A milliner, in addition to using her electric iron for ordinary purposes of ironing and pressing, inverts it between two hollow tiles and thus makes use of it in steaming velvet trimmmings. The tiles not only hold the iron securely in this position, but also insulate it from overheating or scorching adjoining objects or surfaces. The iron is also used inverted for heating water, cooking coffee, and other liquids, as well as in providing a warm lunch.
Renewing Dry Batteries with Sal Ammoniac
Finding that dry batteries had increased in price, and requiring a number for experimental purposes, I devised the following method by which I was able to use the old batteries for a considerable period: When the dry cells were nearly exhausted, I punched holes through the zinc covering with a nail, as shown in the sketch. The holes were placed about 1¹⁄₂ in. apart, and care was taken not to punch them near the upper edge of the container, or the black insulation might thus be injured. The cells were then placed in a saturated solution of sal ammoniac. The vessel containing the liquid must be filled only to within ¹⁄₂ in. from the top of the cell, otherwise the binding posts will be corroded, and the cell probably short-circuited. The cells were left in the solution six hours, and then became remarkably live. They must not be connected or permitted to come into contact with each other while in the solution.—H. Sterling Parker, Brooklyn, N. Y.
A Sliding Board for Coasting
The simple device shown in the sketch can afford youngsters much amusement in coasting down inclines or small hills, either on the snow or on surfaces slightly crusted with ice. The board is intended for individual use only and should be about 10 in. wide and 26 in. long. It is reinforced underneath by a strip of wood, about ¹⁄₄ in. thick and smoothed on its lower side. This piece is fastened in the form of a bow by placing a small cleat between it and the upper piece. The strip should be about 3 in. wide, and aids in keeping the sliding board in its course.—John F. Long, Springfield, Mo.
Electrical Device Transmits Striking of Clock
Converting an ordinary parlor, or mantel, clock into a master clock, from which the striking of the gong is transmitted to various parts of the home, may be accomplished by fitting it with a simple electrical device, as shown in the sketch. The general arrangement of the batteries, single-stroke bells, and the contact device within the clock case is shown in [Fig. 1]; a detail of the silk cord and other connections of the contact key and the gong hammer, is shown in [Fig. 2]. This arrangement has been in operation for several years, and has been found practical.