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Mechanical Devices In The Home

Edith Allen

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MECHANICAL DEVICESIN THE HOME

MECHANICAL DEVICESIN THE HOME

by EDITH ALLEN, M. A. Assistant Editor, U. S. Department of Agriculture Formerly Specialist in Home Economics in Kansas State Agricultural College, University of Texas, and Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College THE MANUAL ARTS PRESS PEORIA, ILLINOIS Copyright 1922 Edith Allen 12C22 Printed in the United States of America In writing this book, my aim has been (1) to give information which will guide householders in selecting and installing the best cooking and heating devices, and in using

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PREFACE

PREFACE

In writing this book, my aim has been (1) to give information which will guide householders in selecting and installing the best cooking and heating devices, and in using them with the greatest economy of fuel and safety against accidents; (2) to explain the construction of lighting fixtures and how to determine the amount of light for health needed in various places; (3) to explain the principles of cooling; (4) to show how to make small repairs which save plumbers' bills; (5) to guide in the c

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author is particularly indebted in the preparation of this book to John G. Thompson, professor of economics, University of Illinois; J. K. T. Ekblaw, instructor of farm mechanics, University of Illinois, and editor of Farm Power ; Andrey A. Potter, professor of steam and gas engineering, Kansas State Agricultural College; J. M. Bryant, professor of electrical engineering, University of Texas; Harrison E. Howe, National Council of Research; Miss Minna C. Denton, home economics specialist, Uni

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CHAPTER I

CHAPTER I

Cooking stoves (Fig. 1) were invented as a convenient means for holding pots and pans in close proximity to the fire. They include a device for regulating the supply of air to the burning fuel. 1. Air Supply for Fire. A proper amount of air must be supplied to the fuel to produce a hot fire. A smoky or yellow flame indicates a lack of sufficient air to produce complete combustion of the fuel. Smoke is unburnt fuel. A smoky fire does not produce as much heat as one which burns with a blue or almo

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CHAPTER II

CHAPTER II

Gas Stoves The gas stove is the simplest stove made. It consists of a burner or burners of different shapes mounted on a suitable frame. The best example of a gas burner is a pipe with holes punched in it, where the gas flows out and is set on fire. This pipe may be coiled into a circle and make a round burner, or the holes may all come at the end, which is arranged to spread the gas into a disc shape. 9. Burners. Stoves are usually made with different sizes of burners. One manufacturer states t

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CHAPTER III

CHAPTER III

23. Mechanical Parts of Kerosene Stove. The kerosene oil stove consists of a tank of oil with a pipe leading to a hollow ring-like cup below the burner ( A , Fig. 11). When the burner is lighted, the oil passes down this pipe into the ring, where it becomes heated and is vaporized. As the vapor rises, it is mixed with air and burns with a blue flame. The small holes in the chimney of the burner and at the base of the burner are to admit air. They must be kept open. Fig. 11 - a . Large oil stove

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CHAPTER IV

CHAPTER IV

Electric Stoves Electric stoves consist of frame, heating unit and switches to regulate the flow of current. Some are equipped with oven, thermometers and special utensils (Fig. 18). Fig. 18. Stove equipped with utensils. 36. Heating Unit of Electric Stove. The heating unit consists of coils of wire or a plate of metal thru which the current flows, meeting resistance and producing heat. If the current flowed freely thru the wires, little heat would be generated (Figs. 19 and 20). Fig. 19. Heatin

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CHAPTER V

CHAPTER V

Alcohol, Acetylene, and Canned Heat 42. Alcohol Stoves. Alcohol stoves are made only in small sizes for light housekeeping. There are three general types of these—those which burn with a wick, those which generate gas, and those which permit the alcohol to burn off of the top surface of the container. Alcohol does not produce much smoke in burning, even when no provision is made for mixing air with it. The ordinary alcohol lamp, having a wick, may be used as a heating stove. Stoves with wicks dr

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Questions for Part I

Questions for Part I

1. What is smoke? Under what conditions is the greatest amount of heat for cooking or other household purposes produced from fuel? 2. How is an oven made to heat evenly? 3. Explain the purpose of each draft and damper on a stove. 4. Observe the amount of fuel used in a coal stove from day to day. Make the same kind of observation for a gas or electric stove. How was the stove managed when the least fuel was used? 5. Describe the construction of a gas stove. Find the vent thru which the gas enter

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CHAPTER VII

CHAPTER VII

57. The Stove Part. The stove part of the hot-air furnace consists of a fire pot supported above a place where the ashes may fall and a chimney to carry off smoke. The draft below the grate in the fire pot lets in air which is essential to the proper burning of the fuel. In this respect, it is similar to a cook stove. A draft above the fire when opened a little lets in air which aids in the complete combustion of the gases given off by the fuel. Burning these gases adds to the amount of heat sec

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CHAPTER VIII

CHAPTER VIII

Hot-Water System of Heating 63. Equipment for Hot-Water Heat. The hot-water system of heating a house consists of a boiler in the basement or below the level of the lowest radiator. This boiler is designed to heat water as it circulates through coils over the fire (Fig. 30). From the boiler, pipes lead to radiators and an expansion tank, and return pipes bring the cold water back to the bottom of the boiler (Fig. 31). Fig. 30. Garland furnace with hot-water boiler. The heat from the furnace fire

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CHAPTER IX

CHAPTER IX

Fig. 36. Safety valve. Keep enough water in the boiler to come within certain lines on the indicator. The top of one of these lines is usually six or eight inches from the top of the boiler. There is always some variation in the amount of water in steam furnaces on account of the formation and condensation of the steam in pipes and radiators. See that the boiler is never empty, but do not put in fresh water except when necessary. Fig. 37. Water gage for steam plant. The space above the water in

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CHAPTER X

CHAPTER X

Fireplaces and Heating Stoves 73. Construction of Fireplace. Fireplaces are an enlargement in the base of a chimney where fire is built. The upper part of the fireplace is sloped forward, and, in some cases, a damper is placed in the chimney to regulate the flow of air upward. The damper should not be so constructed that it will close entirely, for if it did, the smoke would come into the room. The fire in the fireplace burns best when the fuel is put in a grate or on andirons so that air can ge

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Questions for Part II

Questions for Part II

1. What are the essentials in heating a house with a hot-air furnace? 2. How does the "pipeless" furnace differ from the other types? 3. Explain the circulation of water thru a hot-water heating system. 4. What is the purpose of the expansion tank? Where should it be located? 5. Describe a steam-heating system. 6. What care should be taken in managing a steam-heating system? 7. What precautions should be taken when using an electric heater? PART III Lighting Devices Electric Lights 87. Kinds of

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CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XII

A kilowatt equals 1000 watts. A kilowatt hour equals 1000 watt-hours. A watt-hour is the amount of energy needed by a device which uses one watt and is operated for one hour. For example, a 25-watt lamp uses 25 watts, and if it is operated one hour, it uses 25-watt hours of electricity. The cost of burning an electric lamp is the number of watts marked on the lamp multiplied by the hours the lamp is burned, and then translated into kilowatt hours and multiplied by the price per kilowatt hour. Fi

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CHAPTER XIII

CHAPTER XIII

Gas Light Fig. 48. Mantles. 94. Construction of Mantles. A mantle is a device made of thread saturated with some fireproof material like a mixture of thorium and cerium which will glow, giving off a white light when heated hot. The mantle ( A and B , Fig. 48) is placed over the burners of lamps using liquid or gaseous fuel. The gas is mixed with air so that it burns with a blue flame. The blue flame gives off little light, but it does not smoke and is much hotter than a yellow flame. When a mant

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CHAPTER XIV

CHAPTER XIV

Kerosene Lamps 103. Construction of Kerosene Lamps. A kerosene lamp consists of a bowl, a burner, a wick and a chimney. In the ordinary lamp, the bowl for holding the oil is placed below the burner (Fig. 51). The wick carries the oil from the bowl into the burner by capillary attraction—one end being in the oil and the other in the burner. Fig. 51. Lamps and lamp chimneys. The burner, which has holes in it to let in air, holds the wick so that only the oil reaching the top burns. The area and sh

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Questions for Part III

Questions for Part III

1. Are there any differences in the electric light globes on the market? If so, in what ways do they differ? How do these differences affect the lighting power of the globes? 2. What influence has the size and decoration of the room on the brilliancy of light from a given lamp? 3. How should the light in a living-room be distributed? 4. What are the differences in direct, semi-direct and indirect lighting? 5. What is the purpose of a mantle for a gas or kerosene lamp? 6. What is the difference i

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CHAPTER XVI

CHAPTER XVI

A series of experiments were conducted with a number of different makes of refrigerators. When the outside temperature was between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and when the refrigerators were kept full of ice, it was found that the temperatures in different refrigerators varied between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When the refrigerators were only partly full of ice, their temperatures rose several degrees. The refrigerators which held a temperature of 45 degrees when filled with ice, or with 1

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CHAPTER XVII

CHAPTER XVII

This refrigerator consists of a cloth-covered frame and a device for keeping the cloth moistened with fresh water. Since wind or a good circulation of air helps in the evaporation of water, the iceless refrigerator must be placed where breezes may reach it, and it should be anchored so that it will not blow away. An iceless refrigerator may be made from a rectangular frame of wood, to which heavy canton flannel is buttoned or tacked. On the top of this should be placed a pan of water with strips

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Questions for Part IV

Questions for Part IV

1. How may refrigerators be judged for efficiency? 2. What are the essentials of a good refrigerator? 3. How is an iceless refrigerator cooled? Under what conditions is it useful? 4. What may be the matter with an electric fan when it heats and sparks? PART V Water Supply and Sewage Disposal. Pumps and Water Filters 136. Suction Pumps. A pump is a device for lifting water. The pumps in common use work on the principle that water which is under the pressure of air will rise to fill a vacuum or a

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CHAPTER XIX

CHAPTER XIX

The cylinder and pipe containing water must not be allowed to freeze. There is usually a plug in the pipe which may be removed to let out the water when there is danger of freezing. A cracked cylinder or pipe will leak air and not raise water. Fig. 68. Suction pump. Fig. 69. Force pump. Keep the bearings for the handle well oiled. When the pump gets old, the cylinder becomes worn and leaks. It can sometimes be replaced with a new cylinder, or more packing must be put on the piston. 138. Force Pu

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CHAPTER XX

CHAPTER XX

Pressure Tanks; Plumbing Fixtures 141. Pressure Tanks. A pressure tank is a device for storing water under pressure. It is usually placed in the basement of dwelling houses. 142. Construction of the Pressure Tank. The tank is tight and strong, so that it will hold air and water under pressure. The tank originally has some air in it. When the water is pumped in, the air not being able to escape, is compressed. When there is a chance for water to escape from the tank which is connected to water pi

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CHAPTER XXI

CHAPTER XXI

Cesspools, Septic Tanks and City Sewer Systems 152. Relative Value of Cesspool and Septic Tank. Sewer pipes for private water systems usually drain into cesspools or septic tanks (Figs. 81, and 81- a ). The waste goes thru a process of decomposition before passing out into the soil. Sewage should both liquify and oxidize before entering into the soil. Oxidation purifies liquid sewage so that it is not contaminating. If oxidation is not brought about in the cesspool or septic tank, sewage, which

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Questions for Part V

Questions for Part V

1. How does a pump lift water from a well? 2. How do pumps differ in construction? 3. What care should be given a pump? 4. When is a water filter useful? When dangerous? 5. What is a pressure tank? How does it operate? 6. Describe two kinds of water heaters. What precautions should be taken with each kind of heater? 7. Describe a water faucet. Try to replace an old washer with a new one. 8. Have you ever cleaned the overflow to a tub or basin? Should they be cleaned? 9. What are traps? What may

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CHAPTER XXIII

CHAPTER XXIII

Fig. 86. Another type of washer for boiler. ———— Washing machines may be attached to any kind of motor, or they may be manipulated by hand. 161. Suction Machines. The suction machines are made to force water thru the clothes (Figs. 85 and 86). Some are operated by hand, some by mechanical power, and some are funnel-shaped devices to be placed in boilers. Hand or mechanical suction machines have cones or funnels which are pushed down onto the clothes and then suddenly lifted, causing suction whic

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CHAPTER XXIV

CHAPTER XXIV

Wringers 169. Roller Wringer. The kind of wringer in most general use is the one made of two rollers rotating in opposite directions, the clothes being drawn in between the two by friction, and the water pressed out. (See Fig. 88.) The rollers in modern wringers are made of a composition of rubber. They are adjusted so that they may be brought close together or moved apart. When wringing thin articles, the rollers should be set close together, and when wringing heavy articles, they should be set

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CHAPTER XXV

CHAPTER XXV

Mangles and Irons 174. Construction of Mangles. Mangles are made of rollers rotating in the same direction, one moving faster than the other, set close together so that they press the clothes smooth, or they consist of one roller rotating over a stationary surface called a shoe (Fig. 93). Fig. 93. Mangle. 175. Cold Mangles. When no heater is attached to the shoe or one roller, the mangle is a cold mangle. It smoothes clothes, but does not do as good work as a heated mangle. There is almost nothi

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CHAPTER XXVI

CHAPTER XXVI

186. Different Kinds of Vacuum Cleaners. There are cleaners with bellows, pumps or fans to draw in air and dirt. The ones with bellows in them work on the principle of a bellows which is reversed so that when the air is drawn in, it brings the dirt with it. The other kind works with a fan which draws or sucks air from the floor thru a nozzle into the machine. In the machine, the dust is filtered out of the air and collected in a pan. The machines with fans in them are mostly power machines, as t

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CHAPTER XXVII

CHAPTER XXVII

193. Aluminum Alloy. Satisfactory frying pans are made from aluminum alloyed with other metal and cast. Real aluminum frying pans warp. They do not brown the food as well as materials that conduct heat less rapidly. 194. Cast-Iron Utensils. Heavy cast iron finds special favor in the making of pot roasts, bread sticks and popovers. It browns the roast and makes a thick crust on bread sticks and popovers. All iron or tin utensils give better service as they become tempered with use. They must be k

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CHAPTER XXVIII

CHAPTER XXVIII

Parers, Seeders, Grinders, Slicers, Etc. 198. Fruit and Vegetable Parers with Knives. Parers of the type with a knife have a fork-like device on which the fruit or vegetable is held while a knife blade, attached to a shaft governed by a spring, is pressed against the fruit or vegetable so that it cuts off a thin layer of the surface. Both the fruit and the knife are caused to rotate so that the whole surface of the sphere-like object will be covered by the blade of the knife during one or more r

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CHAPTER XXIX

CHAPTER XXIX

Mixers, Beaters and Churns; Coffee Pots 207. Use of Mixers, Beaters and Churns. Mixers, beaters and churns are all devices for agitating or stirring food. Fig. 115. Parts of bread mixer. The simpler ones of these devices depend upon the motion of the hand (Fig. 115), while others have their velocity increased by means of cog wheels. The turning of the large wheel turns the small wheel as many times as number of cogs on the small wheel is contained in the number on the large wheel (see Fig. 116).

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CHAPTER XXX

CHAPTER XXX

Dish-Washers, Canners and Dryers The dish-washers (Fig. 119) have found a place in hotels and large establishments, they are still in the experimental stage for general household use. Small machines on the market, patterned after the hotel type, are giving good results for home use. When using these machines, place the dishes in them in the manner directed and use as much water as is called for. Fig. 119. Dish-washer. Some dish washers work on the plan of revolving the dishes in the water, some

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CHAPTER XXXI

CHAPTER XXXI

Separators and Emulsifiers 222. Cream Separators. A cream separator is a device for separating cream from milk. Separation can be done best while the milk is still warm (Fig. 124). Separators should be set in a bright, dry, airy place free from dust and dirt. Near the separator should be a convenient place for airing and sunning the tin parts which come in contact with the milk. The base for the separator should be solid enough so that it will not shake while the machine is being operated. If se

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CHAPTER XXXII

CHAPTER XXXII

The simplest ones are a set of shelves counterbalanced by weights. When the elevator is raised, the weights drop down, and when it is lowered, the weights rise. Window weights hung over a pulley in the top of the window sash work on the same principle as dumbwaiters—the weights help in raising the window. The only care needed is to replace the rope when worn. Another window pulley is made of metal like that in a clock spring (Fig. 127). The spring is drawn out when the window is lowered, and the

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CHAPTER XXIII

CHAPTER XXIII

The treadle of the foot-power machines swings on pivots. These should be kept oiled and clean from lint and thread. The large and the small wheels for the belt should be oiled at the axle. 235. Lock-Stitch Sewing Machine. A lock-stitch sewing machine (Figs. 132 and 133) consists of shafts and wheels which move the needle, feed plate and bobbin. The top thread is guided from spool to needle thru a tension so that only the needed amount passes forward each time the needle is raised after the threa

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CHAPTER XXXIV

CHAPTER XXXIV

Automobiles No lengthy treatise on automobiles can be given here, but a few facts of general information are well in order. Each car has its special features, but the basic principles of operation and control are the same for all makes. Let us consider, first, the control of the machine on the road. 242. Starting the Motor. Open the throttle from one-fourth to one-third way, to permit entry of plenty of gas into the motor. Set the time control about as far down as the throttle. Turn on the ignit

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CHAPTER XXXV

CHAPTER XXXV

Lawn Mowers; Incubators 245. Operation and Care of Lawn Mowers. The wheels of the lawn mower permit it both to move easily over the ground and turn the knives which cut the grass (Fig. 139). Fig. 139. Lawn mower. This means that they must be kept well oiled to work easily—that the shaft of the wheel must not become wrapped with grass, weeds, string or wire. Most machines are made adjustable, and the knives are set to allow them to pass close enough to the plate at the bottom of the mower to clip

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CHAPTER XXXVI

CHAPTER XXXVI

Typewriters Fig. 145. Typewriter, L. C. Smith. 256. Construction of Typewriter. The typewriter is a machine for printing letters (Fig. 145). The letters making the imprint are attached to shafts which can each swing to one point. Care should be taken to strike one key at a time, as they are all made to reach the same point, and contact with each other may cause bent shafts. If a shaft becomes bent, the letter attached to it will not swing to the desired point, so will be out of alignment, or wil

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CHAPTER XXXVII

CHAPTER XXXVII

263. The Treadle. The treadle is a small platform, which rocks on two pivots. As the treadle is rocked, it moves a rod attached to its outer edge, upward and downward. This rod is then attached to a wheel a short distance from the hub, so that the upward and downward motion of the shaft turns the wheel. When a belt is attached to the wheel, it will run a sewing machine or other small device. 264. Water Motors. Water motors are commonly used in the household on washing machines and pumps (Figs. 1

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CHAPTER XXXVIII

CHAPTER XXXVIII

Engines; Motors and Batteries; Fuels 267. Gasoline Engines. A gasoline engine (Fig. 151) should be operated out of doors or in a well-ventilated room, except in cases where the exhaust pipe is carried thru the wall of the building to the outside. The fumes may cause illness, or even death, to any one staying in the room. A gasoline engine should be mounted on a substantial base of concrete or heavy timbers, or on a well-built truck, and should be put in good order before the woman or girl begins

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CHAPTER XXXIX

CHAPTER XXXIX

The plant is a device for forcing air thru the gasoline to make it vaporize as fast as wanted. Combined with the carburetor is a storage tank for the gas. A weight, or water motor, furnishes the power most commonly used in forcing the air thru the gasoline and forms a part of the plant. Air cannot flow thru the gasoline when the storage tank is full of gas so that the power is only in operation when the gas is being used or the tank is not quite full. 279. Acetylene-Gas Plant. Acetylene is often

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CHAPTER XL

CHAPTER XL

285. Spring Scales. Spring scales depend on the action of a spring, to which an indicating pointer is attached. When there is no weight on the spring, the place to which the indicator points is marked zero. When these scales are manufactured, a pound weight is placed so that it pulls on the spring and the indicator is pulled down to another place, and this is marked one. Scales are thus marked for the number of pounds they are to weigh. The spaces between the pounds marked are divided into equal

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CHAPTER XLI

CHAPTER XLI

Devices for Measuring Volume 286. Graduate and Measuring Cup. Graduate holding up to four fluid ounces is helpful to use to check up liquids bought in bottles. The standard measuring cup referred to in modern cook books holds half a pint of liquid. It also holds about sixteen level tablespoonfuls of dry material such as sugar. The divisions on glass cups are less likely to be accurate than on metal ones, as the bottom may be thick or thin unless carefully made. In selecting a cup, see that the b

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CHAPTER XLII

CHAPTER XLII

Gas, Water, and Electric Meters 293. Different Kinds of Meters. The housewife has need to be familiar with three kinds of meters—water, gas and electric. These are devices for measuring water, gas or electric current. 294. Construction of a Gas Meter. The interior of one type of gas meter (Fig. 158) is somewhat like a water wheel—the pressure of the gas pushes the wheel around. Every time a compartment full of gas passes a certain point, the gas flows out and the flange on the wheel trips a leve

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CHAPTER XLIII

CHAPTER XLIII

Thermometers and Thermostats 299. Mercury Thermometers. There are two kinds of thermometers in use—the Fahrenheit and the Centigrade. Since the thermometer is used now in cooking, the housewife often has to meet the problem of translating temperatures from one to the other. The centigrade thermometer is marked on the assumption that the temperatures of boiling water and freezing water are constantly the same. The boiling point is marked 100, and the freezing point 0. The space in between is mark

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CHAPTER XLIV

CHAPTER XLIV

Hydrometers and Barometers 303. Hydrometer . A hydrometer is used in gaging the density of liquid. This instrument consists of a closed glass tube which is enlarged at the lower end and filled with some heavy material like mercury or shot, to keep it in an upright position when in liquids. The tube or stem contains a paper on which divisions called degrees are marked. The 0 mark is usually the point reached by the surface of distilled water when the hydrometer is placed in this liquid. The less

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