Sperry, Elmer Ambrose

Sperry, Elmer Ambrose, 1860–1930, American inventor, b. Cortland, N.Y. Although probably best known for his work on the gyroscope, he also invented the gyrocompass (1910), an extremely effective high-intensity searchlight, a new system of street lighting, and numerous electrical devices. He founded the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the American Electrochemical Society.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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