Appliance Technology News

All kinds of products — electronic gadgets, audiovisual components, medical devices, optical systems, and more — can now take advantage of light-curing adhesives with a guarantee of adequate curing. The result is robust designs and sure assembly. In effect, optimum bonding is ensured thanks to a sophisticated bonding system. In this video, John Lafond, Henkel Loctite, presents the benefits of the company's AssureCure System for light cure acrylic adhesives. The system combines the adhesive, a fiber optic light source, a detection system, and software to monitor the cure level, ensuring that all bonded assemblies are securely fastened. In operation, a fiber optic source lights the adhesive, and in 20 ms the degree of cure is determined.

The LS03 Series is a line of compact liquid level sensors for tank fluid monitoring in household appliance, automotive, industrial, and control technology applications. Three new versions have been introduced into the market to meet the wider demands of our customer's more specialized application needs. From MEDER Electronic, Inc.

HI-Tech Controls provides Halogen-free Security Cables. They are great for applications that require high-performance, safety, and reliability. They are also highly resistant against microbes, and are VDE, PG, and RoHS compliant! Learn more...

Although your smartphone keeps you connected with everyone, everywhere, all the time, that connection can now be enhanced to a much more touchy-feely experience. ViviTouch is a new electroactive polymer technology (EAP) that promises to change the way you feel about your phone. In short, it changes the way your phone physically feels to your fingers.

Of the major power wasters in your home, cable boxes are not often realized. Estimates proclaim 160 million set-top boxes for cable in the U.S., many of which also incorporate digital video recorders. Together, they use an average of 446 kWh annually. According to the New York Times, many of the boxes are powered on even when not in use, but still consume full power because most folks don't turn their boxes off, just their TVs.

Ultrathin, stretchable electronic devices that stick to the skin can pick up electrical activity from the brain, heart, and muscles without skin irritation. The prototype replaces such massive devices as electrocardiograms and similar medical devices. With mechanical properties akin to skin, the "electronic tattoos" nonintrusively allow monitoring of a wide range of patient conditions, such as heart arrhythmia and sleep disorders.

Shortcomings of battery powered pacemakers have prompted scientists to envision a better alternative for the future: pacemakers that utilize light pulses to control the heart's rhythm. In a breakthrough in non-viral optogenetics, researchers genetically modified donor cells to respond to light, then coupled them with heart cells. Resulting heart tissue then contracted from light exposure, in the same way that electrical stimulation causes contractions.

Unlike mechanical switches, Veetronix switches are magnetically actuated. No moving parts touch the switch contacts. The contacts are hermetically sealed, thus preventing air containing dust, moisture, or gases from contaminating the contacts. Switch reliability is monitored constantly, and field failures are almost unheard of...even after millions of actuations!

Cantherm stocks the complete range of RoHS Compliant DFS 15 amp 250 V thermal cutoffs from 66 C to 240 C. The DFS is designed for the thermal protection of appliances and other devices and are UL, cUL, and VDE approved. Learn more...

One handy charger solution for readily charging myriad electronic devices in homes and offices features a 30-pin dock (for an iPod or iPhone), two 2.1A USB charging ports, and three AC outlets with surge protection. Wall-outlet-mounted for convenience, the iSurge from Energizer also incorporates a rotating plug to accommodate even oddly located outlets. A nightlight completes the package.

A key feature of a laptop computer is portability thanks to its rechargeable battery. Notably, replacement batteries aren't inexpensive. But knowing how to best use and charge it can maximize its life, especially as it gets older. Toward that end, this Yahoo News video covers best practices, tips, even how to recalibrate a laptop battery, and more.

With patent now pending, a New York man invented an automatic lawn mower. Thanks to a sensor connected to the steering, the mower follows a wire buried 1 in. deep. The inventor modified a John Deere lawnmower to track the wire within 1/4 in.; >2 in. path deviations will shut it down. Additional sensors automatically stop the machine if it hits anything. See it in action.

Many who work with vibrating power tools at home or work don't know the consequences of using impact wrenches, jackhammers, and similar tools until it's too late. Vibration white finger (VWF) — so called because it destroys blood vessels and nerves in fingertips making them appear white — typically takes years to develop. Unfortunately, damage is cumulative and cannot be reversed. Find out how to prevent it.

Compact and lightweight, Liquiport is easy to move to wherever you need a liquid pump. Self-priming, it can run dry continuously, is maintenance-free and can also pump air or gases. Liquiport's front-mounted controls provide fine adjustment of flow needed for liquid transfer, dispensing, or filling tasks. From KNF Neuberger, Inc.

From permanent bonding to temporary holding, tesa tapes have the holding power you need! Solutions for pre-foam, assembly, and packaging. The tesa offering includes: high-performance products with dependable track records; availability of the products when you need them; and access to technical advisors. Learn more about tesa tape, inc.

Find exactly what you’re looking for — quickly and easily — with GlobalSpec Electronics! Source products and services, network and gather information. Search content in hundreds of electronics-focused areas by technical specification, access millions of electronics products and datasheets, find components by part number, OEM or distributor, and more!

And check out the new Electronics Design Center, offering access to videos, application notes and white papers, and opportunities to connect with peers and manufacturers.

Embedded malware is being discovered in a growing number of software products and consumer electronics imported into the U.S. Unfortunately, the source of the compromising components is unknown. In fact, whether the vulnerabilities are overlooked bugs or deliberate malicious acts is still unclear. What is clear is that the malware is very difficult to detect and could be used to carry out cyber attacks.

Now here's a novel idea: a bicycle tire that inflates itself when you ride on it. Incorporating a unique unidirectional air valve, inner tube, and tire, the PumpTire draws in outside air and pumps it into the tire until the desired pressure is reached. At that point, the valve closes automatically. See how the system works.

What Kind of Switches for Appliances?

Do you think appliances today require touchscreens for control? Do they really need programming?

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