What specific device is W. A. Martin credited as the African American inventor who patented?
Answer
The modern door lock
W. A. Martin is specifically credited as the African American inventor who patented the modern door lock in 1889. While the concept of locks existed since antiquity, Martin's design represented a significant modernization that set a new standard for securing objects and spaces. This innovation implied an improved function, reliability, or a novel configuration suitable for common residential or commercial use, moving beyond simpler or specialized locks prevalent before that time. This distinction sets his work apart from earlier inventors, positioning his design as foundational to contemporary security standards.

Related Questions
When was W. A. Martin's ingenuity on the modern door lock officially recognized by the U.S. Patent Office?What specific device is W. A. Martin credited as the African American inventor who patented?What categorization is assigned to the impact of W. A. Martin's 1889 lock patent?What did securing the modern door lock patent suggest about Martin's expertise in the context of 1880s systemic friction?What fundamental need did W. A. Martin's mechanism address regarding property and space?What specific, earlier invention did Lewis Temple invent in the 1850s?What characteristic of the modern door lock means its success is often unnoticed in daily life?What action are social media accounts dedicated to Black history frequently taking regarding Martin's patent anniversary?How does Martin's modern door lock invention differ from Isaac H. Vaughan's patent in 1901?What major societal outcome is secured by Martin's effective, standardized lock system in rapid urbanization?