Shoe Fitting X-Ray Device
In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the shoe-fitting x-ray unit
was a common shoe store sales promotion device and nearly all stores had
one. It was estimated that there were 10,000 of these devices in use.
This particular shoe-fitting x-ray unit was produced by the dominant company
in the field, the Adrian X-Ray Company of Milwaukee WI, now defunct.
Brooks
Stevens, a noted industrial designer whose works included the the Milwaukee
Road Olympian and an Oscar Meyer
Wienermobile,
designed this machine. [Large image 27K]
The primary component of a shoe-fitting x-ray unit was
the
fluoroscope which consisted essentially of an x-ray tube mounted near
the floor and wholly or partially enclosed in a shielded box and a fluorescent
screen. The x-rays penetrated the shoes and feet and then struck the fluorescent
light. This resulted in an image of the feet within the shoes. The fluorescent
image was reflected to three viewing ports at the top of the cabinet, where
the customer, the salesperson, and a third person (your
mother?) could view the image at the same time.
The radiation hazards associated with shoe fitting x-ray units were recognized
as early as 1950. The machines were often out of adjustment and were
constructed so radiation leaked into the surrounding area.
By 1970, shoe fitting x-ray units had been banned in 33 states including
Minnesota and strict regulation in the remaining 17 states made their operation
impractical. Believe it or not, this particular shoe-fitting x-ray unit was
found in 1981 in a department store in Madison, West Virginia. It was
still being used in the store's shoe department! When it was pointed out
to the store managers that it was against West Virginia law to operate a
shoe-fitting x-ray unit, they donated it to the
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
On permanent loan from the U. S. FDA, the power supply is disconnected
on this shoe-fitting x-ray unit. Photos by B. Gaukel and J.J.
Gaukel.
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