valve was excessively hot.
Societal Impact and Legacy
This patent is a perfect example of McCoy’s genius. He not only invented a superior product but also continually improved upon it to address real-world, day-to-day problems.
- Economic and Practical Efficiency: The ability to use a single apparatus for both normal and emergency lubrication saved railroad companies money and made maintenance simpler. It also ensured that vital components like air brakes could always be lubricated, which was a critical factor for safety.
- Industrial Reliability: This invention provided a reliable backup system that could prevent costly downtime and potential accidents. The engineer had a simple, immediate solution to a common problem, without having to stop the train or perform a complex repair.
- The “Real McCoy”: As with his other patents, this lubricator’s superior design and practicality made it highly sought after. The phrase “The Real McCoy” is widely believed to have originated from engineers who, when faced with numerous imitations, would only accept his authentic products.
- The Inventor’s Legacy: Elijah McCoy was a brilliant African American inventor who, despite immense racial discrimination, became a foundational figure in American industrial technology. His numerous patents were critical to the development of the railroad system and factory machinery.
