Elijah McCoy was an African American inventor born on May 2, 1844, in Colchester, Ontario, Canada. He is best known for his work in the field of lubrication systems for steam engines. McCoy developed a device that allowed trains to be lubricated while in motion, which significantly improved efficiency and reduced downtime. Throughout his life, McCoy patented over 50 inventions, many of which were related to machinery and engineering. His contributions to technology were so impactful that the phrase "the real McCoy" emerged, signifying authenticity and quality, often attributed to his innovative designs in the railroad industry.