The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-10-30
BUSY BRAINS
OF INVENTORS

4 Texan has patented a billiard cue
which is chambered at the end and MED
With chalk, 20 be discharged through ID
small opening 10 the face OK the cue as
each shot is made.
In a new English bicycle saddle a me-
talllc ring supported by braces, is strung
with straps or Oth0r flexible material TO
form a fat seat which springs with the
weight Of the rider.
To ascertain the size OF finger rings a
new measuring device has fiat base on
which tho finger is placed, with sradu-
ated bars 10 surround The finger and in-
dictate tho size OF ring needed.
in an improved fo0trest fOr boot-black-
iag stands clamps are provided for the
30 q and heel portions. which can be- adj
justed to III any zoo. and clampci IN
place by a lever az the s.de Of the base.
In a new jack-screw Tor raising heavy
bodies the spiral ribs inside the frame
arc replaced by a series of steel balls
which mesh IN the grooves on the threat
ed shaft and decrease the friction as the
shaft is turned.
4 handy hltchlng-pOst has a spring
drum inserted in the top, on which Is
wound "a cord with n snap hook at the
outer end for attachment 90 the bride
tho spring pulling tho rope into the post
when not IN use.
A handy cup for drinking purposes
has q weighted section formed under the
aance In the bottom so that the cup can
bee dropped into the spring when not in
use. the weight keeping IL in an upright
position as it floats.
Bags can be quickly fastened by an
Ohio mans device. consisting OftwO steel
members pivoted together, with a yoke
on one which locks over teeth on the
other member as they are pressed over
the mouth OF tho sack.
To prevent a ball of twine from col
lapsing as the interior is unwound a new
Irvine holder has Reservoir filed with
shot or like material. which runs into The
interior of the ball as the space increases
and supports the walls.
4 New York woman has patented a
fan and umbrella combined, the handle
of the latter being hollow, with a screw
knot at the end, 70 which the ran Is at
tached. so that ii can be closed and slip
ped into the handle when not In use.
Smokers will appreciate a new article
destined for their use consisting OF
match box, with cigar cutter on one
side formed OF a recess with a knife slid
Ing over IL. the opposite si1e carrying a
steel needle for use IN cleaning a pipe.
The doors OF a locomotive hre-box are
automatically opened by 2 new attach
ment. having pivoted rods with connec-
lions for The doors and foot-plate ser i'm
the floor. which operates the levers and
pulls the doors open when stepped on.
Electricity Is used to drive a new
dental engine for operating drills and
cleaners. the motor being mounted at
the base OF the bracket and connected
with a gear shaft running through tub
Inc. with a short flexible shaft at the
outer end.
Golf can be played indoors with the
use of a new Scotch apparatus. com
posed OF a series Of wire partitions 10 be
set ND I'm a room. with openings AZ the
bottom through which the ball Is driven,
artificial Instructions being provided TO
retard progress.
An Ohio woman has patented Il match
boz, for pocket use. which Is opened nj
tho bottom 10 load. the matches being
pushed out one az a tire 10y a button
on the side OF the safe, the head coming
last and passing over a roughened sur
face to ignite It.
salt and pepper can be shaken inGe-
pendently from n newly-desigred box.
PARTITION being placed IN the centre,
with the Sitting cap formel on two lay
ers OF metal with the perforations 50
arranged that they will not register with
but one chamber az once.
Massachusetts woman has designed
a tar attachment for packages. consist
ing OF a wood or metal frame N which
card fits. string being fastened 70
one edge. bv which II can be pulled out