Popular Science MoyitJdy 



The adaptable stepladder in two of many posi- 

 tions in which it may be placed. On the left, 

 the bracing legs are folded up on a bench and 

 the stepped legs reach to the floor. On the right, 

 the position is exactly reversed, with stepped legs 

 folded up and bracing legs in extended position 



A Stepladder with an Ambition to 

 Adapt Itself 



THE common or garden variety of 

 stepladder has been in use for so 

 many years that most inventors have 

 forgotten about the possibility of im- 

 ])rovements. An Oregonian who had 

 some tasks of varying lieight to accom- 

 plish, hit upon an ingenious idea in adapt- 

 able stepladdcrs and secured a patent. 

 In appearance, when folded, the ladder 

 could almost be classed as "pocket va- 

 riety." It is not much longer than a 

 man's arm, yet when it is unliingcd it 

 aitains a height of about five feet. The 

 most ingenious feature of its construc- 

 tion is tlie provision of foreshortened 

 legs. The legs which are fitted with 

 steps are placed upon a stool or a chair of 

 ordinary Iieiglit. The bracing legs 

 reach to the (loor. This performance is 

 reversible: i. e., the bracing legs can be 

 folded up and jilaced upon a ciiair with 

 the slep[)ed legs resting on the tloor. 

 Also, both sections can be opened, wlieii 

 the ladder becomes an ordinary stej)- 

 ladder. In its extended position it 



looks fragile and too light to sustain a 

 heavy weight, but it can hold up a li\e 

 weight of two hundred pounds and more 

 in any one of the several positions in 

 which it may be placed. As a service- 

 able, portable ladder around the home 

 it meets every requirement. 



Pulverized- Coal Burners on Our 

 Modern Steamships 



THE combustion of a "spray" of coal- 

 dust blown into the fire-box ,by 

 a blast of air is very nearly jicrfcct, 

 eliminating smoke, cinders, and firing 

 tools. A high temi^erature is obtained, 

 actually melting the ash which runs 

 down tile walls of the fire-box, and which 

 is easily disiioscd of. The use ol this de- 

 vice, so similar to oil-burners where a 

 jet of oil is blown in the boiler with a 

 stream of air or steam, is past the ex- 

 perimental stage. More heat is obtained 

 iroin a ton <if coal in this way; and rather 

 |)oor coal can be used. It is jirobable, if 

 tests succcetl, that coal-dust burners may 

 displace oil-burners on many steamships. 



