10 YEARS AGO — 2001
Plastic locks safe for air travel: New Federal Aviation Administration regulations say luggage can no longer be sealed using locks that must be cut off or forced open. New prenumbered, plastic padlocks called Baggage Guard Seals, however, meet new specs because they break off by hand. Once removed, the seals can’t be reinstalled. As long as the seal is in place, travelers can be sure their luggage hasn’t been opened. Each tag is brightly colored with unique numbering to help identify luggage.
30 YEARS AGO — 1981
Long metal-to-rubber bonds: Long metal parts can now be chemically bonded to rubber or plastic, reports Geauga Co., a division of Carlisle Corp., Middlefield, Ohio. The sealing technique provides high tear resistance. The part shown is a 49-in.-long tractor bellows formed from flexible rubber with two metal strips bonded into place to prevent tearing. Previously, says the company, 4-ft lengths of metal were fastened to rubber or plastic by bolts or rivets.
50 YEARS AGO — 1961
Self-propelled caddy cart runs on a 12-V battery and is good for 18 holes on a single charge. Guided by its handle, the Caddy Master from Toro Mfg. Corp., follows the player, matching his gait. It weighs 79 lb and breaks down to fit into the trunk of a car. A 100-Vac charger and a timer are built into the battery box.