Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/935

 Popular Science Monthly

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��Bird Protection for Electric Lines

SOCIETIES for the protection of birds have insisted with particular emphasis that central station managers should provide suitable safeguards to prevent the electrocution of birds which perch on high-tension lines. These endeavors have generally been wel- comed by the power companies, not because they pity the birds, but because short-circuits might be produced and great damage caused. The arcs pro- duced through the body of a bird, between the line and grounded iron parts, are a serious menace for electric plants. Fluctuation in voltage is caused and .worse still may happen if two birds should produce short-circuits. For this reason the system illustrated in the ac- companying figures was evolved by one of the large German electric companies. In order to prevent the production of electric arcs between a grounded pole- arm and live conductors, an insulat- ing button is fixed wherever there is a risk of such bridging. These insulating buttons are either pointed or flat. A bird can perch upon them with impunity. Such arrange- ments will be welcomed by all bird lovers.

���A convenient lifter for hot dishes

It Saves the Cook's Hands

NO modern cook need make a burnt offering of her fingers on baking day, for it is no longer necessary to draw hot, handleless pie-pans and pudding- bowls from the oven with hands poorly protected by dish towel or apron. For a few cents she can buy a simple mechanical lifter which solves the difficulty. This consists of wire loops to hold the hot dish, and a safe wooden handle with a thumb latch for adjusting the lifting loops. To re- lease the dish simply requires a slight pressure on the lever.

����Inclined arms are an effectual safeguard

��The production of electric arcs between a grounded pole-arm and a live conductor is avoided by means of an insulating button

��Wooden poles only re- quire insulating supports

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