Elmer Lewis Greensfelder (February 7, 1892 in Baltimore, Maryland - December 19, 1966) was a playwright and inventor. In 1911 he graduated from Johns Hopkins University, and later he used his degree to serve in World War I.[1]

Plays

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In 1932 Elmer Greensfelder won a contest from the Drama League of America for his play Broomsticks-Amen!.[2] Greensfelder also wrote the play Half Past Heaven.[3] Some of his other plays include The Saints Draws a Daggar, The Crocodile Chuckles, Six Stokers Who Own the Bloomin' Earth, and Mark Twain.[4]

Patents

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Greensfelder was an inventor with numerous approved patents, including one for "Method and Apparatus For Synchronously Producing Sounds To Accompany Motion Pictures". This patent was a system that would make sound automatically play while a motion picture was playing.[5] Other patents include "Changeable Profile Toy"[6] and "Loose Leaf Binder".[7]

References

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  1. ^ Obituary of Elmer Greensfelder, Baltimore Sun, December 20, 1966
  2. ^ Donald Kirkley, "Little Theaters Here Cheer By Award Of Drama League", Baltimore Sun, January 31, 1932.
  3. ^ Donald Kirkley, "Half Past Heaven Is Presented At Play-Arts Guild", Baltimore Sun, October 29, 1931.
  4. ^ Holly, David. "Elmer Greensfelder", in Baltimore in American Literature. Johns Hopkins University, 1933.
  5. ^ United States Patent Office, Method and Apparatus For Synchronously Producing Sounds To Accompany Motion Pictures, Elmer Greensfelder, 1254684, 1918. (accessed October 25, 2009)
  6. ^ United States Patent Office, Changeable Profile Toys, Elmer Greensfelder, 2755577, 1956. (accessed October 17, 2009)
  7. ^ United States Patent Office, Loose Leaf Binder, Elmer Greensfelder, 1525777, 1925. (accessed October 25, 2009)