March_1971 — Page 44

materials and equipment

LIGHTING FITTINGS

The recently introduced Philips Vogue range of fittings for circular fluorescent lamps offers a choice of 17 variations. With the exception of one model, all feature plastic diffusers which although closely resembling glass are lighter and more durable.

The vogue range consists of four basic types: Tahiti, Bermuda and Brasilia for ceiling mounting only, and Majorca for either ceiling or wall mounting.

The Tahiti, available in one- or two-lamp form, has a diffuser of opal

Bermuda, Brasilia and Majorca fittings

polystyrene foil and an outer shade giving an interwoven raffia effect in white with either grey or yellow,

Far East BUILDER, March 1971 Page 44

based spray coatings, pipes, posts and piles. The fibre will soon be made available to interested manufacturers of cement products for research and development. Technical data for manufacturers, architects and en- gineers will follow.

MICROFICHE READER

With the Lensman microfiche read- er the image is thrown downwards on to a built-in screen on the detachable

orange and grey or light brown and front flap, or a sheet of white paper on fawn.

the desk. Diagrams in the text may readily be measured or traced, and the reader may easily be turned to read side-facing material or raised up to in-

Also supplied in either one- or two- lamp form, the Burmuda has a crystal panel in the base designed to produce a sparkling appearance; its coloured linen effect outer shade can be obtain- ed in white, green or orange.

The two-lamp Brasilia has a re-en- trant opal bowl and crystal dish, set within an overlamp shade offering a colour choice of amber, grey, green or brown.

Available with a single lamp only, the Majorca is the one model in the range to utilise a glass diffuser, this being patterned at the rim.

The fittings are easy to put up, re- quiring only two screws for fixing. The shades can be changed any time with- out disturbing the gear tray and lamp.

Philips companies include: Philips HK Ltd.; Philips Singapore Pte. Ltd.; Philps Malaya Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur; and Philips Electrical Co. of Thailand Ltd., Bangkok.

CEMENT REINFORCEMENT

A way of using glassfibre to streng- then Portland cement has been deve- loped by Fibreglass Ltd., Prescot Road, St. Helens, Lancs., UK, working in conjunction with Britain's Building Research Station.

Until now glassfibre, already wide- ly used to strengthen plastics, has only been incorporated in the much more expensive high alumina cement. The reason is that alkali released during mixing and setting of Portland has destroyed the fibre.

The new fibre, which is unaffected by the alkali, is called Cem-Fil. It gives Portland cement much improved im- pact and tensile strength and increases its fire resistance. Such properties al low architects much more scope in the use of Portland in the design of build- ings.

Initial markets for the new material are expected to be in sheet cladding, making fin-shaped sections, cement-

Lensman microfiche reader

crease the magnification. Laid on its back the Lensman provides wall pro- jection for small meetings.

The case shuts firmly and on open- ing the reader is ready for use. The fiche is simply inserted between glass plates and automatically located. Two control knobs give rapid and accurate image location. Control knobs are fit- ted on either side of the machine.

The unit is also an elemtary reader/ printer and can be used to provide paper copies in normal office condi- tions.

The makers are Scottish Instru- ments Ltd., Merit House, Edgeware Road, Colindale, London, N.W. 9.

CABLE DISPENSER

A lightweight mains extension cable dispenser developed by V.L. Martin & Co. Ltd., Witley Works, Southall, Middx., UK, accepts 100-120 ft. of round core cable which automa- tically feeds out as the unit is tran- sported. It weighs only 4 lb. and incor- porates a outlet socket, a neon indica-

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