** Automatic Draft-Opener [102]
A simple apparatus that will open the draft of the furnace at any hour desired is ill.u.s.trated. The parts are: A, furnace; B, draft; C, draft chain; D, pulleys; E, wooden supports; F, vertical lever; G, horizontal lever; H, cord; I, alarm clock; J, weight. K shows where and how the draft is regulated during the day, the automatic
[Ill.u.s.tration: Draft Regulator]
device being used to open it early in the morning. The spool on the alarm clock is fastened to the alarm key by sawing a slit across the top of the spool and gluing it on. When the alarm goes off a cord is wound up on the spool and pulls the horizontal lever up, which releases the vertical lever and allows the weight to pull the draft open.
--Contributed by Gordon Davis, Kalamazoo, Mich.
** A Window Conservatory [103]
During the winter months, where house plants are kept in the home, it is always a question how to arrange them so they can get the necessary light without occupying too much room.
The sketch shows how a neat window conservatory may be made at small cost that can be fastened on the house just covering a window, which will provide a fine place for the plants. The frame (Fig. 2) is made of about 2 by 2-in. material framed together as shown in Fig. 3. This frame should be made with the three openings of such a size that a four-paned sash, such as used for a storm window, will fit nicely in them. If the four vertical pieces that are shown in Fig. 2 are dressed to the right angle, then it will be easy to put on the finishing corner boards that hold the sash.
[Ill.u.s.tration: Artistic Window Boxes]
The top, as well as the bottom, is constructed with two small pieces like the rafters, on which is nailed the sheathing boards and then the shingles on top and the finishing boards on the bottom.
** How to Make an Electroscope [103]
An electroscope for detecting electrified bodies may be made out of a piece of note paper, a cork and a needle. Push the needle into the cork, and cut the paper in the shape of a small arrow.
Balance the arrow on the needle
[Ill.u.s.tration: Simple Electroscope]
as shown in the sketch, and the instrument will then be complete.
If a piece of paper is then heated over a lamp or stove and rubbed with a piece of cloth or a small broom, the arrow will turn when the paper is brought near it.
--Contributed by Wm. W. Grant, Halifax, N. S., Canada.
** Miniature Electric Lighting [104]
Producing electric light by means of small bulbs that give from one-half to six candle power, and a suitable source of power, is something that will interest the average American boy.
These circular bulbs range from 1/4 to 2 in. in diameter, and cost 27 cents
[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 1]
each complete with base. They are commonly known as miniature battery bulbs, since a battery is the most popular source of power. The 1/2-cp. bulbs are usually 2-1/2 volts and take 1/4 ampere of current. It requires about three medium dry cells to operate it. However, there is now upon the market a battery consisting of 3 small dry cells connected in series, put up in a neat case with 2 binding posts, which sells for 25 cents. This is more economical than dry cells, as it gives about 4 volts and 3 amperes. It will run as large a lamp a 3-1/2 volts, 1 cp., for some time very satisfactorily. More than one lamp can be run by connecting the bulbs in parallel, as indicated by Fig. 1, which shows the special battery with 3 dry cells in the case, and the 2 binding posts for connection with the bulbs. In this case it is also advisable to connect several batteries in parallel also, so as to increase the current, but maintain the voltage constant.
Thus the individual cells are in multiple series, i. e., multiples of series of three. By keeping in mind the ampere output of the battery and rating of the lamp, one can regulate the batteries as required. It must be remembered, in this connection, that any battery which is drawn upon for half of its output will last approximately three times as long, as if drawn upon for its total output. Thus, in any system of lamps, it is economical to provide twice as many batteries as necessary. This also supplies a means of still maintaining the candle power when the batteries are partially exhausted, by connecting them in series. However, this must be done with very great caution, as the lights will be burnt out if the voltage is too high.
Persons living in the city will find an economical means of lighting lamps by securing exhausted batteries from any garage, where they are glad to have them taken away. A certain number of these, after a rest, can be connected up in series, and will give the proper voltage.
In conclusion, for battery power: Connecting batteries in series increases the voltage, and slightly cuts down the current or amperage, which is the same as that of one battery; while connecting batteries in parallel increases the amperage, but holds the voltage the same as that of one cell. Thus, if the voltage and amperage of any cell be known, by the proper combination of these, we can secure the required voltage and amperage to light any miniature lamp. And it might be said that dry cells are the best for this purpose, especially those of low internal resistance.
[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG.2]
For those having a good water supply there is a more economical means of maintenance, although the first cost is greater. Fig. 2 shows the scheme. A small dynamo driven by a water motor attached to a faucet, generates the power for the lights. The cost of the smallest outfit of the kind is about $3 for the water motor and $4 for the dynamo. This dynamo has an output of 12 watts, and will produce from 18 to 25 cp., according to the water pressure obtainable. It is advisable to install the outfit in the bas.e.m.e.nt, where the water pressure is the greatest, and then lead No. 18 B & S. double insulated wire wherever needed. The dynamo can also be used as a motor,
[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 3]
and is wound for any voltage up to ten. The winding should correspond to the voltage of the lamps which you desire to run.
However, if wound for 6 volts, one could run parallel series of two 3-volt, 1-cp. lamps; making, as in Fig. 3, 11 series, or 22 lights. If wound for 10 volts, it would give 1-1/4 amperes and run four 6-cp. lamps. Thus, it will be seen that any candle power lamp can be operated by putting the proper number of lights in each series, and running the series in parallel. So, to secure light by this method, we simply turn on the water, and the water consumption is not so great as might be imagined.
For the party who has electric light in his house there is still an easier solution for the problem of power. If the lighting circuit gives 110 volts he can connect eleven 10-volt lamps in series. These will give 3 cp. each, and the whole set of 11 will take one ampere of current, and cost about the same as a 32-cp.
lamp, or 1-1/4 cents per hour. Simply connect the miniature circuit to an Edison plug, and insert in the nearest lamp socket.
Any number of different candle power lamps can be used providing each lamp takes the same amount of current, and the sum of their voltages equals the voltage of the circuit used. This arrangement of small lights is used to produce a widely distributed, and diffused light in a room, for display of show cases, and for Christmas trees. Of all these sources of power the two last are the most economical, and the latter of these two has in its favor the small initial cost. These lamps are by no means playthings or experiments, but are as serviceable and practical as the larger lamps.
--Contributed by Lindsay Eldridge, Chicago.
** How to Make a New Language [105]
Anyone possessing a phonograph can try a very interesting and amusing experiment without going to any expense. Remove the belt and replace with a longer one, which can be made of narrow braid or a number of strands of yarn. The new belt should be long enough to allow crossing it, thus reversing the machine. This reverses every sound on the record and changes it to such an extent that very few words can be recognized.
** How to Make a Cup-and-Saucer Rack [105]
The rack is made of any suitable kind of wood, and the sides, A, are cut just alike, or from one pattern. The shelves are made in various widths to fit the sides at the places where they are wanted. The number of shelves can be varied and to suit the size of the dishes. Cup hooks are placed on top and bottom shelves. It is hung on the wall the same as a picture from the molding.
--Contributed by F. B. Emig, Santa Clara, Cal.
[Ill.u.s.tration: Cup-and-Saucer Rack]
Reversing a Small Motor [105]
All that is necessary for reversing the motor is a pole-changing switch. Connect the two middle posts of the switch with each other and the two outside posts with each other. Then connect one of the outside posts of the switch to one brush of the motor and one middle post to the other brush.
Connect one bar of the switch to one end of the field coil and the other bar to one pole of the battery, and connect the other pole of the battery to the other field coil. To reverse the motor, simply change the switch.
[Ill.u.s.tration: Reverse for a Small Motor]
Referring to the ill.u.s.tration, the letters indicate as follows: FF, field of motor; BB, brushes of motor; AA, bars of pole-changing switch; DD, center points of switch; CC, outside points of switch.
--Contributed by Leonard E. Parker, Plymouth, Ind.
** To Drive Away Dogs [106]
The dogs in my neighborhood used to come around picking up sc.r.a.ps.
After I connected up my induction coil, as shown in the sketch, we were not bothered with them. A indicates the ground; B, switch; and C, a bait of meat, or a tempting bone.