Device Gives Contact Lens Wearers a Sharper Look

Clensatron 700CL, a new electronic contact lens washing machine, could help lens wearers get a sharper look at things. Its Tampa, Fla., manufacturer says the device--which works on hard, soft or rigid-gas permeable contacts--will remove debris three times more effectively than finger rubbing, which can scratch, tear or break lenses.

The washer uses a microchip-controlled 3-volt motor to produce 300 “turbulent agitations” a minute and shuts off automatically when finished, said Edward Church, vice president of product development for Clensatron’s manufacturer, Questech International. He added that the device was approved for sale in January by the Food and Drug Administration.

Two protective baskets, right and left, hold lenses, allowing cleaning solution to wash both sides of contacts simultaneously. Clensatron also comes with three color-coded interchangeable washing chambers for cleaning, disinfecting and rinsing.

The washer runs on two AA batteries; an AC-DC adapter is included. Clensatron 700CL ranges in price from $53 to $60, and is available from Hammacher Schlemmer & Co. stores or catalogue, (800) 543-3366; Sharper Image stores or catalogue, (800) 344-4444; B. N. Genius catalogue, (800) 468-4410. For more information, contact Questech International Inc., 4951-B E. Adamo, Suite 238, Tampa, Fla. 33605; phone, (800) 248-2018, dial code 818156.

Screen It

Tele-Receptionist is a digitized telephone device that interacts with a caller so you can screen calls or operate a one-person office.

This receptionist in a box can ask questions or answer queries without your having to pick up the phone. All you do is listen to the caller, then, using a preset two-digit code, program in the proper prerecorded response.

It works like this: The phone rings, Tele-Receptionist answers, “Mr. Roberts’ office.” The caller asks, “Is he in?” Simply punch in the appropriate code and the machine can respond, “Who’s calling, please?” or “One moment, I’ll put you through.”

The desktop box operates with a digitized computer chip rather than a tape, so you can have a friend or relative record messages you want entered. “You can have a different voice for each code number if you want,” says the device’s marketer, Dan Steinbrocker of New Media Services Inc. in Hollywood.

There’s a high-quality voice playback, so the recorded message doesn’t sound like a monotone computer voice. The machine can greet a caller and hold the line for up to 99 seconds if you’re on another call. A flash key on the board lets the user answer that second line if the phone is so equipped; each machine comes with a two-line adapter and, Steinbrocker says, is simple to hook up to the phone.

The basic Tele-Receptionist, with 90-day warranty, costs $350 and has 24-second memory chip to accommodate 12 to 15 phrases. Additional memory chips cost $20 each. To order, write National Media Service’s group, Mr. Right, P.O. Box 4110, Los Angeles 90078; phone, (213) 466-1422 or (213) 462-5588.

Cool It

Consider the Aladdin Mini-Cooler, a lunch carrier that can keep a refrigerated canned drink cold until you’re ready for your lunch break. It won’t crush sandwiches because it has separate compartments for various foods.

Aladdin representatives say the cooler has special insulation between two layers of lightweight plastic that can maintain a cold can for five hours and keep sandwiches from spoiling in hot weather.

The Mini-Cooler weighs only about a pound empty and can be carried by its sturdy plastic handle or an adjustable nylon shoulder strap. It comes in black, silver, bright pink or lavender and has a suggested retail of $8.99.

In Southern California, it can be purchased at Clark or Thrifty drug stores, Hughes, Ralphs, Lucky, Stater Brothers or Vons markets, Fedco, Target, K mart or Toys R Us. For stores in other areas, call Aladdin’s toll-free number (800) 251-4535.

Clip It

If you’re tired of messy electrical cords, ropes and hoses, there’s the recently introduced Rowland Clip. Just roll up the cord neatly, then slip around the clip’s adjustable bead strap, secure it in the receiver unit at the end and the cord stays in place.

It comes in three sizes: small for hair dryers and other household appliances with less than 10 feet of electrical cord (cost: $1.69); medium for extension cords up to 100 feet, or tools or computers with large-size cords ($1.89); large for air hoses, 25- to 50-foot garden hoses, yachting ropes ($2.09). All sizes are available in black and white, blue, red, yellow, lime green or bright pink.

The Rowland Clip is available in selected hardware and drugstores in Southern California or order it from Rowland Products International, 497 11th St., Suite 12, Imperial Beach, Calif. 92032; phone (619) 575-6261. Add 50 cents for shipping and handling outside the Los Angeles area.