SEPCO sports lighting
Long a leader in airport lighting, the SEPCO Lighting Div. of Connecticut International Corp. has recently expanded into sports lighting, including golf and skiing. The company claims their new reflector system makes it possible to exercise great control over the light thrown, thus sharply reducing the number of lights needed, and therefore reducing power demand.
For more information on this new line of outdoor sports lighting, write SEPCO Lighting Div., Connecticut International Corp., 9 Britton Rd., Bloomfield, Ct. 06002
Thiokol “mini-drive”
A new low-horsepower tension-drive terminal configuration will be offered in 1975 by Thiokol, Logan Division, as part of its “Liftmaster” chairlift line. Dubbed “mini-drive,” this economy oriented terminal will be used in the 30 to 75 HP sizes, and will feature cushioned starting for single speed operation with rope speed options in the range of 350 to 450 ft./min. The new “mini-drive” terminal structure will be shorter and simpler than the conventional Liftmaster A-frame chairlift terminal, according to the manufacturer, yet will provide the same open configuration for loading under the bullwheel.
The “mini-drive” terminal will adapt to both double and triple chairs and will use the same heavy-duty line components (towers and chairs) as used with Thiokol’s larger Liftmaster chairlifts in applications up to 250 HP.
Turret top hydrant
Designed to stretch that extra 20-30 feet of hose, or eliminate a kink, Larchmont Engineering announces a new turret top hydrant. The top assembly rotates 360 degrees. In addition to dual drain, the product has a complete throttling feature that holds in position. The unit is completely serviced above ground. It is available in any desired length.
New Deere crawler
The new small crawler from John Deere is the JD350-C, a wide-track bulldozer with increased operating efficiency and long clutch and break life, according to the manufacturer.
A principal feature is the fully sealed, self-adjusting, oil-cooled wet steering clutches and brakes. A company spokesman said this gives about a 300 per centincrease in life over previous models, principally because there is no service required on the breaks and clutches, given normal operating conditions. This feature is not normally found on crawlers of this size.
Ratnik snowmaker
Ratnik Industries is introducing a new, high-capacity snowmaking machine called Snow Giant II plus II. Designed to work with air-water systems, it fits in between the previously available Snow Giant II and III models in output capacity. Capacity claimed for this new model is conversion of 260 g.p.m. under favorable conditions, or the equivalent of covering 1.4 acres per hour with one inch of dry snow.
New Riblet terminal
The 1974-75 season has brought with it several evolutionary changes in the appearance of chair lifts manufactured by the Riblet Tramway Company. Reversed-counterweight tension terminals have been introduced to allow bullwheel loading or unloading at the tension end of a lift. A new type of adjustable height tension terminal has been installed, and a new overhead drive developed.
According to Riblet, an important design goal was standardization of the basic structure, including the foundations where possible, for the variety of sizes and horsepowers. The same basic layout is used for drives of from 25 horsepower to 300 horsepower. Additionally, the same basic overhead gantry unit is used for either a fixed drive terminal or a combination tension drive.
The Riblet overhead installations feature a completely clear span underneath, an operational advantage for bullwheel loading or unloading as well as for ease of snow removal and platform maintenance. Even when a combination tension-drive station is specified, the counterweight is offset some 12 feet to the side, leaving the operating area clear. An innovative new rigging system (patent applied for) makes this possible, with no sacrifice in ease of counterweight adjustment, according to the manufacturer.
Learn-to-Ski device
A Canadian ski instructor has begun marketing a device he calls Ski Bra which automatically thrusts a beginning skier into a snowplow position.
The Ski Bra consists of two metal clamps which fit over the ends of the skis, with hooks that lock together and bring the skis into a wedge. The device, which Albers compares to training wheels for bicycles, weighs about 12 ounces, can be attached to any make or length of ski and retails for $12.50.
For more information, write Ski Bra, Gray Rocks Inn, St. Jovite, Que., Canada.
