News Notes

National Inventors Hall of Fame

A publication circulated by the National Inventors Hall of Fame carried a biographical sketch of Nikola Tesla. Tesla was inducted into the Hall in 1975. According to a recent report, the Hall of Fame will soon begin construction of a new facility. (tip from Sam Pollock)

Titanium in Vivid Colors

What does TCBA member Chris Boothe have in common with surgeons and aerospace engineers? Chris is a metalsmith who works with titanium. However, he applies the titanium as an artists medium to make eye-catching jewelry. Applying electric currents to this lightweight metal creates brilliant colors. Titanium is inert and can be used against the most sensitive skin.

Nobel Prize Winner Dies

William Schockley, co-inventor of the transistor and Nobel Prize winner, died of cancer at the age of 79. Schockley, who was professor emeritus of electrical engineering at Stanford, shared the Nobel Prize for physics in 1956 with his colleagues from Bell Laboratories, John Bardeen and the late Walter H. Brattain.

International Congress for Free Energy

Numerous scientists, some of them world famous personalities, met in Switzerland on October 27-29 to discuss their work, experiences, and results regarding free energy. The film “Nikola Tesla” was presented as part of the program.

Nikola Tesla Day

“Nikola Tesla, a distinguished scientist, has been called the genius who ushered in the age of electrical power” wrote Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey. Governor Casey dedicated July 10th to “Nikola Tesla Day.” His proclamation further stated that “Nikola Tesla's scientific genius formed the foundation for many of today's technological advances, and it is fitting that we honor him on the 133rd anniversary of his birth.” (tip from James DiMichele).

It's in the Congressional Record!

Some surprises are pleasant and some are pleasantly shocking. Take for instance the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (Extensions of Remarks) for June 29th. The Honorable Joel Hefley of Colorado (House of Representatives), in commemorating the 133rd anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla, read the story of “Nikola Tesla's Bold Adventure,” an article I wrote for AMERICAN WEST magazine (March, 1971). TCBA wishes to thank Congressman Hefley for the unexpected honor. (tip from a friend)

Electric Arcs & Contact Lenses: A Warning!

Workers wearing contact lenses should avoid electric arcs states the Hvac & Sprinkler Contractors Association. Their summer newsletter described an incident where an electrical worker wearing contacts threw a switch that sparked. When he got home, the cornea of his eye was torn away when he attempted to remove a lens. The same thing happened to a welder who had flipped his protective glass in order to start an arc. An electric arc generates microwaves that instantly dry up fluid in the eye. The cornea bonds itself to the contact lens. The trauma is painless and the victim never knows he or she has been injured until the lens is removed. (tip from Dave West)

Spark Gap Technology Continues

If you think spark gap technology is a thing of the past, think again. According to the IEEE Pulsed Power Conference DIGEST OF ABSTRACTS, there were numerous papers devoted to the study of spark gap technology. The conference was held in Monterey, CA on June 12-14. (tip from Toby Grotz)

The Future is Right Where it Started

The above puzzling headline appeared in a recent American Electric Power Company advertisement. Trouble is, the illustration and the accompanying text didn't match. It shows a photo of Thomas Edison in the foreground and a high voltage AC transmission line in the background. Evidently, electric power utilities have a poor recollection of the history of electrical development. (tip from Jim McBain)

Fun Physics

A group of 13 Purdue University undergraduates have produced a program called the “Traveling Physics Fun Fest.” They plan on taking their road show to two or three schools per week. The purpose of the program is to encourage interest in physicial science in younger people. A shortage of physical scientists has been predicted and the Purdue students want to get as many students as possible involved in experiments. Demonstrations range from exploding marsh mallows tohigh voltage electrostatic fields. (tip from Doc Taylor)