No_7_July_1969 — Page 43

materials and equipment

CALCULATOR

Fearns Calculators, Atlas Works, West View, Dunston, Gateshead, UK, have introduced a new calculator for rapid conversions between the SI metric unit system and other recognised Bri- tish, American and European units of

measurement.

It is based on an existing design of calculator, known as the Universal International Unit Conversions Calcu- lator, two new sections being added to

UNIT OORVERSIONS GALGULATOR

Unit conversion claculator

cover the following SI units: metres (m); square metres (m2); cubic metres (m3); kilogrammes (kg); newtons (N); metres per second (m/s); joules (J); kilogrammes per cubic metre (kg/m3); newtons per square metre (N/m2) watts (W); cubic metres per second (m3/s); joules per second per square metre (J/s/m2). It is claimed that the calculator provides a very easy and rapid method for converting between any of the above units and the other recognised types of unit.

In essence the calculator is a simple double-sided circular slide rule with 12 scales, each ranging from .001 to 1,000,000. A transparent dial fitted on each side, is engraved with graduations for all the various units of measure- ment covered by the calculator, con- veniently grouped into types of unit, i.e. length, area, volume, etc.

To operate, it is necessary only to select the appropriate group of units, set the graduation for the known type of unit over the known value, and read off the required conversion. SI units

are all engraved in red, and the older type units in black. A particular fea- ture of the calculator is that it auto- matically puts the decimal point in the correct place.

The calculator is 5 in. diameter, 4in. thick, made from clear and opal-white acrylic with fully-engraved scales, and supplied complete with a snap-fastener type plastic case. It has 120 different conversion factors built into it covering virtually all units of length, area, vo- lume, mass, force, velocity, energy, density, pressure, power, volume flow, and heat flow.

ALARM SYSTEM

An unusual portable alarm system has been developed in Australia. When switched on by a removable key, it fills the area to be protected with a sonic field of high-pitched sound inaudible to the human ear.

Any interference with this field, even the slight opening of a door, sets off an alarm horn within the unit which gives a prolonged, loud blast. This con- tinues until the interference ceases or the unit is switched off by its key.

The unit can be used in most walled locations. It weighs only 221b. and is claimed to work equally well on mains electricity or on its own rechargeable batteries. It can also be connected to external alarm systems and may be used in conjunction with trip me- chanisms.

Known as the Pye Sonic Eye, the unit is the first product to be manufac tured by the protective division of Pye Pty. Ltd., Clarinda Road, Clayton, Victoria.

WASTE DISPOSERS

Providing considerable flexibility in installation, the Imperial 400 series of food-waste disposers is designed for use in small catering establishments. There are four models - the 402, 403, 404 and 404M.

Available as part of a free-standing white-finished metal cabinet with a stainless steel top and small sink bowl, the 402 embodies a 5in. diameter feed hole and a manually operated tap. An

automatic control can be fitted as an

extra.

Water-control gear is not required for the 403 which fits beneath any sink with a 3 in. diameter waste out- let. A separate wall-mounted push- button starter saves space.

Also designed for sink mounting, the 404 requires a Sin. opening and is fitted with a corresponding stainless steel feed tube and a special flange en- abling the tube to be welded to the bottom of the sink. The almost identi- cal 404M has a small stainless steel bowl for fitting to any working top.

All four models embody a h.p. motor, operating at 1,440 r.p.m. on a

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402 and 404M disposers

single-phase 50-cycle a.c. supply at 200/220 or 220/240 v. Fitted with a cooling fan, it is totally enclosed with a double-lipped Neoprene seal preventing the entry of water into the drive shaft. A stainless-steel rotor carries ground- tipped impellers which turn inside a toothed cutting ring of hard chromed steel, the whole cutting chamber being enclosed in a Neoprene housing lined with stainless steel.

The makers are Imperial Machine Co., Harvey Road, Croxley Green, Herts, UK. Agents are Denis Hazell & Co., Ltd., Hong Kong.

INSPECTION LAMP

The Tranimagnalite low-voltage, mains-operated lamp embodies a mag- net enabling it to be fixed on ferrous metal surfaces in any position. An in- tegral or separate transformer may be fitted.

The lamp works on a 12v., 24w.or 6v., 18w. supply with an input of 110 or 240v., 50/60 Hz., and is fitted with 6ft. (1.828m.) of white p.v.c.-covered flex and a grey-enamelled aluminium shade.

A rigid p.v.c. cylinder encloses the switch mechanism, the transformer (where applicable) and, at the base, a strong, shielded magnet, while a 15in. long white p.v.c.-coated flexible arm carries the directional lamp.

Far East BUILDER, July 1969

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