Electronics & High Technology Company History | Electronics & Technical Magazines | Electronics & Technology Pioneers History | Electronics & Technology Principles | Technology Standards Groups & Industry Associations | Vintage Vacuum Tube Radio Company History | Electronics & High Technology Components | Societal Influences on Technology | Science & Engineering Instruments

Admiral Radio

Admiral Radio is a brand of electronic products that was founded in Chicago in 1924. The company started out as a manufacturer of phonographs and radios, and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality products.

During the 1930s, Admiral Radio became one of the largest manufacturers of radios in the United States. The company's products were known for their innovative design and features, such as built-in antennas and tuning indicators.

During World War II, Admiral Radio shifted its production to military equipment, such as radar systems and communications devices. After the war, the company returned to producing consumer electronics, including radios, televisions, and record players.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Admiral Radio continued to innovate, introducing new products such as the first remote-controlled television set and the first color television set with a built-in amplifier.

In 1971, Admiral Radio was acquired by the Japanese electronics company, Panasonic. The Admiral brand was eventually phased out in the United States, although it continued to be used in other parts of the world.

Today, the Admiral brand is still used in some countries, particularly in South America, where it is known for producing high-quality electronics at affordable prices. The company also produces a range of other products, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines.

Fluke Corporation

Fluke Corporation is a global manufacturer of electronic test and measurement equipment, founded in 1948 by John Fluke Sr., a former employee of the General Electric Company, in Seattle, Washington, USA. The company was initially known as John Fluke Manufacturing Company.

John Fluke's initial focus was on designing and manufacturing accurate and reliable measurement instruments. In 1953, Fluke introduced its first product, the Model 803 Voltage Detector, which was designed to detect the presence of voltage in electrical circuits.

Over the next few decades, Fluke Corporation continued to expand its product line, introducing a wide range of electronic test and measurement equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and thermal imaging cameras.

In the 1960s, Fluke Corporation expanded its product line to include clamp-on meters, which allowed electricians and technicians to measure current without breaking the circuit. The company also developed the first battery-powered portable oscilloscope, which was widely used in the telecommunications industry.

In the 1970s, Fluke Corporation introduced the first digital multimeter, which could measure multiple electrical parameters with high accuracy. This product revolutionized the industry and quickly became a best-seller. In the 1980s, the company continued to innovate with products such as the first hand-held thermal imaging camera for industrial use.

In the 1990s, Fluke Corporation introduced a range of test and measurement products for the data communications and networking industry, including cable testers, fiber optic testers, and LAN analyzers. In 1998, the company was acquired by Danaher Corporation, a leading manufacturer of industrial and consumer products.

Today, Fluke Corporation is a global leader in the test and measurement industry, with a wide range of products that include digital multimeters, thermal imagers, insulation testers, power quality analyzers, and more. The company continues to innovate and develop new products to meet the changing needs of its customers.

Philco Corporation: A Brief Overview and Historical Context

Philco Corporation, also known as the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company, was a prominent American consumer electronics company that specialized in the production of radios and televisions. It was founded in Philadelphia in 1892 as the Helios Electric Company and later changed its name to the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company in 1906.

During the early years, Philco primarily manufactured storage batteries for various applications, including electric vehicles and radio receivers. However, it wasn't until the 1920s that the company began producing radios under the Philco brand name. Philco quickly gained popularity for its innovative designs and reliable performance, becoming one of the leading radio manufacturers in the United States.

In the 1940s, Philco expanded into television production, capitalizing on the growing demand for this emerging technology. The company introduced a range of television sets, including black-and-white models and later color televisions. Philco's televisions were known for their quality construction and advanced features, and the brand became a trusted name in the industry.

1945, Philco Corporation owned and operated WPTZ, a television station located in Philadelphia. WPTZ, which was originally licensed as W3XE, was one of the pioneering television stations in the United States. It began broadcasting experimental television programs in the 1930s. Philco Corporation, being a major player in the consumer electronics industry, recognized the potential of television and acquired the station in 1941. The acquisition allowed Philco to have a direct stake in the emerging television market.

Under Philco's ownership, WPTZ expanded its operations and became a fully licensed commercial television station. The call letters were changed to WPTZ, standing for "Philco Television Station, Philadelphia." The station continued to broadcast a variety of programming, including news, sports, and entertainment content.

Over the years, Philco continued to innovate and introduce new technologies. In the 1950s, they introduced the Predicta line of televisions, featuring distinctive designs with swivel screens and futuristic styling. However, despite its success, Philco faced increasing competition from other consumer electronics manufacturers, and the company began to decline in the 1960s.

Philco went through various ownership changes and financial struggles in the following decades. The original Philco Corporation went bankrupt in 1960, and the brand changed hands several times. Today, the Philco name is no longer actively used in the consumer electronics market.

Radio Corporation of America (RCA)

The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) was founded in 1919 as a subsidiary of General Electric (GE), but became an independent company in 1929 when GE was required to divest itself of RCA by the U.S. government due to antitrust concerns. RCA quickly became a dominant player in the radio and electronics industry. Its early success was due in part to the fact that it held key patents on radio technology.

One of RCA's major contributions to the electronics industry was the development of the first commercially successful radio broadcasting system in the United States in the 1920s. RCA also played a major role in the development of emerging television technology, and was instrumental in the introduction of color television in 1954.

RCA's early years were marked by a series of high-profile achievements, including the first transatlantic radio broadcast in 1922 and the introduction of the first commercial radio network, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), in 1926.

RCA also played a major role in the development of the phonograph and record industry. In the 1950s and 1960s, RCA's record label, RCA Victor, was one of the largest and most successful in the world.

During World War II, RCA played a critical role in developing radio and radar communications systems and was a major supplier of electronic equipment to the U.S. military. After the war, the company focused on expanding its consumer electronics business. After the war, RCA continued to innovate in the electronics industry, developing technologies such as the first liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and the first digital video recorders (DVRs).

In the 1980s, RCA was acquired by General Electric, and its operations were gradually integrated into GE's other electronics businesses. Today, the RCA brand is still used on a variety of consumer electronics products, but the original company no longer exists as an independent entity.

Despite its early success, RCA began to struggle in the 1970s. The company was slow to embrace new technologies like digital audio and video, and it faced increased competition from Japanese electronics companies.

In 1986, RCA was acquired by General Electric (GE) in a deal worth $6.28 billion. GE spun off RCA's consumer electronics division in 1987, and the company's remaining assets were folded into GE's other businesses.

Sunoco (Sun Oil Company)

Sunoco, short for Sun Oil Company, is an American energy company that was originally founded in 1886 as The Peoples Natural Gas Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the years, it evolved and expanded its operations, eventually becoming Sun Oil Company. Sunoco is primarily known for its involvement in the oil and gas industry, with activities including the refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum and petrochemical products.

Here are some key points about Sunoco:

Refining and Marketing: Sunoco has historically been involved in the refining of crude oil into various petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricants. The company also operates a network of gas stations and convenience stores, often branded as Sunoco, where it sells its products to consumers.

Sunoco LP: In recent years, the company has shifted its focus to become a fuel distributor and retail operator through its subsidiary, Sunoco LP. Sunoco LP operates convenience stores, fueling stations, and terminals in various states across the United States.

Sunoco's History: Sunoco has a long history in the oil and gas industry and has been involved in various ventures and acquisitions over the years. It was a prominent player in the early development of the American oil industry.

Sunoco Logistics: Sunoco Logistics Partners LP, now part of Energy Transfer Partners, was a separate entity that focused on the transportation, storage, and distribution of crude oil, refined products, and natural gas liquids. It played a significant role in the energy infrastructure of the United States.

Changes and Divestitures: Over time, Sunoco has gone through various changes, including selling or divesting certain assets and businesses. These changes were often made to adapt to evolving market conditions and focus on core operations.

Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Westinghouse Electric Corporation was founded by George Westinghouse in 1886 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Westinghouse was a prolific inventor and businessman who developed several important technologies, including the air brake system for trains, which revolutionized rail transportation and made it much safer.

Westinghouse Electric quickly became a leading manufacturer of electrical equipment, including generators, transformers, and motors. The company was instrumental in the development of the electrical power industry in the United States and played a key role in the construction of several major power plants, including Niagara Falls.

In the early 20th century, Westinghouse continued to expand its operations, entering into new markets such as radio broadcasting and television. The company also played a significant role in the development of nuclear power technology, contributing to the construction of several nuclear power plants.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Westinghouse faced financial difficulties due to a combination of factors, including increasing competition and a decline in demand for its products. In 1995, the company filed for bankruptcy, and its assets were acquired by CBS Corporation.

Westinghouse Electric Corporation has a rich history of producing a wide range of products and services across various industries. Here are some of the key products and services that the company has offered over the years:

Electrical equipment: Westinghouse Electric Corporation started as a manufacturer of electrical equipment, including generators, transformers, and motors. The company played a critical role in the development of the electrical power industry in the United States and around the world.

Nuclear power plants: Westinghouse was a key player in the development of nuclear power technology and has been involved in the design and construction of numerous nuclear power plants around the world. The company's AP1000 pressurized water reactor is currently one of the most advanced nuclear power plant designs available.

Energy storage solutions: In recent years, Westinghouse Electric Corporation has expanded its offerings to include energy storage solutions. The company's batteries are used in a variety of applications, from residential and commercial energy storage to electric vehicles.

Railway equipment: Westinghouse invented the air brake system for trains, which revolutionized rail transportation and made it much safer. The company also produced locomotives and other railway equipment.

Broadcasting equipment: Westinghouse was involved in the development of radio broadcasting and television, producing equipment for these industries.

Other products and services: Westinghouse has also produced a range of other products and services over the years, including appliances, lighting, and industrial automation equipment.

Today, as a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Westinghouse Electric Corporation continues to offer a range of products and services, with a focus on nuclear power technology and energy storage solutions.