Tiny Wireless Receiver is Late Invention

One of the very well-known American pioneers in radio development has lately invented a tiny wireless receiver which makes it possible for a man in the streets to pick up messages sent out from any station in the immediate vicinity. The device has the appearance of a fountain pen and is of about the size of one. Its interior arrangement is remarkably compact and ingenious. At one end are a magnetic coil and diaphragm connected with three diminutive batteries. Back of these the antenna and ground wires project through opposite sides of the tubing at the middle. Near the antenna post is a filament switch. The rear end of the casing is occupied by a stopping condenser, tuning coil, and miniature audion amplifier, upon which the success of the instrument depends. In use, the antenna wire is extended down a coat sleeve and through a cane to its ferrule. The ground wire passes down a trouser leg and is connected with a metal plate attached to the heel of one shoe. By pressing the diaphragm end of the instrument into one ear, holding the cane antenna at arm's length into the air, and standing with the heel plate against a fire plug or some other metal object which will provide a good ground, messages can be picked up without difficulty. A ring encircling the tube offers a means of adjusting the tuning coil to receive vibrations of various lengths.