Sunday, May 15, 2011
Headphones - Donato DiNorcia
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
Monday, May 2, 2011
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 1st
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)
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.
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/
Sunday, May 1, 2011
THE TOUCHSCREEN!!!!
Airbags by Kelly Riebesell
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