The Large Capacity of the Hopper and the Ready Portability of This Arrangement Are Practical Features
In the large farm kitchen, in the workshop, and even for firing a small furnace, a coal hopper that will hold considerable coal, and that can be rolled along the floor easily, is a convenience. Such an arrangement, made from a section of galvanized-iron pipe, 10 in. in diameter and 30 in. long is shown in the sketch. The pipe was cut at one end, as shown, so that when the coal was poured into the hopper, it would feed out. A truck, mounted on casters, was made, 12 in. wide, 5 in. high, and 25 in. long. The hopper was mounted on one end of it, and bolted securely at the sides and end. The coal is shoveled into the hopper at the bin, and the load pushed to the furnace, where it can be easily used as needed. The construction can be made larger for use with a coal scoop, in firing a boiler or large furnace.—L. R. Markwood, Factoryville, Pa.
Taking Photographs in Falling Snow
Falling snowflakes in a camera photograph—the large feathery, slow falling kind—often make an exquisitely beautiful picture out of a commonplace scene. And while the great majority of the attempts to get them prove failures, the photographer—usually an amateur-needs only to provide an avenue in front of his lens a short distance, that is free from falling flakes by the use of a shelter such as a tree or porch. The slow snapshot necessary in cloudy weather will not stop the motion of the flakes nearest the camera and these passing through greater angles of space in equal length of time than those farther away, will blur on the negative. We made some excellent outdoor views in deep snow, while heavy snow was falling, with flakes splendidly decorating the darker regions of figures and foliage, by holding a felt hat and two umbrellas in a line in front of the camera, and above the range of the lens.—J. Cecil Alter, Cheyenne, Wyo.
A Double-Contact Vibrator
When the Vibrator Touches One Contact, the Coil on the Opposite Side Attracts the Vibrator, This Process being Repeated Alternately
A double-contact vibrator, which eliminates sticking contacts, spring troubles, and other sources of annoyance, in addition to producing a fine high tone, is shown in the sketch. It is an instrument easy to construct, by reason of its simplicity. Special care in making the vibrator D will insure good vibration. The springs, holding the contacts, are of phosphor bronze The contacts may be made of silver platinum, or other metals, which will not burn and break contact. The coil B are of the common bell-ringing type. The springs on the vibrator should not be too long, nor too weak; experimenting will determine the length at which they will work best. The adjustment is made at the thumbscrews A. The coils are supported on metal brackets, bolted to a wooden base. The method of hooking up the vibrator in the key circuit is shown in the diagram.—J. L. Taylor, Barker, N. Y.