Last Updated: 03 Sep, 2023 | Views: 579
Age: 80
Profession: Inventor
Other Profession(s): Engineer, Author, Patent Consultant, Draftsman, Navy Landsman
Famous For: Inventor of carbon filament
Higher Education: Graduated
About (Profile/Biography):
Lewis Howard Latimer, a well-known African American inventor, was born in Massachusetts. Latimer's parents had fled from slavery. Therefore, he had to grow up in challenging circumstances. Later, his father was located and put on trial for being a fugitive. Despite being released from slavery, George had to go into hiding because of the circumstances of the time.
Career:
Latimer learned mechanical drawing and drafting by watching the draughtsmen while employed by the patent law business.
He co-invented and patented an improved railcar bathroom in 1874.
Graham Bell hired him to draft the 1876 telephone patent application illustrations.
In 1880, he was employed as an assistant manager by the "U.S. Electric Lighting Company."
He enhanced the functionality of Thomas Edison's electric lightbulb.
In 1882, he disbanded the "U.S. Electric Lighting Company."
He was employed by the "Edison Electric Light Company" in 1884.
He received a patent for "Supporter for electric lighting" throughout his illustrious career.
In 1890, he wrote with another author the book "Incandescent Electric Lighting: A Practical Description of the Edison System."
After retiring, he worked for the patent law company "Howard and Schwarz."
He was admitted to the "Edison Pioneers" in 1918.
Achievements and Awards:
A public school in Brooklyn has been named after Latimer in his honor.
He was admitted into the "National Inventors Hall of Fame" in 2006.
Unknown Facts:
In night classes, he instructed adults.
He was a founding member of Flushing, New York's Unitarian Church.