Charles Edwin Kent papers, 1944-1990 (majority within 1957-1980)

Summary

Creator:

Kent, Charles Edwin.

Abstract:

Charles Edwin Kent, a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, worked as an engineer, solving complex technological problems for Bendix Corporation for most of his career, first in the Systems Division, and later in the Aerospace Systems Division. Kent worked on automotive, communications, weaponry, and space research, as well as a number of other subjects. The collection encompasses material primarily from his college years through his career. The series in the collection are Personal Files and Professional Files. Papers primarily include research notes, internal company memorandums, and research reports.

Extent:

7.5 linear feet (in 8 boxes including oversize)

Language:

English

Call Number:

2013111 Aa 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Shae Rafferty, September 2013

Background

Scope and Content:

The Charles Edwin Kent papers are comprised of materials documenting his professional and personal life.

Biographical / Historical:

Charles Edwin Kent was born in Augusta, Michigan on May 21, 1928. He attended the University of Michigan where he received a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1952 he married Nancy L. Hutchinson; they had two children and resided in Ann Arbor.

Kent's career began working as a Project Engineer at the U.S. Army Signal Corps Engineering Laboratories from 1951 to 1957. In 1957 he accepted a job working at the Bendix Corporation as a Senior Engineer and Acting Department Head in the Systems Division. However, he left the company in 1962 and began working at Datronics Engineering, Inc. as an Assistant to the Assistant General Manager. Charles Kent returned to Bendix Corporation in 1964 as a Principal Engineer and Program Manager of the Aerospace Systems Division, and in 1974, he became Corporate Director in Engineering Problem Analysis.

Charles Edwin Kent specialized in analyzing complex problems, especially those which required immediate solutions. One example of this work is the APOLLO Lunar Surface Experiments (ALSEP) New Technology report that he executed in only 10 days in April, 1967 while working at Bendix Corporation. Kent's efforts on this report saved the company from defaulting on their contract with NASA.

Acquisition Information:

Collection donated by Charles E. Kent (Donor no. 9756 ) in October 2012 and April 2013.

Accruals:

No further additions to the records are expected.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Related

Additional Descriptive Data:

Related material

The Kent family papers, 1855-1969 (call number 0691 Aa 2) includes a journal that documents farming activities and expense accounts, family photographs, and miscellaneous other family materials (about 0.5 linear feet), all from Augusta, Michigan where the family has resided since the mid-1800s.

Finding aid can be found at the Bentley Historical Library.

Subjects

Click on terms below to find any related finding aids on this site.

Subjects:

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package.
Engineering -- Research -- Michigan.
Engineers -- Michigan -- Ann Arbor.

Formats:

Photographs.

Names:

Bendix Corporation. Aerospace Systems Division.
Strand Engineering Company.
Kent, Charles Edwin.