A number of wooden candlesticks were to be fitted with fixtures for electric lights, and it was found that the types ordinarily available could not be attached in the usual manner. A simple method was, therefore, devised, as shown in the sketch, and proved practical. A short length of brass tubing, A, was screwed into a hole drilled in the bottom of the candle socket, both ends of the tube being threaded. A hole was drilled through the side of the tube, and another through the side of the candlestick cup, as indicated. The hole in the wood was fitted with an insulation ring, B. The wiring, suitably taped, was carried through the opening for it, into the tube, and fastened in the usual manner to a standard keyless socket, which was then screwed to the end of the tube, making a substantial support. The lights were controlled conveniently at the usual wall switches.—Livingston Haviland, Buffalo, N. Y.
Handy Parcel Carrier with Caster Supports
The Parcels are Handled Easily and with Little Danger of Damage by the Use of This Homemade Carrier
Instead of carrying out an armload, or a boxful, of miscellaneous parcels to the delivery wagon or the customer’s vehicle, an enterprising grocery clerk made a parcel carrier fitted with casters, as shown in the sketch. An ordinary wooden box was used for the tray, and handles were fitted at the ends. The legs were made of light strips nailed as shown. The parcels are loaded into the tray and the arrangement carried or rolled along on the casters, as is convenient. Besides making the work of handling the articles easier, they are kept clean, since it is not necessary to lay them on the walk or other undesirable place.—Avis Gordon Vestal, Chicago, Ill.
Kinks in Cleaning a Typewriter
Irregularities in the feeding of the paper into a typewriter are often due to slippery spots on the platen. To overcome this trouble, clean the platen thoroughly with a mixture of two parts of denatured alcohol to one part of ether. Rub the polished parts with No. 2 emery cloth, then smooth the surface with No. 0 emery cloth. In cleaning a typewriter with gasoline, the effect is to leave the parts dry. A better method is to use a mixture of one part of typewriter oil to 50 parts gasoline. This will leave a fine coating of oil, which is too fine to collect dust, on the working parts.—William Doenges, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Red Lens Hinged to Flash Light for Dark-Room Use
A Ruby Cap Hinged over the Lens of an Ordinary Flash Light Is a Convenience for the Dark Room