Engineering:The Clapper

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Short description: Sound activated electrical switch
The Clapper with a cord plugged in at bottom

The Clapper is a sound-activated electrical switch,[1] sold since 1984 by San Francisco , California based Joseph Enterprises, Inc. Joseph Pedott marketed the clapper with the slogan "Clap On! Clap Off! The Clapper!".[2]

The Clapper plugs into a U.S.-type electrical outlet, and allows control of up to two devices plugged into the Clapper.[3] An upgraded model, known as the Clapper Plus, includes a remote control function in addition to the original sound-based activation.[4]

Although meant to activate by clapping, The Clapper can inadvertently be triggered by other noises.[5]

Patent

The Clapper was invented by Carlile R. Stevens and Dale E. Reamer, and issued U.S. Patent #5493618, which was published on 20 February 1996.[6]

References

  1. "A tale of useless toys". The Free Lance-Star. January 10, 2003. https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=twIzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UggGAAAAIBAJ&pg=6224%2C2334666. Retrieved 24 December 2013. 
  2. Harry, Lou; Stall, Sam (2002). "The Clapper". As Seen on TV: 50 Amazing Products and the Commercials that Made Them Famous. California: Chronicle Books. pp. 90–91. ISBN 978-1-931686-09-9. https://books.google.com/books?id=Q8_sMBcCVqEC&dq=%22the%20clapper%22%20clap%20on&pg=PT93. 
  3. "The Clapper: Does It Work?". KCBD News. December 25, 2002. http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=1059890. Retrieved 24 December 2013. 
  4. Lam, Brian (August 30, 2010). "The 21st Century Clapper". https://gizmodo.com/5624015/the-21st-century-clapper. Retrieved 24 December 2013. 
  5. "The Clapper: "Does It Work?"". KTRE News. http://www.ktre.com/story/16366556/the-clapper-does-it-work. Retrieved 24 December 2013. 
  6. "Method and apparatus for activating switches in response to different acoustic signals". https://www.google.com/patents/US5493618. Retrieved 2 November 2017. 

Further reading

External links