Appliance Technology News

Fractional horsepower electric motors in household appliances — among them, coffee machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and more — create undesirable vibrations and aggravating noise. The average vacuum, for instance, produces noise levels equal to that of a tractor 15 m away. Understandably, educated consumers prefer lower noise levels, so manufacturers of low output electric motors are seeking ways to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. One solution to minimizing NVH involves utilizing an optimal bearing mount solution. In this Appliance Design article, three options are explored: adhesives, press fits, and tolerance rings. The accompanying graph compares noise levels of press fits and tolerance rings.

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Need reliable, quality liquid pumps to handle up to 145 PSI? KNF's miniature liquid pumps feature 5 ml/min to 6 LPM flowrate, self-priming, can run dry, and NSF materials. DC ICDC, or BLDC motors features logic speed control. Get the pump to match your OEM requirement. Qualified OEM samples available.

The OS5000-US is an extremely small form factor (1.0 in. square) 3 axis, tilt compensated digital compass. The flexible design allows customers to use either a USB or an RS232 serial connection for system integration. The OS5000-US provides precise heading, roll and pitch data ideal for rapid attitude measurement. OceanServer Technology, Inc.

Described as a thin tabletop computer, Samsung's SUR40 features a 40 in. display that reacts to objects placed on its surface. In use, LCD pixels transmit an IR beam which reflects off objects, then back to sensors. Next, an 8-bit image is created from which a processor identifies shapes and text to find pertinent data related to an object. Related YouTube videos and additional product data is then presented.

Fish-eye, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses — made of optical glass — are now an option for iPhone 4 and 4S users, thanks to Photojojo's aluminum case. The implementation is said to challenge stand-alone digital cameras. Two separate tripod mounts enable use in both landscape and portrait modes. The $250 case enhances the quality of images without the need for using after the fact image manipulation.

Undergoing a 100 patient trial, the Wireless Cardiac Stimulation System (WiCS) assists advanced heart failure patients. Combining a control unit (external) with an implanted electrode, the system utilizes a wireless ultrasonic receiver to stimulate the heart's left ventricle electrically from transmitted control-unit signals. At present, the WiCS functions in conjunction with defibrillators-pacemakers that pace the heart's right ventricle.

Implanted medical devices like cardiac defibrillators monitor patients' data for doctors' perusal, but patients cannot access data themselves to identify the actual causes of abnormal heart rhythms. Toward that end, a move is afoot to allow implant patients to track that data and participate in their own healthcare. Some experts say making data patient-available could help them find triggers for arrhythmias; others disagree.

Supple, resilient Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) is the ideal material for a variety of appliance applications at a broad range of temperatures. Such applications include seals and user interfaces for small and large appliances. Contact SIMTEC Silicone Parts today for the production of your customized LSR and/or Two-Shot (LSR/Thermoplastic) components.

Shurite Systems, a division of Prime Technology, LLC, introduces the DC power management system, a full scale DC management system that combines charging and monitoring functions for battery powered applications. Accuracy of power systems is crucial for key industries where precise charging information is of the utmost importance.

Composing lengthy emails and pages-long documents to be sent via a smartphone, iPad, or Android device is often a challenging task, at best. Now, utilizing a more compact second-generation Bluetooth keyboard makes such composing a breeze. With connectivity for up to six devices simultaneously, this fold-up-to-pocket size keyboard features soft-touch keys and controls for commanding your digital music.

Planned to debut at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, the ExoPC ExoDesk is a 40 in. computer/interface system that essentially replaces your desk. Menus, widgets, and timelines appear on the surface to let users access and launch applications — all of which can be readily swiped away. Pluses include full-screen applications and the ability to customize the widget-hub location. Check out the impressive video demo.

At 1.9 lb and 10-3/4 in. long, M12 ratchets are claimed to be the most compact and powerful (35 in.-lb of torque at 250 rpm) ratchets in their class, according to Milwaukee. The cordless 1/4- and 3/8 in. ratchets feature a 3/4 in. low profile head for use in tight spaces and are powered by lithium-ion batteries. They're recommended to auto mechanics and other repair pros as replacements for pneumatic tools.

When a tried-and-true 15 amp circular saw doesn't quite make the grade because of its heft and inaccuracy, one alternative may be just right. The compact Saw-Max fulfills the old adage, the right tool for the job, for quickly making flush, plunge, and straight cuts in most materials. With a 6 amp motor, the <4 lb cutter can be easily wielded with one hand (video).

Instrumentation cables are multiple conductor cables that convey low energyelectrical signals used for monitoring or controlling electrical power systems and their associated processes. An example would be signals from computers/ controllers to speed controllers, shutdown controls, motors, and other process components. From Multi/Cable Corporation.

MCG's new PT Series is the most advanced non-modular protector money can buy. Within its small 10 in. x 10 in. enclosure, there are up to 20 high-energy, thermally protected varistors packed inside. These high-performance varistors are typically only found in much higher priced protectors.

Do you have the talents to design wireless machines that talk to other machines — so-called machine to machine technology or M2M? If you do, Sprint Nextel Corp. wants you. The company needs engineers who know wireless. This article describes the skill set needed in this specialty, including a working knowledge of power requirements and memory caches.

Able to capture 1920 x 1080 3D or full 2D high-def video, these digital binoculars possess a 10x optical zoom, image stabilization, and low-light capability. Going beyond autofocus and manual focus control, the DEV-3 is able to focus down to 1 cm in 2D and 80 cm in 3D. The unit's rechargeable battery is good for 2 hr and 35 min of 2D recording. Microphone and headphone inputs enable expanded audio options.

Should Patients Have Access to Implanted-device Data?

Patients with implanted medical devices could use data generated to help manage their health. Should they have access or not?

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