| (1876
- 1958) |
| Inducted: |
1982 |
| Region: |
MidWest |
| Industry: |
Transportation
Manufacturing |
|
Charles Kettering was a technical genius with an insatiable curiosity who personally accumulated more than 140 patents. He ran GM’s research and development effort for three decades. Prior to working at GM, he developed the first electric cash register, the first accounting machine that could subtract as well as add, and the first practical electric self-starter for automobiles. At GM he led the development of high-compression engines for autos, the two-cycle diesel engine for locomotives, Ethyl gasoline, quick-drying lacquer paint, and the coolant Freon. |
