Re: Unknown Object

["Robert Nowotny" <r.nowotny@bmtp.akh-wien.ac.at>]

Andy Hancock wrote:
> ..........
> 
> As far as radiation goes it gives a moderate cps on a fairly sensitive
> scintillation contamination monitor when monitored around the outside of
> the container. It's not external contamination, and filters have
> determined that it's emitting gammas. My gamma spec is not available to
> me at present, so I don't know the energy. 2 cm of Al doesn't do much.
> Any ideas? It does have the following worded small label screwed onto
> it's surface:
> 
> LABORATORIUM STRAUSS
> Werkstafffur Rontgen-u. Radiophysik
> Wien 17., Pointengasse 5
> TYPE 4  APP. 699  VOLT
> UMSCHALTBAR FUR ALLE NETZSPANNUNGEN
> 
> ......

Strauss devised a 'dose-counter' in 1925 using an electronic tube as 
an electronic switch to recharge the ionisation chamber when the 
voltage was dropping below a set level. These ticks were counted with 
an electromechanical counter. He named this device 'Mekapion' and it 
was in use for quite some time thereafter.

I don't know what other kind of apparatus his company was producing 
to which your source might fit, so a radiation therapy physicist 
(which I am not) might give you more hints on that.

By the way, 'UMSCHALTBAR FUR ALLE NETZSPANNUNGEN' has got nothing to 
do with frequency but means 'adjustable to all mains voltages'.

Regards,

Robert Nowotny
---------------------------------------------------
Univ.Doz. Dr. Robert Nowotny<R.Nowotny@BMTP.AKH-Wien.ac.at>
Institut f. Biomed. Technik und Physik, Univ. Wien
AKH-4L, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Wien, Austria
Phone: +43-1-40400-1988; Fax: +43-1-40400-3988