Russel Shoemaker Ohl

Russell Shoemaker Ohl, Holder Of 132 Patents

October 16, 1987|The Morning Call

Russell Shoemaker Ohl, 89, of Vista, Calif., a native of Macungie and holder of 82 U.S. patents and 50 patents in foreign countries, died March 20 in Vista Del Mar Convalescent Hospital, Vista, Calif.

He was the husband of the late Ruth (Livingood) Ohl.

A 1918 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, he became a radio engineer at Bell Systems in the development and research departments in New York and New Jersey in 1922.

During his career there, he developed the basic groundwork for the modern transistor, invented the first successful microwave detector and worked on improving the voice quality of shortwave radio transmission.

In 1940, Ohl discovered and named the N-P junction in silicon which led to the first high-efficiency solar cells, and was the breakthrough that made the invention of the transistor possible. His work made it possible to transmit and receive very high frequency signals and to manufacture diodes needed in radar during World War II. He retired in 1958.

In 1976, Penn State honored him as a distinguished alumnus.

Before working for Bell Systems, he taught physics at the University of Colorado and did research for Electric Storage Battery Co. and Westinghouse Lamp Co.

Ohl was an Army veteran of World War I.

Surviving are a son, Russell Livingood Ohl of Vista; a daughter, Sylvia Ohl Wells of Springdale, Wash.; four grandchildren and three great- grandchildren.

Graveside memorial services will be at noon Tuesday in Fairview Cemetery, Macungie.