List Verse: 10 Overlooked Inventors of the Gilded Age: Elijah McCoy - Automatic Engine Lubrication System

 

Elijah McCoy – Automatic Engine Lubrication System




Locomotives were a crucial component of the Gilded Age era, but the trains at that time featured several notable design flaws. Perhaps most notably, trains had to come to a complete stop before their engines could be lubricated. It was a common nuisance that Elijah McCoy helped solve when he patented the automatic lubricator in 1872.

That device was capable of automatically oiling steam engines, which greatly improved their efficiency and reliability. It was such a game changer for railroads that other manufacturers soon began making their own, often lesser versions of the device. Reportedly, the phrase “real McCoy” comes from those asking for McCoy’s invention by name to distinguish it from lesser products.

Note:  The above comes directly from their website.  Click here to read more.

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