The International Fluid Power Society announced its Fluid Power Hall of Fame Class of 2022. The Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals — innovators, researchers, application engineers, educators, as well as sales and service personnel — who have dedicated their careers, and have made significant contributions to fluid power technology.
This year’s class includes two inductees.
Bob Kraft, Kraft Fluid Systems
Robert (Bob) E. Kraft and his wife Marie, founded Kraft Fluid Systems (KFS), in 1972. The now 100% employee-owned company addresses the growing need for integrated mobile hydraulic and electronic control systems. KFS serves 11 Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic States. Setting the standard for employee education, training, and experience, KFS is an industry leader, and requires IFPS Certification for all technical employee-owners.
Kraft earned both CFPS and CFPE certifications early in his career. He has been an active member of IFPS and served on the Board of Directors from 2003 through 2008, leading as President of the IFPS Board in 2007. Before his retirement, he was committed to the Fluid Power Distributors Association (FPDA), and the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce.
In 1961, he earned a BSME from Ohio University and then served 3 ½ years in the U.S. Navy. During his naval service, he was awarded a patent for the Inductive Kick Suppression Solenoid. While employed at Paul Munroe Hydraulics, Kraft was a principal contributor to the first edition of the Lightning Reference Handbook, which became the fluid power industry’s standard reference book.
Quoting Kraft, “Throughout my career, I believed education, training, and experience lead to learning and competency.” More than 20 years ago, he and Marie established the Kraft Family Associate Professorship Awards. These professorships have provided monetary and professional support for the junior faculty in the Department of Engineering Technology and Management at his Alma Mater, Ohio University.
Frank Flick
Frank S. Flick (1906 – 1986), was inducted post-humously. Flick graduated from Loyola Academy and in 1927 earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois. Flick is credited with 56 patents, of which 42 were for improvements and innovations for both pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders. About 460 of his original cylinder dimensions are now incorporated into the industry wide NFPA cylinder standards.
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