Frederick M. Jones

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Frederick McKinley Jones (May 17, 1892 - February 21, 1961) was an African-American inventor who patented several products in the field of refrigeration. He had over 60 patents. He also made several innovations for sound equipment for "talkie" movies, but never patented them. Several of his unpatented inventions were duplicated and patented by others, such as the portable x-ray machine. The United States government used his portable air conditioner during World War II to preserve medicines and blood serum. He also received over 40 patents in the field of refrigeration.

His refrigeration unit became the first product of the Thermo King Corporation founded by Joe Numero.

Mr. Jones was the first African American to be awarded with the American National Medal of Technology (awarded posthumously on September 16, 1991).