Inventions

The fuzzy side of Velcro is called the "loop" side. It consists of soft, hook-free fibers that create a surface for the hooks on the counterpart side to attach to. This design allows for the easy fastening and unfastening of the two sides.

The felt tip pen was invented in the late 1960s. Its design is often attributed to the Japanese company Pentel, which introduced the first commercially available felt tip marker in 1962. The innovation gained popularity in the following years, leading to the widespread use of felt tip pens for writing and art.

The scooter, in its earliest form, dates back to the early 19th century, with the first patent for a kick scooter granted in 1895 in the United States. However, the more recognizable modern version of the scooter, particularly the foldable ones, gained popularity in the late 20th century, especially with the introduction of the Razor scooter in 2000. These developments have made scooters a popular mode of transportation and recreation worldwide.

Garrett Morgan, an African American inventor and entrepreneur, is best known for his inventions such as the three-position traffic signal and a safety hood (an early version of a gas mask). While he did not win widely recognized formal awards during his lifetime, he received honors for his contributions to public safety and innovation. In 1961, he was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, recognizing his impact on modern safety technologies. Additionally, his legacy is celebrated in various forms, including tributes and educational programs highlighting his achievements.

Offset printing machines come in several types, mainly categorized by how they feed paper and the kind of printing they handle. Here are the main ones:

1. Sheet-Fed Offset Printing Machine

Feeds paper sheets one by one.

Commonly used for brochures, magazines, posters, packaging, and books.

Delivers very high-quality prints with vibrant colors.

2. Web Offset Printing Machine

Uses large rolls (or “webs”) of paper instead of sheets.

Best for high-volume printing like newspapers, catalogs, and large runs of magazines.

Faster than sheet-fed but usually lower in resolution.

Cold-set Web Offset → dries ink by absorption, used for newspapers.

Heat-set Web Offset → uses heat to dry ink, used for glossy magazines and catalogs.

3. Perfecting (Double-Side) Offset Press

Prints on both sides of the sheet in a single pass.

Saves time and is efficient for large-scale double-sided printing jobs.

4. Small Offset Printing Machine

Compact version, cost-effective for small to medium runs.

Popular among small businesses, local publishers, and short-run jobs.

The 1780s saw several significant inventions and ideas, including the steam engine improvements by James Watt, which enhanced industrial productivity. The first successful commercial cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, revolutionizing the cotton industry. The invention of the hot air balloon by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783 showcased advancements in aviation. Additionally, the development of the modern postal system, including the introduction of the penny post in Britain, transformed communication.

Turnovers, as a concept in pastry, are believed to have originated in Europe, particularly in the 17th century. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific inventor, the technique is often associated with French pastry chefs who created layered dough pastries. The modern turnover, typically filled with fruit or savory ingredients, has evolved over time from these early recipes.

Writing was invented around 3200 BC in ancient Mesopotamia, specifically in Sumer. This early form of writing, known as cuneiform, was developed primarily for record-keeping and administrative purposes. Other early writing systems, such as Egyptian hieroglyphs, emerged shortly after.

Ideas are concepts or thoughts that represent a potential solution or creative notion, while inventions are tangible products or processes that arise from those ideas and are developed into practical applications. An idea can exist in the mind without being realized, whereas an invention is the execution of an idea that often involves innovation and technical skill. Essentially, all inventions begin as ideas, but not all ideas become inventions.

The front plow on an old train is commonly referred to as a "snowplow" or "cowcatcher." The cowcatcher is specifically designed to clear obstacles from the tracks, such as snow, debris, or even livestock. It is typically a metal frame mounted at the front of the locomotive, shaped to deflect objects away from the train's path.

The first practical electric light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison in 1879. While several inventors, including Sir Humphry Davy and Joseph Swan, had experimented with electric lighting prior to Edison, his design was the first to be commercially viable and long-lasting. Edison's improvements included a carbon filament and a vacuum-sealed glass bulb, which significantly enhanced the bulb's durability and efficiency.

The first known portrait is often attributed to the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, with the oldest surviving example being the painted limestone relief of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, created around 1345 BCE. However, the earliest true portrait in the sense of depicting an individual with recognizable features is the "Portrait of a Woman" from the 1st century BCE, found in Herculaneum, Italy. This artwork reflects a shift towards more individualized representations in art.

Mazes were invented for various purposes, including as a form of entertainment, spiritual exploration, and as a challenge for problem-solving. In ancient cultures, they served religious and symbolic roles, often representing a journey through life or the afterlife. Over time, they evolved into recreational puzzles, intriguing people with their complexity and the challenge of finding a way through. Today, mazes continue to captivate and stimulate both creativity and critical thinking.

The invention of gunpowder in 9th century China significantly changed warfare. Initially developed for use in fireworks, it quickly transitioned to military applications, leading to the creation of explosive weapons, cannons, and firearms. This innovation revolutionized combat tactics and strategies, allowing for greater destructive power and altering the dynamics of battles both in China and eventually around the world. Gunpowder's impact extended beyond the battlefield, influencing the development of modern warfare.

The concept of a human-powered submarine was pioneered by engineer and inventor Howard Hughes, who designed the first successful human-powered submersible, named the "Mysterious Submarine," in the 1960s. However, it was the team led by Graham Hawkes in the 1980s that further advanced the design, creating the "Manta" and other models capable of sustained underwater travel powered by human effort. Various enthusiasts and researchers have since contributed to the development of human-powered submarines, leading to innovative designs and competitions.

Boats were not invented in 1825; rather, they have existed for thousands of years. However, significant advancements in boat design and technology occurred around this time, particularly with the development of steam-powered vessels. The year 1825 is notable for the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in England, which marked the beginning of a new era in transportation, prompting innovations in marine and land transport. This period saw the increased use of boats for commercial and industrial purposes, reflecting the broader trends of the Industrial Revolution.

Philip B. Downing, the inventor of the public mailbox, died on July 22, 1934. He is best known for his design of the modern mailbox, which significantly improved mail collection and delivery. His contributions have had a lasting impact on postal services in the United States.

ZMapp is a monoclonal antibody treatment developed by a team of researchers, including those at Mapp Biopharmaceutical, in collaboration with the U.S. government and other organizations. Key contributors to its development include Dr. Gary Kobinger and Dr. Thomas Geisbert. ZMapp was notably used during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014.

This is used for evaluating products, used in mainly secondary school in GCSE Design Technology/RM projects!

A - Aesthetics (meaning appearance)

C - Cost (meaning a price range)

C - Customer (meaning the person who wants to buy it)

E - Environment (meaning where it is used and how eco-friendly it is)

S - Safety (meaning how safe it is)

S - Size (meaning how big it is)

F - Function (meaning what job it does)

M - Materials (meaning what materials would you need to make it)

Many people will use this to do evaluations.

The PIC microchip was invented by Microchip Technology Inc., which was founded in 1989. The development of the PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) architecture began in the late 1970s at General Instrument Corporation, where it was initially designed for use in programmable logic controllers. Microchip later acquired the rights to the PIC architecture and has since evolved it into a widely used family of microcontrollers.

The modern zipper was invented in the United States by Whitcomb Judson, who patented his design in 1893. However, it was not until 1913, when Gideon Sundback improved upon Judson's design, that the zipper became a practical and widely used fastening device. Sundback's version was developed in Hoboken, New Jersey, and is often credited as the prototype for the zippers we use today.

The sewing machine was invented by Elias Howe, who patented his design in 1846. However, earlier versions and concepts had been proposed by inventors like Thomas Saint in 1790 and Barthelemy Thimonnier in the 1830s. Howe's machine featured a lockstitch design, which became the foundation for modern sewing machines. His invention significantly advanced the textile industry and revolutionized garment production.

The exact origin of the cupboard is unclear, as it has evolved over centuries and has roots in various cultures. Early forms of storage furniture can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Greeks, who used simple wooden boxes or chests. The modern cupboard, as we know it today, developed during the Renaissance period in Europe, when furniture became more specialized for storage. Ultimately, the invention of the cupboard cannot be attributed to a single individual but rather reflects a gradual evolution of design and function over time.

No, copyright does not grant exclusive rights over ideas or inventions. Instead, it protects the expression of ideas, such as written works, music, and art, from being reproduced without permission. Ideas, methods, and inventions are typically protected by patents, which provide exclusive rights to the inventor for a certain period. Therefore, copyright and patent protections serve different purposes in intellectual property law.

No, Samuel Morse was not black. He was a white American artist and inventor, best known for developing the Morse code and the telegraph. Born in 1791 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Morse played a significant role in the advancement of long-distance communication in the 19th century.