|
Charles F. Kettering (August 29, 1876 - November 25, 1958) was an inventor, teacher, humanitarian who made a substantial impact on our society. Having graduated in 1904 from Ohio State University with a degree in engineering, Kettering believed that the combination of hard work, ingenuity, technology and teamwork would make the world a better place. At his death in 1958, Kettering was a co-holder of more than 140 patents and possessed honorary doctorates from nearly 30 universities.
The Delco Products Division of General Motors Corporation was first created by Charles Kettering and Edward Deeds, after they developed an engine-driven generator, named the "Delco." It included an electric auto-ignition and self-starter for automobiles which first appeared in the 1912 Cadillac. Within a few years, Delco produced a complete starting, ignition and lighting system that is credited with the phenomenal rise of the automobile industry. He later developed the spark plug. Kettering became vice president of General Motors Research Corporation in 1920, and held the position of GM's head of research for 27 years.
Among his other inventions were:
- electric cash register
- freon for refrigerators and air conditioners. Ridgeleigh Terrace, Kettering's residence in Dayton, was the first air conditioned home in America.
- leaded gasoline
- quick drying paint for automobiles
- safety glass
- portable electric generator
- four-wheel brakes
- automatic transmission
- electric railway gate
- first synthetic aviation fuel
- World War I "aerial torpedo"
- incubator for premature infants
- pioneered the application of magnetism to mediacl diagnostic techniques
In 1945 Charles Kettering and Alfred Sloan established the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research in New York City.
A sampling of quotes from Kettering:
Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.
The only difference between a problem and a solution is that people understand the solution.
The opportunities of man are limited only by his imagination. But so few have imagination that there are ten thousand fiddlers to one composer.
The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.
Last updated: September 01, 2004.
© 1999-present by Answers Corporation. All rights reserved.
