Elijah McCoy

inventor · engineer · steam power · innovation

Steam engine problem solver. Elijah McCoy invented a special lubrication system that automatically dripped oil onto moving parts of steam engines while they were running. Before his invention, workers had to stop the engines and oil them by hand, which wasted time and money.

Born in Canada. McCoy was born free on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie to parents who had escaped enslavement in Kentucky. His family moved back to the United States when he was young, and he grew up to become a brilliant engineer.

Prolific inventor. McCoy received dozens of patents for his lubrication inventions and improvements. His designs made engines more efficient and reliable, and they were used on ships, trains, and factories all over the world.

Honor and legacy. In 2012, the United States Patent and Trademark Office named its first regional office in Detroit, Michigan after McCoy to celebrate his incredible contributions to engineering and invention.