In 1902 Vincent invented what some believe to be the first electric self-starter for automobiles. He pioneered the use of tungsten bulbs in auto lamps for the first time in 1907. This lead to Vincent organizing the Apple Electric Co, which began selling its products under the trade name “Aplco” in 1908. In 1914 he developed a method of bar winding starting motor armatures, a method that was used for decades, as well as the first starting system for Ford automobile, using a silent chain drive.
When Vincent died in 1932, he still had 149 patents under his control, 42 patents were pending, 38 patents were prepared to be filed, and 264 inventions and applications in process upon which applications for patents were to be filed. Over 350 patents would eventually be approved.
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