Samuel Ruben was an American inventor and entrepreneur in the field of electrochemistry. He was born on November 14, 1900, in Sioux City, Iowa, and passed away on October 16, 1988.
Ruben is best known for his significant contributions to the development of batteries and fuel cells. He co-founded the Electrochemical Products Company (later renamed to EPC) in 1926, which became a leading manufacturer of primary batteries. Ruben's company played a crucial role in the mass production of batteries for consumer use, including widely known brands such as Eveready and Energizer.
His most notable achievement was the invention of the mercury cell, or commonly known as mercury battery, in 1942. This innovative battery technology offered long-lasting power performance at a small size, making it ideal for numerous applications such as hearing aids, pacemakers, and various portable devices.
Ruben's expertise extended beyond batteries. He also made substantial advancements in fuel cell technology, particularly the alkaline fuel cell. He contributed to the development of fuel cells for military use, providing reliable power sources for submarines and spacecraft.
His work in the field of electrochemistry earned him numerous patents and prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Perkin Medal from the Society of Chemical Industry in 1948 and the Edison Medal from the American Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1957.
Samuel Ruben's contributions to the field of electrochemistry revolutionized portable power sources and helped shape modern battery and fuel cell technologies. His innovative inventions continue to impact various industries to this day.
