Are you a history lover? Would you like to learn what some African Americans have done to make our way of life better? You are in luck. You are about to learn how some African Americans have made significant contributions to society with their inventions.

Do you enjoy being able to buy and use a computer, radio and television at an affordable cost? You can thank Otis Boykin for that because he developed an electrical resistor for computers, radios and television sets that helped bring a reduced cost for these items.

Do you ever wonder how we would function without light bulbs? We know Thomas Edison invented the light bulb; however, Lewis Howard Latimer invented the filament that goes inside the light bulb.

If you have a lawn mower, does it cut grass neatly? If it does, thank Norman Bucknor for improving the rotary blade for lawn mowers.

Are you happy we have good medical technology? George Edward Alcorn invented the x-ray spectrometer.

Do you like to have the convenience of being able to carry a chair by folding it? Give credit to Nathaniel Alexander for improving the folding chair.

Do you have a fireplace that is safe to use and prevents the fire inside from getting out of control? Thank Virgie Ammons for inventing a fireplace dampener.

Once the railroad industry started, people risked their lives and safety hooking railroad cars together. In fact, Andrew Jackson Beard lost one of his legs putting railroad cars together before he invented the Jenny Coupler, a device that hooks railroad cars together.

Disabled people now have an easier time eating. Bessie Blount invented an electrical device to be worn around the neck that lets a tube feed a disabled person.

Do you have a good surveillance system at home? Thank Marie Brown for creating a video home surveillance security system.

Are you using heat in your home? David Crosthwait patented many heating systems and temperature-regulating devices.

Why do we have a system that helps people needing fresh blood? Charles Drew created the blood bank, a system that stores blood plasma.

Have you noticed that computers are faster now? In 1989, Philip Emeagwali created fast supercomputer software.

Like eating safe food? Lloyd Augustus created preserves for meats and other foods.

Do you use a machine to beat eggs? Thank Willis Johnson for making an improved mechanical egg beater.

Why is it safe to transport perishable foods for long distances? Frederick Jones invented an automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks.

Isn't it great we have good ways to put out fires? Percy Lavon Julian invented fire extinguishing equipment.

Do you like being warned about oncoming trains? Thank Thomas Stewart for inventing a railroad crossing indicator.

What did Doctor Daniel Hale Williams do? He paved the way for successful open heart surgery.

How would we use a fire escape without a ladder for it? Joseph Winters created the fire escape ladder.

Do you like your vehicle travel to be safe? Granville Woods improved electric railways and air brakes.

http://inventors.about.com/od/blackinventors/Famous_Black_Inventors.htm

Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com