Vincent Hugo Bendix facts for kids

Vincent Hugo Bendix (born August 12, 1881 – died March 27, 1945) was an amazing inventor and businessman from America. He was a true leader in the car and airplane industries during the 1920s and 1930s. Vincent Bendix helped create many important things that we still use today.

Early Life and Family

Vincent Hugo Bendix was born in Moline, Illinois. He was the oldest of three children. His father, Reverend Jann Bengtsson, was a Methodist preacher from Sweden. His mother, Anna Danielson, also came from Sweden. While living in Moline, their family name was changed to "Bendix." Later, they moved to Chicago, Illinois.

Cool Inventions and Companies

Vincent Bendix started his first company, the Bendix Corporation of Chicago, in 1907. He wanted to make automobiles called Bendix Motor Buggies. The company made about 7,000 cars, but it closed after two years.

• The Bendix Drive

In 1910, Vincent Bendix invented something super important: the Bendix drive. This special gear helped car engines start easily. Before this, starting a car was much harder! The Bendix drive would connect to the engine to start it, then pull back automatically when the engine was running. This made the electric starter practical for cars, airplanes, and other vehicles.

• Better Brakes for Cars

In 1922, Vincent's father passed away after being hit by a car. This sad event made Vincent want to make cars safer. He started studying different braking systems. He found a French braking system that he thought was much better than anything available in the United States.

In 1923, Bendix started the Bendix Brake Company. A year later, his company bought the rights to use French engineer Henri Perrot's ideas for brake designs. This helped make car brakes much more effective and safe.

• Flying High with Bendix Aviation

Vincent Bendix also loved airplanes. In 1929, he started the Bendix Aviation Corporation. This company became very important in the aviation world. He even created the Transcontinental Bendix Air Race in 1931, which was a famous airplane race across America. Later, in 1942, Bendix also started Bendix Helicopters, Inc.. Both Bendix Aviation and Bendix Brake companies eventually became known as the Bendix Corporation.

Later Years

Vincent Bendix passed away at his home in New York on March 27, 1945. He died from a heart condition.

Vincent Bendix's grave in Chicago.

Awards and Recognition

Vincent Bendix received many honors for his amazing work:

• 1929 - He was made a Knight of the Swedish Order of the Polar Star.
• 1931 - He became the President of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
• 1936 - He was honored as a Knight of the French Legion of Honor.
• 1984 - He was added to the Automotive Hall of Fame.
• 1991 - He was added to the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

See also

• Bendix (Automobile)
• Chateau Bendix
• Bendix Trophy