Every item you eat was on a truck at some point. You can thank Frederick McKinley Jones for this, but it’s not how you think.
Why is Frederick McKinley Jones important?
Did you ever eat a hotdog? Most hotdog travel on a truck before it is delivered to a store. After it’s delivered to a store, you buy it and probably think nothing of it. Frederick McKinley Jones created an invention that made this possible. He created a way to keep a truck always refrigerated. This means food can travel great distances without spoiling.
Frederick McKinley Jones’ Inventions List: A Legacy of Innovation
Frederick McKinley Jones was a truly remarkable figure, an inventor and entrepreneur who left an indelible mark on modern society. Often hailed as the “King of Cool” due to his groundbreaking work in refrigeration, Jones secured more than 60 patents throughout his lifetime. Over 40 of these patents were specifically dedicated to refrigeration technology, but his inventive genius extended far beyond cooling systems.
Here is a comprehensive look at the diverse and impactful Frederick McKinley Jones inventions list:
- Portable Refrigeration Units: Jones is most famously recognized for pioneering portable refrigeration equipment. His most significant invention was an automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks and railroad cars. This ingenious roof-mounted cooling system revolutionized the transportation of perishable goods, allowing food to travel vast distances without spoiling. This innovation ensured that fresh produce could be available across the U.S. year-round. These units were also crucial during World War II, adapted to transport food, medicine, and blood for the United States military, playing a vital role in preserving blood serums for transfusions and ultimately saving lives. He further adapted these devices to fit trains and aquatic vehicles, making him a pioneer in mobile refrigeration.
- Military Air-Conditioning and Refrigerators: Demonstrating his commitment to military needs, Jones developed an air-conditioning unit specifically for military field hospitals and a refrigerator designed for military field kitchens.
- Sound Equipment for the Film Industry: Highlighting his diverse talents, Jones created a device that could combine moving pictures with sound. He was also commissioned to improve existing sound equipment used in the film industry.
- Movie Box Office Equipment: In 1939, Jones received his very first patent for a machine that automated the process of ticket delivery and change distribution for customers at movie box offices.
- Radio Transmitter: In Hallock, Minnesota, Jones was responsible for building the transmitter needed to broadcast programming for a new local radio station.
- X-Ray Machines: His patent portfolio also included designs for X-ray machines, notably a portable version.
- Engines: Jones held patents related to engines, including the design for a self-starting gas engine.
- Thermostat and Temperature Control System: A 1960 patent awarded to Jones recognized his invention of a thermostat and a comprehensive temperature control system.
Frederick McKinley Jones’ inventions were instrumental in the success of the U.S. Thermo Control Company, which he co-founded and is now widely known as Thermo King. This company experienced exponential growth, particularly during World War II, and was valued at millions of dollars by 1949. Jones’ technological advancements are recognized for redefining the global marketplace and having significant cultural reverberations worldwide.
Where was Frederick McKinley Jones born?
Jones was born in Covington, Kentucky in 1893. He moved with his father to Cincinnati, Ohio, which is near Covington. Covington is south of Cincinnati just across the Ohio river. You can consider Convington a suburb of Cincinnati but in another state. It’s interesting how urban areas develop. Cities don’t normally care about the boundary lines we draw.
What was it like living in Cincinnati during his time there?
There was a prominent black community established in Cincinnati named The West End. Jacob Schmidlapp a founder of Fifth Third Bank, believed that low-wage earners needed housing and other amenities at this time. Schmidlapp created the Cincinnati Model Homes Company (CMHC). The CMHC was an entire community. The community included an amphitheater, grocery store and housing that included bedrooms and indoor plumbing.
We’re not sure if Frederick McKinley Jones lived in The West End. However, there were efforts to improve the lives of black residents in Cincinnati with projects like the Cincinnati Model Homes Company undertook.
What hobbies did Frederick McKinley Jones have?
Frederick Jones loved to race cars. He did experience racism while racing. Many drivers didn’t want to race him because of the color of his skin. This is unfortunate, but it didn’t stop him from enjoying the sport.
How did Frederick McKinley Jones’ work get recognized?
Mr. Jones was a winner of the National Medal of Technology. He is also a member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Jones was inducted for his contributions to improving long distance transportation.
Where can I learn about more black inventors?
I recommend this book. There are a lot of great stories and insights that are gained by reading this one.
You can also check out other posts on this site that detail black inventors.