Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 92.djvu/577

 Popular Science MontJilt/

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��Starting the Kerosene Car from the Kitchen Range

ONE of the most unusual devices yet invented for heating kerosene fuel when an automobile us- ing such fuel is to be started, consists of a rectangular metal block with holes punched through it. This is heated by- being placed for a few minutes over the kitchen gas range, or coal stove, and then inserted in a similar sized rectangular box, placed in the intake man- ifold, between the carbur- etor and the cylinders. When starting the car, the kerosene fuel is heated on its way to the cylinders, so that it vaporizes quick- ly. The block is not re- moved until again quired.

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��The metal block is first heated against the stove

��The Aerautoniotricycle — a Weird Machine Made by a Doctor

FOR a cool spin on a hot afternoon, the vehicle shown herewith has con- spicuous merits. The propeller in front

���Tricycle with engine-and-propeller mechanism built by an enterprising and ingenious phjsician of New York City

��secures an effective and bracing air bath for the driver.

Mechanically, this vehicle demonstrates that the three well known ele- ments, a tricycle, an air- cooled "V" motorcycle engine and a propeller can be combined, and how showy the combination can be made. The gaso- line tank at the top, with its pointed ends to pierce the atmos- phere, suggests great speed. If the propeller were at the rear, close to the engine, the ma- chine would look com- mon, as there would then be no need of the long overhead frame of tubes or the complicated steer- ing, and much vibration of the propeller shaft would be suppressed and escape notice. Actually, the propeller blades are made of thin sheet metal for lightness, and there- fore have to be braced with guy wires. This type of blade — the same as that used for the cooling fans of automobiles — con- sumes much more power than it returns in propulsion. By virtue of this property, which under other circumstances might be termed a defect, it tends to keep the engine busy and quiet even at the very moderate speeds for which the vehicle seems best suited. There are no springs or other means for moderat- ing road shocks and vibra- tion of the whole structure. As it appears in the photo- graph the machine is harm- less, the chain being removed from the large sprocket wheel on the drive shaft, but it gives an excellent idea of its appearance as it runs around the city streets and avenues. The machine has given its owner much pleasure and amusement, both in its building and running.

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