Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/307

 Popular Science Monthly

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��Enlarging a Runabout's Capacity

THE torpedo extension with which most runabouts are built is often inadequate for carrying packages or bun- dles of more than ordinary size. With some extra lumber, the capacity of a small au- tomobile may be con- siderably increased, as shown in the sketch. An extra box is so con- structed as to get tele- scopically into, and slide easily in and out of the main box on the rear of the car. When the hood is lifted and folded back, this extra drawer may be extend- ed into the hood and supported by it. In this way an extensible box is furnished which con- siderably increases the capacity of a runabout without decreasing its strength or detracting from its appearance.

A Non-Spillable Funnel

A FUNNEL which will cease flow- ing automatically when the vessel into which the liquid is being poured reaches a certain height, can be devised by attaching a metal float to the tapering funnel-tip. The float is a small metal cylinder closed at both ends. Small brass

��tubes should be soldered on opposite sides of the float, as indicated in the drawing. Nails which will fit loosely in the tubes (to give the float free play) should be soldered at their points to the tip of the funnel, with the float in place.

����When the funnel is filled the float rises and stops the flow

��The extensible box is easily made and greatly enlarges the capacity of the car

When liquid is poured into the funnel, it will flow past the float until the vessel is nearly filled, whereupon the float will rise and check the funnel's discharge. The funnel can then be withdrawn quick- ly, so that little or no liquid is lost.

Mat-Making for Photographers

TAKE a few spoiled plates and clean off the film. Cut ofif four pieces from a roll of passepartout, one for each edge of glass. Paste these on the glass along the edges, leaving an opening in the center of the glass a little smaller than the films or plates.

In using this put the mask in the printing frame first, lay the film or plate on top, and print in the usual way.

By making a number of masks with dififerent size openings in the center, dif- ferent size films or plates can be printed.

If a mask of special design is wanted, paste the loose mat on the glass, as it saves time, and also prevents the mat from being lost, torn or creased.

Passepartout tape can be bought at any art store for lo cents a roll of 12 dozen yards. This will make all the dif- ferent size masks wanted, and there will be enough left over to passepartout a luimber of prints.

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