10 fun and interesting Lee De Forest facts

1. Defying Social Norms

Lee De Forest, the son of the President of an African American school, was not afraid to challenge the social norms of his time. Despite the disapproval of his peers, he chose to befriend the black children in his town, showing a level of courage and compassion that was rare for the era. His actions were a testament to his character and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to stand up for what is right.

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2. Inventor of the Vacuum Tube Suspended from Yale

Lee De Forest, the inventor of the vacuum tube, was a student at Yale University when he conducted an experiment that caused a campus-wide blackout. His experiment was so disruptive that he was suspended from the university for his actions. Despite this setback, De Forest went on to become a pioneering inventor, and his vacuum tube invention revolutionized the world of electronics.

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3. "Lee De Forest's Final Love"

Lee De Forest was a man of many marriages, having been married four times in his lifetime. His fourth wife, however, was the one who stayed with him until the very end, remaining by his side until his death. This was a testament to the strength of their relationship, as it was able to withstand the test of time and remain strong until the very end.

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4. Lee De Forest Backs Then Blasts FDR

Lee De Forest, the inventor of the vacuum tube, was a staunch supporter of Franklin Roosevelt during his first presidential campaign. However, after Roosevelt's election, De Forest began to express his disapproval of the President's policies, labeling him as the "first fascist President". Despite this, De Forest continued to be a vocal advocate for Roosevelt's reelection in 1936.

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5. Inventor Lee De Forest honored with award named after him

Lee De Forest was a renowned inventor and engineer who was highly respected in his field. He was awarded the prestigious Edison Medal in recognition of his achievements, and his legacy was further honoured when an award was named after him - the Lee De Forest Medal - which is presented to engineers who have made significant contributions to the field.

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6. Inventor of the Vacuum Tube Lee De Forest Died in 1961

Lee De Forest, the inventor of the vacuum tube, suffered a heart attack in 1958 which left him mostly bedridden until his death in 1961. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to work on his inventions and was even awarded the National Medal of Science in 1960 for his contributions to the development of electronics. His legacy lives on in the form of the vacuum tube, which is still used in some electronic devices today.

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7. Inventor of the Vacuum Tube

In 1913, Lee De Forest was sued for fraud and was consequently forced to relinquish his patent for the vacuum tube and his rights to wireless telegraphy. This was a major setback for De Forest, who had spent years developing the technology and had been the first to invent the vacuum tube, which was a major breakthrough in the field of electronics. The sale of his patent and rights to wireless telegraphy was a significant loss for De Forest, but it also opened up the door for further advancements in the field of electronics.

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8. The Invention of Radio: A Controversial History

Lee De Forest is a controversial figure in the history of radio technology. Despite being credited with the invention of the radio by a court ruling, some historians argue that the credit should have gone to Edwin Armstrong instead. This debate has been ongoing for decades, with both sides making compelling arguments for their respective positions. Regardless of who is ultimately credited with the invention, it is clear that both De Forest and Armstrong played a major role in the development of radio technology.

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9. 15 patents and revolutionized electronics

Lee De Forest was an incredibly prolific inventor, filing over 15 patents between 1902 and 1914 - all of which were issued. His inventions ranged from the first vacuum tube amplifier to the first sound-on-film system for motion pictures, and his work revolutionized the fields of radio and television. His patents were instrumental in the development of modern electronics, and his legacy continues to shape the world of technology today.

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10. Museum Closes After Foothill Breaks Contract w/ De Forest

Lee De Forest's groundbreaking findings were once held at the Foothill College museum, but the college's decision to break their contract resulted in the museum's closure. This unfortunate event meant that the public was no longer able to view De Forest's discoveries, which had been a source of inspiration and education for many.