Apex Apparatus

Apex Apparatus (Apex), an induction apparatus by Reiniger, Gebbert and Schall, mainly for superficial and medium-depth radiotherapy (see illustration). Between the primary and secondary windings of the inductor, which are thoroughly insulated, there is free space; the inductor is open at both ends and is positioned vertically on insulators inside a cabinet. Due to this design of the inductor, which allows air to circulate freely, it heats up slightly and is therefore adapted for longer continuous operation; to enhance air circulation, a special fan is also used. This inductor can produce rays with a hardness corresponding to a spark gap of 30 cm between a point and a plate, with a tube current of 2.5-3 mA.

Initially, a mercury-vapor type "Apex" circuit breaker was used, but since it became relatively dirty quickly, it has recently been replaced by a more advanced type "Constant". The Apex apparatus is adapted for operation with both direct and alternating current; if the number of periods of alternating current is between 40 and 60, a circuit breaker with a synchronous motor is used; with a higher or lower number of periods, a converter must be used. For the use of electron tubes, there is a special device for heating the tube cathode. To reverse the current, either a spark valve gap or a valve tube is used; this is not required when working with an electron tube.

All components of the apparatus (inductor, circuit breaker, capacitor, fan, heating device) are placed in a special cabinet, and the starting devices are arranged on a separate distribution table.