Elmer Sperry: Inventor and Engineer (Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology)

By Thomas P. Hughes

Book Overview

Awarded the Dexter Prize of the Society for the History of Technology

A major American inventor who obtained more than 350 patents during his lifetime, Elmer Sperry contributed greatly to the momentous technological changes that occurred between 1880 and 1930. Best known for the Sperry gyrocompass and automatic pilot, his inventions included arc-light systems, mining machinery, electric automobiles and streetcars, and electrochemical processes. A characteristic of his various inventions was feedback control, which has made automation a fact of life. Richly illustrated with 149 photographs and line drawings, the first full-length biography now returns to print in a paperback edition.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801811333
• ISBN13: 9780801811333
• Release Date: August 1971
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 2.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 0.6" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

History of one of the all time "Great American Inventors"

This is the story of Elmer Sperry, inventor and engineer, who created the company which eventually included such famous names as Sperry Gyroscope, Sperry New Holland, Sperry Vickers, Sperry Marine, Remington and Sperry Rand and the technologically advanced makers of the first commercial computer, Sperry Univac.For students interested in the historical backgrounds of some of the most influential hi tech companies of the 50s to the late 80's then this book is almost required reading.Elmer Sperry was a quiet, understated and insightful genius and inventor whose influence has been felt by all who passed through the Univac school with their eyes wide open.Regards,Martyn R Jones