You are here:
About.com

FREE Newsletter

 
Inventors
Charles Kettering (1876-1958) 
Charles Kettering was the inventor of the first electrical starter motor ignition system.
 
 More on 
Charles Kettering
Charles Kettering
Charles Kettering was the inventor of the first electrical ignition system - National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Biography of Charles Kettering
Charles Kettering was born on a farm near Loudenville, Ohio, August 29, 1876.
Charles Kettering - Electric Ignition
Charles Kettering invented dozens of important devices, but is best known as the founder of Delco, who brought automobiles into the Age of Electricity. 
Related Innovations
Automobile
Electricity
By Mary Bellis

"The world hates change, but it is the only thing that has brought progress." - Charles Kettering

The first electrical ignition system or electric starter motor for cars was invented by GM engineers Clyde Coleman and Charles Kettering. The self starting ignition was first installed in a Cadillac on February 17, 1911. The invention of the electric starter motor by Charles Kettering eliminated the need for hand cranking. United States Patent #1,150,523, was issued to Charles Kettering of Dayton, Ohio in 1915. 

Charles Kettering became the founder of Delco (Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company). He also went on to invent: other automotive lighting and ignition systems, lacquer finishes for cars, antilock fuels, leaded gasoline, and an electric cash register.

Freon
In 1928, Thomas Midgley, Jr. and Charles Kettering invented a "Miracle Compound" called Freon. Freon is now infamous for greatly adding to the depletion of the earth's ozone shield.

Continue with >>> The History of the Automobile

Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
Email


 
From Mary Bellis,
Your Guide to Inventors.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Important disclaimer information about this About site.


Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendAdd to del.icio.us
 
All Topics | Email Article | |
Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | Site Map | Reprints | Help
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy

©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.
Mental Health

Depression Self-Test Vitamins for Depression? Bipolar Red Flags Coping With Disasters Celebrities With Bipolar

What's Hot

Gyroscopes - Elmer Sperry and Charles Stark Draper Gyroscope...Angel AlcalaThe History of the BikiniRusi Taleyarkhan Jack Johnson