 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I was born in 1736 in Greenock, Scotland and died in Heathfield, England, on August 19, 1819. My main claim to fame is that I have an electrical unit named after me. And no, I did not invent the steam engine.
I worked as a mathematical-instrument maker from the age of 19. Eventually in partnership with British manufacturer Matthew Boulton, owner of the Soho Engineering Works at Birmingham did research which led to the patent of several inventions. Among which were the rotary engine for driving various types of machinery, the double-action engine, in which steam is admitted alternately into both ends of the cylinder, and the steam indicator.
In 1788 I invented the flyball governor, a mechanism that automatically regulates the speed of an engine. This invention created much scientific interest as it embodied the feedback principle of a servomechanism, linking output to input, which is the basic concept of automation. My claim to fame in the electronics field is as best abstract; it has been suggested that some of my early engineering was adapted for use on electrical generators.
This is a little more difficult than usual, being mindful that "DO YOU KNOW" over the past few months has become just a little too easy. The answer is as usual on the back page.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|