To make shaving possible in camp at night, or with little daylight, a small mirror was provided with an electric flash light. The mirror was set to swing free, in a wooden support. The light was fastened slightly above and behind the mirror. and swings at its base, so that it can be tipped upward or downward, throwing the light correspondingly. A piece of wood, 1¹⁄₄ by 3¹⁄₂ in., and as long as the mirror frame is wide, serves as a base. The arms will hold the mirror far enough in front of the lamp to allow room in which to swing. The body of the lamp is set on a block, and held between two wooden pieces, into which a band of iron was set near the top. The uprights move in an arc, pivoting at their lower fastening, on screws.—C. L. Meller, Fargo, N. D.
Automatic Electric Light on Talking-Machine Cabinet
In many homes the phonograph is placed where little light is available in changing the records, setting the needle etc. An electric light which is lighted only while the cover of the phonograph is raised, is well worth installing. A metal arm, A, supports the open cover of the cabinet. When the cover is closed, this arm passes through a slot and takes the position shown by the dotted line. A strip of spring brass, B, is fastened to the inside wall of the cabinet, in the path of the arm, so that it will be pushed down to the off position, as indicated. When the arm releases the strip B, the latter presses against the contact C. A small electric lamp, D, is set in the corner, and electrical connection made to it through B and C, the plug connections passing through the back of the cabinet. When the cover is down, the electric circuit is open, and the moment it is raised, connection is made at C, and the lamp lights. The backs of most phonograph cabinets may be removed easily to make these changes.—M. C. Ball, Kansas City, Mo.
Device for Suspending Parcels from Overhead Hooks
To hang small sacks or other articles out of reach overhead, so that they may be easily taken down, I use a double-eye hook which I made of wire. A single piece of wire is used, and twisted into two loops as shown, and then formed into a twisted hook. I use a pole with a nail, hooking it into the lower loop, to raise the parcel; this leaves the upper loop free to be hooked on the nail above.—E. B. Warren, Garnet, Mont.
Steel Wool as Aluminum-Ware Cleaner
It takes little trouble to keep aluminium pots and pans shining if they are cleaned frequently with steel wool, water, and a nonalkaline soap. Use a very fine grade of the wool, and give the utensils a few rubs frequently rather than attempt to clean them only occasionally, when much soiled.—L. P. Langan, Denver, Colo.