The Tank-Headed Self-Feeding Brush: Soap in the Tank, a Plate to Meter It

"When used for scrubbing, the hose can be connected to a hydrant, and thus supply the desired amount of water to the brush, making it unnecessary to dip the brush into the bucket or tub of water. In other words, my device is a self-feeding brush. Should I desire to use soapy water, I can insert through the openings 10 particles of soap or soap powder. In this way I get soapsuds, which I use in scrubbing as it is needed, keeping the brush constantly supplied."

Drill fourteen 4 mm holes through the scrub brush's back between the tufts, in two rows 30 mm apart.

Cut an aluminium plate 10 mm shorter than the back. Drill it through the back's holes, then file its end square. Rivet two guide strips to the back's top so it slides lengthwise.

Fold an aluminium box 50 mm deep to the back's size with a lid. Drill the lid for a 25 mm filling hole and a handle socket. Seal it to the back with silicone and screws.

Run an M4 screw through a nut epoxied on the tank's end wall so its tip pushes the plate. Turn it to close or open the holes.

Fix 1.2 m of 15 mm copper tube in the socket with brass fittings. Fit a ball valve and hose connector at its top.

US 639,348 drawing sheet, public domain (expired patent).

Connect the garden hose. Set the plate fully open, half and nearly shut, and catch the water for 30 s each in the jug. Then add a squirt of soap through the filling hole and scrub.

**Ernest N. Broderick** of Indianapolis filed US 639,348 on 6 February 1899; it is dated 19 December 1899. Rubber or leather strips seal the tank to the brush-top. Two hollow adjustable joints, ground to fit and clamped by a bolt, let the handle be set at any angle, for floors, walls, windows or dusting high furniture; with compressed air instead of water it blows dust away, and a mop or duster may replace the brush. **Honest limits.** Our handle is fixed; his joints are not built here. The notebook gives open area, not flow through a real hole. Your flows are the result.