Transistor and Voltage Comparator Question

For my project, I need to evaluate two voltages and output the higher one. What I was originally thinking was using an LM741 (I have them on hand so this would be ideal) with a reference voltage set and another voltage (that changes from time to time) as the other voltage. I would also connect a forward facing diode after the output so the negative (low) output of the LM741 when the "wrong" voltage is higher would be 0. I would connect the ouput to a transistor that would fully saturate when the voltage was high and also to a not gate and connect the correct input voltages. Does this make sense in theory?

Also, I'm having some trouble saturating the transistor I'm using. I don't have it on me but I've heard reports that it's a PNP not an NPN so I'll check that ASAP. If, though, I was using a transistor like this one: http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...r/2N2222/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMutncetXCRkfr9ya76sGO0s for example, what would I need to do to saturate it? I'm a bit confused reading the specs and applying them to my application. What current would I need to apply to the base, and is there a certain minimum or maximum amount of current I need to the collector?

Any replies are greatly appreciated!! If the circuit description is too confusing I could attempt to draw it out for you guys.

Also, if there is an easier way of doing this, please let me know!

Edit: I could also use an LM339 and connect one comparator with the reference voltage as the actual reference and then another comparator with the reference voltage switched, and then connect a transistor to each so one would be activated depending on which voltage was higher. Yes?