Black History:  Special Delivery!!

 

signal

Station and Street  Indicator

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Thomas W. Stewart (1823 – 1890) was born in Kalamazoo, MI.  He is perhaps, best known for making design improvements to the mop.  In 1893, Stewart invented a new mop that had a clamp and springs which allowed the user to press a lever that would wring out the excess water in the mop.  He also designed the mop head to be detachable, making it easier to clean and replace.

Stewart also received a patent in 1883 for a station and street indicator.  Prior to his invention, there were only street signs that were used to provide warnings at train crossings.  Stewart’s invention worked by activating a lever that was built into the train tracks that indicated a train was coming.

Stewart also invented a metal binding machine in 1893.  The machine also had the capability of oscillating; making the process of bending steel safer and more efficient.

Sources:

https://www.reference.com/art-literature/thomas-w-stewart-s-biography-57b7f90167030510

https://www.thoughtco.com/thomas-stewart-the-mop-4077038

http://blackinventor.com/thomas-stewart/