GOODS & SERVICES: New Ideas, Jan. 26, 1959

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GOODS & SERVICES

Electronic Reservations. An electronic reservations system that can instantly tell Western Air Lines ticket clerks throughout its U.S. system what seats are available on all flights was put into operation, the first in the airline industry. Built around a memory drum, the system permits 96 reservations desks to book and cancel flights, immediately inform passengers of schedule changes.

Plastic Hubcaps. A plastic hubcap that will not rust or dent was put on sale by Colorado Fiberglass Corp. Made to fit any 14-or 15-in. wheel, the hubcaps come in 20 two-tone color combinations, do not show scratches because the color runs all the way through. Cost: about the same as chrome hubcaps.

Fallout Detector. A radiation detector that plugs into any standard radio or TV set was demonstrated by Tracerlab, Inc. When fallout occurs, the device sounds a wailing alarm through the speaker, drops in pitch as radiation grows less dangerous. Price: about $5.

Portable Stop Light. A portable, radio-controlled traffic light that fits into the trunk of a car was demonstrated by Porta-Signal Division of Dryomatic Corp. of Alexandria, Va. Designed for police use at school crossings, traffic jams, the light can be set to flash red or amber as a warning, or preset for a variety of green-amber-red cycles. It can also be operated by radio. Price: $995.