jackie, Author at Custom Powder Systems

Accidental Invention: Super Glue

August 11, 2023

by jackie with No Comment Uncategorized

Chances are, if you look in that drawer in your kitchen (you know, the “junk” one), there’s a good chance you’ll find a tube of super glue. While it has become an extremely valuable tool for a variety of uses, this seemingly magical adhesive was actually discovered by accident during WWII.

Super glue, that miraculous adhesive that seems to bond just about anything together, has an intriguing origin story. Its invention resulted from accidental discovery during a quest for a new type of clear plastic, and although it wasn’t exactly what scientists set out to create, ideas for the substance still stuck around.

Sticking to It

In 1942, chemist Dr. Harry Coover attempted to develop a clear plastic for precision gun sights during World War II. While experimenting, Coover and his team stumbled upon a sticky substance called cyanoacrylates, which could bond surfaces rapidly and firmly. In fact, they were so effective it became a challenge to separate objects once they were stuck together.

While the team initially did not see a feasible use for cyanoacrylate, in 1951, when Coover was transferred to Eastman Kodak’s chemical plant to develop jet canopies, he revisited the powerful adhesives and transformed it into the commercial product we now know as super glue. The name itself emerged from the product’s exceptional adhesive capabilities. It was initially marketed as “Eastman 910” but eventually gained the name “super glue” due to its extraordinary strength and reliability.

A Super Useful Tool

Super glue’s chemical composition is such that it polymerizes quickly upon contact with moisture. This means that when applied to a surface, it rapidly forms strong bonds by reacting with the moisture present in the air or on the materials being glued together without the need for added heat or pressure. The substance is so strong, in fact, that in 2011, Loctite used just nine drops of their product to lift a car weighing over five tons!

The original formulation was a clear, liquid adhesive, but advancements led to additional variations, such as gel formulations, which provide better control and reduce run-off. Over the years, additional variations of super glue have been developed to cater to specific needs, including flexible versions for materials that require some degree of movement, high-temperature resistant types, and even water-resistant versions for applications in wet environments. It has found a place in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and aerospace.

Glue it Yourself (GIY)

While quick around-the-house repairs are some of the most common uses for super glue, the adhesive can be effectively used in a wide variety of applications:

Arts and Crafts – Super glue has become a go-to adhesive for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and artisans due to its ability to securely bond materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and fabric.

Automotive – When building and repairing cars, super glue is often more effective, lightweight, and aesthetically appealing than traditional fasteners, making it ideal for transmission hose assembly, door weather stripping, and sunroof seals.

Forensics – At crime scenes, investigators can utilize super glue to document latent fingerprints by allowing the adhesive to draw out trace amounts of moisture left behind, which “blooms” to create a visible print.

Medical Care – In emergency situations, super glue can be used to close small wounds or lacerations when traditional stitching is not immediately available, providing a temporary solution until proper medical care can be administered.

Survival – Not only can super glue be a valuable tool for medical emergencies, but it can also be used to start fires, create water seals, as well as patch tents, fabrics, and cords, making it an essential on the pack list for wilderness adventures.

From an accidental discovery to an adhesive marvel, super glue’s strength, versatility, and ease of use have made it a staple for strong fixes of all kinds… Just be careful not to get your hands stuck together!

If you enjoyed this accidental invention story, you might also like the ones about Post-it® Notes, Silly Putty, and Penicillin.

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Inventions Ahead of Their Time: Automatic Doors

August 11, 2023

by jackie with No Comment General Just For Fun

Daily, we encounter automatic doors almost everywhere we go – from supermarkets to office buildings, airports, and even our favorite coffee shops. They have become integral to modern architecture, making our lives more convenient and efficient. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this remarkable invention? (Hint: The idea predates modern electricity!)

The concept of automatic doors may seem like a recent development, but their origins trace back further than you might imagine. The first known automatic door dates back to ancient times when the Greeks and Romans utilized hydraulics to operate doors with the help of pulleys and weights. However, it wasn’t until around the 20th century that true automatic doors began to take shape as we know them today.

Opening New Doors

The visionary behind the modern automatic door (and the first vending machine!) was Heron of Alexandria, a Greek engineer and mathematician who lived in the first century AD. Heron is credited with inventing the “pneumatica,” a series of mechanical devices powered by air pressure generated by fire, which included an early version of automatic doors. These doors, also known as “Heron’s doors,” operated using pneumatics and relied on compressed air to open and close.

Although Heron’s automatic doors were ingenious, they were undoubtedly ahead of their time. The technology required to create a practical and reliable automatic door system wasn’t available until much later. It was in the 20th century that significant advancements in electronics, sensors, and control systems paved the way for the widespread adoption of automatic doors.

When One Door Closes, Another One Opens

Centuries later, in 1931, American engineers Horace H. Raymond and Sheldon S. Roby developed an optical sensor for an automatic door that was installed at Wilcox’s Pier Restaurant in West Haven, Connecticut. This revolutionary piece of equipment allowed waitresses to seamlessly carry trays through doorways without kicking them open.

Then, in 1954, the American engineers Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt created the first commercial sliding automatic door, known as the “Horton Automatics.” These doors relied on an electric motor and a complex mechanism of gears and rollers to facilitate smooth opening and closing.

Not long after that, the advent of microprocessors in the 1970s brought a new level of sophistication to automatic door systems. With the ability to integrate sensors, timers, and logic circuits, these doors became more intelligent and responsive. This evolution improved safety features such as presence detectors, which use infrared or motion sensors to detect a person’s approach and trigger the door’s opening.

Leaving the Door Open

With time, automatic doors also evolved beyond just sliding motion, encompassing various types that suit different architectural designs and functional requirements. Swing doors, similar to those found in supermarkets, were introduced to accommodate high-traffic areas. These doors utilize sensors to detect a person’s approach and open in response, facilitating a seamless entry or exit experience. Revolving doors, popularized in the early 20th century, have also undergone automation. This variety combines the benefits of energy efficiency, security, and smooth traffic flow, making them ideal for busy entrances such as airports and hotels.

As technology continues to advance, the future of automatic doors looks promising. Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms may enable doors to adapt and learn from human behavior, anticipating movement patterns and adjusting door operation accordingly. Furthermore, the emergence of touchless technologies, such as gesture recognition and voice control, may redefine the user experience, allowing individuals to simply wave their hands or give a voice command to effortlessly gain access to a building, eliminating the need for physical contact.

From Heron’s ancient pneumatic doors to the cutting-edge automated systems we have today, the evolution of automatic doors is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of convenience and efficiency. These remarkable inventions have forever transformed our daily lives, making entryways more accessible, enhancing security, and optimizing traffic flow.

To learn about more inventions ahead of their time, check out these stories about motorcycles, electric cars, and corrective lenses.

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Inventions Ahead of Their Time: Flushing Toilets

July 12, 2023

by jackie with No Comment Uncategorized

Have you ever used the expression “going to the John” and wondered who John is and why his name is synonymous with toilets?? Well, the man in question is, in fact, Sir John Harington – the inventor who created flush toilets nearly 500 years ago!

The invention of toilets that flush, often referred to as flush toilets or water closets, marked a significant milestone in human sanitation practices. These ingenious devices have revolutionized how we handle waste and maintain cleanliness in our living spaces.

John Invents the “John”

The concept of water-based waste disposal dates back to ancient civilizations. Early iterations of flush toilets can be traced back to 2,500 BCE in the Indus Valley Civilization, where intricate drainage systems were developed to remove waste from homes and cities. Similarly, the ancient Romans employed advanced sewage systems, showcasing their engineering prowess.

However, the modern flush toilet as we know it today was refined and popularized during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the key figures in this development was Sir John Harington, an English courtier, and godson of Queen Elizabeth I. Motivated by his concern for hygiene and the desire to improve the sanitary conditions and inspired by the advanced sewage systems he encountered during his travels in Europe, Harington sought to create a similar solution that could be implemented in households. So, in 1596, he invented the “Ajax.”

The “Ajax” was an innovative design consisting of a water closet, a porcelain basin with a seat, and a water tank mounted above. To flush, a valve at the bottom of the tank was opened, allowing water to rush into the bowl, carrying away the waste through a pipe connected to the sewage system. Harington’s invention was also equipped with a trap mechanism that prevented foul odors from escaping into the room.

Cleaning Things Up

While Harington’s “Ajax” was a notable invention, it was primarily embraced solely by the wealthy and elite, who could afford such luxuries. Despite its potential benefits, the widespread adoption of flush toilets did not occur during Harington’s time. It would take several more centuries and the contributions of other inventors for flush toilets to become a standard fixture in households worldwide.

In the following years, notable advancements were made in toilet design and plumbing systems leading to the eventual popularization of flush toilets. The innovation of the siphon flush mechanism, credited to Joseph Bramah in the early 1770s, greatly improved the efficiency of waste removal. Soon thereafter, Alexander Cummings, a watchmaker from Scotland, received a patent for the “S” trap, a bend in the pipe beneath the toilet that created a water seal to prevent odors from escaping. In the 19th century, Thomas Crapper (sound familiar?), an English plumber and entrepreneur, introduced more design improvements, such as the ballcock mechanism, which allowed for more efficient water tank refilling.

Flush toilets were a notable invention primarily because they provided a more hygienic and convenient alternative to traditional waste disposal methods. Before their introduction, chamber pots, open pits, and rudimentary outhouses were the prevailing means of waste management, often resulting in unsanitary conditions and foul odors. This innovation offered a more sanitary and efficient solution by using water to remove waste, thus significantly reducing the spread of diseases and improving overall hygiene. Additionally, the convenience and comfort of having an indoor toilet with a flushing mechanism added convenience and privacy to personal sanitation practices.

Waste Not, Want Not

Since their inception, flush toilets have undergone significant developments to enhance their functionality and efficiency. Innovations such as the siphon flush mechanism and dual-flush systems have emerged to address concerns about water conservation and environmental impact. There has been a growing focus on developing sustainable toilet technologies. New water-efficient designs, waterless systems, and waste treatment options are explored to minimize water usage and improve sanitation in regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure.

The widespread adoption of flush toilets has profoundly impacted public health and sanitation. By efficiently removing waste and preventing its accumulation, flush toilets have played a crucial role in curbing the spread of waterborne diseases and improving overall hygiene standards. This invention has also had a transformative effect on urban areas, allowing for denser populations and contributing to the growth and development of cities, supported by advancements in plumbing infrastructure, expansion of water supply networks, and establishment of sewage systems.

The invention of flush toilets marked a significant leap forward in human sanitation practices, and they have become an essential element of modern living, impacting our daily routines and providing us with a higher standard of comfort and convenience. Their presence in homes, offices, public facilities, and other spaces may sometimes be taken for granted today. Still, it is worth recognizing this invention’s significance in revolutionizing our approach to waste management.

To learn about more inventions ahead of their time, check out these stories about vending machines, electric cars, and NASA tools.

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Accidental Invention: X-Ray Machine

July 12, 2023

by jackie with No Comment Uncategorized

Since their discovery in 1895, X-rays have revolutionized medicine and significantly contributed to various industries. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German physicist, accidentally stumbled upon X-rays one day while conducting experiments with cathode rays, which opened up a new world of possibilities for imaging and diagnosing medical conditions.

X-rays, also known as Roentgen rays, are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate through materials and produce images of the internal structures of the human body. A discovery and subsequent invention from one scientist sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity among scientists, leading to further exploration and development of X-ray technology.

A Glowing Discovery

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German physicist, made one of the most significant accidental discoveries in the history of science while conducting experiments with cathode rays in 1895. He noticed a mysterious fluorescent glow in a nearby barium platinocyanide screen, even though the cathode rays were supposed to be confined within a glass tube. Intrigued by this unexpected phenomenon, Roentgen began investigating its properties and potential applications.

Roentgen conducted numerous experiments in a darkened laboratory to further explore this mysterious glow. He discovered that these new rays, which he named X-rays (X signifying their unknown nature), could penetrate through various materials, including human tissue while remaining invisible to the naked eye. This revelation opened up a world of possibilities for medical imaging.

Driven by his desire to understand this newfound radiation and harness its potential, Roentgen developed a rudimentary X-ray apparatus consisting of a cathode ray tube and a fluorescent screen that allowed him to produce and visualize X-rays. Roentgen soon realized the potential medical applications of his invention and began capturing X-ray images of various objects, including his wife’s hand, which became the world’s first X-ray photograph.

Taking a Deeper Look

The groundbreaking nature of Roentgen’s discovery quickly became evident. Word spread rapidly throughout the scientific community, and Roentgen’s findings were published in a paper titled “On a New Kind of Rays” in 1896. His work received widespread recognition, earning him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

The invention of the X-ray machine began paving the way for numerous medical advancements, becoming an essential tool for diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Physicians could now visualize the internal structures of the human body without resorting to invasive procedures. X-rays proved valuable in detecting fractures, identifying tumors, and guiding surgical interventions. The ability to observe the body’s internal workings in such detail revolutionized medical diagnostics and significantly improved patient care, forever transforming the field of medicine.

The continued development of this technology soon sparked a new era of scientific exploration. Scientists and researchers began delving deeper into the nature of radiation, leading to further discoveries in atomic and nuclear physics. Roentgen’s invention laid the foundation for developing other imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Seeing the Possibilities

Over time, X-rays have become a valuable tool in a growing variety of industries. Today, machines are commonly used in fields like manufacturing to inspect products for defects, such as cracks or hidden flaws in metal parts. X-ray machines are also used to scan bags, luggage, and cargo for potential threats before transportation. The ability to quickly and non-destructively examine objects has greatly improved quality control and security measures across various sectors.

The impact of X-ray technology in medical and scientific fields cannot be overstated. It has enabled early detection of diseases like cancer, allowing timely treatment and potentially saving lives. It has also played a significant role in surgical planning, guiding procedures, and minimizing risks. Furthermore, it has contributed to scientific research, helping unravel the mysteries of the natural world by studying substances’ atomic and molecular structures.

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s X-ray machine development has profoundly impacted modern health and safety practices, from revolutionizing medical diagnostics to enhancing industrial processes and security measures. The accidental discovery of X-rays serves as a reminder that groundbreaking inventions can arise unexpectedly, forever changing the course of scientific and technological progress.

For more stories about healthcare-related innovations, check out Inventions Ahead of Their Time: Corrective Lens/Contact Lens and Accidental Invention: Penicillin.

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Inventions Ahead of Their Time: Corrective Lens/Contact Lens

March 13, 2022

by jackie General Just For Fun

Today, a large portion of the population wears eyeglasses or contacts regularly. But how long ago would you suppose corrective lenses were first utilized? 100 years ago? 500? 1,000? How about over 2,000? Yep, that’s right. Check out this article to learn the early origins of these incredibly useful tools.

Glasses have become pretty standard fare for a lot of individuals. It is estimated that 75% of the US population requires some sort of vision correction. Can you imagine what life would be like if that many people couldn’t see properly? Thankfully, the invention of modern-day corrective lenses began many centuries ago.

Magnifying Spheres

The earliest iteration of corrective lenses is commonly traced back to Ancient Rome, where philosopher Seneca the Younger brought spheres of glass and jewels for Emperor Nero to use for magnification. It was discovered that concave lenses could be used to enhance and enlarge small objects such as letters or organisms. Surprisingly, however, it took nearly a millennium for this early discovery to evolve into a more sophisticated design.

During the Renaissance, European inventors stumbled upon the writings of Muslim mathematician and scientist Alhazen which described the properties of convex lenses. Research and development began to take hold, and, in 1286, Italian friar Dominican Giordano da Pisa created what is believed to be the world’s first pair of eyeglasses. These were designed to be held in front of the face or perched on the nose.

Eyeglasses Continue to Evolve

Because the materials initially used to make eyeglasses were so expensive (e.g. crystal, leather, animal horns), they were largely only available to the wealthy. However, as literacy rates began to boom in the 15th century, demand for more affordable glasses quickly grew. The lenses shifted to being made out of glass, which was able to be manipulated to serve a greater spectrum of near/farsightedness needs.

The next (and debatably most useful) development in eyeglasses was becoming hands-free in the 18th century as they gained support to be held over the ears. Soon after, Benjamin Franklin introduced the concept of bifocals, and George Airy created lenses that would correct astigmatism. Then, as the Industrial Revolution greatly improved manufacturing processes, eyeglasses finally began to be available to nearly everyone.

Lighter, Cheaper, and More Convenient

Over time, eyeglasses continued to become lighter and cheaper with both frames and lenses able to be made from plastic. Protective coatings were also added to reduce glare and UV light for the wearer. Today, eyeglasses can be customized to help correct vision impairments all over the spectrum.

In recent years, we have also seen the contact industry take off, allowing an even more hands-free version of corrective lenses that are more convenient for many individuals. First made from glass in 1887, these “in-eyeglasses” went through about a century of development until they reached the soft gel versions that are most commonly worn today. Ironically, after thousands of years of experimentation, it seems that contacts are the most similar to the original magnifying spheres of glass.

It’s no question that the invention of corrective lenses made a huge impact on the world. We at Custom Powder Systems love to see how technology develops over time. If you have a game-changing idea that you’d like to bring to life, let us know how we can help!

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Mothers-of-Invention_Olga-D.-González-Sanabria

Mothers of Invention: Olga D. González-Sanabria

March 13, 2022

by jackie Just For Fun

A minority in many facets of her life, Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria was one of the few women who earned an engineering degree from the University of Puerto Rico and eventually became the highest-ranking Hispanic employee at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. Her invention of the long cycle-life nickel-hydrogen battery has been a critical tool in the advancement of energy storage for space exploration.

A brilliant woman who eventually became the highest-ranking Hispanic employee at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria made great strides in the field of chemical engineering – especially recognized for her achievements related to energy storage technologies for space.

A Natural-born Engineer

Born, raised, and educated in Puerto Rico, Olga was destined to become an engineer, as she took an interest in math and science early on in her life. During a high school career fair in the 1970s, she was taken by the idea of helping to solve the energy crisis, and soon joined the ranks of the few women studying engineering at the University of Puerto Rico. She earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering, the latter from the University of Toledo.

In 1979, Olga began her career at NASA’s Glenn Research Center researching energy storage technologies for space in the Electrochemistry Branch of the Solar and Electrochemistry Division. Over the years, she made great strides in various research departments until officially being promoted to management in 1995. She ultimately became the director of the Engineering Directorate, a position she held until the end of her service in 2011.

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A Battery for Outer Space

During her tenure at NASA, Olga was constantly working to create and improve various tools to be used for space exploration. Most notable was her team’s advancements with nickel-hydrogen fuel cells, a critical power source that was known to deplete too quickly. After much research and experimentation, the scientists significantly improved the separators that isolate oxidation and reduce voltage losses within the battery.

Olga and her team’s creation of the long cycle-life nickel-hydrogen battery was a monumental achievement and was put to use in the International Space Station power system. This type of battery, on average, could run for 40,000 cycles, and last for 10-15 years. In 1988, Olga’s team received an R&D 100 award for their invention.

An Engineering Role Model

bxvnPPqBLDXoXxKyv — Photo credit:NASA, Glenn Research Center

Olga eventually honorably retired from NASA after 32 years of service, but not before earning numerous awards for her achievements, including the Women of Color in Technology Career Achievement Award (2000), Outstanding Leadership Medal (2002), Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee (2003), YWCA Women of Achievement Award (2004), and Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive (2007). Most recently, she was inducted into the NASA Glenn Research Center Hall of Fame (2021).

Today, Olga is president and co-owner of her own company, GX Matrix Consulting LLC. She is also passionate about mentoring young women, encouraging them towards the STEM field, and exemplifying a positive and accomplished role model. She says that the most valuable advice she would give to her younger self would be: “Be more assertive, document your progress and achievements. It will help you as you move up the ladder and remind you that you are contributing to the mission.”

To hear more stories about professional women whose perseverance has made them inspirational figures in their fields, check out our podcast, The Art of Engineering.

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Mothers of Invention: Josephine Cochrane and the Dishwasher

November 29, 2021

by jackie NEWS

When you’re a fancy socialite and the servants keep breaking your fine china while washing it, you can either hire better help, or you can invent a machine to do the job right. Josephine Cochrane chose the latter.

I’ll Do it Myself!

The daughter of an engineer and granddaughter of an inventor, Josephine Cochrane lived in a small Illinois town 200 miles south of Chicago. Legend has it, she once proclaimed, “If nobody else is going to invent a dishwashing machine, I’ll do it myself!” and went to the shed behind her home to begin her work.

With no formal training in engineering, she hired mechanic George Butters to help bring her vision to life. After years of perfecting her dishwashing machine, she eventually founded the Garis-Cochrane Manufacturing Company in 1886, a company that still today shares some distant corporate DNA with Whirlpool.

Taking it to the Fair

Before Josephine’s, there were two prior recognized attempts to develop dishwashing machines. One creation in 1850 resulted in a clunky contraption cranked by hand that merely soaked the dishes. Another added racks and spun the dishes through a tub of water.

Then, in 1893 at the Chicago’s World Fair, Josephine shared her revolutionary machine with the world. The exposition was known for premiering many significant inventions including early moving pictures, the Ferris Wheel, and Westinghouse Electric who powered the entire fair. But the winner of “best mechanical construction, durability, and adaptation to its line of work” went to Josephine’s “Lavadora” dishwashing machine.

Under Pressure

The Cochrane dishwasher was notably the first to use water pressure to clean dishes. Josephine’s design was made of wire compartments specifically-sized for plates and cups. These compartments sat within an open wheel that laid flat in a copper boiler. As a motor turned the wheel, hot soapy water shot up from the bottom then rained back down on the dishes.

dishwasher domestic model — Source: USPTO

By 1897, her company was known as Cochrane’s Crescent Washing Machine Company and sold mostly to commercial customers. Restaurants and hotels were eager to adopt this new invention, which was one of many to come from The Gilded Age.

The 20th Century and Cochrane’s Legacy

In 1886, the United States granted Josephine a patent, but her work wasn’t done. She continued improving on her invention and was given a second patent posthumously in 1917. Nine years later, the Crescent Dishwashing Company was sold to the company that made the KitchenAid appliances before becoming a part of Whirlpool.

Although she didn’t receive much acclaim during her lifetime, Josephine is now remembered as one of the great women inventors to come from the early Industrial Era. In 2006, she was even inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

It is believed her death in 1913 was brought on by exhaustion from her unrelenting dedication to her work. Prior to her passing she was quoted as saying, “If I knew all I know today when I began to put the dishwasher on the market, I never would have had the courage to start. But then, I would have missed a very wonderful experience.”

We find the process of inventing tremendously rewarding. The history of Custom Powder Systems is full of inspiring moments leading to thrilling solutions. Just as Josephine Cochrane solved the tedium of dishwashing, can we invent something that will make your company run better and more efficiently? Contact us today and let us know. All images sourced from USPTO.

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Accidental Invention: Penicillin

November 11, 2021

by jackie NEWS

It was a simple mistake. You’ve probably even done it yourself: a trip out of town, a forgotten bowl of fruit… Next thing you know, you’ve invented penicillin. Admittedly, there were a few more steps involved in creating usable penicillin, but it just goes to show that you never know how the next great discovery will happen.

An Absent-Minded Professor

The journey of penicillin began at a lab in Scotland in 1928 and eventually found its way to a moldy cantaloupe in Peoria, Illinois. The improbable twists and turns during this discovery would lead to the most widely-used antibiotic in the world.

One day, Sir Alexander Fleming, sometimes known to be a “careless lab technician,” left a culture plate of staphylococcus on the table. When he returned, he saw that mold had contaminated the culture. And he also saw something else: the mold seemed to be halting the growth of the staphylococci. A repeat of the experiment showed it was, in fact, doing just that. Fleming reported, “the staphylococcus colonies became transparent and were undergoing lysis (the rupturing and disintegration of cell membranes).”

On to Oxford

Alexander Fleming stopped studying penicillin in 1931 when Oxford researchers took up the challenge of creating a medicine. Throughout the 1930’s scientists took on the difficult task of isolating penicillin, something Fleming didn’t think was feasible. There were small scale successes along the way, but collecting enough penicillin to be effective unfortunately remained elusive.

Then, in 1942, Fleming came back into the picture when he was treating someone with streptococcal meningitis, a fatal disease at the time. Australian scientist Howard Florey gave the last available medicinal penicillin sample to Fleming, and the patient showed improvement almost immediately. Within a week, the meningitis was gone, and the patient fully recovered.

A Moldy Cantaloupe in Illinois

At this time, the world had gone headlong into World War II, and penicillin was being used to treat the wounded. However, the problem with mass-producing penicillin persisted. The British War Cabinet and the War Production Board of The United States soon launched a worldwide mission to find a way to grow the best strain of mold.

The search ended at a market in Peoria, Illinois atop a moldy cantaloupe. From there, a Pfizer scientist was able to develop large-scale production of pharmaceutical-grade penicillin. Within a year, and in just time for the invasion of Normandy, millions of doses were being produced. Soldiers and civilians alike were being saved from otherwise deadly infections.

Penicillin Today

Now, over 90 years since its discovery, penicillin continues to halt bacterial infections in patients before they have a chance to cause further illness or death. Since it first went into use, penicillin has also been a springboard for further developments. For example, semi-synthetic antibiotics like Amoxicillin work on a broader range of bacteria and are safer for those with allergies to traditional penicillin.

This story reminds us of the work we did a few years ago for Pfizer in their China plant. A big creation from a little discovery is the kind of work we do every day at Custom Powder Systems. When we know the kind of challenge you’re facing, all it takes is a tiny seed of inspiration to make something wonderful. What can we create for you? Contact us here.

History of Tums

November 11, 2021

by jackie NEWS

When your stomach is upset, it’s convenient to have a pharmacist for a husband. When your husband/pharmacist makes something that works so well it becomes a best-selling product within two years, you’ve got yourself the History of Tums.

Something Isn’t Agreeing With Me

In the 19th century, there were many remedies for an upset stomach. Some turned to papaya for its powerful enzymes. In 1887, Johnson & Johnson developed Papoid Tablets, made from the extract of papaya, and guaranteed it would “digest any kind of food mankind could eat.”

If that didn’t do the trick, you could try “Dr. Bonker’s Celebrated Egyptian Oil.” In spite of it being concocted by a guy literally named “Bonker,” stomach sufferers were encouraged to “take 10 to 20 drops every half hour in Molasses or on sugar, and at the same time apply externally.”

The Opposite of Acid

By 1928, medical experts understood that upset stomachs appeared to be caused by overactive acids in the digestive system. St. Louis pharmacist James Howe deduced that if acid was the problem, the solution would be to neutralize the acids.

His wife suffered from indigestion, and one night in his basement he created an “anti-acid,” a mixture of sugar and calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This “anti-acid,” or what we now call “antacid,” did the trick and settled Mrs. Howe’s heartburn. Soon, it was doing the same for others’ upset stomachs all across St. Louis. Just two short years later, a manufacturing company was built, and Tums became a national hit.

A Century of Antacids

Soon after the success of Tums, competition came in the form of Alka-Seltzer, Rolaids, and Pepto-Bismol. Each have slightly different formulations using ingredients such as salts of aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and sodium.

The Tums brand stayed in the Howe family for nearly 50 years before being sold to Revlon and eventually to its current owner, GlaxoSmithKline. Today, the Tums factory still sits on the same site where James Howe first manufactured it, churning out a staggering six-billion tablets every year.

Custom Powder Systems Gets Tums in Line

Custom Powder Systems, another proud Missouri company, lives just three hours west of the Tums facility. This means we were primed and ready when GSK asked us to help design, build, and install barrier walls between their Tums lines in order to keep the different colors/flavors separated during processing.

Step one was to discuss the problem GSK was facing and ask questions to get the full scope of the situation. Then, after surveying the area, we decided to construct walls made from stainless-steel tubing and lexan panels, which effectively kept the individual tablets from “jumping the line” and mixing together.

The way we efficiently solved the Tums obstacle for GlaxoSmithKline is just one example of how we at Custom Powder Systems are constantly finding new and creative ways to help efficiently process, mix, and contain quality products.

What can we help you make? Let us know through our Contact Page.

Engineer’s Obsessions: Running Through the Grand Canyon

July 23, 2021

by jackie NEWS

Dean Casady, Technical Services Director at Custom Powder, has been a runner for 45 years. Recently, he decided to take on one of the most rigorous runs on earth: A run into the Grand Canyon, traveling from rim to rim to rim, also known as R2R2R.

“It’s seven miles to the bottom, nine miles across, then six miles up to the north rim,” says Dean. Then you have to get back. “We started at 4:15 in the morning and finished at 11:30 at night.”

Because of the tremendous shifts in elevation, temperatures vary wildly. The terrain goes from mountain, to desert, to forest, and everything in between. Dean says after the first five miles when the sun begins to rise, you realize the enormity of the task ahead. “We’ve traveled five miles, and we still haven’t gotten to the bottom. We got to this outlook, and we could finally see the entirety of the river from left to right. It was like we were looking at another canyon inside of this canyon.”

No Cheering Squads or Water Stations Here

The National Park Service doesn’t allow organized runs or competitive races in the canyon. Because of this, runners need to account for everything they might need.

“You burn a lot of calories, so I had lots of energy food. A great deal of water, too. I probably consumed five litres of water.” In case the water he packed wasn’t sufficient, Dean brought along water filters and purifiers.

The route is one for serious hikers, and through the entire journey Dean and his two companions only encountered about a dozen other people. This doesn’t leave many options if something goes wrong. “We had contingency plans and cutoff points where we needed to be at certain times, but any rescue would be either via mule or helicopter. And it’s very expensive.”

Training for All Terrains

Getting ready for a run this extreme has its own challenges. There’s only one Grand Canyon, and finding similar terrain isn’t very easy. “We do a lot of back-to-back runs, which is a 15 to 20 mile run on back-to-back days. We go about 20 miles south of Springfield, Missouri to the Ozarks, or down to the Buffalo River in Arkansas. There’s some rugged terrain there.”

No matter how long one trains, Dean claims you can’t prepare for absolutely everything the Grand Canyon holds. “You’re never as ready as you want to be,” he explains. “I thought, ‘maybe I’m biting off more than I can chew.’ But I started talking to other people interested in doing the same thing, and he convinced me we could do it. I started training, and then we did it.”

Planning and Commitment

As with engineering, a run like the R2R2R requires both planning and commitment. “They both require very hard work. I don’t do either of them casually. If you’re going to do something like the Grand Canyon, Pikes Peak, or Boston Marathon, you don’t just show up. It requires a lot of commitment,” Dean says.

His career resume includes being an Automation Engineer, Automation Director, and our Technical Services Director here at Custom Powder Systems. Like our other engineers, Dean Casady’s outside passions demonstrate a determination to see a challenge through to the end.

When he’s on break from advancing his engineering skills, Pikes Peak is next on Dean’s big adventure list. Whether it’s a journey through the Grand Canyon or a solution for our customers, he knows there’s always a way to reach the destination.

We have a team standing by ready to take on the challenge of your next project. What can we build for you?

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