Emik Avakian |
|---|
 |
| Born | August 5, 1923
|
|---|
| Died | July 11, 2013(2013-07-11) (aged 89)
|
|---|
| Occupation | Inventor |
|---|
Emik Avakian (Armenian: Էմիք Աւաքեան; August 15, 1923 – July 11, 2013) was an Armenian American inventor and owner of numerous patents including breath-operated computer, a mechanism that facilitates putting wheelchairs on automobiles, and a self operating robotic wheel that converts manual wheel chairs into automatic.[1][2] Many of his inventions were geared towards the improvement of disabled people's lives, and he won many awards recognizing these efforts.[3]
Life
Of Armenian descent, Emik Avakian was born in Tabriz, Persia in 1924.[4][5] Avakian was born with a severe case of cerebral palsy, but this did not affect his cognitive abilities.[1][6] In order to seek medical assistance for Emik, the Avakian family traveled from Persia, to Russia, to Germany, and finally settling in New York City.[5] By the age of thirteen, Emik was already fixing many electrical engineering problems around the household.[5] Although he suffered considerably, Avakian graduated magna cum laude from Eureka College with a degree in physics and mathematics.[1] He later earned his master's degree at Columbia University.[3][4] Throughout his years as a student, Avakian had trouble communicating with typists who would write down notes for him.[3]
He resided in Massachusetts with his wife Anne until his death.[1]
Inventions
In order to overcome many of the difficulties he experienced in life, Avakian created a series of inventions. One of his more notable inventions was a typewriter that would produce letters from breath rather than typing.[3] The typewriter would operate according to breath measurement and sound that would be blown into four microphones.[3] Although the mechanism was slow, it was still more cost effective to use the device than to hire an assisting type writer.[7]
Another significant invention was the "information retrieval and storage apparatus," which was a machine that could display library and archive information more quickly than other methods.[8]
Awards
- In 1961, President of the United States John F. Kennedy honored Avakian for his outstanding contributions to handicap employment.[1][9]
- Eminent Engineer Award (1979)
- Armenian Bicentennial Committee's "Excellence in the Field of Science Award" (1976)
- Shah of Iran Crown Medal (1963)
- Honorary Doctorate Award of Eureka College (1996)[1]
In addition to his awards, Avakian was featured in renowned and local publications, including Life magazine and Mechanix Illustrated in 1952, 1953, and 1962.
