Phonograph Cartridges

This is a device that holds the phono needle. It translates mechanical motion to electrical energy. This department is our least profitable one, but carries a great deal of overhead. We are in the process of complete redesign of popular models to effect substantial cost savings, which should reflect next year. Heavy tool expense is being written off this fiscal year.

Currently, we are supplying Zenith at the average rate of 600-1,000 units per day. This line is running smoothly and profitably. Our jobber line is increasing through aggressive merchandising.

High Fidelity Speakers

High fidelity speakers were announced nearly four years ago. This timing, as it coincided with the start of the Hi-Fi boom, was right. Within these four years, we have become one of the two largest producers in the field.

Our expanded line will be announced in May 1954, and will be the most complete line in America. We expect to be the leading line in sales within one year.

Although our sales, in this field, are pointed to sale through distributors, we are suppliers to Admiral, Crosley, Seeburg and Montgomery-Ward.

Public Address Speakers

The CDP is a new concept in a two-way PA speaker. Sales have been up to our capacity to produce since its inception. A system employing this principle is being built for the Navy for the Forrestal carrier, which is under construction.

Electronics

For four years, we have produced television boosters, which were completely automatic in operation. Also, UHF converters and boosters have been produced this year. These lines have been quite profitable but not particularly stable. Accordingly, we have watched production and inventory carefully. An F-M booster has just been announced and indications are that it will be successful.

The following is a summary of senior engineering personnel:

Vice President for Engineering: A,M. Wiggins, B.S.E.E. Texas Tech, M.S.E.E. University of Texas. Was formerly employed by RCA Laboratories, Princeton, New Jersey in research on electro-acoustics. Holds a number of patents and has had many scientific papers published. He is a senior member of I.R.E., member of A.S.A., Sigma Xi, AAAS and A.I.P. Length of service, ten years.

Senior Engineer: Carl Moen, B.A., M.Sc., Ph.D. (physics). Formerly associate professor, Pennsylvania State College. Specialist for underwater sound and theory of liquids. Now engaged in research for the Navy. Length of service, two years.

Senior Engineer: Wayne Beaverson, B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. University of Notre Dame. Developed second-order differential microphone. Handles administration of government contracts. Heads microphone design department. Length of service, eight years.

Senior Engineer: Norman Friedman, B.A. Physics Washington University. M.S.E.E. University of Iowa. Developed triaxial speaker, super-tweeter, cross-over networks. Length of service, two years.

Chief Engineer: Louis Burroughs. Specialist in microphone miniaturization for TV use. Developed acoustalloy diaphragm material and was co-developer of original differential microphone. Holds several patents. Length of service, twenty-six years.

Senior Engineer: John F. Wood, B.S.E.E. University of Illinois. Heads phonograph cartridge design. Developed new Zenith cartridge, high fidelity ceramic cartridge and many others. Author of several technical articles. Also is doing research on devices relating to magnetic tape reproduction, which have large potential use. Length of service, three years.

Senior Engineer: William Newitt, B.S.E.E., M.I.T. Has done research and development on speaker units. Now engaged in underwater sound research. Length of service, four years.

Senior Engineer: Daniel J. Tomcik, B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. University of Notre Dame. Formerly with Hickok Electrical Instrument Company, Cleveland, Ohio. Designed the E-V automatic TV booster, automatic F-M booster, UHF converter, octagonal phono cartridge drive, research on electronically oriented underwater microphone. Length of service, five years.

Senior Engineer: Louis S. Hoodwin, B.S. Physics, Northwestern University. Developed the CDP and Hoodwin Compound Defraction principle of horn sound projection. Heads the Forrestal project. Developed technique for edgewise winding of voice coils. Length of service, four years.

Senior Engineer: Lee Hagey, B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. University of Notre Dame. Three years as instructor at Notre Dame. Developed electronic thickness gauge, UHF tuning mechanism, audio pre-amplifier. Length of service, three years.

There are nine additional electronic and electro-acoustical engineers, six model makers and five draftsmen, most of whom are versed in mechanical design. We believe we have an outstanding group of people who have imagination, creative genius, training and genuine interest in commercial aspects of E-V products. Certainly the part that engineering, under the direction of Mr. Wiggins, has played in our solid growth cannot be minimized.

(Editor's Note: At the time, the E-V engineering department was responsible for 19 patents pending, including the Variable D Gradient Microphone, along with various cartridges, tuners, underwater devices, tape devices, loudspeaker cabinets and horns. Also, 10 patents, largely for microphone technology and accessories, had been issued to the company. Mr. Kahn lists these without specifics.)