Otis D. Black
Inducted 1982
Otis Black (? – 1977) pioneered the development of materials, methods, and processes for printed wiring and circuit board production, making advances in various electronic devices possible. His experience in electrical conducting materials (metals) and electrical insulating materials (plastics) led to these advances.
He was the inventor or co-inventor for many patented inventions associated with printed circuits and wiring boards, all assigned to the RCA Corporation, where he was employed as a development engineer. RCA Corporation, founded as Radio Corporation of America, was a major electronics manufacturer founded in the early 1900’s. The company was originally a subsidiary of the General Electric Corporation but became independent in the 1930s due to an antitrust action.
RCA has a very diverse history, developing and manufacturing products that included wireless equipment for seagoing vessels, radios, vacuum tubes, records and phonographs, televisions, and other electronics related to communication. The technologies developed by Black during his long career at RCA were applicable in many of these areas.
His first patent was issued in 1953, and his last was issued in 1977. These patented technologies included methods for etching copper for electronic applications, methods for forming electrical conductors, water-soluble adhesives for mounting components to wiring boards, printed circuits, and coated printed circuit wiring boards.
Areas of Expertise:
Plastic materials, Plastics processing