Elijah J. McCoy

1844–1929

What Elijah contributed

Patented a device that continuously lubricated operating steam engines and locomotives.

The story

McCoy was a mechanical engineer who earned many patents. His 1872 lubricator delivered oil while machinery remained in motion; later patents refined this work.

Why it matters

It reduced shutdowns for manual oiling and improved the safety and efficiency of rail and industrial machinery.

Patent record
U.S. Patent 129,843