David Pall facts for kids

David Boris Pall (April 2, 1914 – September 21, 2004) was a brilliant chemist. He invented a special filter that made blood transfusions much safer. He also founded a very successful company called Pall Corporation.

Who Was David Boris Pall?

David Boris Pall was born on April 2, 1914. He was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. His parents had moved there from Russia. He grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan.

His Education and Early Work

David was very smart and loved science. He went to McGill University. There, he studied chemistry. He earned a bachelor's degree. Then, he got his Ph.D. in physical chemistry. This is a type of chemistry that uses physics.

In 1938, he moved to New York. He became part of the Manhattan Project. This was a secret project during World War II. It was about developing new technologies.

Starting Pall Corporation

After the war, in 1946, Dr. Pall started his own company. He named it Pall Corporation. At first, his company focused on filters. These filters were used in aircraft hydraulics. Hydraulics are systems that use liquids to create power.

The Life-Saving Filter

In 1959, something personal changed Dr. Pall's focus. His first wife, Josephine, became very ill. She had a condition called aplastic anemia. This means her body could not make enough new blood cells. She needed many blood transfusions. Sadly, these transfusions were not successful.

After her death, Dr. Pall started working on a new filter. This filter was designed for blood transfusions. It became known as the Pall filter. This filter makes transfusions much safer. It works by removing white blood cells from the blood. This helps to stop bad reactions. It also reduces the risk of getting viral infections. Today, Pall Corporation sells over $2.0 billion worth of products. Their filters are used all over the world.

Awards and Legacy

Dr. Pall was a very creative inventor. He received over 180 patents during his life. A patent protects an invention. In 1990, he received a very important award. It was the United States National Medal of Technology. President George H.W. Bush gave him this award. It is given to people who make important technological advances.

Dr. Pall was also a trustee at the North Shore University Hospital. He passed away on September 21, 2004. He died from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was living in Roslyn Estates, New York at the time. His work continues to save lives every day.