Bendix, Vincent (1881-1945), was an American inventor. He became known for his invention of the Bendix drive, a practical electric starter drive which helped promote the use of electric starting motors in automobiles. He combined various companies into the Bendix Aviation Corporation (now a part of Honeywell International Inc.). The corporation’s products included automotive and aircraft parts. In 1942, Bendix resigned from the corporation. Later, he founded Bendix Helicopters, Inc. He also founded the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race and donated the Bendix trophy. Bendix was born on Aug. 12, 1881, in Moline, Illinois. He died on March 27, 1945.
