| Ralph Teetor | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1890 |
| Died | 1982 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Inventor |
| Known for | Cruise control |
Ralph Teetor (1890-1982) was a prolific (and blind) inventor who invented cruise control. He was the longtime president of the automotive parts manufacturer The Perfect Circle Co. Corporation (now part of Dana Corp.) in Hagerstown, Indiana, a manufacturer of piston rings.
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Teetor became blind aged five in an accident, but as a grown man he preferred never to discuss his disability. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1912.
Teetor's highly developed sense of touch proved helpful in developing a technique for balancing steam turbine rotors used in torpedo-boat destroyers. Dynamic balancing of large components had puzzled others before Teetor solved the problem.
Teetor 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 control device. Early names for his invention included "Controlmatic", "Touchomatic", "Pressomatic" and "Speedostat" The name finally chosen was "Cruise Control". The device wasn't used commercially until Chrysler introduced it in 1958.
Teetor was posthumously inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1988 for his numerous contributions to the industry.
Teetor managed to live his life almost as if his accident had never happened, and went on to become successful as an engineer, manufacturing executive and entrepreneur. His other inventions included an early powered lawn mower, lock mechanisms, and holders for fishing rods.