SPERRY, Elmer Ambrose [1860-1930] -- American inventor (gyroscope), industrialist
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Gyroscopic compasses & stabilizers, electric dynamo, arc lamp, Sperry Electric Co., Sperry Gyroscope Co.
Sperry, Elmer Ambrose (1860-1930), American inventor and electrical engineer, who is best known for his inventions based on the application of the gyroscope. He patented more than 400 inventions in his lifetime. Sperry was born in Cortland, New York, and educated at Cornell University. About 1880 he developed a particularly efficient electric-arc light, one of the first in the United States. He was also a pioneer in the manufacture of electric mining machinery, electric streetcars, and electric motors. In 1915 Sperry produced a high-intensity arc searchlight, which was widely used by armed forces during World War I (1914-1918).
Sperry's most important invention was the gyrocompass, which, unlike other compasses, was not affected by the magnetism of the earth. It became extremely useful in ocean navigation. From the gyrocompass, Sperry developed the gyropilot for steering ships, and the automatic gyropilot for stabilizing airplanes. Sperry also produced electrically sustained gyros that controlled submarine and aerial torpedoes used during World War I.
"Sperry, Elmer Ambrose," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
His son,
Lawrence Burst Sperry,
was also an inventor and an aviation pioneer.
Bookmarks (off-site links) |
- Works by
- Analyses, critiques and interpretations
- Sperry's Calculator at Computer Museum of America c. 1900 Model 4016, Serial #51:
- Works about
- Biographical
- NAHF Inductee
- Elmer A. Sperry Elmer Ambrose Sperry at age six invented a horse radish grater for his aunt.
- SPERRY, ELMER AMBROSE. The Columbia Encyclopedia: Sixth Edition. 2000
- Genealogy
- Historical
- ASME History and Heritage: Biographies American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Elmer Ambrose Sperry National Inventors Hall of Fame
- www.Halliburton.com - News - Archives
- A Short History of Sperry Marine
- Litton Marine Systems
- Memorials and tributes
- Bibliographies and Link Farms
- Biographical
- Gallery