Open for Summer
To convert base lodges or swimming pools from winter to summer, Nana Wall Systems introduces its opening glass wall system. Available in wood or aluminum, the folding door system creates up to 20-foot-wide openings with retractable screens. The weather-tight door system can also be used with a single or double entry when not completely open.
For more information, contact Nana Wall Systems, Inc., 707 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley, Calif., 94941, or call 800-873-5673.
Let the Sun Shine In…A Little
Research Frontiers has developed a technology that enables users to electronically control the passage of light through windows. Called Smartwindows, the technology is a film, placed between two panes of glass or plastic, that is connected to an electric current. This allows the window to be dimmed from a clear state to dark blue, according to manufacturers. The system can be controlled manually with a rheostat or remote control, controlled automatically with a photocell or hooked up to a computer for automation.
For more information, contact Stacy Calder at Technology Solutions at (212) 696-2000/(212) 696-2733 fax or check out their Website: www.refr-spd.com.
No Snow Here
A portable snow and ice elimination system has been introduced this year by Clearpath. Called Thermawalk, the 36-inch-wide portable walkway can be cut to any length from one foot to 90 feet and is available for 110v and 220v. A snap-on power bar is sold separately and includes an integrated ground-fault interrupter and 15-foot cord.
Approximate power consumption, according to designers, is 1/10th kw per lineal foot per hour.
For more information, contact Clearpath at 800-667-6694.
Going Mobile
From Davis Instruments comes wireless weather stations: the Wireless Weather Monitor II and the Wireless Weather Wizard III. Each station comes pre-assembled, ready to mount on a roof and includes pre-mounted sensors, a radiation shield and a weathertight shelter. The Sensorlink transmitter sends data to the included display module up to 400 feet away, according to manufacturers. If needed, any number of additional display modules can also be easily added without wires.
For more information, contact Davis Instruments at 800-678-3669, or check out their Website: www.davisnet.com.
Sweep It Up
The SweepEx broom, from TrynEx International, is an attachment suited for clearing snow and debris off sidewalks, streets and parking lots. The broom’s bristles are made of polypropylene and brush sections can be removed by detaching end protectors. The broom mounts to utility vehicles’ skid steers, fork lifts, tractors, bucket loaders and pick-up trucks. Widths range from zero feet to four feet.
For more information, contact Jay Truan, TrynEx International at 800-725-8377.
Better Than Mitten Clips
In order to keep track of locker rentals, American Locker Security Systems introduces the Verikey electronic key tracking system. Each key has a small footprint imbedded within it which can be scanned at the point-of-sale terminal. Each terminal consists of a small key pad, touch screen and a Windows 95-based system featuring separate employee and managerial modes.
By tracking each transaction, operators can then tell which lockers are rented, not rented and which keys are missing or returned. In a multi-station facility, keys rented at one station can be returned to another and the system will verify the rental and refund the deposit regardless of which station originated the transaction.
For more information, contact David Henderson, American Locker Security Systems, Inc., 608 Allen Street, Jamestown, NY., 14701-3966, or call 800-828-9118. Check out their Website at www.americanlocker.com.
Insuring Against Mother Nature
MDM Group introduces catastrophic-type insurance that covers loss of income to the ski area due to a significant reduction in paid skier days (total skier days less season tickets and comps), resulting from any cause or combination of causes not specifically excluded. Some examples of coverage are lack of snow, too much snow, ice storms, road closures, poor economy and airline strikes.
At the beginning of each season, the company and client agree on a base number of paid skier days and a value per paid skier day, which includes lift ticket, rentals, lessons, food, etc. At the end of the season, the numbers are tabulated and any loss to be covered, subject to limits, deductible and co-insurance.
For more information, contact MDM Group, P.O. Box 775330, Steamboat Springs, Colo., 80477 or call (970) 879-5560.
On the Move
Ingersoll-Rand’s Portable Compressor Division has introduced the 1300IQ rotary screw air compressor, designed specifically for the ski industry. The compressor has an integral aftercooler that delivers clean, dry air with no condensate discharge.
A Cummins N14-C diesel engine, rated at 460 BHP, powers the 1300IQ. Rated capacity is 1300 cfm at 100-150 PSIG with a noise level of 76 dbA @ seven meters. Available in fast-track or wagon-style running gear, the 1300IQ weighs 17,300 pounds and 15,800 pounds respectively. Overall the machine is 261 by 89 by 102 inches and 191 by 89 by 101.5 inches respectively.
For more information, contact Ingersoll-Rand, Construction and Mining Group, Dept. NR-678, 1495 Valley Center Parkway, Bethlehem, Pa., 18017, or check out their Website at www.ingersoll-rand.com.
Grounding Plane
The Winds Mini Grounds Plane, from Western Illinois New Design Systems, comes in four-, five- or six-foot widths and is self-leveling at all heights. There is a V blade for filling low areas and a reverse V blade to cut high spots. It also has a ripper attachment and a rear-mounted finishing broom. A hydraulic lift or electric lift is available. The plane can be attached to a garden tractor or utility vehicle.
For more information, contact Western Illinois New Design Systems, 290 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Roseville, Ill., 61473, or call (309) 426-2171.
And it’s Recyclable
From the German company, Hans Hall, comes a plastic tire guide for grooming vehicles that prevents ice build-up because plastic is not sensitive to cold down to -40 degrees C. The material is approximately 50 percent lighter than its aluminum equivalent and one third the weight of steel, but equally as rugged, according to manufacturers. Different colors are available.
Also from Hall is the same tire guide model, but in aluminum, for the type 40 cleat system. It fits all tracks from Kassbohrer starting with the PB 240 and offers a plane surface.
For more information, contact Hans Hall EX/IM GmbH, Postfach 1205, 88250 Weingarten, Germany, or fax 49-751-52-7-36.
It’s a Blimp
An inflatable ski gate, manufactured by Boulder Blimp Company, was used in IMG’s races this past season. The gate stands 10.25 feet tall by 12 feet wide, three feet in depth and frames swinging exit gates. A racer exits the gate at the bottom. Interchangeable banners allow users to present the names of different races and sponsors.
Custom-designed for clients, the gates can be built in any size, shape and color. Also available are many other inflatable promotional products, such as soda cans or a huge snow boot.
For more information, contact Christa Marek, Boulder Blimp Company, at (303) 664-1122 or check out their Website at www.boulderblimp.com.
Beats a Trick Knee
North Office Ski Mountain Supply introduces SkyScan, a lightning and storm detector. The digital microprocessor operates on two nine-volt batteries or AC adapter. The hand-held instrument, according to suppliers, can detect lightning as far away as 40 miles and tracks its approach with both an audible tone and four LED’s which are ranged in miles so the user can tell where the storm is moving.
For more information, contact North Office Ski Mountain Supply, P.O. Box 19, Holderness, N.H., 03245, or call (603) 968-3403.
Lessen the Load
A Pennsylvania resident has created a modification to the snow shovel called the plow pusher snow shovel. The design is two arcs on a blade that result in a 12-inch height on one end sloping down to a seven-inch height on the other. The new configuration, according to the designer, will result in snow being forced forward and out to one side of the blade. The bottom length is 20 inches across. The ends of the blade are protected by a reinforced steel bar and the handle has two rubber-coated grips.
For more information on licensing, contact Frederic D. Abrahamson at (301) 840-9733, or, check out their Website at www.ipmg-inc.com/1102sz/index.html.
Tiny Two-Ways
Global Wireless announced the availability of the Vertex VX-10, the world’s smallest, full-powered two-way radio, according to designers. The size of a pack of cigarettes, the VX-10 is a five-watt, 40-channel (102 channel capability with optional key pad) synthesized radio featuring user-selectable scan modes to lock out or avoid busy channels. The unit also handles digital and analog private lines and has an automatic receive and transmit battery save feature.
The VX-10 is built to military specifications and is equipped with an extra long-life battery, antenna and spring-loaded belt clip. It is available in both VHF and UHF models.
For more information, contact Global Wireless, 601 Elkcam Circle #A2, Marco Island, Fla., 34145, or call 800-220-5174.
Stick It Up
From Marking Specialists comes Duro-Lenz, a three-dimensional promotional emblem. An optically clear polyurethane encapsulation is placed over printed graphics that, in turn, yields a three-dimensional, malleable adhesive. Each emblem is then further encapsulated with a urethane designed to eliminate dust or particulate. The adhesive, according to manufacturers, has been tested from -40 degrees F to 325 degrees F.
For more information, contact Marking Specialists at 800-678-8073.
CADdy Websites
W.J. Whatley, Inc. offers a CAD-friendly Website that enables landscape designers and architects to download Whatley ornamental lamp post drawings into their AutoCAD systems and draw them to scale for use in project elevations. The Website is designed to operate with AutoCAD 12 or newer, but other CAD systems can be used, although not as efficiently. The address is www.whatley.com.
For more information, call (303) 287-8053.
Locking in
Exel, in cooperation with the Finnish national skiing team, has developed a new cross country ski pole with a quick lock system. The system, consisting of two straps, can be detached from the grip and locked back in less than a second, according to designers. The system allows the skier to have the straps adjusted before a competition. In addition, the straps distribute pressure more evenly over the hand, improving blood circulation. The pole will debut this season.
For more information, contact Aki Karihtala, Exel Oy, (358) 15-346-1216 fax or e-mail [email protected].
