Flyswatter: Difference between revisions
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== Fly Guns == |
== Fly Guns == |
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[[Image:Fly Gun.JPG|thumb|left| A fly gun]] |
[[Image:Fly Gun.JPG|thumb|left| A fly gun]] |
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The '''fly gun''' (or '''flygun'''), a derivative of the fly swatter, uses a spring-loaded plastic projectile to "swat" flies. Mounted on the projectile is a perforated circular disk which, according to advertising copy, |
The '''fly gun''' (or '''flygun'''), a derivative of the fly swatter, uses a spring-loaded plastic projectile to "swat" flies. Mounted on the projectile is a perforated circular disk which, according to advertising copy, "won't splat the fly". |
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Similar products are sold elsewhere on the [[Internet]], mostly as [[toy]]s or [[novelty item]]s, although their supporters maintain that they work as well as traditional fly swatters.{{fact|date=June 2009}} |
Similar products are sold elsewhere on the [[Internet]], mostly as [[toy]]s or [[novelty item]]s, although their supporters maintain that they work as well as traditional fly swatters.{{fact|date=June 2009}} |
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Revision as of 06:22, 3 August 2010
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2009) |
A flyswatter is a hand-held device for swatting flies and other insects. A flyswatter usually consists of a small rectangular sheet (about 4 inches or 10 cm across) of lightweight, flexible, vented material, usually rubber or plastic, attached to a lightweight wire or plastic handle about 2 feet (0.61 m) long. The venting reduces wind drag, making it easier to hit a fast-moving target such as a fly.
History
In the summer of 1905, Kansas was plagued by an overabundance of flies, which, as well as causing annoyance, aided in the spread of disease. Dr. Samuel Crumbine, a member of the Kansas board of health, wanted to raise public awareness of the threat of flies. He was inspired by a chant at a local Topeka softball game: "swat the ball". In a health bulletin published soon afterwards, he exhorted Kansans to "swat the fly".
In response, a schoolteacher named Frank H. Rose created the "fly bat", a device consisting of a yardstick attached to a piece of screen. Crumbine invented the device now commonly known as the fly swatter.
Electric flyswatters
Electric flyswatters, hand held devices that resemble tennis rackets, became popular worldwide in 2005. The handle contains batteries and a charging mechanism that generates a high voltage. The electronic circuit is composed of an oscillator, a step-up transformer and a voltage multiplier.
The grid of the flyswatter is electrically charged when the button is pushed. The voltage of these flyswatters is between 1000 and 2500 V DC. When the electrically conducting body of a fly enters the air gap, the spark jumps over, through the fly. A capacitor between the electrodes discharges during the spark. This initial discharge usually stuns the fly. If pressing the button is continued, the continuous current will roast and kill the fly.
Most flyswatters conform to electrical safety standards for humans:
- a limit on the charge stored in the capacitor. A discharge of less than 45 µC is considered safe, even in the unlikely scenario that the current from a flyswatter would be flowing from one arm to the other arm, partly through the heart.[1] This means that the capacitor of a 1000 V flyswatter should be less than 45 nF. Due to this limitation the initial shock is usually inadequate to kill flies.
- a limit on the current after the initial discharge. The maximal continuous current of most flyswatters is less than 5 mA. This current is safe, even when flowing from one arm to the other arm.[2]
Many flyswatters have a three layer grid to prevent people from touching both electrodes.
Fly Guns
The fly gun (or flygun), a derivative of the fly swatter, uses a spring-loaded plastic projectile to "swat" flies. Mounted on the projectile is a perforated circular disk which, according to advertising copy, "won't splat the fly".
Similar products are sold elsewhere on the Internet, mostly as toys or novelty items, although their supporters maintain that they work as well as traditional fly swatters.[citation needed]
This device is typically used when the fly flies around in the air and does not land when you want to swat it.
In colloquial language
Flyswatting and the swatting of flies is also used colloquially to refer to dealing with petty annoyance and trifles.
See also
References
External links
