Parker Hannifin Centennial

PROMINENT PATENTS

These are some of the breakthrough patents that made history and made a company.

Control System For Automobiles (1918)

This comprehensive invention would use compressed air to start the engine, control the clutch, shift gears, apply brakes and change direction of the automobile. This was the first product sold by Parker.

Device For Regulating Speed Of Generators To Secure Constant Potential (1909)

Parker's first patent, this invention regulates the speed that an electrical generator is driven so potential across the brushes of the generator are kept constant, preventing appreciable increase in voltage at the generator brushes.

Pressure Fluid System (1919)

This system, featuring a new valve, could be used in a variety of applications. In the case of an automobile, the invention would control and actuate the clutch, brakes and shifting of gears.

Flaring Tool For Pipe Ends (1931)

This device would be used to taper a tube end in preparation for the securing of the tube to an attaching coupling.

Primer For Gas Engine (1933)

This was an improvement on a mechanism designed for dispensing fluid to one or more points. In particular, it was adapted for operation as a primer for gas engines.

Valve Control Mechanism (1937)

This invention was an improvement on a valve control device primarily used with a pneumatic system where variations in pressure are necessary, e.g. vacuum controlled brakes.

Pipe Bending Machine (1942)

This new machine would allow for easy, manual bending of tubes or rods to desired degrees.

Two-Piece Hose Coupling (1948)

This new coupling could be securely clamped to the ends of a flexible, high-pressure hydraulic hose. It would prevent leakage and separation of the hose from the coupling.

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Tom Williams
Chairman and CEO

“A Parker person is both competitive and compassionate. They’re competitive with a will and desire to win—they’re resilient, determined and focused. They’re also compassionate in that they care about each other, their customers and the communities they live and work in. It’s a very powerful combination.”

Lee Banks
President and COO

“Parker touches every part of our lives. If you’re driving a car, flying in a plane, talking on your cell phone or drinking a glass of water, Parker touches it. As much success as we’ve had, there’s still opportunity for enormous amounts of success out there. We have all of the building blocks to do it...That’s what gets me the most excited for our future.”

Cathy Suever
Executive VP — Finance & Administration and CFO

“We all work hard every day to improve. As we continue to streamline our processes and focus on how each of us can best add value...I'm confident that our growth and development moving forward into our next century as a business will be even more of a partnership with our internal and external customers than it's ever been before.”

The First of Many Firsts

With Parker’s fuel system on board his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh makes the world’s first transatlantic flight.

Averting Disaster

Parker engineers work around the clock to save the lives of the Apollo 13 astronauts. They devise a way to get to oxygen to the spacecraft cabin, allowing the astronauts to breathe and return home safely.