Vacuum tube voltmeter
Content Description
The first vacuum tube tester, invented by David Cogan ca. 1930. David Harold Cogan (1909-1985) was a business leader, creative entrepreneur, and inventor and pioneer in radio and television. While a student and Northeastern University, Cogan invented the first vacuum-tube tester. Cogan graduated from NU with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering in 1931. Around this time, Cogan founded the Cyrad Manufacturing Company, Boston, to produce and sell vacuum-tube testing equipment. In 1932, Cogan went to work for the Hytron Corporation which had acquired Cyrad. In 1935 Cogan became the Director of Hytron. Under his leadership, Hytron became one of the largest manufacturers of radios, television sets, and electronic tubes. In 1951, Hytron merged with the Columbia Broadcasting System. Air King Products Co., Inc., a subsidiary of Hytron, was renamed CBS-Columbia, Inc., and Cogan was electred president. Under Cogan, CBS-Columbia developed the first color television. In 1954, Cogan retired from CBS-Columbia and became Chairman and President of the Victoreen Instrument Company, a manufacturer of products in the nuclear field. As head of Victoreen, Cogan masterminded the acquisition of and merging with many companies, enabling Victoreen to become a Fortune 500 industrial company. In 1976, Cogan became Director and Chairman of the Executive Investment Committee, the Dreyfus Corporation, and, in 1982, Chairman of the Board of the Dreyfus Life Insurance Company and Chairman of the Board of Dreyfus Consumer Bank. Cogan was a Director and Trustee of Northeastern University from 1966 until his death in 1985. From 1975 to 1985, he was Chairman of the NU Alumni Association and he was the founder of the NU Manhattan Alumni Club. Accessioned 1992 Jan 15. 118/12 (Archives Annex)
Restrictions Apply
No
Use Restrictions
Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the University Archivist.
Dates
- Creation: ca. 1930
Extent
2 cubic feet
Subject
- Cogan, David Harold, 1909-1985 (Person)
- Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.) (Organization)