Jones, Frederick McKinley (1893-1961), an African American inventor, created the first practical machine to refrigerate food during truck transport. Jones patented over 60 inventions . They included more than 40 innovations related to refrigeration . Jones was awarded the U.S. National Medal of Technology in 1991, 30 years after his death. He became the first African American to receive the award. The medal is the country’s highest honor for innovation.
Jones was born on May 17, 1893, near Cincinnati, Ohio. Instead of attending high school, he worked as an automobile mechanic. He acquired further technical knowledge while serving as a mechanic and electrician in the United States Army during World War I (1914-1918). After the war, Jones developed movie theater equipment, including sound-capable projectors and an automated ticket dispenser.
Since the mid-1800’s, businesses had used blocks of ice to keep perishable items cool during shipping. Mechanical refrigeration was invented in the late 1800’s. But the machinery was often damaged when mounted in trucks or train cars. In 1940, Jones patented a compact, sturdy refrigeration unit to be used in trucks. Jones established the U.S. Thermo Control Company with a partner, the American businessman Joseph Numero. The company was later renamed the Thermo King Corporation. Its truck-mounted refrigeration design proved successful and led to similar systems for ships, railcars, and airplanes. Mobile refrigeration helped create the frozen food industry in the 1900’s. It also improved nutrition by giving consumers year-round access to fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and other perishable foods produced around the world.
During World War II (1939-1945), Jones designed air-conditioning systems for battlefield hospitals. He also developed refrigerators for military camp kitchens. In addition, he created equipment to transport lifesaving medications and blood at stable temperatures. In 1944, the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers elected Jones the group’s first African American member. Jones died on Feb. 21, 1961, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
