George Westinghouse, American Inventor

Posted by Tel Asiado Oct 6, 2008

Today, October 6 (1846-1914), is the birthday of George Westinghouse, American engineer, inventor and industrialist. He founded his own company to manufacture his invention, the air brake.

Westinghouse is a New Yorker, born in Central Bridge.

His most important invention was the air-brake system known as the "Westinghouse air brake" which he patented in 1869. His invention allowed the brakes on all the coaches of a train to be applied simulataneously by the engine driver, and greatly increased the speed at which the trains could travel safely.

In 1886, he founded the Westinghouse Electrical company. In 1895, he harnessed successfully the power of the Niagara Falls to generate sufficient electricity for the town of Buffalo.