Images(7)

Model

Object number2022.73.1

Manufacturer Lufkin Rule Company

Date1963

OriginChurchill, PA

MediumWood; Gold; Metal; Rubber; Plastic; Electrical wire

Credit LineGift of the children of Robert G. Mazur, in memory of both, Robert G. Mazur, founder of Solid State Measurements, and his wife, Cecile G. Mazur, Vice President of Finance

DescriptionProof of concept prototype. Gold-plated prototype has gray metal components, clear plastic tubing, black rubber tubing, and white and orange electrical wiring. Prototype is mounted atop a dark brown rectangular platform with numerous holes in the surface and a black dedication plate applied to the top of the base in the viewer's front right corner. Platform sits atop medium-tone brown rectangular tiered base with beveled bottom edge. Underside has one circular brown felt pad in each corner.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 6.75 x 15 x 13 in. (17.1 x 38.1 x 33 cm)
InscriptionsPlaque applied to the top of the base in the viewer's front right corner has gold text "SSM / The World's First / Spreading Resistance Probe / Presented to / ROBERT G. MAZUR / Inventor of the SRP 1963 / Founder of SSM 1970 / Leader and Engineer / On April 4, 2008 with Gratitude from / The Past and Current Employees of / Solid State Measurements, Inc."

Gray metal components have black text on the outer section: numbers 0-45 in increments of 5; and on the inner section: numbers 0-10 in increments of 5 with possibly more but just not visible.

MarksGray metal components have black text including "LUFKIN PAT. No. 2,212,910 / MADE IN U.S.A. / No 011M".
Historical NotesSpreading Resistance Probe proof of concept. Invented by Robert G. Mazur, a Pittsburgh native (raised in Greenfield) and a graduate of Central Catholic and the University of Pittsburgh, the probe is very familiar to those in the semiconductor business. It was invented at the Westinghouse R&D Center, then in Churchill, and an automated version was developed and replicated for use as a primary production control at the Westinghouse Semiconductor facility in Youngwood, PA (now Powerex). This tool enabled Westinghouse to lead in the development of tech products for power distribution. Mr. Mazur saw the potential for the product throughout the industry, and with the approval of Westinghouse, he established the company Solid State Measurements, Inc. in Pittsburgh to refine and promote the products and technology. This “proof of concept” mechanical probe was built at Westinghouse R&D and proved that such measurements were possible when the prevailing opinion was that they were not. This provided the evidence necessary for Westinghouse to fund its internal development. This is Mazur's original proof of concept that was gold plated and presented to him upon his retirement.

Related institution Solid State Measurements, Inc. (founded 1970)

Related institution Central Catholic High School

Related institution University of Pittsburgh

Related institution Westinghouse

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