Engineering Spotlight - Elijah McCoy

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: "Frequently, if people want to make sure to get "the real thing" – a quality product or service – they ask for "the real McCoy." It's not certain where this phrase comes from, but many believe that it started with Elijah McCoy, one of the most prolific inventors in American history."

"During his lifetime, McCoy patented more than 50 inventions, none more famous than his automatic oil cup, which eventually became standard equipment on most locomotives and heavy machinery (MIT)."