New Ideas

GOODS & SERVICES

$3 Washing Machine. In undeveloped nations, washday means a trek to the nearest stream, where clothes are beaten or scrubbed by hand. To improve on this, the International Cooperation Administration demonstrated a wooden, hand-operated washing machine simple enough to be built by semiskilled workers for $3 on a quantity basis. The washer holds the clothes in a rectangular tub while two plungers, attached to a crossbeam that is operated by hand, force water back and forth through them. ICA plans to send models to its missions around the world.

Road Risk Insurance. Policies paying up to $5,000 for auto death or injury went on sale in 30 vending machines in Indiana motels, gas stations, garages and on the Indiana Toll Road. Secured Insurance Co. of Indianapolis expects soon to install machines in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan. Price of seven-day policy: 50-c-.

Tips on Tape. To help train workers on new industrial processes, Dictaphone Corp. brought out a small, portable recorder and reproducing unit that gives instructions verbally rather than by complex text and diagrams. The trainee steps on a foot control to receive instructions, can turn the voice tape back to go over a step. Westinghouse found that the system cut learning time, increased productivity. Price: $1,700.

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