Francis Blake | |
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| Born | (1850-12-25)December 25, 1850 Needham, Massachusetts |
| Died | January 20, 1913(1913-01-20) (aged 62) Weston, Massachusetts |
| Occupation | Inventor |
| Spouse | |
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Francis Blake Jr. (December 25, 1850 – January 20, 1913) was an American inventor.
Francis Blake was born inNeedham, Massachusetts on December 25, 1850, the son of Caroline Burling (Trumbull) and Francis Blake, Sr.[1]
In 1879, he invented acarbon microphone for use in the telephone, and patented[2][3][4] it shortly afterThomas Edison invented a similar microphone that also used carbon contacts. Blake used a carbon button design that initially would not stay in adjustment, but with later improvements proved to be workable.Alexander Graham Bell hired Blake and put him to work withEmile Berliner who also invented a carbon microphone. The improved Berliner-Blake microphone was standard with the Bell company for many years.[5] Blake also improved the construction of themicrotome,[6][7] andphotographic shutter.[8]
Blake worked on theUnited States Coast Survey from his teenage years through early adulthood (1866-1878). He was a physicist and an amateur photographer.
In 1874, Blake married Elizabeth Livermore Hubbard (1849-1941) whose father provided land in Weston, on which Blake designed and built an elaborate house where he conducted his electrical experiments. They had two children: Agnes (Blake) Fitzgerald (b. 1876) and Benjamin Sewall Blake (b. 1877).
Blake was elected a member of theAmerican Antiquarian Society in 1900.[9]
He died at his home in Boston on January 20, 1913.[10]
