Three Inventors Who Changed the Heating and Cooling Industry
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning today would not be as advanced without the contributions of many inventors. Three names, in particular, are associated with some significant innovations in the industry: David Crosthwait, Alice H. Parker, and Lewis Latimer. This blog will highlight the work and significance of these three individuals in honor of Black History Month.
David Crosthwait
Born in 1898 in Nashville, TN, David Crosthwait was prominent in engineering in the early twentieth century. After earning a Bachelor’s and a Master’s from Purdue University, Crosthwait worked as a research engineer and developed a new and improved boiler and vacuum pumps for air conditioning systems. His other achievements include:
- An honorary doctorate from Purdue
- 39 U.S. patents
- 80 foreign patents
- Designing the heating system for Radio City Music Hall in New York City
- Was the first African American to be named a fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning
Alice H. Parker
Though little is known about the personal life of Alice H. Parker, what is recorded makes for a fascinating read. She applied for and received a patent for a gas furnace with ductwork before the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the Civil Rights Movement. This is a significant achievement considering the time.
Though central heating was not new, using natural gas as the heat source was a new idea, and she incorporated ductwork to transfer the heat around the whole house. Though the original design was never used, its basic concept inspired later successful gas furnace designs.
Lewis Latimer
Lewis Latimer was born to formerly enslaved people and lied about his age so he could enter the Army at 16 and was given an honorable discharge. To earn money to help feed his mother and siblings, Latimer began working a menial job at a local patent law office. He keenly observed the draftsman at their work and taught himself to draw. His employers took notice, and he was promoted to draftsman. He continued working in the field of patent law and worked with some of the greats in electrical engineering, even improving the designs. His contributions to modern society include the following:
- The Improved Light Bulb: Though Thomas Edison did invent the original light bulb, Lewis Latimer improved the design of the carbon filament and the manufacturing process, making it last longer and more affordable.
- The Telephone: He helped Alexander Graham Bell patent his telephone by drafting the necessary drawings.
- Air Conditioning: Latimer contributed to AC by inventing an evaporative air conditioner that helped pave the way for future designs.
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