A more efficient and simplified "rhumbatron," a high frequency, electromagnetic wave producing tube, which brings a step closer to reality the transmission of electric power by wireless, has been developed in the research laboratories of Stanford University.
This is revealed in a patent issued to Prof. William W. Hansen, Stanford University physicist, and Russel H. Varian, also of the university's staff. The new "rhumbatron," which is said to give radio waves oscillating hundreds of millions of times per second, is an impro-cement over the original one patented by Prof. Hansen last February. In the new simplified tube single parts do double duty, says the New York "Times." It comprises a doughnut shaped tank, made of copper sheeting, The doughnut holes are closed off and in the space between the closures are a cathode and control grids-Hooked into an electric circuit, the tube causes low frequency radio waves to zip back and forth within the tank so that the intensity of the oscillations jumps to hundreds of millions Of times per second. The waves are picked up by a loop and may be broadcast where desired by an antenna.
The tube was dubbed a "rhumbatron" because of the rhythmic back and forth surging of the waves within its walls. Uses of the "rhumbatron" are many. Its high frequency waves may be used io produce "radio" or artificial fevers in patients for the treatment of diseases. It can give extra speed to elec-irons in atom smashing experiments. Likewise it can speed electrons in X-ray machines to produce more powerful rays. Because it produces extremely short radio waves it may increase the number of television. channels.
The "rhumbatron" is the heart of the "klystron," another new tube which in a recent demonstration at the Westinghouse Lamp Laboratories at Bloomfield, NI, was used to broadcast electric power. As the energy waves poured forth from the klystron, more than a hundred flash light bulbs held by the gathering of scientists, lighted up as though connected to a battery. It is in this capacity, that the "rhumbatron" may revolutionize transmission
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