Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Electron Beam Generator Console, 1957 |
Object Name |
Console, Electron Beam Generator |
Description |
Electron Beam Generator Console, 1957. This console is part of the controls for the first electron beam generator produced by General Electric for the Raychem Corporation. "Beam 1" was used by the Raychem Corporation in Menlo Park, California, and later by Tyco Electronics when it bought Raychem in 1999. It was the first electron beam accelerator ever put into commercial use. The console is rectangular with rounded edges, and it has a sloping face with multiple dials, buttons, and meters. The unit is painted dark green, and multicolor labels are adhered to the surface. The console mounts to a metal stand that was made in-house in the Raychem machine shop. Above the horizontal console unit is a vertical piece of plywoold that includes more contols, including the unit where the key goes to run Beam 1. This also mounted to a stand at one time that stood directly behind the horizontal console. An excerpt from General Electric Product Data Sheet A4610, August 1959 describes the console. This datasheet is for a slightly later model that is of similar design to this artifact: "Console - Provides control and metering of voltage, current, beam position, deflection amplitude, and beam focusing. Also controls beam phasing, and meters ion chambers. / Includes switches for control of timer, shutter, manual or automatic voltage and current operation, interlock test, surge test-reset, MG-set on/off, electron beam on/off / Pilot lights indicate line power, MG-set on, ready, surge, electron-beam on, timer in and shutter open. / Can be desk or wall mounted." |
Date |
1957 |
Creator |
General Electric |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
2016.026.001 |
Dimensions |
H-83.875 W-48 D-15 inches |
Dimension Details |
19.5" x 48" x 15" generator base 37.125" x 43.125" x 11" stand 27.25" x 32" x 14" vertical panel |
Collection |
3D - Visual Communication Tools & Equipment |
Provenance |
Raychem originated in Redwood City at 501 Oakside/Northside and was founded by Paul M. Cook. The wire cable plant remained in Redwood City, but the corporate headquarters relocated to Menlo Park. The company was sold to Tyco in 1999. This console for Beam 1 (the first Electron Beam Accelerator ever put into commercial use) which was still in operation through 2016. |
Search Terms |
Business and Industry Manufacturing Radiation chemistry Raychem Corporation Tyco Electronics Tyco International Ltd. |
Subjects |
Equipment Industry Radiation chemistry |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Tyco Electronics Corporation |