Ray D. Kell

Biography

Ray D. Kell was born on June 7th, 1904 in Kell, Illinois and received his B.S. from the University of Illinois in 1926. In 1927, he entered General Electric (GE) where he worked in the field of television with Dr. E.F. W. Alexanderson. In 1930 he became associated with the RCA Manufacturing Company in Camden, NJ, where he directed Research in the field of television cameras and associated equipment, along with the development of the first television transmitter to operate in the VHF band.

During World War II he directed the development, construction and installation of the first automatic radar fire control system for use on ship board. He was also active in the application of television to the directing of guided missiles such as "ORC" and GB-4. At the conclusion of the war, he directed his attention to color television. Under his direction, a commercial color television was developed. Mr. Kell has published several papers in the field of television, and has over forty patents relating to television, radio communication and radar.

He was made a Fellow of the IRE in 1947 for "his extensive contributions over many years in television for both civilian and military use". He received the Vladimir K. Zworykin Award in 1966 for "his extensive and significant contributions, papers, and inventions which have been fundamental in the development of both black-and-white and color television".

Other awards Kell has received include the Modern Pioneer Award, National Association of Manufacturers, 1940; Certificate of Commendation, U.S. Dept. of Navy, 1946; Stuart Ballantine Medal, Franklin Institute, 1948; David Sarnoff Gold Medal, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, 1954; David Sarnoff Outstanding Achievement Award, Radio Corporation of America, 1962; Certificate of Appreciation, National Association of Broadcasters, 1976. Sigma Xi, 1939; Certificate of Commendation, Bureau of Ships for Outstanding Service During WWII, 1947; College of Engineering Alumni Honor Award, 1974; Distinguised Alumnus Award, The Electrical Engineering Alumni Association, University of Illinois, 1973; N.Y. Academy of Science Recognition, 1979.