Page:Popular Mechanics 1928 11.pdf/26

 for a gasoline tank. This proved a puzzler for a moment, but since the engine was air-cooled and had no use for the ordinary type of radiator, this unit was converted into the gasoline tank. The famous wedding taxicab that empties its load at an unexpected moment, is a real cab, the body literally sawed in two and hinged so that it tips back. It is kept from falling off entirely by means of chains and is held upright by buckle supports which can be unfastened from the inside.



According to circus managers, laughs are increasingly difficult to produce as the public is indifferent to many things that inspired response a few years ago. Clowns and cartoonists unconsciously work hand in hand, borrowing and exchanging ideas, although Baker prefers to leave the "funny papers" alone in order that he may give the audience something that they have not seen before.

One of the effective acts in this season's circus was the demonstration of a trick cigar lighter which functioned with the elaborate detail of a Goldberg cartoon and proved a taking burlesque. When it failed, the audience was as pleased as when it worked, because, as in the case of the balky automobile, many of them had had baffling experiences with lighters and were enjoying the predicament of the clown operating the trick lighter.



A centralized oiling system for the automobile chassis, operated by the heating of the engine, has been adopted by one American manufacturer, and foreign rights sold in Germany, France. Italy and England for use on cars of those countries. A sealed tank, holding a quart of oil, is attached to the exhaust manifold, with piping leading to all of the chassis parts that are to be oiled. The short tubes connecting to the bearings contain wicks. In operation, as soon as the engine is started, the oil tank begins to warm up the heated oil building up pressure which forces it through the pipe system to the bearings. When the engine is stopped, the oil reservoir cools and a vacuum is created which draws the oil back from the bearings, preventing waste through dripping. The quart reservoir holds enough oil to last for from 3,000 to 5,000 miles, the manufacturer claims. Ordinary crankcase oil is used.

 



Instead of having its cord directly attached, an electric iron now on the market is heated through a contact in a metal holder which is connected to a lighting socket. Two irons are employed with the outfit, one being used while the other is left in the cabinet to be heated. The arrangement eliminates the bothersome cord that often becomes entangled or frayed, prevents fire and supports the irons safely.

