Ralph Teetor
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Ralph Teetor (1890-1982) was a prolific (and blind) inventor who invented cruise control. He was also the longtime president of the very successful automotive parts manufacturer The Perfect Circle Co. Corporation in Hagerstown, Indiana, a manufacturer of piston rings. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1912, which surprised the faculty because they originally thought that he couldn't do the required work.
Ralph's highly developed sense of touch proved its advantage in developing a technique for balancing steam turbine rotors used in torpedo-boat destroyers. Dynamic balancing of large components had puzzled others before Ralph solved the problem.
Ralph was inspired to invent cruise control one day while riding with his lawyer. The lawyer would slow down while talking and speed up while listening. This rocking motion so annoyed Teetor that he was determined to invent a speed control device.
In 1945, after ten years of tinkering, Ralph Teetor received his first patent on a speed cruise control device. Early names for his invention included “Controlmatic”, "Touchomatic”, “Pressomatic” and “Speedostat” and finally the familiar name of “Cruise Control”. However, it wasn't used commercially until Chrysler introduced it in 1958.
Teetor became blind aged five in an accident, but as a grown man he preferred never to discuss his disability. He managed to live his life almost as if it had never happened and went on to become successful as an engineer, manufacturing executive and entrepreneur.
Teetor was posthumously inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1988 for his numerous contributions to the industry.
His other inventions included an early powered lawn mower, lock mechanisms, and holders for fishing rods.
