Charles Proteus Steinmetz
Charles Proteus Steinmetz (April 9, 1865 – October 26, 1923) was a German-American mathematician and electrical engineer. He fostered the development of alternating current that made possible the expansion of the electric power industry in the United States, formulating mathematical theories for engineers. He made ground-breaking discoveries in the understanding of hysteresis that enabled engineers to design better electric motors for use in industry.
Shortly after arriving in the US, Steinmetz went to work for Rudolf Eickemeyer in Yonkers, New York, and published in the field of magnetic hysteresis. Eickemeyer's firm developed transformers for use in the transmission of electrical power among many other mechanical and electrical devices. In 1893 Eickemeyer's company, along with all of his patents and designs, was bought by the newly formed General Electric Company.
At the time of his death, Steinmetz held over 200 patents:
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 533,244, "System of distribution by alternating current." January 29, 1895.
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 559,419, "Inductor dynamo."
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 583,950, "Three phase induction meter."
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 594,145, "Inductor dynamo."
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 714,412, "Induction motor."
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 717,464, "System of electrical distribution."
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 865,617, "Induction motor."
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 1,025,932, "Means for producing light." May 7, 1912.
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 1,042,986, "Induction furnace."
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent 1,230,615, "Protective device."
- Steinmetz, U.S. Patent RE11,576, "Inductor dynamo."