August 17, 2011 - Happy Birthday, Ralph Teetor



Did you know that the guy who invented cruise control, which allows automobile drivers to automatically keep their cars moving at a constant speed, was blind?

That's right! The amazing Ralph Teetor, who was born on this day in 1890 and who was blinded in an accident at age 5, became a prolific inventor. (That means that he invented a lot of things.)

Teetor became an engineer and invented a power lawn mower, special locks, holders for fishing rods, and other gadgets. He developed a technique for balancing steam turbine rotors used in torpedo-boat destroyers. He was a long-time executive of a manufacturer of piston rings. He was very successful and has been inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame.

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