Dublin Core
Title
Coolidge x-ray tube
Subject
Industry
Description
This Coolidge x-ray tube marked a significant innovation in medical imaging. The tube was a breakthrough of General Electric (GE) engineer William D. Coolidge in 1913. This model is a later adaptation of his design and produced a better quality image for physicians to read. Key to Coolidge’s x-ray tube innovation was the development of a tungsten filament, or 'ductile tungsten,’ for light bulbs. His work at GE mirrors the expansion of the company over the last century, from lightbulbs into medical device engineering and manufacturing.
In 1972 GE began work on a new Medical Systems Division plant on the north side of Waukesha, that included manufacturing, sales, and engineering facilities. GE’s medical equipment line included x-ray, cardiac pacemakers, pulmonary support, and patient monitoring devices. A significant expansion project in 1983 ushered in a new era of medical imaging technology, Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging. It also marked the end of the dental x-ray era, as that business was sold. The new building was dedicated in 1984 and remains the global headquarters for MR Imaging.
Donor: Dr. Floyd E. Smart, DDS
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: SPX Transformer Solutions
In 1972 GE began work on a new Medical Systems Division plant on the north side of Waukesha, that included manufacturing, sales, and engineering facilities. GE’s medical equipment line included x-ray, cardiac pacemakers, pulmonary support, and patient monitoring devices. A significant expansion project in 1983 ushered in a new era of medical imaging technology, Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging. It also marked the end of the dental x-ray era, as that business was sold. The new building was dedicated in 1984 and remains the global headquarters for MR Imaging.
Donor: Dr. Floyd E. Smart, DDS
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: SPX Transformer Solutions
Creator
General Electric
Publisher
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Date
1926-1930
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum