History Of Lenox Instrument Company
1920 - 1940

National Research Council Committee on Industrial Lighting (Dr. Crampton center), circa 1925.

Crampton later became a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Medicine and an Associate Ophthalmologist at Pennsylvania Hospital. At the same time, he became widely known in the industrial fields for his work with borescopes. He served as resident of the Illuminating Engineering Society and Distinguished Member of the American Ophthalmology Society, and he was named to the Committee on Industrial Lighting of the National Research Council, chaired by Thomas A. Edison.

Meanwhile, this enterprising innovator, through Lenox Instrument Company, continued to supply borescopes for inspecting hard to reach, often dark, locations. Applications included power turbines, oil refinery piping, gas mains, soft drink tanks, and many other remote locations.

Gun barrel scope 1937.		Borescope power supply, 1938.		Small diameter Lenox borescope inspecting tubes at Superior Tube Co., 1937.

Crampton became recognized for his ability to custom-design and manufacture borescopes, periscopes, and other optical equipment to meet many industrial applications. He was assisted in his work by his brother, a retired banker with a flair for mechanics, and a small crew of 15 assistants.

Custom Borescope for Mississippi River Fuel Co.		Custom Borescope for Mississippi River Fuel Co.

After leaving his post as Professor of Ophthalmology, emeritus, at the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Crampton continued his medical practice at 2031 Locust St. in Philadelphia. He peered into the eyes of patients until noon, and after office hours he would peer into the eyepieces of borescopes and other optical instruments. Crampton could be found working late into the night in his tiny 510 square foot shop, a remodeled 19th century coach house on Chancellor St., about a block away from his practice.

Dr. Campton inspecting a Westinghouse turbine.		John Lang Sr. inspecting a Westinghouse turbine.

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