Technical Writing:  Descriptions and Instructions

As a professional communicator it is often necessary to create technical documents such as description or instruction sheets, or even process diagrams.  To ensure compliance, successful completion of an assigned task, or consistency in performance, technical instruction sheets serve as learning tools and resources while a technical description may clarify nomenclature. Here is a sample of a technical description sheet based on the form and function of the Zippo lighter.

Zippo Lighter Description

Introduction

Since its introduction in 1933, the Zippo lighter has proven to be a dependable and iconic lighter. The following description is intended to familiarize new users or collectors with basic user information such as dimensions, nomenclature, and safety precautions. By appreciating the potential dangers involved in keeping collectible lighters in the home, it becomes easier to preserve the mechanism while avoiding potential hazards.  

Description 

In 1936, the U.S. Patent office granted George Blaisdell (b. 1895, d. 1978) patent number 2032695 for his “Windproof” lighter. The approximate dimensions of the basic model closed are a) Height 2-inch, b) Width 1-inch, and c) Depth ½-inch (Unknown, 2012).  The approximate weight is 2.05 oz. dry (Unknown, 2012). Each Zippo lighter comes with a lifetime warranty.   

This image depicts a standard Zippo in the ‘open’ position. The lighter’s outer metal housing (or sleeve), is comprised of a Brass Lid, Brass Bottom Case, and Hinge Pin (Figure 1). This brass sleeve protects the Inside Case, Flint Wheel, and Flint Rivet (Figure 1). Housed within the Inside Case are the Flint, Flint Spring, Flint Spring Tip, Flint Screw, Rayon Balls, felt pad, and wire-reinforced wick (inner parts not shown).

Warning

 

Although Zippo Lighters have been a popular collectible since World War II, one should remember the purpose for which these mechanisms were devised; the Zippo is designed to burn once ignited (even in high wind), as long as there is a fuel source. Balisdell’s creation performs this function extremely well even without fluid.  Therefore, a Zippo should always be kept out of the reach of children. The mechanism is deceptively easy to use.
 

By simply rotating the Flint Wheel downward (or clockwise), the wheel engages the flint (if present) creating hot sparks known to burn clothes, skin, etc. (Figure 2). For example, the U.S. Air Force teaches the participants of Survival and Air Base Ground Defense schools to use a Zippo Lighter - with flint only - to ignite steel wool, shredded paper, and wooden fibers as a means of starting a fire.  Therefore, due caution should be exercised in using, collecting, or storing this device.

Reference

Unknown (2012). Zippo then and now. Retrieved on June 16, 2012, from: http://www.zippo.com/about/article.aspx?id=1574

Unknown (2012). Zippo graphic retrieved on June 18, 2012, from: http://www.enotes.com/lighter-reference/lighter. Enhancements and nomenclature added by D. Nettles).