Garrett Morgan was an inventor and businessman from Cleveland who invented a device called the Morgan safety hood and smoke protector in 1914. Feb 9, 2015 - Explore Dana's board "Garrett Morgan" on Pinterest. See more ideas about Garrett morgan, African american inventors, Black history. Browse Garrett Morgan pictures, photos, images, GIFs, and videos on Photobucket Garrett Morgan was also granted a U.S. patent for an inexpensive-to-produce traffic signal. Here are photos and drawings that commemorate Clevelander Garrett A. Morgan's many innovations, and of scenes from the disaster at which his safety hood was first put to use. Morgan also discovered and developed a chemical hair-processing and straightening solution. Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr. (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963) was an African-American inventor, businessman, and community leader.His most notable inventions were a three position traffic signal and a smoke hood (the first modern gas mask) notably used in a 1916 tunnel construction disaster rescue.