Traceable history of a celebrated invention. The British scientist appearing in the last image is supposed to be the real inventor, but it was patented and perfected by another inventor in America.

Which invention are we talking about? Who is the British inventor and Who is the American inventor ?

For fake bonus points, identify everyone.

Cracked by: Bharath, KK, Raghuvansh, Manish Achuth, Sumanth Patlolla, rickde, Rogi, jowens, shrik, Vishwas B Sharma, Ananth, raklodramA, Rahulk and Dibyo