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Unidentified Apparatus

Physics

This object has two parts. A hollow cylindrical components is joined at one end to a rectangular component by four metal rods.

The rectangular component has a circular opening through two faces that form a kind of shutter. This shutter is controlled by a rod ending in a wooden handle that extends out of one side of the rectangular component.

Accession Number: 2017.ph.762

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials: Aluminum, Iron alloy.

Markings:

There are two labels: “OPEN” and “CLOSE,” attached to the rectangular component.

Dimensions (cm):

Length = 21, Height = 25, diameter (of cylinder) = 10.

Function:

Unknown. This may be a valve. If so, it could have been attached to a neutron beam line for measuring the pressure in that beamline.

Condition:

Fair: The entire object features oxidation damage, as well as chemical residue and corrosion. There are a few minor scratches on both parts. There is a substantial dent in the cylindrical part of the object.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer:

Date of Manufacture: c. 1960s-1970s.

Provenance:

This artifact was gathered from the McLennan Subbasement during the cleanup process following the decommissioning of the IsoTrace facility in 2013. It predates IsoTrace and was likely used with an earlier accelerator.

Additional Information and References:

In an email to Dr. Erich Weidenhammer dated 18 September 2018, Dr. Derek Paul noted:

“If it was a valve, I think it was not on any of the Linac lines, because the fittings were larger in diameter than appeared in the photograph. It could have been attached to a neutron beam line for measuring the pressure in that beamline.”

Dr. Derek Paul was involved with the U of T Linac project.

Historical Notes:

Themes: