New Ideas

GOODS & SERVICES

Ceiling Stand. A Christmas-tree stand that holds the tree from the ceiling instead of the floor was put on sale by Roger Products, Inc., Milwaukee. The tree will not tip over even if moppets climb it. The stand consists of a curtain rod, to which the tree trunk is fastened, with a suction cup on one end to hold the rod to the ceiling. Cost: $2.98.

Atomic Light. A radioactive flashlight is being sold by Boston's New England Nuclear Corp. The small metal cylinder (about i in. in diameter, 1 1/2 in. long) has a plastic lens at one end, contains a long-lasting tritium "battery" produced at Oak Ridge. It will take twelve years for 'the light to dimmish 50%. Though its radioactivity is low, only persons licensed by the AEC can buy it, but the maker estimates that when the instrument is made available to the public the price will be about $5.

Midget Auto. A three-wheeled, pne-seater auto, 67 in. long, 39 in. high, weighing 132 Ibs., is being manufactured by Egon Briitsak Fahrzeugbau of Stuttgart, Germany. With a plastic body, a 2.5-h.p. engine driving the front (single) wheel, and three speeds, the Briitsch-Mopetta hits a top speed of 24 m.p.h., averages 99 miles per gallon. The car is amphibious, has a paddle wheel attached to the front wheel for use when operating in water. Price: $178.57.

Spiral Nail. Jones & Laughlin has brought out a nail with spiral threads, which has 50% to 200% greater holding power and weighs less than smooth nails. When the "Ardox" nail is driven, it does not cut wood fibers, but pushes them aside, reduces wood splitting and physical labor. Fewer kegs of Ardox nails are needed for building projects, thus cutting costs.

All-Night Store. A round-the-clock store, serviced by vending machines, was opened by the Grand Union chain as part of its new supermarket in East Paterson, N.J. The devices, built into the front wall of the store, dispense milk, eggs, bread, margarine, frozen fish and meat, coffee, tea, cold cuts, make change for shoppers. Cost: $800 to $1,600 per machine.

Animated Decoy. A battery-powered plastic duck that simulates feeding movements of a mallard is being marketed by Riley Decoy Corp., Eugene, Ore. Later this year the firm will also offer hunters an animated mallard hen. Price: $17.95, with battery.

Kitchen Do-It-All. Cincinnati's Nu-Tone is distributing an all-in-one kitchen gadget that operates a food-mixer, 6-speed blender, juicer and knife-sharpener off a one-fifth horsepower motor built into the countertop. Price: $69.95.

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