John Stanard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Stanard
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Sarah Elisabeth Jacobs
June 15, 1868 Toledo, Ohio, US
|
| Died | 1900 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Inventor |
| Known for | designing a new configuration for the refrigerator and oil stove |
John Stanard (born June 15, 1868 – died 1900) was an African-American inventor. He is famous for making important improvements to the refrigerator and the oil stove.
Sometimes, people spell his last name as "Standard," but his official patent papers show it as "Stanard" without a 'd'.
Contents
Early Life
We don't know much about John Stanard's childhood. He was born on June 15, 1868, in Newark, New Jersey. His parents were Mary and Joseph Stanard.
During that time, many Black people lived in New Jersey. They often faced unfair treatment and challenges because of their race. Even with these difficulties, John Stanard chose to work in engineering and design. This field was mostly made up of white people back then.
Stanard's Inventions
Some people think John Stanard invented the refrigerator. But that's not quite right! He actually designed a new and better way for refrigerators and oil stoves to work. His designs became very popular and were used in millions of appliances sold later on.
Refrigerator Design
On June 14, 1891, John Stanard received a patent for his refrigerator design. He created a special ice chamber that you filled by hand. This chamber was separate from the main part of the refrigerator.
He suggested putting this ice chamber in the bottom left corner. The main part of the refrigerator would be on the right. He added holes and ducts so that cold air could move from the ice chamber. This helped keep the food inside the refrigerator nice and cool.
Stanard wrote in his patent that these "cold-air ducts and perforations" helped keep the air moving. This meant that "water for drinking purposes... is always kept cool." His design did not use electricity or any power source.
Oil Stove Improvement
Two years earlier, on October 29, 1889, Stanard also got a patent for improving the stovetop. This was U.S. Patent No. 413,689.
His stove design saved space. It was perfect for places where space was limited, like on trains for buffet-style meals. Stanard explained that his invention improved "oilstoves." He said it helped cook "a great variety of meats, vegetables, &c., at one time."
Later Life
John Stanard passed away in 1900. He was about 31 or 32 years old.
Images for kids
-
Refrigerator, patent sheet #1
-
Refrigerator, patent sheet #2
-
Oil stove, patent sheet #1
-
Oil stove, patent sheet #2
