David Crosthwait (May 27, 1898 – February 25, 1976) was an African-American engineer and inventor. He was an expert in heat transfer, air ventilation and central air conditioning. Mr. Crosthwait redefined the technology of indoor climate control. Some of his inventions include a vacuum pump, an improved boiler system, and a new thermostat control, among other items. These inventions resulted in making the ventilation systems in larger buildings more effective. David Crosthwait designed the heat system for Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.
David Crosthwait was born in Nashville, Tennessee during the Spanish-American war. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri where he graduated and earned a full academic scholarship to Purdue University. Crosthwait received a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on temperature-regulating technology. He also received a Masters of Engineering degree from Purdue University. After graduation, he worked as a Research Engineer. Additionally, he has worked as a director and technical advisor for well-known and established HVAC companies across the country.
During his career, he designed the heating system for Radio City Music Hall at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Furthermore, he was the author of an instruction manual on heating and cooling with water and guides, standards, and codes that dealt with heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems. David Crosthwait received patents on 39 inventions relating to the design, installing, testing, and service of heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) power plants. In addition, he received 80 international patents. David Crosthwait was the first African-American to be named a fellow of The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers organization.