Page:Popular Mechanics 1928 01.pdf/42

 



For the first time in history, invisible lighting was employed for the outdoor decorations and displays at a garden party in Colorado Springs. Special ultraviolet searchlights swept the lawn and shrubbery which had been treated with chemicals, so that each leaf and twig glowed under the rays of the unseen light, and the water in a fountain contained chemicals which made the stream sparkle in multicolored brilliance. Souvenirs, also treated with luminescent materials, were distributed among the guests who enjoyed the novelty of the changing effects as they passed in and out of the invisible beams. Dress goods, particularly those containing aniline dyes. glowed under the ultraviolet stimulation, and the crowd was amused to see teeth and eyeballs curiously affected by the rays. In addition to these novelties, use was made of rubber balloons and animal-shaped shades for the ordinary lights so that the garden, in places, was transformed to a miniature zoo with glowing animals and shining balloons that enhanced the weird aspects of the luminous decorations.

 



For the further protection of motorists, safety experts have gone to the railroads for an additional device to warn drivers of hazardous grade crossings. This unit is the overhead strap line, similar to that used on the railroads for many years at approaches to tunnels and low viaducts, warning brakemen, or others on top of the cars, to duck their heads. The strings

