Frederick McKinley Jones (1893–1961) was an African American inventor and entrepreneur best known for developing the first reliable mobile refrigeration system, which revolutionized the food and medical supply industries. His invention allowed perishable goods to be transported long distances without spoiling, greatly impacting the food distribution and military supply chains during World War II.
Jones held over 60 patents, many of them related to refrigeration, but he also worked on innovations in X-ray machines, sound equipment, and automatic ticket dispensers. He co-founded Thermo King, a company that became a leader in transport refrigeration. In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Technology in 1991, becoming the first African American to receive the honor.
