Batteries

Battery

I. Introduction (brief 3-5 sentences)

From laptop computers to remotes to handheld gaming systems batteries affect my life daily. Batteries may have been in use for around 2000 years. Alessandro Volta invented the basis for the modern battery, the voltaic pile, in Italy during the year 1800. If we didn’t have this discovery we would not have some of the luxuries we take for granted today.

Introduce the discovery, setting/time period, and investigator.

II. Discovery

The earliest objects thought to be a battery were the “Baghdad batteries” (sometimes called “Parthian batteries”) of the Sassanid period in Mesopotamia. These objects thought to be batteries are terracotta pots with an iron rod covered in copper. When a liquid electrolyte is added, the result is a weak electric charge. However, these 2000 year old artifacts function are still a mystery since it can’t be proven that they added the liquid electrolyte.

Luigi Galvani was a friend of Alessandro Volta. In 1780 Galvani stumbled upon a discovery of “frankenstien-ic” proportions. He got a dead frog with a brass hook in its mouth to twitch its leg by touching it with an iron scalpel. He made the mistake of believing the energy to come from the animal itself. Volta disagreed with his hypothesis. After twenty years of experimentation Volta disproved the idea that the electricity came from the animal and instead from the reaction of the two metals and an electrolyte in the middle.

III. Biography of Investigator

Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta was an accomplished inventor born on

February 18, 1745 in Como, Lombardy, Italy. Volta invented the electrophorus (1775), a device capable of producing a static electric charge. he discovered the gas methane (1777). He was a professor of physics at the University of Pavia. The Emperor of Austria named him a professor of philosophy at padova (1815). He invented the voltaic battery (1800). He got made a count by Napoleon (1810) and had the electrical unit, the volt, named after him. He died on March 5, 1827 near Como, Lombardy, Italy.

III. Impact on the World/Humanity\

We use batteries every day, we use them to start our cars and

to listen to our iPods. The production of batteries was greatly increased during the First

World War as a means of powering torches, field radios. Other milestones in battery

production include the widespread radio broadcasting, which brought battery-operated

wireless into the heart of many homes. But, it was during the inter-war years that battery

performance was greatly enhanced. This was achieved through better selection of materials

and methods of manufacture.

Batteries have now become an essential part of everyday life. They are the power source

for millions of consumer, business, medical, military and industrial appliances worldwide.

This demand is growing.

IV. Journal Article Review

Neuroscientists at the University of New Mexico asked volunteers to play a video game called “DARWARS Ambush!”, developed to help train troops in combat. Half of the players received 2 milliamps of electricity to the scalp, powered by a simple 9-volt battery, and they played twice as well as those without. The DARPA-funded study suggests direct current applied to the brain could improve learning.

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-04/direct-current-brain-improves-video-game-skills-researcher-says

Headphones - Donato DiNorcia

I. Introduction
Headphones are wearable, stereo, miniaturized speaker systems that have come a long way in the past few years. Headphones have become extremely popular in the past years due to the reason that they are so convenient and portable (many fit into the pockets of our pants today). Traditionally, headphones have been large and bulky with ear cups covering the left and right speakers. These cups were then attached to a headband that arched over the top of the head for comfort. The speakers that were at opposite ends of the headset were connected to a small wire which plugged into a headphone jack and allowed for sound to be heard. Nowadays, headphones are lightweight, portable, and almost unnoticeable. Instead of the headband that was used in previous years, these headphones sit directly in the opening of the ear. These headphones, known as ear bubs, are preferred today because they have a lot thinner, more flexible wiring which allows for a more pleasant experience in any circumstance.


II. History
Headphones were not really discovered as much as they were developed. The old 20th century earpiece was commonly shaped similar to a bell and was originally used for a telephone earpiece. This is when headphones originated for this was the only way to listen to audio signals before the time of amplifiers. The first set of headphones was developed by a man named Nathaniel Baldwin, who continued to make them and sell them to the Navy. Some of these very first headphone sets were used for radio work in the year 1919. The sound quality on these headphones was very low for the reason that they were the first ever made. Not only did they have poor sound quality, they had poor comfort as well. They had no padding and had too little room for the head between the speakers. In radio stations at this time in history, due to the “new” headphones, there were dangerous voltages levels which were obviously very hazardous. The headphones had bare electrical wiring which would shock the user if the electrical cables were touched while adjusting the headphones.


III. Dangers of High Volume
The use of headphones at a significantly high level may cause temporary hearing loss or deafness. This effect is called “masking.” The main reason for such high volume levels is because the headphones have to compete with background noise. It is especially hard to compete with the background noise in places such as a plane, subway, train, car, or other loud situations. Periods of excess exposure to the awfully loud headphones may be damaging to your hearing but fewer than 5% of headphone users listen to their music/videos at a high enough level frequently enough to cause significant damage. Some manufacturing companies are now aware of these risks and are putting limits to the volume in which a headset can produce. There have been many attempts to limit the volume levels of headphones but, for the most part, all have failed. Laws have been put in that state that, while driving, at least one ear must be “un-plugged” for the reason that total isolation from the outside world is hazardous. Not only is being isolated from the world bad for others around you, it’s bad for you as well due to the reason that you are risking a possession being stolen. When legal, such as when riding a motorcycle, it is perfectly fine to wear earplugs to avoid hearing loss due to wind, road and engine noise but while blocking out these noises, they are actually increasing the ability the have to hear voices and music. At high sound pressure levels, the muscles in the ear tighten, which changes the geometry of the ear. This is the reason why speech and music as well as other noises are able to be heard. Listening to music while using headphones during exercise can be very dangerous for the reason that is draws blood away from the ears and to limbs.


IV. Impact on the World/Humanity
Headphones have had a huge impact on the world in the little time that they have been around. Headphones have contributed to hearing loss in many nations worldwide; however, they have cause major economic growth for these same nations. Not only have headphones contributed to society by causing hearing loss but they have also helped to increase the popularity of the music industry because now you can listen to your own music, privately.


V. Journal Article Review
Headphones Are Gaining Quality and Acceptance
The journal article “Headphones Are Gaining Quality and Acceptance” is an article about hoe headphones are useful and becoming more and more popular. The rise in popularity of headphones is for the reason that they are light-weight, portable devices that can be used for portable or personal use. It is fascinating how any music bought that is played through the headphones is heard perfectly. This is because the sonic engineering in each ear bud/headphone piece is set to obtain proper tonal balance. In these headphones are minor amplifiers that are used to produce natural sound.




Sources:
• *journal article- MASTERS ON AUDIO AND VIDEO -- Features Archives. (n.d.). This site is now part of SoundStageAV.com. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.mastersonaudio.com/features/20020601.html
• What are Headphones?. (n.d.). wiseGEEK: clear answers for common questions. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-headphones.html
• How headphones work: A simple introduction from Explain that Stuff!. (n.d.). Explain that stuff! Science and technology made simple. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.explainthatstuff.com/headphones.html
• HTG Explains: How Do Noise Reducing Headphones Work? - How-To Geek . (n.d.). How-To Geek - Computer Help from your Friendly How-To Geek . Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/44328/htg-explains-how-do-noise-reducing-headphones-work/
• How Headphones Work, all you need to know to demystify headphones inner working. (n.d.). Looking for Concise headphone reviews? Then check out Best-Headphone-Review.com. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.best-headphone-review.com/howheadphoneswork.html

Batteries- by CKENOL

I. Introduction

All of the technology we use uses a battery. There are even cool commercials for them with

the pink bunny and the drum. But in all seriousness, just like the commercials say, batteries

do contributor majorly in our lives.

II. Invention

Technically the first battery of any sort was created by Benjamin Franklin (used in the kite

and key experiment) which consisted of multiple Leyden jars that acted as storage for the

electrical energy. But the first electrochemical cell (which is what modern day batteries are

made up of) was created and developed by an Italian physicist named Alessandro Volta in

1792 which later led to the invention of the first battery (a bunch of many electrochemical

cells contained)in 1800. Volta was inspired by another scientist named Luigi Galvani who

was a danatomist and physiologist. He wanted to make an internal source of electrical

energy. By using 2 different metals (zinc and silver desks) he was able to make the 1^st

voltaic pile which supplied a constant stream of electricity.

III. Biography of Investigator

Alessandro Volta, born February 18, 1745 was born in Como, Lombardy, Italy. He had a public

school education. Before his invention of the battery in 1800 he became a physics professor at

the University of Pavia and was married to Teresa Peregrini and had 3 sons. After the invention

in 1810 Napoleon made him a Count in honor of his invention. In 1881 the “volt” was named

after him. March 5, 1827, he died near his home town in Italy.

IV. Impact on the World/Humanity

We are now able to use portable technology. Everything from cell phones, to computers, cars,

flashlights, and toys have batteries. We see or at least experience the presence of batteries

everywhere we go in everyday life. We now have power that we can carry around in our

pockets anywhere we go. The unit of electrical energy (volt) was also named in honor of him.

V. Journal Article Review

Inspired by others scientists Volta was able to create something that is so essential to our

everyday modern lives, the battery! Using different metal disks he made electrical currents

that would supply technologies. Today there are 2 types of batteries: disposable and rechargeable. Wow, we have really come a long way!

Resources

• http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/volta.htm



• http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Biographies/VoltaBio.htm



• http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Book&bookcmd=download&collection_id=93f2149f8c53745f&writer=rl&return_to=Battery+%28electricity%29 (PDF)

No More Fear of Needles For Vaccinations? Yes Please!!

A square of 100 dissolving microneedles is shown here on a U.S penny for size comparison.

Introduction

Would you ever believe me if I told you there was a painless way to get vaccines without proof? I wouldn't have. But it's true! Mark Prausnitz teamed up with Mark Allen to create a painless patch of microneedles that deliver vaccines just as effectively as traditional hypodermic needles.

Discovery

     The study conducted at the Georgia Institute of Technology involved Jeong-Woo Lee, Vladimir Zarnitsyn, Seong-O Choi, Niren Murthy and Mark Allen besides the main researcher, Mark Prausnitz. They have done many experiments with many edited hypotheses. They have experimented on mice and hope to be able to test hypotheses on humans in the near future. It is anticipated to be FDA approved in the next 5-10 years. These studies are believed to be the first of their kind. Research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

     The microneedles are just 650 microns long and are made into a 100 microneedle square for the mouse studies.  They are shorter than the thickness of a nickel on its back. The microneedles only pierce the outer layers of skin.

      In the main study there were three groups of mice. One group of mice were given the flu vaccine using hypodermic needles to inject the vaccine into the muscle; the second group of mice was given the flu vaccine using the experimental version of the dissolving microneedle squares. A control group of mice had vaccine-less patches applied to their skin. Infected with influenza 30 days later, mice in the control group died while both groups who had recieved a form of vaccination remained healthy as a horse.

     It was determined that animals vaccinated with microneedles appeared to have a better "recall" response to the influenza virus and therfore were able to rid their lungs of the virus more effectively than animals injected by traditional hypodermic needles.

     Microneedle bandaid-like patches are pressed into the skin. The microneedles dissolve quickly in bodily fluids, leaving only the water soluble backing of the patch. The backing can easily and safely be discarded because there are no dangerous sharps left. The dissolving process can take anywhere from a minute to fifteen minutes.

     This new patch method could actually be more effective than the traditional vaccination using hypodermic needles because standard vaccines are injected into muscles rather than straight into the top layers of the skin. Why does this matter? There really are no immune cells in the muscle. With standard injections, the vaccine has to find its way from the muscle to the blood and lymph system to come across the cells that spur protection. However, the microneedle patch delivers the vaccine right into the immune-cell-rich skin. Many studies have shown that skin-based delivery of vaccines is more effective than injections into muscle. This stronger response may make it possible to obtain equal or superior protection with lower doses of vaccine.

     The microneedle squares or "arrays" are made from a polymer material, poly-vinyl pyrrolidone that has been shown to be safer to use in the body. Freeze dried vaccine is mixed with the vinyl-pyrrolidone monomer before being put into microneedle molds and polymerized at room temperature using ultraviolet light.

     Although there have only been studies of administering the influenza vaccine so far, the technique should be appropriate for other immunizations. However, before this method of vaccination can be made widely available, more clinical studies will have to be done to assure safety and effectiveness.

Biography of Mark Prausnitz

Mark Prausnitz is Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has a BS (1988) from Stanford University and a PhD (1994) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Prausnitz' research interests concern novel uses of ultrasound, electric fields, and microfabricated devices to enhance and target drug delivery. Dr. Prausnitz has recieved the CAREER Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation, TR100 Young Innovator from Technology Review, Junior Faculty Research Award from Sigma Xi, Outstanding Pharmaceutical Paper and Outstanding Transdermal Drug Delivery Awards from the Controlled Release Society, and Best Paper Award from the Journal of Clinical Engineering. He has published almost 50 research articles, holds almost 20 issued or pending patents, consults for a number of companies, and has served as an expert witness.

Future Impact on the World/Humanity

     These nifty patches of pain-free health will have a huge impact on the world if they are approved for use on humans. They could also have a big impact on the animal world.

     Because the microneedles dissolve, there would be no need for special disposal of the needles. This would mean less sharp disposal to pay for, and less space needed to store the used needles before complete disposal.

     Since the procedure is so simple, people would have faster and easier access to vaccines and assorted medicines. There would be no need for experienced medical staff to administer it, so you could eliminate that payment in total.

     Because of the dry formula, it would be cheaper and easier to store them. they could hypothetically be good for months. this would allow massively easier access in poor countries.

     In many parts of the world, bad medical infrastructure leads to reusing needles, which contributes to the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis B. Dissolving microneedle patches would eliminate re-use while allowing vaccination to be done by personnel with minimal training or just by themselves.

      This new vaccination technology could simplify vaccination programs in assisted living homes and schools.

     Because of the moronically simple procedure, it could prevent accidents and re-sticking with hypodermic needles. With this band aid like patch, immunization could be available over the counter. Microneedle patches could also potentially be used for insulin, which would help millions of diabetics all over the world.

Journal Article Review 

      This journal article was about the passage for immunizations into targeted locations in the body. "The biological barriers that block transport are usually int he form of lipid bilayers, either cell membranes or the lipids found in skin that prevent drugs from entering the body. By selectively and reversibly disrupting those biological barriers, drugs can be delivered into the body across the skin and into targeted cells through short lived hole in their membranes."

Sources!

 Prausnitz, M. (n.d.). Abstract. Retrieved from http://www.chem.ucsb.edu/~bioengr/mark%20Prausnitz%20abstract.htm

 Sanders, L. (2010, July 19). 'ouchless' microneedles delivre pain-free vaccines. Retrieved from http://news.discovery.com/tech/ouchless-needles-flu-vaccine.html

Toon, J. (2010, July 18). Disappearing needles. Retrieved from http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/dissolving-microneedles-patch/

Pink dye shows how vaccines would be in the microneedles.

The microneedles dissolve after fifteen minutes.

Microneedle patches are smaller than a nickel!

THE TOUCHSCREEN!!!!

Introduction

         The touchscreen. One of the most common characteristics of modern day appliances, they are found in nearly every high end technological apparatus in the field of portable computers and other devices of that sort. Though they haven’t been this common for such a long time, they do have a long history dating back to the early 70’s. A man that went by Doctor Sam Hurst first “touched” this technology.

Invention

         The “touch sensor” was first developed by this man in 1971 in the labs of the University of Kentucky. He called this “sensor” the Elograph”. The Elograph was not see-thru like modern day touchscreens, but it was the first true key element to the later production of the more advanced models we have today. Dr. Hurst then made a company in which he worked on touchscreens for years, until finally in 1974 he made the first true touchSCREEN as it was a transparent screen that you could put images behind. Then in 1977 the same company made and patented five-wire resistive touchscreen technology, the most popular touchscreen technology used today.

Inventor’s Bio

         Though not much is known about Dr. Hurst’s past, we do know that in the early 70’s he was a professor at the University of Kentucky.

Impact in OUR world

         Touchscreens are extremely useful and have become an almost necessary part of our everyday life. Reason they’re used so much is because they enable the user to directly interact with what is displayed without the interference of a mouse. They also usually make devices need only one part as the touch screen controls it all, so it becomes an easier task to maintain and repair. 

ATMs are the most common use of touchscreens, but fthey’re are also used in museum exhibits, ticket sales in airports and movie theaters, and public information kiosks. Or in IPads!!!

Construction

The most popular touchscreens are built in the following manner:

1.    Top polyester coated with a transparent metallic conductive coating on the bottom.

2.    Adhesive spacer.

3.    Glass layer coated with a transparent metallic conductive coating on the top.

4.    Adhesive layer on the backside of the glass for mounting.

Works Cited

1.    Tyco Electronics is now TE Connectivity | Electronic Components, Connectors & Network Solutions  . (n.d.).      Tyco Electronics is now TE Connectivity | Electronic Components, Connectors & Network Solutions  . Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.tycoelectronics.com/default.aspx

2.    Touchscreen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchscreen

Airbags by Kelly Riebesell

           Introduction
               For years the seat belt was the sole devise in cars to protect you in a collision.  In the 1980's the first commercial airbags were sold in cars; by 1988, all cars sold in the United States were required to have airbags in the driver and passenger sides. Airbags are safety devices in automobiles built into the dashboard, steering wheel, door, roof, or seat of your car.   They are made up of a flexible envelope which use crash sensors to trigger an automatic expansion in order to protect you from the impact of an accident.
            Discovery

            Airbags for automobiles were introduced to the United States in the 1970's because of the concern of the low usage rates of seat belts. The airbag is based on the laws of motion.  Moving objects have momentum.  Unless an outside force acts on the object, they will continue to go at its constant speed and direction. A car consists of many objects; there are loose objects in the car and, of course, the passengers.  If not restrained, these objects will continue at the same speed of the car, even if there is a collision.  Therefore something needs to instantly restrain the passengers and objects from moving foward if a collision or accident occurs. When a car crashes, the force required to stop a passenger is very great because the cars momentum has changed instantly, while the person's has not.  The airbag has a strong enough force to stop a passenger, however, is very unlikely to harm them.

 http://www.mongreled.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Safety-Airbags.jpg

           Biography of Inventor
            John W. Hetrick came up with the idea of the inflated cushion through his experience with the use of compressed air in torpedoes when he was involved in the United States Navy.  In 1968, Allen K. Breed was inspired by his idea to invent the airbags, now used in all United States automobiles.  Breed's invention was the world's first electromechanical automotive air bag system. In 1987 Breed founded Breed Automotive to refine and market his airbag invention.  The air bag is only one of two dozen auto safety inventions he has co-patented over the years.
           Impact on the World/ Humanity

           Air bags have had a major impact on the world and humanity in the way they have protected many possible deaths and major injuries.  The seat belt is also a major restraint device, however, people have a choice not to wear their seat belts.  And the rates of seat belt usage has gone down over the years. The air bag is something that is automatically triggered by a collision and is an added protection to the seat belt; especially if a passenger is not wearing their seat belt.
            Journal Article Review
            This journal article displays the facts that airbags reduce drivers deaths by about 14 percent and passenger deaths by about 11 percent.  It also states that airbags and seat belt work together as a system; it is much safer to have an airbag and a seat belt on than just one or the other. Deaths are 12 percent lower among drivers with belts alone and 9 percent lower among passengers with belts alone.
            List of References

• Airbags. (n.d.). The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.research.chop.edu/programs/carseat/airbags.php
• Bellis, M. (n.d.). The History of Airbags. Inventors. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://inventors.about.com/od/astartinventions/a/air_bags.htm
• Brain, M. (n.d.). HowStuffWorks "How Airbags Work". Howstuffworks "Auto ". Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/airbag.htm
• Inventor of the Week: Archive. (n.d.). MIT. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/breed.html