In the early 20th century the excellence of the Bar-Ray Products Company and the Kelley-Koett Manufacturing Company gave Covington, Kentucky the distinction as “X-Ray City”. While they were independent enterprises, these two Covington-based companies were instrumental in their influence on early radiology science, medical imaging, and the manufacture of radiation protective equipment.

The Henry R. Winkler Center for the History of the Health Professions installed an exhibit of a Bar-Ray Products Company X-Ray Stitching Stand (circa 1940s) and a Kelley-Koett Manufacturing Company X-Ray Machine (circa 1920). The radiology equipment was utilized at the Cincinnati General Hospital. The X-Ray Stitching Stand was accessioned with an attached document of operator instructions.