New Ideas

GOODS & SERVICES

Winter Swimming. Inventor Walter Bird of Buffalo demonstrated a plastic cover for winterizing outdoor swimming pools. The pool cover is supported by raising inside air pressure slightly with an electric blower. Bird says that sunshine makes the water comfortably warm in fall and spring, but recommends a water heater in northern climates in midwinter. Estimated cost of cover, which is stored away in summer, is less than $1.50 per square foot of area enclosed.

Banking by Car. So that depositors can transact their business from their cars, the Community National Bank of Pontiac, Mich, installed a teller's curbside cage that rises like a freight elevator out of the sidewalk, still leaving room for pedestrians to pass. After banking hours the cage drops back.

Bigger Copter. Vertol Aircraft Corp. unveiled its new commercial helicopters, bigger than any now in commercial use. Adapted from the H21 Work Horse models used by the U.S. Defense Department, the new models range from a utility passenger-cargo model carrying 19 passengers plus cargo, to a custom-fitted executive model. Prices start at $275,000.

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