It all began in 1964 when a science-fiction writer by the name of Isaac Asimov used his creativity and imagination to invent an idea of what the future would look like; and, by the looks of it, he was pretty spot on.

Let’s take a look at a few of Asimov’s invention predictions!

Microwave- We have already written a blog that was solely devoted to the invention of convenience, otherwise known as the microwave. But, long before our blog post, Asimov predicted that there would be an invention that would prepare “automeals” and that complete lunches and dinners with the food semi-prepared would be stored in the freezer until ready for processing (hello, TV dinners). It’s safe to say that Asimov’s invention prediction number one was accurate.

GPS- Road maps are now seen as a sort of historical document, ever since the GPS was invented. Now, you can travel uncharted territory and go from point A to point B with a small invention that is either incorporated into your car’s dashboard,  sticks to the inside of your car’s windshield or is available on your Smartphone. Asimov predicted that “Much effort will be put into the designing of vehicles with ‘robot-brains’ (vehicles that can be set for particular destinations and that will then proceed there without interference by slow reflexes of a human driver.)” The invention that Asimov described is pretty close to the GPS that we use today. And, he might not be far off with his prediction of vehicles proceeding without interference by slow reflexes of the human driver; because, there are countless projects, one of which was conducted in 2013 at Carnegie Mellon University, where they invented a working prototype of a self-driving car. Stay tuned to see if Asimov’s second prediction comes completely true!

FaceTime/Internet- So, your loved one or your friend is on the other side of the country or even across the pond; but, that doesn’t matter because you can still talk to them face-to-face via FaceTime and the internet. These two inventions have revolutionized the way that people communicate and Asimov predicted this future invention by saying, “Communications will become sight-sound and you will see as well as hear the person you telephone.” He continued to say that “The screen can be used not only to see the people you call but also for studying documents and photographs and reading passages from books.” How would this be possible? Asimov said that “synchronous satellites, hovering in space will make it possible for you to direct-dial any spot on Earth, including the weather stations in Antarctica.” These invention predictions made by Asimov sound a lot like the tablets and computers that we use on a daily basis, both leisurely and for our business efforts, too.

Asimov made these predictions 50 years ago and we are using these inventions today. Perhaps, 50 years from now, we will be writing about your invention and your invention predictions. But, you’ll never know, if you don’t dare to invent!

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

http://www.purpleclover.com/entertainment/1794-Isaac-Asimov-Made-10-Predictions-about-2014/item/inside-general-electric-retailer-ahead-earnings-figures/

https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2013/september/sept4_selfdrivingcar.html

Images:

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQRXixqVas4_2QktcfFqkHTTLD4RiQQo52O90XVcM-coFSU79MF5g

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRnJjVrq2vMvo70d0LL30Da-KINUv4cI3t_z1pED8eGY1RQMPrMGw

http://images.fastcompany.com/upload/facetime1.jpg

The post Isaac Asimov’s Future Invention Predictions appeared first on Davison.

So where did the idea for this invention that college students rely so heavily on come from?

The microwave oven, or as we know it, the microwave, was accidentally invented in 1945 by inventor, Percy Spencer. Spencer was conducting an experiment with a new vacuum tube called a magnetron while conducting research for the Raytheon Corporation.

The magnetron was invented during World War II at Manchester University in Manchester, England.  It produced microwaves with high frequency and power that was invaluable in directing allied aircraft in their quest to intercept German Luftwaffe raiders during the Battle of Britain.

The magnetron was given to Raytheon in the United States for further development and it was during this testing when Spencer discovered its potential.

The curiosity started when a candy bar began to melt in Spencer’s pocket during an experiment with the magnetron, after this, he became intrigued. So he tried another experiment with popcorn. When the kernels began to pop, Spencer realized the potential of this revolutionary process.

In 1947, the Raytheon Corporation built the first microwave oven, the Radarange, which surprisingly enough, weighed in at 750 pounds, was 5 ½ feet tall and had a hefty price tag of $5,000.

After countless experiments and improvements of the invention, Raytheon licensed its technology to the Tappan Stove Company.

On October 25, 1955, the first domestic microwave was sold by the Tappan Stove Company. At the time, this large, 220 volt wall unit gave families the opportunity to buy the invention for $1,295.

So, how does the invention of the microwave actually work?

First, the microwave utilizes a magnetron that has been used since the time the invention was first discovered. The magnetron is very similar to a radio transmitter in that it makes very short radio waves that enter right into the food to a depth of about 2.5cm. These waves make the water molecules swing back and forth at a rate of about 2.5 billion times a second.  This engagement heats up the molecules around it and as they warm up, the heat makes its way inside of the food. This process that was previously explained is known as conduction. This same process takes place in a normal oven; however, the energy inside of the microwave goes deeper so that the food cooks at a much faster rate. In an ordinary oven, the energy remains mostly near the surface.

This invention could be one of the most important inventions of the 20^th century and now hundreds of millions of homes and dorms worldwide are equipped with this useful appliance.

Because of an accidental mishap resulting in the melting of a Mr. Goodbar candy bar in the pocket of Percy Spencer, this amazing invention was born and is now estimated to be in more than 90% of American homes.

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/scientific-experiments/9-things-invented-or-discovered-by-accident2.htm

http://home.howstuffworks.com/microwave2.htm

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_invented_the_microwave

http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/edn-moments/4399387/1st-domestic-microwave-is-sold–October-25–1955

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven

http://www.wired.com/thisdayintech/2010/10/1025home-microwave-ovens/

Pictures:

http://www.ieeeghn.org/wiki/index.php/File:Microwave_Ovens_Spencer.jpg

http://www.ieeeghn.org/wiki/index.php/File:Microwave_Ovens_Radarange.jpg

http://oddlovescompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/PJ-AU296_MICROT_DV_20100330194121.jpeg

The post The Invention of Convenience: The Microwave appeared first on Davison.

Fast, Fresh Food

Ordering pizza has never been so fresh. The Pizza Keeper keeps your leftover pizza fresh and ready to reheat, so you have much more time to concentrate on the things you need to do. Pizza Keeper is a neat, convenient way to store leftover pizza compactly in the refrigerator. The air-tight container has a second tier and a separator, so one unit can hold four large slices of pizza neatly and easily. The product also can be used to microwave all the slices at once, making reheating as easy as three, two, one, beep.

Study Storage

Despite the pervasiveness of electronic media, highlighters, pencils and pens will be part of college life as long as you’re paying $200 a pop for that Intro to Philosophy text book. Save time by keeping your study accessories organized with Davison’s Magna Jars. Davison’s team of designers created a small jar that has a magnetic lid and can hold up to a pound of pens, highlighters and various other study materials. The powerful one-way magnet embedded in the jar lid makes it easy to attach the set of four jars to metal cabinetry and other metal objects.

Rooting Rack

You don’t need to mess around when it’s time to suit up and root for the alma mater, and with college teams spanning sports from chess team to NCAA football, you are going to need a variety of hats. Davison will help you keep those hats organized. Cap Racks mount to most doors and walls and are perfect for organizing, storing and protecting hats, as well as belts and bags.

Pamper Products

At school, you’re on your feet a lot. Between hustling to class and squeezing in that lunch-hour Zumba class, your feet and knees take a beating. Pamper yourself during your downtime with the TheraPED, a wearable product that offers moist heat as well as cooling therapy to soothe sore feet and toes. Or, soothe your knee pain with the Hot/Cold Therapy Brace.

Transitioning from summer vacations to midterm cram sessions can be a difficult task. Let these Davison products make the transition a little smoother.

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

The post Back to School: Products to Simplify Your Studies appeared first on Davison.