The Compression Rheostat Company, which later became Rockwell, was founded by Lynde Bradley and Stanton Allen with an initial investment of $1,000. The company’s first patented product was a carbon disk compression motor controller for industrial cranes. The crane controller was exhibited at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. In 2002, Rockwell International split into two companies. The industrial automation division became Rockwell Automation, while the avionics division became Rockwell Collins. Brands include Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software.
