Samuel Ruben
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Samuel Ruben (1900-1988) made lasting contributions to electrochemistry and solid-state technology. Samuel Ruben founded Ruben Laboratories in the early 1920's that accumulated over 300 patents over the years. Samuel Ruben teamed with Phillip Rogers Mallory to create what would become Duracell International. Ruben developed the mercury button cell in 1942 to replace the zinc-carbon batteries.
Samuel Ruben's most important inventions include out of the more than 100 awarded to him personally: the dry electrolytic aluminum capacitor, the solid-state magnesium/cupric sulfide rectifier, and the vacuum tube relay, the quick heater vacuum tube, and the concept of a balanced-cell mercury battery.
Ruben worked as a researcher from 1918-1921 for the Electrochemical Products Company. Samuel Ruben got his start in electronics when he became a licensed ham radio operator and built radios with spare parts. Samuel Ruben met Professor Bergen Davis of Columbia University who tutored him and allowed him to sit in on some Columbia classes.
Ruben received a Doctor of Science from Butler University Indianapolis. He also received a Doctor of Engineering as well as becoming an honorary professor and fellow from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. He was awarded a honorary Doctor of Science degree at Columbia University in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Science where he was a Senior Staff Associate.
Samuel Ruben published multiple books over his life including a unique way to display the elements entitled Handbook of the Elements and an autobiography entitled Necessity's Children: Memoirs of an Independent Inventor.
