The beginnings of electrosurgical technology 1923-1962
Otto Erbe changed the course of the company. In terms of the technology used, he focused on the development of an adjustable spark gap that used tungsten rather than silver contacts, for which he was granted a German Imperial Patent in 1931.
Otto Erbe (1884-1965)
In 1923, Otto Erbe took over the company from his mother Pauline, whom he had already been assisting in managing the company. In 1921 he had completed a degree in optical engineering in Jena. Under his management, the professional tradesman's workshop gradually developed into an industrial enterprise, while technical developments continued apace. From 1919 onwards, the retail store, offices and private apartment were all located in the building at no. 7 Holzmarkt. From 1920 onwards, the production facilities were located at the former location of the Tuebingen city waterworks at no. 35 Hechinger Straße.
The Great Depression, inflation and World War II – Otto Erbe had to steer the company ship through difficult times. He also suffered personal tragedy: he and his wife Ella lost two of their three sons. Both soldiers, they died in action during the war. Their son Helmut, born in 1928, was now the only one left who could take over the family business.
Otto Erbe changed the course of the company. In terms of the technology used, he focused on the development of an adjustable spark gap that used tungsten rather than silver contacts, for which he was granted a German Imperial Patent in 1931. He laid the foundation for electrosurgery in manufacturing and transformed the name into a brand: during the 1930s, Erbotherm was joined by Erbotom, Erbetrans, Erbe-Simplex and several other devices, all with a name that was now unmistakable.
In the final years of World War II, Erbe was a supplier to the medical equipment facilities and military hospitals of the German Wehrmacht. Arms then became prioritized over medical equipment in terms of necessity, accessory equipment could no longer be obtained, and Erbe also fulfilled contracts for the Wehrmacht. During this time, it was primarily sales from the retail store, including glasses, binoculars and photography, that kept the business going.