Robert Page Burr

Biography

Robert Page Burr received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., in 1944.

Two years in the Navy was followed by 10 years with Hazeltine Corp., during which he was a key member of a seven-member team that developed the color television system. He was also chairman of the Committee on Definitions of the National Television Standards Committee.

In 1956 Mr. Burr left Hazeltine to join Tom Brown in forming Burr-Brown Research Corp., now a multi-million-dollar international company in Tucson, Ariz., manufacturing electronic instrumentation equipment. Mr. Burr subsequently formed Circuit Research Cn., an offshoot of Burr-Brown, the new product development contractor for Photocircuits Corp. in Glen Cove, New York. One of his most significant contributions is the development of the printed motor for Photocircuits, which revolutionized magnetic tape drive systems, and is currently widely used in medical equipment, computers, welding and automotive equipment. In all, Mr. Burr held well over 200 patents worldwide.

He was an active member of the IRE and the IEEE. In 1977, he was the first recipient of the IEEE Charles J. Hirsch Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to engineering.

In 1979, Burr and his wife moved to Matinicus Island, where he was instrumental in creating a modern, workable framework for the island's power company. His retirement also permitted him to expand h is interest in amateur radio.