What object did the narrator of Section 6, Part 3 see that was new and frightening, and what happened in that object?

After following her father and Clive Owens into the basement, Kate saw a large contraption set in the center of the room. The contraption emitted great serpentine sparks of electricity, and her father dared Clive Borden to step inside. When Clive backed away, Kate's father threw the young Nicholas into the machine, where he died.