New Ideas

GOODS & SERVICES

Dial a Stamp. To dispense odd lots of postage stamps, post offices are installing automatic stamp-selling machines in their windows in 66 of the busiest cities. The machine, made by Electric Vendors of Minneapolis, has six dials, one for each of the most popular stamp denominations. When a customer asks for a few stamps (up to ten), the clerk dials the proper number and out pop the stamps. Price: $1,000 per machine.

Electric Comforter. The first electric comforter was put on sale by the Julee Comforter Manufacturing Corp. of New York City. Similar to an electric blanket, Electropuff is lighter than most ordinary comforters and is mothproof. Price: $24.95 for twin-bed, $29.95 for double-bed size.

Driverless Tractor. An electronically guided tractor for pulling carts in factories was demonstrated by the Barrett-Cravens Co. of Chicago. Operating without a driver, the tractor follows an electronic beam to its destination, waits until the carts are loaded or unloaded, then proceeds on its way. Should something get in its way or divert it from its electronic track, it emits a series of warning beeps until the obstruction is cleared. Price for tractor and controls: $5,263.

Seat Belts. Chrysler Corp. announced as optional equipment webbed safety belts for auto passengers, patterned after those used in airplanes. The Chrysler belts, the first marketed by any auto manufacturer, come in units of three for both front-and rear-seat use. Estimated cost: $50 per unit of three.

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