William E. Sawyer
William Edward Sawyer was an American inventor whose contribution was primarily in the field of electric engineering and electric lighting.
His primary inventions included:
- Telegraph apparatus for cable use
- Automatic and autographic telegraph and circuit
- Electric engineering and lighting apparatus and system
- Device for effecting the static discharge in autographic telegraphy
- Electric switch
- Electrical safety device for elevators
In partnership with Albon Man he founded Electro-Dynamic Light Company to produce incandescent lamps. From 1879 thorough 1885 the company successfully defended his patents against the interests of the Edison company. The patent was controlled by the Thomson-Houston Electric Company until 1888 when Westinghouse Electric bought the company producing the lamp, Consolidated Electric Light. Sawyer-Man based 'stopper' lamps, although not as long lasting as the Edison lamp, did allow Westinghouse to successfully illuminate the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. The Sawyer-Man company was eventually purchased by the Westinghouse Corporation and became the Westinghouse lighting division.