The First Automatic Lubrication System – A Tribute to Elijah McCoy
Authored by Jack McKenna, STLE President
As part of our Black History Month reflections, we’re celebrating Elijah McCoy, a pioneering Black inventor whose creation of the first automatic lubrication system revolutionized steam engine performance and reshaped industrial operations. His innovative design enabled continuous lubrication, boosting operational efficiency and reliability while inspiring the term “the real McCoy,” a lasting symbol of authenticity and excellence. With 57 patents to his name, McCoy’s legacy highlights the role of innovation and determination in driving industrial progress.
This tribute delves into McCoy’s pivotal contributions as one of the first lubrication engineers, his groundbreaking advancements in automatic lubrication systems, and the lasting impact of his work on reducing friction and enhancing machinery efficiency.
Reprinted with permission from the February 2025 issue of TLT, the official monthly magazine of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, an international not-for-profit technical society headquartered in Park Ridge, Illinois, www.stle.org.
Click the cover image below to access the full white paper.
