Charles F. Kettering (1958- )

Charles F. Kettering (1958- )

Charles Franklin Kettering (August 29, 1876 – November 24 or November 25, 1958) was an American inventor, engineer, businessman, and the holder of 186 patents.[1] He was a founder of Delco, and was head of research at General Motors from 1920 to 1947. Among his most widely used automotive inventions were the electrical starting motor[2] and leaded gasoline.[3] In association with the DuPont Chemical Company, he was also responsible for the invention of Freon refrigerant for refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as well as for the development of Duco lacquers and enamels, the first practical colored paints for mass-produced automobiles. While working with the Dayton-Wright Company he developed the "Bug" aerial torpedo, considered the world's first aerial missile.[4] He led the advancement of practical, lightweight two-stroke diesel engines, revolutionizing the locomotive and heavy equipment industries. In 1927, he founded the Kettering Foundation, a non-partisan research foundation.

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Quotes·Quotations by Charles F. Kettering

Success

¶ Virtually nothing comes out right the first time. Failures, repeated failures, are fingerposts on the road to achievement. The only time you don't want to fail is the last time you try something.... One fails forward toward success.

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References

[1]^ a b Scharchburg, Richard P.. "Charles F. Kettering : Doing the right thing at the right time". Kettering.edu. Retrieved 2008-05-13. "His book of patents contains more than 300 separate applications." For the list of patents issued to Kettering, see, Leslie, Stuart W., Charles F. Kettering, 1876-1958 (Doctoral dissertation, University of Delaware, 1980, available at http://udel.worldcat.org/title/charles-f-kettering-1876-1958/oclc/9128472&referer=brief_results) (appendix VII, United States Patents Issued to Charles F. Kettering)
[2]^ Google Patents US Patent #1150523, filed June 15, 1911
[3]^ a b Method and Means for Using Low Compression Fuels US Patent #1635216, filed Jan 3, 1924
[4]^ a b Cornelisse, Diana G. Splendid Vision, Unswerving Purpose: Developing Air Power for the United States Air Force During the First Century of Powered Flight. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio: U.S. Air Force Publications, 2002. ISBN 0-16-067599-5.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_F._Kettering