Explore Inventors Biography by Letter

  

Home A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Usefulref Home 
 

African Inventors

Invention Timeline

Nobel Laureates

Theophilus Van Kannel

Theophilus Van Kannel (1841 – December 24, 1919) was a Swiss-American inventor, famous for inventing the revolving door, patented on August 7, 1888.[1][2] He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Van Kannel, who was recognized for his invention with an award from the Franklin Institute, founded the Van Kannel Revolving Door Company, which eventually was bought out by the International Steel Company[3] in 1907. International Steel Company is the parent company of International Revolving Door Company. Theophilus had no family. He was awarded the John Scott Medal by Philadelphia for the usefulness in inventing the Revolving Door.

He invented and owned Witching Waves, an amusement ride introduced at Luna Park, Coney Island, in 1907.[2][4]

Van Kannel died in New York City of heart failure and was buried in West Park Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Theophilus Van Kannel, NNDB (Notable Names Database).
  2. ^ a b Hall of Fame / Inventor Profile: Theophilus Van Kannel, National Inventors Hall of Fame.
  3. ^ About Us, International Revolving Door Company.
  4. ^ Jeffrey Stanton, Coney Island — Independent Rides, 1997.