Biography of Inventor Jacob Perkins

Biography of Inventor Jacob Perkins Jacob Perkins  was an American  inventor,  mechanical engineer, and  physicist. He was responsible for a variety of important inventions, and made significant developments in the field of anti-forgery currency. Jacob Perkins Early Years Perkins was born in Newburyport, Mass., on July 9, 1766, and died in London on July 30, 1849. He had a goldsmith  apprenticeship during his early years and soon made himself known with a variety of useful mechanical inventions. He  eventually had 21 American and 19 English  patents. He is known as the father of the refrigerator. Perkins  was elected a Fellow of the  American Academy of Arts and Sciences  in 1813.   Perkins Inventions In 1790, when Perkins was just 24, he developed machines for cutting and heading nails. Five years later, he earned a patent for his improved nail machines and started a nail manufacturing business in  Amesbury, Massachusetts. Perkins invented the bathometer (measures the depth of water)  and  the  pleometer  (measures the speed at which a vessel moves through the water). He also invented an early version of the refrigerator  (really an  ether  ice machine). Perkins  improved steam engines (radiator for use with hot water central heating - 1830) and made improvements to guns. Perkins also invented  a method of plating shoe-buckles. Perkins Engraving Technology Some of Perkins greatest developments involved engraving.  He started a printing business with an engraver named Gideon Fairman. They first engraved school books, and also made currency that was not being forged. In 1809, Perkins bought the stereotype technology (prevention of counterfeit bills) from Asa Spencer, and registered the patent, and then employed Spencer. Perkins made several important innovations in printing technology, including new steel engraving plates. Using these plates he made the first known steel engraved USA books. He then made currency for a Boston Bank, and later for the National Bank. In 1816 he set up a printing shop and bid on the printing of currency for the  Second National Bank  in Philadelphia. Perkins Work with Anti-ForgeryBank Currency His top-notch American bank currency received  attention from the  Royal Society  who were busy addressing the massive problem of forged  English bank notes. In 1819, Perkins and Fairman went to England to try to win the  £20,000 reward for notes that could not be forged. They pair showed sample notes to the  Royal Society  president Sir  Joseph Banks. They set up shop in England, and spent months on example currency, still on display today. Unfortunately for them, Banks thought that unforgeable also implied that the inventor should be English by birth. Printing English notes ultimately proved a success and was carried out by Perkins in partnership with the English engraver-publisher Charles Heath and his associate Fairman. Together they formed the partnership  Perkins, Fairman and Heath which was later renamed when his son-in-law, Joshua Butters Bacon, bought out Charles Heath and the company was then known as  Perkins, Bacon.  Perkins Bacon  provided banknotes for many banks and foreign countries with  postage stamps.  Stamp production started for the British government in 1840 with stamps that incorporated an anti-forgery measure. Perkins Other Projects Also concurrently, Jacobs brother ran the American printing business, and they made money on important fire safety patents. Charles Heath and Perkins worked together and independently on some concurrent projects.

Biography of Thomas Jennings, Invented Dry-Cleaning

Biography of Thomas Jennings, Invented Dry-Cleaning Thomas Jennings (1791–Feb. 12, 1856), a free-born African-American and New Yorker who became a leader of the abolitionist movement, made his fortune as the inventor of a dry-cleaning process called â€Å"dry scouring.† Jennings was 30 years old when he received his patent on March 3, 1821 (U.S. patent 3306x), becoming the first African-American inventor to own the rights to his invention. Fast Facts: Thomas Jennings Known For: First African-American to be granted a patentAlso Known As: Thomas L. JenningsBorn: 1791 in  New York CityDied: Feb. 12, 1856 in  New York CitySpouse: ElizabethChildren: Matilda, Elizabeth, James E.Notable Quote: Among the leading matters which would occupy the attention of the meeting, were several important documents lately received from Europe, expressive of the sentiments that a very considerable portion of the people of the British Empire entertained respecting the deplorable situation of the colored people in the United States. Early Life and Career Jennings was born in 1791 in New York City.  He started his career as a tailor and eventually opened one of New York’s leading clothing shops. Inspired by frequent requests for cleaning advice, he began researching cleaning solutions. Jennings found that many of his customers were unhappy when their clothing became soiled. However, because of the material used to make the garments, conventional methods at the time were ineffective in cleaning them. Invents Dry Cleaning Jennings began experimenting with different solutions and cleaning agents. He tested them on various fabrics until he found the right combination to treat and clean them. He called his method â€Å"dry-scouring,† a process now known as dry cleaning. Jennings filed for a patent in 1820 and was granted a patent for the dry-scouring (dry cleaning) process he had invented just a year later.  Tragically, the original patent was lost in a fire. But by then, Jennings process of using solvents to clean clothes was well-known and widely heralded. Jennings spent the first money he earned from his patent on legal fees to buy his family out of slavery. After that, most of his income went to his abolitionist activities. In 1831, Jennings became assistant secretary for the First Annual Convention of the People of Color in Philadelphia. Legal Issues Luckily for Jennings, he filed his patent at the right time. Under the United States patent laws of 1793 and 1836, both slaves and free citizens could patent their inventions. However, in 1857, a slave-owner named Oscar Stuart patented a double cotton scraper that was invented by his slave. Historical records only show the real inventors name as being Ned. Stuarts reasoning for his action was that the master is the owner of the fruits of the labor of the slave both manual and intellectual. In 1858, the U.S. patent office changed its patent regulations in response to a Supreme Court case related to Stuarts patent called Oscar Stuart v. Ned. The court ruled in favor of Stuart, noting that slaves were not citizens and could not be granted patents. But surprisingly, in 1861, the Confederate States of America passed a law granting patent rights to slaves. In 1870, the U.S. government passed a patent law giving all American men including blacks the rights to their inventions. Later Years and Death Jennings daughter, Elizabeth, an activist like her father, was the plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit after being thrown off a New York City streetcar while on the way to church. With support from her father, Elizabeth sued the Third Avenue Railroad Company for discrimination and won her case in 1855. The day after the verdict, the company ordered its cars desegregated. After the incident, Jennings organized a movement against racial segregation in public transit in the city; the services were provided by private companies. The same year, Jennings was one of the founders of the Legal Rights Association, a group that organized challenges to discrimination and segregation and gained legal representation to take cases to court. Jennings died just a few years later in 1859, which was itself just a few years before the practiced he so reviled- slavery- was abolished. Legacy A decade after Elizabeth Jennings won her case, all New York City streetcar companies stopped practicing segregation. Jennings and his daughter had a hand the effort to desegregate public facilities, a movement that lasted well into the Civil Rights Era a century later. Indeed, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s 1963 I Have a Dream speech in Washington, D.C., echoed many of the convictions that Jennings and his daughter had expressed and fought for 100 years before. And the dry-scouring process Jennings invented is essentially the same method used by dry cleaning businesses worldwide to this day. Sources Chamberlain, Gaius. â€Å"Thomas Jennings.†Ã‚  The Black Inventor Online Museum, Gaius Chamberlain.â€Å"Thomas Jennings.†Ã‚  Ms. Darbus: Well Call It, Senior Year! Sharpay Evans: [Sarcastically] Genius., quotes.net.Volk, Kyle G. Moral Minorities and the Making of American Democracy. Oxford University Press, New York.

The Natural Environment Stakeholders And Policy Essay

The Natural Environment Stakeholders And Policy - Essay Example Population increase and other social issues have been associated with the current over-reliance on natural resources in some geographical areas. Some scholars have as well linked environmental degradation with increased social and political inequality. The competition for the available natural resources between powerful people and poor people in the society has increased the level of environmental degradation and social inequality. Therefore, powerful people use the wealth and power to eliminating poor people from using the available natural resources thus increasing social inequality. Based on the available statistical information, it is clear that, environmental degradation have resulted to detrimental social effects thus destroying public spirit and social fabric (Yearley 2005, p. 93). Based on the available statistical information and research findings, I am on the perspective that environmental sustainability in modern society has resulted to social inequality. This therefore me ans that, there is close relationship between environmental sustainability and social inequality. Environmental degradation and lack of effective measures to sustain the environment has caused inequality in human development both between countries and within a country. On the other hand, some scholars have as well argued that, inequality in the society have advanced modern environmental unsustainabilty. This therefore means that, there is vicious circle between environmental sustainability and inequality where one scenario may result to another. Professionals and organisation that are concerned with human inequality should therefore consider environment unsustainabilty in their policy formulation and implementation. On the other hand, since there is a bi-directional link between environmental sustainability and inequality, to realise the best from their policies, environmentalists should as well consider the impact of social and economic inequality to the environment (Stead & Stead 2009, p. 37). Over years, the issue of global environmental sustainability have attracted wide recognition and debate from global leaders, teachers, scientists, university students, citizens, and journalists. The biosphere has as well placed a very significant burden to humankind that is aimed at ensuring that the environment is effectively protected in order to eliminate social and economic inequality. The issues of environmental sustainability have therefore led to the formation of global organisations such as UNEP that are mandated with the responsibility of introducing effective means of dealing with modern environmental challenges. Global leaders have as well organised numerous global conferences to design policy that will ensure global environmental sustainability (Sutton 2007, p. 67). As defined, environmental sustainability is the ability to identify and maintain aspects and quality that are valued in physical environment. In most cases, the issue of sustainability emerges w hen valued objects, processes, systems, and attributes are under threat of extinction. Facilitating society members to do things that can satisfy their economic and social needs is one of the most essential aspects that define human development. Therefore, inequality is defined as lack of freedom and capability of attaining one’s social, economic, and political needs and demands. The subsequent essay will therefore address the issue of environmental sustainability and inequality in contemporary society Description of Environment Unsustainabilty and Social Inequality The issues of the relationship between environmental unsustainabilty and modern social and econom

Critical Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical Analysis - Research Paper Example The first issue arises when the writer shows no issues associated with the black origin of Armand. To illustrate, the writer evidently points out that Armand had a ‘dark handsome face’ that did not disfigure. It is rather unsound to believe that Armand, in his entire lifetime, had no chance to know about his color, and that he never examined his skin color or compared it with the skin of others. Secondly, a man with such a strong and rather cruel personality did not seem aware about the race his mother belonged to. It is at the end of the story that he comes to know that his mother ‘who adores him, belongs to the race that is cursed with the brand of slavery’. The intention here is very clear; Armand is destined to be portrayed as an irrational human being. In other words, instead of race, the writer is trying to give stress on gender. The second technical fault comes in the fact that despite his ‘dark’ face, Madame Valmonde had no problem in al lowing their marriage. In addition, he had not loved her before, and he started loving her as if ‘stuck by a pistol shot’. Here, he decides to marry Desiree despite her obscure origin, and loves her blindly. Again as the child is born, He stops beating the black slaves he has. Thus, it becomes evident that Armand is presented as a cruel man who used to beat his slaves for no apparent reason. However, as Serafin, Bendixen point out, the birth of a child makes him give up his cruelty; and on the other hand, the female figures, despite his black complexion, started loving and trusting him blindly (188). The third point that hurts the reader is the fact that though Madame Valmonde and the nurse woman Zandrine immediately realize the fact that the child is black in complexion, both the parents; Armand and Desiree seem unaware of the color of the child until the child is three months old. It is rather irrational to believe that all other people except the child’s paren ts identified the issue. Here, again, the story loses its integrity by saying that Armand failed to identify the color of the child which is highly unlikely. For example, the moment Madame Valmonde sees the child she cries, â€Å"this is not the baby!† That means, she is totally surprised by the color of the baby. It is rather surprising that neither Armand nor Desiree could see this. However, for the sake of argument, one can say that while marrying a white woman, the purpose of Armand was to give birth to a white child that would ‘bear his name’. Here, one can make a rather reasonable assumption that though Armand was aware of his color and race, he married a white woman expecting a white boy. However, as he was disappointed by Desiree by giving birth to a black child instead, he loses all happiness. In the case of Desiree too, the negligence towards the color of the child she shows is surprising. Here, instead of claiming that she was unaware of the color, a b etter assumption would be that as she married a black man, she was expecting a black child. So, when the black child was born to a black father, she failed to see any dangers in it. In other words, she was unaware of the unreasonable ambitions of Armand. So, even when Madame Valmonde exclaims â€Å"this is not the baby† , Desiree believes the comment is about the growth of the child; not about the color.

Where I Will Be in 10 Years Essay Example for Free

Where I Will Be in 10 Years Essay Ten years from now, I see myself settled down in my career, married to the man of my dreams, and having four kids†¦.. not! These are things an average girl might say. As you get to know me, you will see that I am far from average. My name is Amyaa Brown, I am 24 years old. I am a full time mom, full time student, and I work part time. I currently attend Texas Southern University majoring in Aviation Science Management. I have set many goals for myself and plan to achieve them one by one. My goals don’t stop at becoming an aviator. In addition to flying B-2s for the Air National Guard, I also want to fly for the airlines, own an airline, start my own business building aircraft for the military, and most importantly be the best single parent mother I can be. When I think about ten years from now, I look back ten years ago. I have grown so much, learned even more, and accomplished many things. It is only logical that I will continue to grow, learn, and accomplish more things in the next ten years. My first big step is completing school as well as finishing my private pilot license, instrument license, and multi-engine license. Everyone wants to be an aviator but not everyone achieves that goal. The competition is tough and because I am a double minority, i. e. African American female, I am forced to work harder than the average person. Currently I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Bronze Eagle Flying club, and Women in Aviation. Each membership provides me with numerous opportunities to network and get myself known. The aviation industry is more about who you know rather than what you know. I am also working on my private pilot licenses; this will set me apart from most people pursuing a military career in aviation. My next step is graduating with a degree in Aviation Science Management. In order for someone to even consider giving me a pilot slot, I have to have a degree. After graduation, it will be time for me to join the Air National Guard. The primary purpose of the Air National Guard is to fly cargo airplanes and gain my ATP ratings necessary for me to enter into the airlines. Once I have completed my training in Cargo aircraft, I plan to also be flying for the airlines and going for my master’s in business. Because I will be flying cargo aircraft and working for the airlines, I will have reached the requirements to fly B-2s and plan to be there shortly after. When I am all â€Å"flied out†, I will begin to settle down, consider marriage and more kids and begin work on my business plans in terms of my airline and military aircraft construction. My number one goal above everything is to raise my daughter to be the best person that she could possibly be. I constantly read about parenting. Being a young single parent is unbearable sometimes, but it’s important that I give her the tools she needs to succeed. I do so by making sure she is on top of her class. Every night she is studying something whether she has homework or not and I make that learning experience fun. Her dream is to one day become an aviator, so I drag her out to all of the aviation events. Ten years from her dream will become reality. In ten years from now, I will be exactly where I strived to be with everything I strived to get. All because I had a plan for my future, I came, I saw, and I will conquer.

Customer Driven Organization Essay -- essays research papers

THESIS SENTENCE A customer driven organization with detailed customer relations can result in optimal effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace. FORMAL OUTLINE I.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Maintaining an effective environment through a customer driven organization A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Empowerment – the ability to help people use their powers and truest potentials to extend themselves, rather than restricting themselves. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Involvement of the employees Staff Development via in-house training a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Technical – train in the specifics of a particular job b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Quality – training in the principles of total quality combined with technical (i.e. computer programs) required to implement quality assurance and implementation. c.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Specific Skills – specialized classes Financial – Accounting (A/R, A/P) Selling Technique Languages Interviewing skills d.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Activity - â€Å"Outward Bound† -Type of course in which people learn about leadership and teamwork by engaging in physical tasks such as rock climbing. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Personal growth and development a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Higher Education (continuing education) Managerial – provide expertise and knowledge in fields such as strategy, change of or implementing management. Identify and work on developing skills directly related to â€Å"REAL† corporate problems. b....

Elemica Case Study

1. Why is Elemica described as an example of an industry consortia net marketplace? How does it differ from other types of net marketplaces like ChemConnect? Elemica is described as a consortia net marketplace because Elemica is owned by particular members of the industry and not third parties. Their goal is intended to provide long-term market place relationships to supply direct inputs to the manufacturing process. ChemConnect on the other hand is privately owned by a person. They have a third-party firm which offers a bidding platform for chemical firms, and provides software to coordinate communications among participants in the platform. . If you were the owner of a small chemical company, what concerns would you have about joining Elemica? Some of the concerns about joining Elemica if I were a small business owner would be being concerned that their ability to be able to respond to requests for large quantities of commodities that might be requested by partners. Being with Elem ica do require some level of knowledge to use their system. However, Elemica offers a Web portal for companies that haven’t fully transitioned as like the larger global chemical companies. Overall, Elemica reduces the burden of having IT employees on hand. 3.Elemica claims to provide a community for participants in which they can transact, coordinate, and cooperate to produce products for less. Yet these firms also compete with one another when they sell chemicals to end-user firms in the automobile, airline, and manufacturing industries. How is this possible? The chemical industry has a history of working with companies both buying and selling items. The Elemica hub is perceived as a neutral trading platform where all can benefit from lower cost to serve, greater efficiencies, and overall more efficient operations that can serve customers better.By keeping bids and quotations unknown to potential buyers, and the community pool large, members can get a sense of market price a nd available quantities quite easily without revealing their names. 4. Review the concept of an industry wide private industrial network and describe how Elemica illustrates many of the features of such a network. Elemica as a whole is focused on building long term relationships with partners in order to reduce costs for the firm overall. While with a private industrial network, they have just a single firm that usually controls their network, although it may be owned by some members.