Fire has played a central role in the process of humankind and the development
of both industry and culture. The development of the lighter truly reflects
the process of civilization. From primitive fire pots and bows to seventeenth-century
tinderboxes as well as battery-operated, the lighter has come a long way.
The development of the lighter has reflected technological advances and cultural
trends worldwide.
As smoking became more and more commonplace, lighters were increasingly in
demand. Aver metal was added and instant fashionable lighter was produced.
During the first quarter of the century, manufacturers began marketing lighters
under specific brand names. Industry leaders were eager to distinguish themselves
by making a recognizable quality product.
The most popular lighters are the Zippo lighters. They were first introduced in 1932. Founded by inventor George Grant Blaisdell in Braidford, Pennsylvania.
The butane gas lighter dated back to 1933. They are one of the most purchased lighters in the world. The burner and filler value system is what makes it work. They discovered that gas pressure in the lighter could be controlled by a valve making it virtually independent of the pressure and temperature of the gas in the lighter's storage tank.
The Piezo lighter dates back to the 1930's. They are also very popular and simple to use. Over 500 million of these lighters are sold every year. They are popular to say the least. Crystals are compressed in a particular direction they produce electric charges. Under pressure the piezo crystal produces a positive charge one onside and a negative charge on the other side. To maximize the amount of electricity a hammer impact system is applied.
The Electronic windproof lighters was brought to the market in the late 1980's. They were an instant hit because of their ability to light up under windy conditions. They have been improved over the years. Very popular with cigar smokers. Lighting up a macanudo has never been easier.
The newest and most popular lighters since 1993 has been the flameless, turbo and jet flame lighters. Everyone wants one! They are becoming the most popular lighters around today. In electric and windproof lighters, the gas is pressurized by being routed through a miniscule hole while air was sucked in through small holes in the burner wall, producing the correct mixture of gas and air. Via a distributor, this stoichiometric mixture reached a cylinder where it was ignited by a spark from an electrode. The flame is protected in the cylinder by a piece of metal mesh with catalytic filament so that the combustion occurred entirely within the cylinder.
I hope you enjoyed a short history of the lighter. If you have anything to add please feel free to e-mail me with your information.
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