Who is the most prolific African American inventor?

These innovative creations—and more—wouldn't exist today if it weren't for the brilliant minds of these 11 African American inventors. ... Thomas L. Jennings (1791-1859) was the first African American person to receive a patent in the U.S. read more

There's also Frederick McKinley Jones, who held over 40 patents based around refrigeration alone. He invented a few models of air conditioner, the modern refrigerated truck, a self starting gas engine, and was the first African American to be given the National Medal of Technology. read more

Thomas Alva Edison was widely known as the America's most prolific inventor, even after his death in 1931. He held a total of 1,093 U.S. patents (1,084 utility patents and 9 design patents). In 2003, he was passed by Japanese inventor Shunpei Yamazaki. On February 26, 2008, Yamazaki was passed by Australian inventor Kia Silverbrook. read more

In 2011 alone, there were over 90,000 US utility patents granted. That’s a huge number. Many of the patents don’t get made into inventions, but nonetheless, this is a list of the 10 most prolific inventors with the most US utility patents (not counting design patents). read more