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Year: 1920
Who: David Crosthwait (1898-1976)
Where: Kansas City, Missouri
What: Born in Nashville, Tennessee, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, David N. Crosthwait Jr. displayed a talent for engineering from a young age. He earned both a Bachelor of Science (1913) and a Master of Engineering (1920) from Purdue University, establishing a foundation for his groundbreaking contributions.
Crosthwait was a prolific inventor, holding 39 U.S. patents and 80 international patents. His inventions included a vacuum pump, a boiler, and thermostat controls designed to create more efficient heating systems, particularly for large buildings. Among his most notable accomplishments were the advanced heating systems he developed for iconic structures like New York City’s Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall during the 1920s and 1930s. These achievements underscored his expertise in heat transfer systems, air ventilation, and central air conditioning.
In addition to his inventive work, Crosthwait made significant contributions to engineering education and standards. He authored and revised manuals and guidelines on heating and cooling with water, as well as standards and codes for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. His written works continue to serve as essential resources in the field.
Crosthwait's impact was recognized throughout his career and beyond. In 1971, he became the first African American named a fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). He was also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In 1975, Purdue University honored him with an honorary doctorate, celebrating his unparalleled contributions to engineering. Crosthwait’s legacy endures as a testament to his ingenuity, determination, and the lasting influence of his innovations on modern building systems.
Sources:
Websites:
Google Patents. (n.d.). David Crosthwait Patents. https://patents.google.com/?assignee=David+Crosthwait&oq=David+Crosthwait&sort=old&page=1
Lemelson-MIT Program. (n.d.). David Crosthwait. https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/david-crosthwait
My Black History. (n.d.). David Crosthwait. https://www.myblackhistory.net/David_Crosthwait.htm
Purdue Alumnus. (n.d.). David Crosthwait: Pioneering Engineer. https://www.purduealumnus.org/david-crosthwait-pioneering-engineer/alumni/
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