New Ideas

GOODS & SERVICES

Count Your Change. A cash register that figures out how much change a customer should get was put on sale by The National Cash Register Co. After computing a regular total, the salesclerk rings up the amount paid by a customer, punches a "change" key, and numerals flash up to show how much is due. The new register also issues a receipt listing each item, the total, the amount given in payment and the correct change. Price: as much as $350 above conventional registers.

Trade Mission. Guided tours for businessmen seeking Latin American markets are being sponsored by Pan American-Grace Airways. The 30-day, 13,500-mile trips are being scheduled to give executives time to look over markets and line up distributors in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, La Paz, Lima, Quito, Panama City, etc. Price: about $1,500.

Sound Barrier. A low-cost soundproofing material for houses was put on the market by Simpson Logging Co. of Shelton, Wash. Simpson claims that its "Forestone,"' made from wood fibers, has the soundproofing qualities of mineral tile but is 40% cheaper. Price: 38-c- to 45-c- a sq. ft. installed.

Budget Plan. Meal tickets for dining in some of Italy's best restaurants at a fixed price of $3.75 went on sale in travel agencies. Each coupon entitles a tourist to a complete dinner with entertainment and tips (drinks extra) in any of 23 listed restaurants in Rome. Palermo, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Turin, Venice and Viareggio.

Clean Sweep. A bantamweight vacuum cleaner was readied for the market by Westinghouse Electric Corp. Designed so it can be carried about the house on a shoulder strap, the 7-lb. 3-oz. Porta-Vac is about the size of a portable radio but is 80% as powerful as a full-size vacuum cleaner. Price: $49.95.

Sea Change. A compact, lightweight diesel engine for small fishing and pleasure boats was put on sale by General Motors. The 1,500-lb. engine delivers 87 h.p. to the propeller. G.M. claims that it is quieter, cheaper to operate and safer than a gas engine. Price: $2,500.

Short Hop. An eight-passenger, open-sided bus for transport in factories, shopping centers, airports, etc. is being sold by Autoette Inc. of Long Beach, Calif. The battery-powered bus averages 10 m.p.h., carries passengers back to back like an old-fashioned street car, comes equipped with a recharger that plugs into an ordinary electrical outlet. Price: $1,295 f.o.b. Long Beach.

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