Inventors with Ingenuity

From peanut butter to the player piano, these black Americans from history have made a difference.
by Christina Danek

    In celebration of Black History Month, here is a look at some of the black Americans from history whose ideas, discoveries and inventions impact our everyday lives.
    Those who enjoy the convenience of air conditioning on scorching summer days, and the comfort of a heated home on chilly winter evenings, can thank David Crosthwait. An expert on heat transfer, air ventilation and central air conditioning, this black American holds 39 U.S. patents and 80 international patents for various temperature-regulating devices.
    All of the music appreciators out there should check out Joseph Hunter Dickinson. Around the turn of the 19th century, he invented improvements to a number of musical instruments including the reed organ and player piano. He also devised volume-regulating means for mechanical musical instruments.
    Although of no relation to our first president, George Washington Carver played in integral role in our society through his work in agricultural chemistry. He found over 200 uses for the peanut. Paper, ink, shampoo, shaving cream, caramel, cocoa and instant coffee are just a few items that are now made with peanut products, thanks to Carver. Read more