page 42 56th Annual Report on Laundry Appliances The Complexities of a Simple Task
by Peter Simmons, Assistant Editor
In an era when horizontal-axis washing machines and high-tech features are becoming more prevalent, laundry OEMs continue to bring advanced products to market. Sometimes, however, these companies have differing opinions on the direction their industry segment will take in the future.
Feature Articles
page 79 Electronic Controls and Embedded Systems A Silicon World
by Lisa Bonnema, Managing Editor
Advanced control technologies are taking appliance designers to a place they've always dreamed of: a world where flexibility, high performance, and low cost are simultaneously possible.
page 84 Electronic Controls and Embedded Systems A Smart Strategy
by Lisa Bonnema, Managing Editor
Smart appliance technology isn't anything new. At this point, many manufacturers have either released individual Internet appliances (i.e., Electrolux's Screenfridge) or a small line of communicating appliances (i.e., Salton Inc.'s White Westinghouse line).
page 86 Electronic Controls and Embedded Systems The Commercial Connection
by Lisa Bonnema, Managing Editor
In May 2003, Hobart Corporation (Troy, OH, U.S.) decided to take its foodservice equipment to the next level by adding communication capabilities.
page 88 Electronic Controls and Embedded Systems Accelerating Medical Accuracy
by Lisa Bonnema, Managing Editor
Some manufacturers talk about "thinking outside the box," while others - like Omron Corp.'s Healthcare Business Company - actually do it.
page 90 Electronic Controls and Embedded Systems MCUs and DSPs: Worlds Apart?
by Lisa Bonnema, Managing Editor
Traditionally, MCUs and DSPs have been perceived as appropriate control options for entirely different types of applications.
APPLIANCE Engineer®
page 105 Engineering Power Tools Power Routing
When
engineers at DeWalt in Towson, MD, U.S. began the design process
for its line of routers, the goal was to go beyond just improving
an existing product.
page 33 From the Top Bringing Health Care Home
by Dick Topping, director of Appliance Research, TIAX, LLC
When most of us think of retirement, we envision happy days filled with family, friends, and hobbies. We think of a rich, independent life of our own making. But as we age, the likelihood of needing assistance with even basic daily tasks multiplies, as does our odds of living in a nursing home.
page 34 Engineering Motors New Stator Core Laminations for Brushless Motors
by Spolaor Franco, Polifibra Group and Fabio Arpino, Bitron Group
Until
a few years ago, the basic technology of the fractional electrical
motor had not changed much compared to the technology used
at the beginning of the last century. Recently, however, there
have been several developments in this area.
page 36 Electronics Report Touch Microcontroller System
The
Padless Touch Switch (PTS) Microcontroller System from Pressenk
Instruments and Tyco
Electronics is said to be a versatile and reliable option
for engineers of ranges, refrigerators, washing machines, and
more.
page 38 Motor Technology Quiet A.C. Gearmotors
The V Series of a.c. gearmotors from Oriental Motor USA Corp. (Torrance, CA, U.S.) is said to offer foodservice equipment and medical device producers a quiet, reliable solution.
page 103 Production Highlight: Floor Care Appliances Automation: A Worthwhile Investment
For the first time, Dyson invested in multi-axis robotics in order to automate assembly on production of a new line of vacuum cleaners.
page 99 Electrical Manufacturing & Coil Winding President's Message Preparing for the Future
by Brian Pressly, president, Electrical Manufacturing & Coil Winding Association, Inc.
Concerned about your future? How about your company's future? If you are involved in the design, manufacturing, or marketing of electrical products, then don't miss the Electrical Insulation Conference/Manufacturing & Coil Winding Conference and Exhibition, which is taking place Sept. 23-25, 2003, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, U.S.
page 24 New Delhi Report Refrigerators In Rural India
The price barrier is what prevents refrigerators from becoming a household item in rural India.
Departments
page 30 People David Mansbery of Tonight's Menu Intelligent Ovens, LLC
Bill Gates and an elderly scrap dealer were two sources of inspiration for David Mansbery, founder, president, and CEO of Tonight's Menu, whose patented prototype ovens refrigerate and cook foods all while being controlled by remote access over the internet or via cellular phone.
