Motion Picture Herald (Jan-Mar 1956)

about Products . . news and views of the market and its snurces of supply Field Cleaning Machine for Drive-In Theatres A FIELD cleaning machine for drive-in theatres, designed to collect all types of litter including large popcorn boxes, paper cups, carry-out trat's and paper plates, down to ticket stubs, cigarette butts, nut shells, ice cream sticks, etc., has been announced by the Mid East Sales Company, Cincinnati. Called the “Litter Bug,” the machine is said by the manufacturer to collect small trash (such as cigarette butts) from gravel surfaces without lifting gravel or stone. The unit is powered by a Briggs Stratton ^Yi h.p. engine. The engine is so designed, the manufacturer states, that “it very nearly loafs, running at 2,000 to 2,500 rpm., although rated at 3,600 maximum rpm.” Weighing less than 100 pounds, the machine is equipped for “free rolling” with pneumatic tires, ball bearing wheels, and 34-inch hubs. The frame is 10 gauge and 34-inch steel plate, electrically welded. and housings are 18 and 16-gauge cold rolled steel. Maintenance is confined to the engine, it is pointed out, since there are no other moving parts except for the impeller, which is coupled directly to the engine crankshaft. I'hus the only maintenance required, aside from gas and oil in the engine, is the occasional application of oil to the wheel bearings. The machine will gather trash at a “walking pace,” it is stated, and it should not be operated too close to the ground as it will lift sand and dust. Nearly all the trash to be gathered is drawn into the machine when it is operated several inches above the ground at the intake opening, it is explained. New Bodde Screen With Aluminum Surface DEVELOPMENT of a new projection screen made with aluminum and produced with three reflective factor ratings, has been announced by the Bodde Screen Company, San Fernando, Calif. The company wdll continue to make its “seamless” white matte screens in addition to the new type, according to B. M. Bodde, Jr., vice-president and general manager of the company. During the past year the company conducted research on many types of screen surfaces, Mr. Bodde said, in order to “extend its line of seamless cast screens to meet the requirements of some of the new screen processes both existent now and in preparation.” Research was directed, he explained, toward producing a screen “with a slightly higher reflective surface than that of the matte white screen.” The company’s aluminum screens are available in three types: one with a 1.85 reflectance factor; one rated at 1.5; and one at 1.25. The screens in this “low-gain” line are said by the manufacturer to have “washable qualities equal to that of our high-gain screens.” This is attributed by him “to the manufacturing technique of incorporating aluminum pigments throughout the entire screen material instead of merely surface treatment.” In reviewing other major developments of the company during 1955, Mr. Bodde pointed to the reduction in prices for its screens. They were able to do this by acquiring a new manufacturing plant, he explained. New In-Car Heater With "Safety” Features PRODUCTION of a 500-watt in-car heater for drive-in theatres equipped with a number of safety features has been announced by the Electromode Division of the Commercial Controls Corporation, Rochester, N. Y. The quality elements are of finned aluminum. The heater has a safety limit switch, a heat-resistant handle and an insulated coiled extension cord, which is “extra long,” it is stated, so that the unit may be placed on the dashboard, rear floor or any other horizontal surface in the car. The manufacturer asserts in addition that the heater can be pushed up against car upholstery, wrapped in a blanket covered with clothing, etc., “without causing damage.” The heater is designed to be mounted on the regular in-car speaker post. It has a totally enclosed heating element ; sealed terminals and connections; and stainless steel motor shaft and bearings. There are three models, all 500-watts, for 120, 240 and 280 volts. Each heater weighs 8 pounds. Combination Soap Dispenser and Shelf A NEW device for washrooms which combines a gravity-fed soap dispensing system with a multi-purpose shelf — thereby eliminating the necessity of separate installations — has been placed on the market by the American Dispenser 34 MOTION PICTURE HERALD. FEBRUARY II. 1956