Electric Automobile Self-Starter Is Patented
The electric automobile self-starter, patented by Charles F. Kettering on August 17, 1915, revolutionized vehicle operation by eliminating the need for manual cranking, which was both labor-intensive and potentially hazardous. Before this invention, starting a car required a hand crank that could cause injury if not handled properly. Kettering’s innovative self-starter used a lightweight 24-volt battery and a feedback mechanism to recharge while the vehicle was running, making it practical for everyday use. The Cadillac Car Company was the first to implement this technology, marking a significant advance in the automotive industry. Kettering's contributions extended beyond the self-starter; he was instrumental in various automotive advancements during his tenure at General Motors, where he also contributed to the development of four-wheel brakes and other innovations. His work not only enhanced the safety and efficiency of automobiles but also played a pivotal role in the growth of the consumer automobile market. Additionally, Kettering's legacy includes his co-founding of the Sloan-Kettering Institute of Cancer Research, demonstrating his commitment to both technology and public health.
Electric Automobile Self-Starter Is Patented
Electric Automobile Self-Starter Is Patented
On August 17, 1915, Charles F. Kettering patented the electric self-starter for automobiles. This invention contributed greatly to the growth of the worldwide consumer automobile market, since it made cars easier to operate.
Kettering was born on August 29, 1876, in Loudonville, Ohio. He was educated in engineering at Ohio State University and graduated in 1904. Afterward he worked for the National Cash Register company (NCR), where he earned a reputation as a gifted inventor after developing the first electric cash register. He left NCR in 1909 and established Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO) with Edward A. Deeds. There Kettering began to work on self-starting mechanisms for automobiles, which at the time had to be cranked by hand in order to start. It was a laborious and sometimes dangerous task, since the crank was often attached directly to the drive shaft and therefore could fly out of the operator's hand once the motor started. Kettering developed a starter that, including the storage battery needed to run it, was light enough to be carried on an automobile chassis. It used a 24-volt battery with a feedback mechanism to recharge the battery once the car was running.
The Cadillac Car Company was the first to use Kettering's new starter. After patenting his device in 1915, Kettering sold DELCO to General Motors in 1916. He worked as head of research for General Motors for more than 30 years, where he helped to develop four-wheel brakes, fast-drying automobile paint; a lightweight and practical engine for diesel locomotives; safety glass; Freon, an improved coolant for refrigerators; and highoctane leaded gasoline, among other items. Kettering also cofounded the Sloan-Kettering Institute of Cancer Research in 1945 with Alfred Sloan, president of General Motors. He retired in 1947 and was the holder of some 140 patents when he died on November 25, 1958, in Dayton, Ohio. Kettering's inventions helped improve the quality and popularity of automobiles all over the world.