Invention of the Airplane

The airplane was one of the most important inventions in history and has changed transportation forever. Today people comfortably fly the airlines for both business and leisure all the time. It is the fastest, most preferred and most comfortable form of transportation for those venturing to faraway places. Some wealthy people even have their very own private airplanes nowadays, used for both personal and business travel.

Aerodynamics
The period between 1799 and 1809 was important time for airplane development. The basics of aerodynamics were discovered during this time by Sir George Cayley, who then brought the concept of the inclined plane to attention. These planes had ridges in their wings, which the wind passed through to give them lift. Another propelling device was used to push it forward for power and push. The basic discovery of these types of planes confirmed that a flat surface was necessary for providing the needed amount of lift for flying.

Hang Gliders
Otto Lilienthal's hang glider invention inspired the Wright Brothers to begin their quest for developing the first airplane. The hang gliders performed many successful flights. However, they were void of a proper control system and there was no facility equipped to power them with the fuel they required. During these flights, Lilienthal would have to swing his body in order to get the glider to move in the direction he wanted. After Lilienthal died in a glider crash in 1896, the Wright Brothers continued on with the study of flight and airplanes.

After a Hiram Stevens Maxim's failed attempt at a Flying Machine, the Wright Brothers continued to try and overcome the limitations of Mr. Lilienthal's hang glider, using his same idea of the inclined plane in their first airplane. Their first plane had a two propellers and a 12-horsepower petrol engine. They created a biplane with two major wings, one above the other, used to provide a greater lift for the plane. On December 17, 1903, their airplane took its first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The flight went for 59 seconds, reaching 120 feet high and moving forward 852 feet. Of the four flights that were taken on that day, that first one was still the best.

The "Wing-Warping Method" used by Wright Brothers in their first flight, meant that the wingtips were arched a bit to ensure a rolling motion and balance to the plane. The plane had a three-axis control, rotating along three separate axes and in three different motions: pitch (raises and lowers front of plane), roll (rotation along with longest axis) and yaw (where the horizontal axis is rotated).

The rudder was used for navigation and was attached at the back or tail of the plane. Today's modern airplanes still follow these basic steps set forth by the Wright Brothers so many years ago.

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The History of Plumbing Tools

Plumbing can be found in ancient cities, where lead pipes were used to carry water into primitive sewage systems. Ancient tools were the stepping stones to modern PVC pipes and heavy-duty wrenches used in today's commercial plumbing. Each of the tools listed here was essential to the development of new inventions that made managing water systems easier and more efficient.

The Earliest Tools
The history of plumbing tools begins in ancient Rome, where the first modern water systems were used. During these early times, most cities experienced plagues and disease because of contaminated water, whether from waste water poured into the streets or poor quality drinking water. The first plumbing tools were those designed to bring in clean water to public bath houses, and to maintain drainage systems that removed waste water.

The Production Of Metal Pipe
In ancient Rome, aqueduct systems that ran through public and private spaces to wash away waste water. This rustic system carried the waste into large cesspools through a system of wooden, clay, or lead pipe that was open on top, much like a trough. Modern plumbing inventions like lead pipe and water backflow stoppers helped to bring plumbing to private homes as early as the 1800's. Lead pipe isn't as easily repaired as wood or clay pipe, however. The history of plumbing tools began rapidly advancing after the introduction of mass produced metal pipe. Tools such as pipe wrenches, fittings to connect pipes, and water meters all helped to provide clean indoor water supplies to people living in cities. Early water pipe made from lead was also later found to be toxic. Lead pipe did change the world of plumbing by making clean water easily accessible to anyone living within reach of a water supply. In 1986 lead pipe was banned in the United States, although copper began replacing lead as the main source of indoor pipe much earlier.

Easy, Convenient PVC Pipes
While copper is less toxic than lead, copper still had the disadvantage of corroding and leeching into drinking water after several years of use. Copper is also expensive. The introduction of PVC has made piping water more affordable and accessible than ever.

The Changing World of Plumbing
The history of plumbing tools isn't complete without looking at drainage and venting. Before the 19th century, indoor plumbing wasn't very beneficial because toilets often didn't work properly or weren't vented, which caused foul odors. With the publication of The Sanitary Drainage of Houses and Towns in 1876, the proper use of drainage systems allowed for a better understanding of plumbing and helped create sanitary, safe conditions for those living in urban cities. In fact, plumbing has had a huge impact on human health since late 1890 by significantly reducing dysentery, cholera, and other water borne illnesses in areas where water sanitation systems are in place.

The history of indoor plumbing shows more than the particular tools that were used; when you examine the history of the items that made plumbing possible you also find that each new, safer and cleaner change in indoor plumbing made healthier, cleaner living possible for the people in society.

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The Evolution of Closet Organization and Decoration

Over the years there have been many inventions that have changed how people organize and decorate their closets. Today we are going to review five of the most famous closet furniture innovations.  As an aspiring inventor, let creativity be your guide as you come up with new storage solutions or just improve on an old idea.

1. Modular furniture. What would a closet be without tons storage? These little cubes and cabinets are as versatile as they are easy to put together. Anything you can dream up can be easily stacked up to create useful storage space. A bonus is, that it is easy to find at your local home improvement store or discount store. Don't like the color? No problem, it is also easy to paint. Modular furniture ranges in price for super thrifty to super pricy. You are guaranteed to find just the right thing for you taste and budget. Don't be afraid to get creative with the endless options. Modular furniture is an excellent blend of form and function.

2. The padded storage benches. With the huge closets of today, nicely covered, padded storage benches fit nicely. The inside can be sectioned off to hold shoes or even stow away seasonal items that you don't want hogging up your closet space. Use a couple of space bags and you will be surprised just how much you can stash way. If you can't find a color you like, they are easily recovered. You can even do it yourself with the fabric of your choice and a staple gun.

3. The shoe tree or shoe rack. Can anyone ever have enough shoes? In any closet you will find lots and lots of shoes. So what do you do with all of those shoes? The simple solution is the shoe tree. Probably the most famous item of all most famous closet furniture, they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be expensive or very reasonable. Easily grab them at a discount store, home organization store or even make your own. There are many options for the appearance of your closets shoe tree. There are even models that hang on the back of the door with many pockets for easy viewing and selection.

4. Set of removable drawers. By including sets of drawers in your closet, you will save valuable space in your closet. This helps to keep things stowed away and out of sight. The perfect solution for the person who likes a place for everything and clutter kept out of sight.

5. The closet island. Not only does an island built right in the middle of the closet add storage space, it also gives you a raised surface to fold and organize clothing. There are many choices for the bottom portion of the island. Simple cabinets can be used to store larger items or drawer can be used to keep items sorted and grouped. It is easy to make an island to fit your needs. 

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Inventions Basketball Players Love

The game of basketball has evolved dramatically from the days of two peach baskets and a soccer ball. There have been many inventions that have helped revolutionize the sport of basketball over the past century. Not only have these inventions allowed for better performance on the court, but they have given the game a sense of style and showmanship.

One invention that would revolutionize and change the game forever is the breakaway rim. During the 1970s, high flying players such as David Thompson and Julius Erving could be seen soaring through the air for emphatic slam dunks. This created the need for a rim that was flexible and had the ability to spring back. In 1975, an assistant coach of St. Louis University asked a local worker named Arthur Ehrat to help develop a rim that could support slam dunks. He was able to use a spring from farming equipment to develop a rim that would bounce back after 125 pounds of pressure was applied. Not only does the breakaway rim protect the goal from abuse, it also protects the players from getting painful wrist injuries. Today’s powerful NBA players like Dwight Howard and Lebron James rise above the rim for thunderous dunks on breakaway rims. The breakaway rim emits an exciting, earth-shattering sound during a slam that sends enthusiastic fans into frenzy. The breakaway rim is a staple at every slam dunk contest across the country.

Inventions basketball players love include the shooting sleeve. A basketball sleeve is an accessory that basketball players wear on the arm that goes from the bicep to the wrist. It is made of nylon and spandex and is designed to keep the arm warm, especially the shooting arm. It is just as much a fashion statement these days as it is a muscle support to give compression and warmth to tired muscles. Allen Iverson popularized these sleeves back in 2000 when he was recovering from bursitis in his right elbow. From the recreational weekend warrior to the elite NBA player, they can all be seen sporting basketball shooting sleeves to help maintain that hot shooting touch from the outside. Shooting sleeves have a coolness factor that adds a certain swagger and style to your game.

There is one invention that no basketball player can be play without. The basketball shoe is essential for any player who takes to the court. Many different types of basketball shoes have been developed through the years for comfort and performance. The original Converse All-Star basketball shoe was the only choice for many years. Each year, there are new innovative and creative shoes that are developed.  The door is wide open for the opportunity to create new basketball shoes. Inventions basketball players love the most are probably basketball shoes. Basketball sneakers can not only make or break a player’s game, but can display their sense of style and enhance their on-court personality. It goes without saying that sneakers are just as popular off the court as on the basketball floor. 

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