 (1846-1914), U.S. industrialist and mechanical engineer, ASME's 29th president (1910-11), held more than 400 patents, including the most notable American contribution to rail technology - the air brake (1869). Perhaps better known for his success in establishing alternating current for electric power transmission in the United States, he received his first patent in 1865 for a steam engine. Four years later, his interest in railroads resulted in another patent, for air brakes, which led to the formation of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company the same year. This technology was widely accepted, forming the basis for his early adoption of standardization. He also pursued innovation in areas of signal technology, natural gas transmission and electric power generation, resulting in such accomplishments as introducing to the United States the high-voltage alternating current single-phase system. In 1886, the Westinghouse Electric Company was formed. George Westinghouse was born Oct. 6, 1846, in Central Bridge, New York, and died March 12, 1914, in New York City.
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