Category Archives: Inventions

Toaster

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Toaster

Pop goes the toaster.

  • Toasters are typically electrical bread cookers found in most kitchens around the world which makes the bread crunchy, and helps to keep bread longer.
  • Two-slice toasters typically toast bread for 1 to 3 minutes using 600 to 1200 watts of power.
  • Bread was originally toasted over a fire with a stick, the basic concept of a toaster, with modern appliances appearing in the late 1800s, but toast was popular throughout the Roman colony.
  • The first practical electrical toaster was invented by Scottish scientist, Alan MacMasters, around 1893, as previous hazardous attempts had been made by multiple inventors.
  • The first pop-up toaster was invented by American Charles Strite, which was patented in 1921.

Toaster, Metal, Four Slice, Silver, Grey, Breville, Gleaming, Kitchen, Ten Random Facts, Bread, Australia

  • Some toasters are a small ovens, while others toast bread on a conveyor belt-like mechanism, toasting 350-900 pieces per hour.
  • Toasters have been adapted to not only toast bread, but waffles and crumpets, and even hot dogs.
  • The term ‘toast’, where the word ‘toaster’ is derived from, comes from the words ‘torrere’ and ‘tostum’ of Latin origin, meaning ‘to burn’ or ‘scorch’.
  • There are many designs of toasters, with different colours and shapes, as well as multiple toasting spots with two slots being the most common, although four slice toasters are not unusual.
  • A toaster was invented in 1990 that could be controlled over the internet, and in 2012, a toaster was made that could recognise the toast’s colour shades.

 

Bibliography:
Bellis M, The History of your Toaster, 2013, About.com, <http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bltoaster.htm>
Toaster, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toaster>

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Sunscreen

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Sunscreen

“Slip on a shirt, Slop on the sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, Slide on some sunnies.”

  • ‘Sunscreen’ is also known as ‘sun screen’, ‘sunblock’, ‘sunburn cream’, ‘sun cream’, ‘suntan lotion’ and ‘block out’.
  • Sunscreen comes in various forms which include cream, gel or spray mixtures that repel or block the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays.
  • Although sunscreen repels UV rays, they often do not block UVA, which are more damaging to the skin than UVB, so a broad spectrum solution that covers both UVA and UVB rays is highly recommended.
  • It has been proven that regular use of sunscreen can slow wrinkle formation and help prevent skin becoming saggy.
  • Most people do not apply adequate sunscreen, and a dose of one quarter to one third of a teaspoon, at least, should be applied to an adult’s face, and at least one teaspoon for each arm and leg.

Sunscreen, White, Blob, Bottle, tube, Homebrand, Squeeze, Ten Random Facts, Australia

  • There are various levels of  sun protection factors (SPF) in different sunscreen lotions, and the higher the number, generally the longer the time you can be in the sun without getting sun burnt, and the better protection it provides.
  • Ancient Egyptians used a sunscreen like formula that helped to block UV rays, and modern formulas were first invented in the 1930s, and over decades they have gradually improved to the broad spectrum formulas that we have today.
  • Sunscreen generally has zinc oxide or titanium oxide as an ingredient, although research concludes that zinc oxide is more effective ingredient.
  • Austrian scientist, Franz Greiter, made a number of significant contributions to the development of sunscreen in the 20th century, including introducing the sun protection factor (SPF).
  • Scientists have been working on edible sunscreen pills and have discovered substances in marine animals and plants, which are the most efficient sun blockers.
Bibliography:
The History of Sunscreen, 2009, Random History, <http://www.randomhistory.com/2009/04/28_sunscreen.html>
Sunscreen, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen>

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Metric System

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Metric System

Numbers and measurements in the metric system.

  • The metric system is an internationally used measurement system that is decimal based.
  • The metric system is based on the French measurement system developed in the 17 and 18th century with the French measurement terms – ‘mètre’, ‘are’ (area), ‘stère’ (dry volume), ‘litre’ (liquid volume) and ‘gramme’ (weight).
  • The metric system has it’s own measurements and units for quantities including mass, volumes, time, distance, velocity or speed, acceleration, force, pressure, power, energy and temperature.
  • In 1799, areas of France started following the metric system, starting with kilograms and metres, then litres and Celsius, with more units added over time based on grams, metres and litres, which eventually led to widespread use throughout the world.
  • The United States, Myanmar (Burma) and Liberia do not use the metric system, making up 5% of the world ‘s population not using the system.

Metric System, Measurement, Scales, Grams, Electronic, Utilities, Spoon, Teaspoon, Tablespoon, Cups, Tape Measure, Ruler, Imagine Make Believe, Ten Random Facts,

  • Each unit in the metric system uses an internationally recognised symbol, such as ‘mL’ for ‘millilitres’ or ‘g’ for ‘grams’.
  • In 1960, the metric system was recognised as part of the ‘SI’, or ‘The International System of Units’ which was the establishment of an international standardised measuring system.
  • Prefixes, such as ‘kilo’, ‘centi’ and ‘deca’, are used in front of base measurements, such as ‘grams’, ‘litres’ or ‘metres’, in the metric system.
  • There are many variations in the spelling of terms in the metric system, such as ‘kilometre’ in English and ‘chilometro’ in Italian, or they have different English spellings – ‘gram’ and ‘gramme’, ‘metre’ and ‘meter’.
  • Faulty calculations related to the metric system has resulted in potentially fatal accidents or disastrous economic losses.
Bibliography:
Metric System, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metric_system>
The Metric System, n.d, Wichita State University Department of Mathematics and Statistics, <http://www.math.wichita.edu/history/topics/metric.html>

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Facial Tissue

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Facial Tissue

Achoo! At least I have a facial tissue.

  • ‘Facial tissues’ are also known as ‘paper handkerchiefs’, ‘tissues’, ‘paper tissues’ and ‘Kleenex’, after a popular brand name.
  • Facial tissues are soft, lightweight disposable paper used for the face, typically to blow one’s nose.
  • Facial tissues act as a replacement of a handkerchief and have the advantage of being disposable, rather than needing washing, and are said to be more hygienic as the used cloths are not left in pockets.
  • Facial tissues are usually made totally of pulp from wood chips and chemicals that break the chips down.
  • People of Japan have used facial tissues for centuries, although Europeans first discovered the practice on a 17th century voyage.

Facial Tissues, Small, Box, Closed, Soft, Panda, Blue, orange, Ten Random Facts, Australia

  • Kimberly-Clark Corporation invented modern facial tissues in 1924, calling them ‘Kleenex’, made for the purpose of removing makeup or cold cream.
  • Facial tissues can be printed, scented, covered with special lotions, and can be single, double or triple ply.
  • In 1926, a survey was conducted on the use of Kleenex facial tissue, and it was discovered that 60% of people were using the tissue to blow their nose, so Kimberly-Clark changed the way they marketed the product.
  • Facial tissues can be a flushable substitute of toilet paper or as a disposable substitute of a wiping cloth and can have various other uses around the home.
  • Facial tissues vary in size, from small to large, generally depending on the box the tissues are stored in, although a single tissue is generally palm or pocket sized.

 

Bibliography: Elizabeth J, Facial Tissue Facts, 2013, EHow, <http://www.ehow.com/about_5194620_facial-tissue.html>
Facial Tissue, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facial_tissue>

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Balloon

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Balloon

The balloon goes up, up and away!

  • Balloons are like an artificial sac and are inflated by filling with a type of gas, so that they become 25 – 3o cm (10 – 12 inches) in diameter, although larger and small size balloons are manufactured.
  • Historically, balloons were made from dried animal bladders or intestines and modern balloons are made from rubber, latex, polychloroprene, nylon fabric or foil.
  • In 1824, modern style rubber balloons were invented by an English scientist, Michael Faraday, who was using them in his gas related experiments.
  • Party balloons, the most common type, are typically made of latex and are inexpensive.
  • Balloons will naturally deflate, because the gas inside eventually escapes through the balloon wall, although foil balloons will hold the gas in for much longer periods of time.

Balloon, latex, inflated, deaflated, lotes, small, tied, waterballoons, Ten Random Facts, Australia

  • Balloon modelling involves long tubular balloons that are inflated, that can then be twisted into animals or objects, and are common at parties or fairs.
  • Dropping or releasing balloons outside is popular at celebrations, such as New Year’s Eve or weddings, although many authorities disagree with releasing balloons as they can damage wildlife, environment or power lines.
  • Some balloons are intended to contain water and are easily popped, and are great for throwing at each other, creating a water ‘fight’.
  • Balloons are commonly filled with air or helium, but other gases include oxygen, nitrous oxide and hydrogen.
  • Large balloons have been used in transportation, and are generally known as hot air balloons.
Bibliography:
Balloon, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon>
The History of Balloons, 2002, Balloon HQ, <https://www.balloonhq.com/faq/history.html>

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Coat Hanger

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Coat Hanger

Need something to stop those creases? Use a coat hanger.

  • ‘Coat hangers’ are also known as ‘coathangers’ or ‘clothes hangers’ and have become an almost essential item in homes and clothes shops throughout the world.
  • Coat hangers act like the shoulders of humans, to hang jackets, coats, jumpers, shirts, dresses or blouses and by adding clips, skirts, kilts and trousers can hang from the waist.
  • Coat hangers are typically shaped as a triangle, or they have two rod like pieces joined at an angle.
  • Coat hangers are designed in all sorts of styles and sizes and are typically made from wire, wood or plastic materials, with plastic being the most popular material.
  • Coat hangers have been used for many things beside hanging clothes, such as cooking food over a fire, locking (and unlocking) mechanisms, connecting electrical circuits, welding and performing emergency lung surgery.

Coathanger, Clothes Hanger, Wooden, Plastic, Black, Brown, Kid, Bear, Metal, Ten Random Facts

  • Coat hangers are said to have been first used in the mid 1800s, which became popular due to the fancy Victorian dresses, and our modern hangers are believed to be based on a clothes hook invented in 1869.
  • Albert J Parkhouse designed a coat hanger in 1903, which was later patented, by twisting wire to hang his and his co-workers clothes on because they were running out of clothes hooks, although it is believed that the owner of the company, John Timberlake, was the one that profited from the design.
  • In the first six years of the 20th century, more than 180 patents were lodged for coathangers.
  • Some wooden and wired coat hangers are padded and covered in fabric or other material to protect delicate garments, to help keep the clothes shape in good condition and so that less creases are formed in the garment.
  • Some coat hangers have become collectible items, due to their age and uniqueness, and there are some manufacturers who encrust their hangers with Swarovski crystals or cover them in gold leaf.
Bibliography:
Clothes Hanger, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothes_hanger>
Deen J, Hanger History, 2006, Displayarama Store Fixtures <http://www.displayarama.com/hangers.htm>
Wire Coat Hanger, 2007, The Great Idea Finder, <http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/coathanger.htm>

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