The " Instant Relative Series' PRESENTS
Ralph Teetor
Ralph Teetor (1890-1982) was a prolific (and blind) inventor who invented the cruise control He was the longtime president of the automotive parts manufacturer The Perfect Circle Corporation ,(now part of Dana Corp) manufacturer of piston rings.
Teetor became blind aged five in an accident, but as a grown man he preferred never to discuss his disability. 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 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.
The " Instant Relative Series " is a means to connect stories with names, lives and memories of intriguing people from the past. Series has been created because of my interest in history, genealogy research, people and Geo-caching. Instant relatives are not related directly to our family, BUT who knows? The goal is to geo-cache cemeteries in order to share stories which will entertain, educate and on occasion provide a little humor. If one should find inaccuracies within information posted, please email and corrections will be made as necessary.
PLEASE be respectful. No night caching. Headstones are fragile and should not be disturbed. Please replace flags if they have fallen.