The Kahn Companies

Founded by Irving I. Kahn in 1945, The Kahn Companies have remained a family-owned enterprise for two generations. After emigrating from Germany in 1938, Kahn saw an opportunity to put his mathematics and physics background to use. He developed an electronic speed-measuring device which later evolved into a complete product line of electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic test equipment for the aerospace industry. An entrepreneur keenly interested in emerging technologies, Kahn was actively involved in new product development until his retirement in 1980.

Jeffrey and David Kahn, who took over management of The Kahn Companies after their father's retirement, have inherited his interest in new technologies. Graduates of Harvard Business School, they continue their father's legacy of developing new products and making them commercially feasible. Under their direction, The Kahn Companies switched to computer aided design (CAD) in the mid 1980's. In the early 1990's, The Kahn Companies introduced finite element analysis (FEA), rotor dynamics analysis and other technical software programs in its engineering department. This state-of-the-art capability, which is continuously upgraded, provides The Kahn Companies with the technical tools necessary to successfully compete in the high-technology environment of the 21^st century.

About Adsorptive Systems

The need for clean, dry gases for use in aerospace test equipment led to the development of adsorptive systems. Introduced in the 1960s, Kahn adsorptive systems employ regenerative desiccants to remove moisture or contaminants from process gases or liquids. Adsorptive systems are used in a wide variety of chemical and manufacturing processes. One of the more interesting applications of Kahn adsorptive technology is a reprocessing system for the insulating gas used in the world's most powerful particle accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. By removing contaminants, this reprocessing system saves time and money by enabling Sandia to use the same sulfur hexafluoride gas over and over.