FREDERICK MCKINLEY JONES Biography - Pioneers, Explorers & inventors

 
 

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FREDERICK MCKINLEY JONES

Name: Frederick McKinley Jones                                                     
Born: May 17, 1892                                                                 
Died: February 21, 1961                                                             
                                                                                   
                                                                                   
Frederick McKinley Jones (May 17, 1892 - February 21, 1961) was an African-American 
inventor who patented several products in the field of refrigeration. He had       
over 60 patents. He also made several innovations for sound equipment for "talkie" 
movies, but never patented them. Several of his unpatented inventions were         
duplicated and patented by others, such as the portable x-ray machine. The         
United States government used his portable air conditioner during World War II     
to preserve medicines and blood serum. He also received over 40 patents in the     
field of refrigeration.                                                             
                                                                                   
His refrigeration unit became the first product of the Thermo King Corporation     
founded by Joe Numero.                                                             
                                                                                   
Mr. Jones was the first African American to be awarded with the American           
National Medal of Technology (awarded posthumously on September 16, 1991).