The Vintage 1984 Original “The Clapper” Appliance Control is a device that gained popularity as a simple and convenient way to control various appliances using sound activation. The device was marketed under the slogan “Clap on, clap off” and was designed to make it easier for users to turn their appliances on and off with a simple clap of their hands. “The Clapper” was invented by American sound-activated switch inventor Joseph Pedott and sold since 1984 by San Francisco, California-based Joseph Enterprises, Inc.