Appliance Design articles from May 2006

Appliance Design archives from May 2006

No boundaries.(EDITORIAL)(Editorial)
May 1, 2006... A few years ago, the idea of a Swiss Army knife with a memory stick might have been fodder for a New Yorker cartoon. Today, you can purchase such a knife with 1 GB of USB flash memory without sacrificing the nail file or the little bitty...

Shipments.(Chart)
May 1, 2006... SHIPMENTS Product Feb. '06 Feb. '05 % Chg. MAJORS--TOTAL 5,191,700 4,944,400 5.0% CLEANUP--TOTAL 1,173,600 1,056,300 11.1% Compactors...

Forecasts.(Chart)
May 1, 2006... FORECASTS AUTOMATIC WASHERS--Shipments (Thousands of Units) Qtr: 2005 2006 2007 1 2,236.0 2,299.3 2,342.2 2 2,309.8 2,345.1 2,390.5 3 2,362.8 2,411.2 2,414.8...

CeBIT: gadgets galore.(World center for office, data, and telecommunications technology)(trade shows)
May 1, 2006... Innovations in multimedia and digital devices were on display in abundance at CeBIT 2006, held March 9-15 in Hanover, Germany, as makers of electronic products strive to outdo each other with new features. New ideas in networking and...

100,000,000 served.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Whirlpool's Marion Division in Marion, Ohio, recently manufactured its 100 millionth appliance. The 100 millionth unit was a Duet clothes dryer produced on the plant's A-DOTT line. Marion Mayor Jack Kellogg praised the achievement, adding that...

Whirlpool wraps.(Whirlpool acquired Maytag)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Whirlpool completed its acquisition of Maytag and immediately began integrating the two appliance companies. Maytag stockholders will get about $848 million in cash and about 9.6 million shares of Whirlpool common stock, under the previously...

Ban nixed.(safety rules )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Japan has effectively scrapped a ban on the sale of used electric appliances after receiving a barrage of protests from second-hand goods dealers and musicians. The ban, which took effect April 1, prohibited retailers from selling 450 products...

Cleansing packets.(ketchup packet)(water purification system )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Chemists say they have developed a powerful household water purification system that is available in the size of a ketchup packet. Procter and Gamble researchers said the packets provide the cleansing power of an industrial water treatment...

U.S. expansion.(workforce rise)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Fisher and Paykel executive Kevin Pullar says the workforce of 35 at its new U.S. washing machine factory will rise to 115 by the end of the year. At the opening ceremony for Fisher and Paykel's factory in Clyde, Ohio, Pullar, the company's...

LG sets its sights.(home electronics appliances)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... South Korea's second-largest electronics manufacturer, LG Electronics, said it has set its sales target in Europe at $6.5 billion for this year, with increased emphasis on 3G mobile phones, PDP TVs and home electronics appliances. LG also said...

GE division sold.(General Electric)(direct appliance sales division acquired LSY Group)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... General Electric's GE Consumer and Industrial unit has sold its European direct appliance sales division to Louisville-based LSY Group. Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed. In a phone interview from Madrid, LSY Group CEO Lior Yaron...

Small engine emissions.(study on small combustion engines emission by Environmental Protection Agency )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Environmental Protection Agency released a study that concludes there is no additional risk of causing tires when adding pollution-reducing catalytic converters to small engines on outdoor equipment. The study clears the way for EPA to move...

Plastic memory.(German Institute of Polymers in Darmstadt)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... In a joint project with the German Institute of Polymers in Darmstadt, GKSS scientists from the Institute of Polymer Research in Teltow near Berlin have succeeded in developing shape-memory polymers with the help of magnetic nano-particles of...

Partial prints.(research on biometric security devices )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Biometric security devices using fingerprint recognition are becoming more common. One potential problem in matching a fingerprint to its reference image, however, is that sensors often capture only a partial fingerprint. To address this...

Hot item.(Best in Show Award)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Quadra-Fire Mt. Vernon fireplace insert, made by Hearth & Home Technologies, won the Best in Show Award in the hearth products category at the 2006 Vesta Awards ceremony during the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo, held in Salt Lake City in...

CO2 to come.(using carbon dioxide as refrigerant)(Carbon Dioxide Interest Group)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The potential for using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant was explored at the annual meeting of the Carbon Dioxide Interest Group in March at Purdue University. The conference included presentations on the use of CO2 in cooling applications such...

True colors.(software solution for color blindness people)(Tenebraex Corp.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Color blindness affects more than 35 million people in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, according to Tenebraex Corp., which has developed a software solution called eyePilot to help such people deal with color-coded information on computer...

Refrigerant research.(DuPont Fluorchemicals is testing new refrigerants)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... DuPont Fluorchemicals is testing new refrigerants that will meet coming E.U. requirements targeting automotive air conditioning systems. The EU F-Gas regulations call for the phaseout of HFC-134a in new vehicle models beginning in 2011 and...

Small engine emissions.(NEWS WATCH)
May 1, 2006... The Environmental Protection Agency released a study that concludes there is no additional risk of causing tires from adding pollution-reducing catalytic converters to engines on outdoor equipment. The study clears the way for EPA to move...

Digital fleas.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Researchers at VU Amsterdam have proved it is possible to place a computer virus into a Radio Frequency Identification tag, which was previously thought not possible. Furthermore, the researchers suggest that the virus could spread from one...

Electronics edging up.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Consumer electronics products are more prevalent than ever with the average U.S. household owning 26 non-discrete CE products (up from 25 in 2005) and spending $1,200 on CE products in the past 12 months, according to data released by the...

Meetings.(NEWS WATCH)(Calendar)
May 1, 2006... Porcelain Enamel Institute Technical Forum May 15-May 18, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: 770/281-8980 Website: www.porcelainenamel.com National Restaurant Association Show May 20-May 23, Chicago, Ill. Contact: 312/853-2525...

Intriguing innovations: winning designs enter new territory with an eye to the future.(Nineteenth Annual EID Winners)(Bresslergroup)(Pitney Bowes Inc.)(Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Co.)
May 1, 2006... Successfully melding advanced technology with compelling industrial design is a significant challenge in itself. But in today's increasingly competitive global marketplace, it's not enough. Designers must also strive to differentiate their new...

Amulet Technologies.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Beyond Your Basic LCO Controller. Graphical User Interface (GUI) solutions by Amulet empower designers to utilize their LCDs full design potential, Chips and software are optimized for 24/7 reliability and are compatible with most...

North American Die Casting Association.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Uncover the Hidden Costs of Offshore Die Castings. It's tempting to source die castings from off-shore producers... But is it a good idea? This guidebook from the North American Die Casting Association relates real-He experiences from OEMs and...

Orbitform.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... New Orbital Forming Head. Until now an orbital head's life expectancy was measured in months. With Orbitform's new Gold Series, the components can last for years (based on bearing life calculations for standard orbital heads). The Gold...

3M.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... 3M "Solutions" Guide. The new Appliance Design and Assembly Solutions guide from 3M offers a variety of solutions to enhance appliance design and productivity. The 12-page guide ma extensively illustrated with application photos of 3M tools and...

Micro Crystal Timing Solutions.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Micro-miniature crystals and real time clocks in a variety of sizes and packages. For portable appliances, crystal selection advice and circuit application engineering is available to help you optimize the efficiency of battery saving...

Watson-Marlow Bredel.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... The 313D peristaltic pump is the right pump for manufacturers of food service equipment. The 313 features the latest styling and patented LoadSure[TM] technology for trouble-free tube loading. The bayonet adapter aides factory installation, and...

DS Motor.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Standard or custom motors for every need. DS Motor can analyze and recommend the best solution for you. House Hold / White Goods, Water or Air Pumps, Portable / Housewares, Office Equipment, Electrical Tools, Electrical Toys and Medical...

Microplastics Inc.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... New Design Kit from Microplastics Helps to Dramatically Improve Electromechanical Components. The Design Kit includes a White Paper and a working, practical example of an insert molded component with a sintered component--an actual prototype....

Zettler Controls, Inc.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Zettler Controls, Inc. has proven its quality and reliability in the HVAC/R market, with product lines such as relays, transformers, fan center controls, contactors, heat sequencers and thermistors. These products are used in both residential...

Lumex, Inc./ITW.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... The LED and LCD Solutions Guide by Lumex/ITW is a complete library of proven design solutions to meet all your appliance specific visible opto-component needs LED illumination and indication light sources, LED numeric, dot matrix and...

Phillips Plastic Corporation.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Design engineers are turning to Metal Injection Molding (MIM) to produce complex functional components with intricate features, superior surface finishes, and material properties comparable to wrought With over 15 years of experience on 225...

Protomold Company, Inc.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Protomold[TM] ships custom injection moldad parts in as little as 3 days from receipt of a 3D CAD design. Rapid Injection Molding is typically 1/3 the test and lead time of conventional injection melding. Our interactive ProtoQuote[TM] system...

SONITEK.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... SONITEK manufactures Heat Staking & Insertion Systems for Precision Assembly of Plastic Parts. We also offer a complete line of new/used booster horns, converter/transducers, ultrasonic welding horns and ultrasonic welder spare parts. For more...

Trim-Lok, Inc.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Trim-Lok, Inc. is Southern California's premier manufacturer of vinyl & rubber extrusions. Uses include finishing and protecting rough edges, sealing against leaks, minimizing effects of vibrations, and decorative Mylar applications. Visit us...

Richco Inc.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Q-tie Richco, Inc. is proud to introduce the Q-tie. This revolutionary, patented cable tic features ah open lock head and advanced track system that offer enhanced benefits to the user, including quick and easy installation. The Q-tie's...

Tekra.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... New Nano-Hardcoated Plastic Films from Tekra. Specifically engineered to meet the demands of opto-electronic lens and appliance applications, new Terrapin[R] G Nano-Hardcoats from Tekra raise the bar for surface durability while retaining...

Ulvac Technologies.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... $18K Leak Detection For $18,080 you get a full-featured Heliot 700 helium leak detector with color touch screen featuring onscreen maintenance and trouble shooting capabilities. * Rotary Vane Pump--$18,000 * Dry Diaphragm--$19,995...

Thomas Products Division.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Thomas Products Division is the world leader in the production of vacuum pumps and air compressors for OEM applications. The Standard Product Catalog features complete performance and specifications on our standard models for piston, diaphragm,...

Tesa tape, inc.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... Tesa manufactures a variety of products perfect for the appliance market From residue-free removal TPP and filament tapes, to double sided tapes for temporary and permanent holding, tesa has the solution far you. The clean removal properties of...

YFC Boneagle Electronic Co.(DESIGN MART)
May 1, 2006... YFC-"Your First Choice" in power cords, higher standard and quality you can trust Cable was produced in ISO certified facilities with UL/ETL approval and RoHS compliant. Enter 526 YFC Boneagle Electronic Co. Phone: 714-456-9101 x 2005...

LCDs leap ahead: advanced technologies move into new applications.(DISPLAYS & INDICATORS)(liquid crystal displays onto the future)
May 1, 2006... The exploding thin-film-transistor, liquid-crystal display industry has leaped beyond the traditional information technology applications of notebook PCs and desktop monitors, propelled by a wide array of technological advancements and...

Flashy future: LED technology is advancing swiftly.(DISPLAYS & INDICATORS)
May 1, 2006... From Christmas tree lights and flashlights, to traffic lights and brake lights, LEDs are showing up everywhere these days, and some predict that LEDs will begin replacing conventional incandescent light bulbs in the home before the end of the...

What's your angle? LCDs overcome viewing angle challenges.(DISPLAYS & INDICATORS)
May 1, 2006... During the past decade, thin-film-transistor LCDs have rapidly displaced emissive displays, such as CRTs and LEDs, by offering superior resolution, lower power, lighter weight, and thinner profile. But LCDs had their issues, notably their...

Thin is in: EL lamps enable slimmer product designs.(DISPLAYS & INDICATORS)(electroluminescent displays onto the future)
May 1, 2006... Designers are always looking for ways to make the products slimmer, particularly in portable applications such as mobile phones, where thinness has become the fashion and helps determine the acceptance of the product in the market. For...

Limiting leaks: methods vary for leak testing during product development.(QUALITY & STANDARDS)
May 1, 2006... From lawn mowers to espresso machines, any fluid-handling appliance requires leak testing to demonstrate readiness for market release. Usually, the same leak testing methods that are used in prototype designs are also the best ones for assembly...

Measuring magnetic fields: European standard affects design of home appliances.(QUALITY & STANDARDS)
May 1, 2006... The new European standard EN 50366:2003, published under the 73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive, pertains to manufacturers and marketers of household appliances and similar apparatuses, sometimes referred to HHA devices. The requirement, effective...

Reducing recalls: third-party testing can prevent problems.(QUALITY & STANDARDS)
May 1, 2006... When a company hears that it is involved in a federal product recall, the news can generate tremendous anxiety throughout the organization. Inevitably, questions will arise. Who made the mistake? Will our reputation be permanently damaged? Will...

Growing presence: show posts record high attendance.(INTERNATIONAL HOME & HOUSEWARES SHOW 2006)
May 1, 2006... The International Home & Housewares Show, held March 11-13 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, posted record high attendance at 58,000 with 2,100 exhibitors present, 450 of which had not previously attended the show. U.S. buyer attendance...

Appliance manufacturers must monitor activist states.(ASSOCIATION REPORT: ARI)
May 1, 2006... As the trade association representing manufacturers of more than 90 percent of residential and commercial central air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute spends considerable...