David Crosthwait was born in 1898 and died in 1976.  He was an engineer, an inventor and considered an expert in heat transfer, ventilation, and air conditioning.  Crosthwait held numerous patents, as well as, designed the heating system for Radio City Music Hall.

During the 1920s and 30s, he invented an improved boiler, a new thermostat control and a new differential vacuum pump, all more effective for the heating systems in larger buildings.