New Gadgets and Inventions Highlighted by Science Service
A collection of new devices including a wading pool with dual walls and inflation chamber, a stamping press for leather and plastics, a wallpapering device, clear plastic plant domes, a photometer with rotating table and photocell, a plug in razor rectifier, a breathing tube with dual channels, and a portable electric steam cleaner for mining use. Readers can request Gadget Bulletin 509 by sending a three cent stamp.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Science Service
N. W
Gadget Bulletin
Cement and Concrete from Science Service
Cement is a finely powdered substance that gains strong adhesive powers with water. Portland cement, named for its resemblance to stone from England, is key. Made from limestone clay cement rock marl slag or ore ground and fused in kilns, it binds sand and crushed stone with water to form durable concrete used in buildings bridges dams walls and highways.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Isle of Portland
Science Service
Half Century of Older People and Work Reshapes Society
A forward-looking essay argues that midcentury will see more older adults, longer healthy lives, and changed attitudes. It proposes aptitude tests for older workers, age-friendly factories, reimagined homes, and community programs to rehabilitate and inspire aging citizens for continued productivity and happiness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Science Service
Do It Yourself Foot Operated Pipe Break-In Device
The article describes building a foot operated bellows to aid breaking in a new pipe and an optional water-based version. It outlines materials like wood, springs, tubing, shellac, leather, and a hinge, with assembly steps to create an airtight bellows and a pipe connection. The design aims for inexpensive production and controlled smoking during the break-in period.
Nature Ramblings on the Bobwhite Bird
The bobwhite is a hardy ground nesting bird that stays within a ten mile radius of its birthplace. It nests on the ground in sheltered grassy or brushy spots and winters well in groups. It feeds on seeds and berries and is characterized by a white eye line throat and under-body with black barring.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bobwhite
Bobwhite Quail and Its Noted Calls in New England
This item explains the bobwhite partridge in New England, its name origin from a musical call, and how the two and three note phrases are believed to forecast weather. It notes the bird’s value as a weed killer by eating weed seeds such as ragweed, pigweed, and foxtail grasses.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New England
Science Service
Sea Water Distillation and Reuse Cut Water Use
The article argues water shortages arise from rising demand and wasteful use across homes and industries. It highlights compression distillation as a cheaper way to extract fresh water from seawater, cites a Boston Army Base plant producing 1250 gallons per hour with 200 pounds of water per pound of fuel, and promotes conservation and reuse via Gale Separators to purify wastewater for laundries, industry, and cooling in a copper and brass plant.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Army Base
Boston
Air Force Field
Bermuda
California
Colorado River
Gale
Gale Oil Separator Company, Inc
New York City
Copper and Brass
Science Service
Orange Groves Disappear In Santa Maria Valley Mystery
University of California geographer Dr. Clifford MacFadden revisits a 50 year old puzzle why Santa Maria Valley citrus vanished while apples pears and apricots persisted. He suspects a chilling north wind in the valley’s V shape may have blighted trees driving farmers to other crops.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Maria Valley
Here
Clifford MacFadden
University of California
Science Service
How Hard Is a Rock In Drilling Conditions
Dr. W. B. Mather of Southwest Research Institute explains rock hardness depends on drilling method. He notes rotary, cable tool, and diamond drilling rely on compressive strength, impact resistance, and abrasion, respectively, while elasticity, tensile strength, crystal orientation, cementation, and mineral variation also affect penetration. He calls for industry-sponsored study to develop more efficient drilling methods.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
W. B. Mather
Southwest Research Institute
Mather
Science Service
Portable DDT Sprayer Aids Rapid Disaster Response
The Communicable Disease Center unveils portable DDT spraying gear attachable to light planes near disaster sites. Weighing 97 pounds, the unit sprays a 100 foot swath at 30 feet altitude and 55 to 60 mph, enabling fast nationwide deployment by air freight.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States Public Health Service
Science Service
Also Mentioned on This Page
By Science Service
BY Watson Davis
Liberty Hyde Bailey
Africa
By Joseph H. Kraus
Science Service Home
Lowice
By A. C. Monahan
United States
Arthur D. Little, Inc
Cambridge
Mass
Pacific Islands
W. A. Gehle
Gale Company
Arthur D. Little Company
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