His research in later years into Gyroscopes was, and still is, a topic of much discussion within the scientific community. Here, he demonstrates the principles of a gyro using a rather large and heavy wheel. Its spun up to speed with a normal household drill.

From: www2.imperial.ac.uk/blog/videoarchive/2009/12/09/eric-laithwaite/

Info on Erics patents:
www.rexresearch.com/laithwat/laithw1.htm

A modern version of the same experiment and a good explanation:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeyDf4ooPdo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLMpdBjA2SU