.
These experimental projects brought about period ofintense activity the West
Orange laboratory. The X-ray machine was being perfected West Orange the century
began.67 1910, there were over 100 workers the
laboratory and August 1912 just over 200, including experimenters, 90
machinists, and draftsmen. The motion picture had become highly profitable business
for the Edison enterprise 1900. Unfortunately the public preferred internal combustion
engines and the high price and initial poor reliability his battery deterred
general use automobiles.
In addition the key phonograph and storage battery projects, there were two
other important products developed the West Orange laboratory during this
period. During this period great efforts were made produce and market large
battery intended for submarines.
Edison also hoped that submarines would use his battery power their electric
motors. failed commercial product and proved how dangerous new
technologies can be.
The West Orange laboratory was not only the location some experimental work
to develop and perfect the alkaline storage battery,66 but also the place where
elaborate marketing schemes, such the electric automobile rallies, were devised. was an
enthusiastic supporter the automobile and hoped that his battery might power
an electric automobile. and
its successors for several decades. 1899, there were 111 names the laboratory payroll and
this probably represented the maximum number employees the laboratory
during the nineteenth century.
After his painstaking efforts find the right chemical combination alkaline
storage battery, Edison struggled find market for that was large enough to
support his plans for large scale manufacture West Orange.68 Every experimental room the site was
se Much experimental work the storage battery was performed the Glen Ridge and Silver Lake
factories, few miles from West Orange.machine industry whole, and the introduction this process was influence
the international development recorded sound technology.
31
87 Employee Records, Laboratory Payroll Tíme Sheets, Cabinet 50783, Drawer 3
M Employee Records Edison Laboratory Time Sheets, Box 83. Edison looked forward developing dramatic
new motion picture products the twentieth century, including his long standing
commitment bring synchronized sound moving pictures. The storage battery, however, was successfully used
in delivery trucks, railroad car lighting, mining locomotives, and emergency
lighting systems, and was successful product line for Thomas Edison, Inc
