Emik Avakian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emik Avakian
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| Born | August 5, 1923 |
| Died | July 11, 2013 (aged 89) |
| Occupation | Inventor |
Emik Avakian (Armenian: Էմիք Աւաքեան; August 15, 1923 – July 11, 2013) was an amazing Armenian American inventor. He held many patents, which are like official documents that prove someone invented something. Some of his cool inventions included a computer you could control with your breath, a way to easily put wheelchairs into cars, and a special robotic wheel that could turn a regular wheelchair into an automatic one.
Many of Emik's inventions were made to help people with disabilities live easier lives. Because of his important work, he received many awards.
Emik's Life Story
Emik Avakian was born in 1924 in Tabriz, Persia. His family was of Armenian background. When he was born, Emik had a serious condition called cerebral palsy. This condition can affect how a person moves and controls their body. However, it did not affect his brain or his ability to think and learn.
To find the best medical help for Emik, his family traveled a lot. They went from Persia to Russia, then to Germany, and finally settled in New York City, USA. Even when he was young, Emik showed how smart he was. By the age of thirteen, he was already fixing many electrical problems around his home.
Even though he faced many challenges, Emik worked very hard in school. He graduated with high honors from Eureka College. There, he earned degrees in both physics and mathematics. Later, he continued his studies and earned his master's degree from Columbia University. During his time as a student, Emik sometimes found it hard to talk to typists who wrote notes for him. This challenge later inspired some of his inventions.
Emik lived in Massachusetts with his wife, Anne, until he passed away.
Cool Inventions
Emik Avakian created many inventions to help him and others overcome daily difficulties.
One of his most famous inventions was a special typewriter. This typewriter could create letters using only breath, instead of needing someone to type with their fingers. It worked by measuring breath and sounds blown into four microphones. Even though it was a bit slow, this device was still a great help. It was also cheaper than hiring someone to type for him all the time.
Another important invention was called the "information retrieval and storage apparatus." This was a machine that could show information from libraries and archives much faster than older methods. Imagine finding a book or document in a huge library in seconds!
Awards and Recognition
Emik Avakian received many honors for his amazing work:
- In 1961, the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, honored Emik. He was recognized for his great contributions to helping people with disabilities find jobs.
- He received the Eminent Engineer Award in 1979.
- In 1976, he won the "Excellence in the Field of Science Award" from the Armenian Bicentennial Committee.
- The Shah of Iran Crown Medal was given to him in 1963.
- In 1996, his old college, Eureka College, gave him an Honorary Doctorate Award.
Besides these awards, Emik was also featured in popular magazines. These included Life magazine and Mechanix Illustrated. He appeared in these magazines in 1952, 1953, and 1962.
Important Patents
Emik Avakian held many patents for his inventions. A patent is like a special license that says you are the inventor of something. It stops other people from making or selling your invention without your permission. Here are a few of his notable patents:
- Information Storage, retrieval, and Handling Apparatus: This patent was for his machine that could quickly find and store information.
- Method of and Apparatus for Motorizing Manually Powered Vehicles: This patent was for his invention that could turn a regular wheelchair into a motorized one.
- Drive System for Wheelchairs or the like: Another patent related to making wheelchairs easier to use.
- Vehicle Loading System: This patent covered his system that made it easier to load wheelchairs into cars.
