Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/976

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��Popular Science Monthly

��An Electric Weather- Vane Indicator

A WEATHER vane can be construct- ed as shown in Fig. i or an old existing vane can be used to serve the

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���Fig. 1. The ringing of a bell indicates which way the wind is blowing

same purpose. A circular wooden disk 4 ins. in diameter is mounted on the up- right of the vane. This disk has eight copper segments fastened to it as shown in Fig. 2. The whole thing is mounted so that the segment marked N is pointing to true north; the other segments will then take the prop- er directions. The direction which the wind is blowing will be indicated by the ringing of the bell, since the circuit is closed when the switch handle is brought around to the point corresponding to the same point on the vane.

If the direction of the wind is such that the rod is

���Fig. 2. Diagram of connections

��brought in contact with two seg- ments at the same time, it will cause the bell to ring when in contact with both points on the switch. Such a condition indicates that the wind is blowing directly between the two direc- tions indicated by the ringing of the bell. For example, the switch at iV will cause the bell to ring, and also at N. E. The direction of the wind is then N. N. E. By this method the direction of the wind can be more accurately determined

��than by actual observation and also does not make it necessary to see the vane to determine the direction of the wind. The method of wiring is shown in Fig. 2. — J. M. Cohen.

Electrical Lighting Device for the Gas-Range

NO woman appreciates the conve- nience of an electrical lighting appa- ratus for the gas-range until she has actually used one. Following is the description of one which is easily made:

In the diagram is shown a 5-point switch and a common push-button installed on a suitable base. For this purpose, a small board can be attached to the wall near the stove. The push- button is connected in series with three or four dry batteries and the primary winding of a spark-coil that will give at least a >^-in. spark.

The battery, the primary winding, the four burners and the proper connec- tions are shown in the diagram. Note the pipe connection to the stove, with one wire from the secondary winding of the coil grounded to the pipe, while the other end of the winding is connected with the center of the 5-point switch. The wires from the switch to the spark-gap at the burners must be well insulated, and at least an inch apart.

The gaps at the burners are made from No. 10 steel wire and insulated from the stove with hard fiber. The steel wire to the gap must come up into the center of the burner from below, so that the flame will not harm the wire or gap. When it is desired to light a burner, simply turn the switch to the proper point, turn on the gas, and push the button.

���Any amateur electrician can fit the gas- range with a lighting device

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