Kenotron rectifier
Date1935-1940
Inventory NumberVT4748
ClassificationRectifier
Subject
Maker
General Electric Company
1892-present
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions19.5 x 7.6 cm (7 11/16 x 3 in.)
Material
DescriptionGE Kenotron model KR-9. A high-vacuum hot cathode vacuum tube with a small metallic bell-shaped top and a ribbed white glass body.
Signedon metal top: GE
Inscribedon metal top: KR-9 / MADE IN U.S.A.
Curatorial RemarksVT4741 is also a KR-9 rectifier.
FunctionThis is a rectifier to be used in conjunction with an x-ray tube. When powered by AC, many hot-cathode x-ray tubes operated badly or could be damaged by the passing of an inverse current. The rectifier only allows current to flow in one direction, and when used with other elements can convert AC to DC.
The "Kenotron" series of rectifier was developed by Saul Dushman of GE beginning in 1914 with the KR-3.
The "Kenotron" series of rectifier was developed by Saul Dushman of GE beginning in 1914 with the KR-3.
ProvenanceFrom the Harvard Medical School.
Radio Corporation of America
Date: circa 1921
Object number: RS0722
Radio Corporation of America
Date: circa 1921
Object number: RS0722.1
