THE CONTINUOUS CLICK H ave you ever wondered why your car’s turn signal clicks? The universal sound dates back to the 1930s, even though the turn signal itself was invented sending current to the “blinker” for a split second, and it makes a distinct clicking sound. This process repeats over and over as you sit in traffic. How Does the Turn Signal Work?
in 1909. A man named Joseph Bell patented the electronic device that made it happen, and by 1939, Buick included flashing, clicking turn signals in their vehicles. Buick was ahead of its time, as many other car manufacturers were slow to adopt the technology. It wasn’t until the 1950s when more people were buying cars that “clicking” signals were standard on just about every new automobile on the road. Where does the sound come from? In some cars, particularly in older models, the sound and flashing signal is generated by a thermal style flasher. Electrical current flows through the flasher, which houses a bimetallic spring. When the turn signal is switched on, a current is sent through the spring, heating it up. The two metals in the spring heat up at different rates. As a result, they bend in a specific way. This bending accomplishes two things: It completes the circuit, Texas-Sized LAUGHS
In newer vehicles, especially those produced from the early ‘90s onward, you’re likely to find an electronic relay-style system. These devices are controlled using a microchip and an electromagnet. The chip regulates the electrical current that runs through the electromagnet.
Like the old flasher model, this relay completes the circuit to turn on signal lightbulbs for a split second while making the clicking sound. And, interestingly enough, this sound is physical. There is a moving part in the relay unit making the noise as current passes through it.
Today, while some new vehicles still use the electronic relay, more vehicles use devices that are completely chip-controlled, which means no moving parts. Instead, the clicking noise is produced electronically through either the driver side speakers or a dedicated speaker on the signal control unit itself.
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GREEN VELVET CHEESECAKE BARS
This St. Paddy’s Day, try taking a festive spin on a classic staple. If you have red velvet lovers in your family, they’re sure to love this equally decadent treat.
INGREDIENTS
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs
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3 8-oz packages cream cheese, softened
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2/3 cup sugar
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1 stick butter, melted
3 eggs
1 oz green food coloring (gel works best)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract Green sprinkles, optional
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F, and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine crumbs, butter, and food coloring. Press into the baking pan. 3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together.
4. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla. 5. Pour mixture over the packed crumbs. 6. Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set. 7. Let cool completely before adding sprinkles and slicing.
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