Arthur L. Parker

Arthur LaRue Parker (November 16, 1885 – January 1, 1945) was an American businessman and inventor, known for founding Parker Hannifin Corporation (then known as Parker Appliance Company). Early life and education Parker was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Case School of Applied Science in 1907, present day Case Western Reserve University, with a degree in electrical engineering. As both a student and alumnus, Art strongly supported the Case's athletic programs, being a season ticket holder for both football and baseball and a member of the Case Athletic Association for many years. Career In 1908, Parker filed his first patent, a mechanism that regulated the speed of a generator to create a constant output of electricity. Throughout his entire career, he filed 160 additional patents. The primary patent giving Parker his entrepreneurial beginnings was filed in 1914 for his pneumatic braking system. On March 13, 1917, Parker Appliance Company was founded, referencing the office address of 1115 Schofield Bldg of the Schofield Building in Downtown Cleveland. His first production facility was located at 2420 Superior Viaduct in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland.