Appliance Technology News

Implementation of the Smart Grid will undoubtedly revolutionize the electrical/electronics industry, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is paving the way through its Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP). NIST recently outlined the process by which test laboratories and certifying organizations are accredited for evaluation of Smart Grid products. The guidelines are a significant update to last year's Interoperability Process Reference Manual.

To render the countless devices that connect to the grid — from household appliances to large power generators — fully "interoperable," hundreds of new standards are underway. And, beyond accreditation lie security measures, a complex subject whose specifics are still to be fully developed.

Ultrafab brush based seals for high-temperature applications such as dryers and ovens provide a longer cycle life, better wear resistance against friction, and higher quality adhesion than standard felt based products. UL 94-V2 compliant. Rely on Ultrafab for custom sealing solutions.

Acme Wire Products of Mystic, CT has been providing design engineers with custom steel and stainless steel formed and welded wire parts for over 40 years. Wire assembly fabrications are strong, yet lightweight. Contact Acme Wire at 860-572-0511 or sales@acmewire.com for hassle free wire fabrications.

Pacor now offers TREO®. It is a bio-soluble blanket with a service life to 1800 F. It has low thermal conductivity. Typical applications are appliance/food service, furnace linings, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, fire protection, heat shields, and turbine wrap. TREO® is 100% recycled raw materials and is environmentally-friendly.

Turn to Clampco for premium T-Bolt Band Clamps available in a wide variety of configurations to meet your demanding fastening requirements. Whether you need strength, flexibility, quick adjustment, reliability, or customization, their comprehensive line of T-Bolt Band Clamps can provide a clamping solution for you.

Soaring prices for dysprosium, a key element in magnet motors has caused a dilemma for appliance designers — do they need to find alternatives? Appliance Design puts the problem in perspective by addressing the dramatic price increases of dysprosium and the possibility of substitutes. Find out if sintered Nd-Fe-B can be made without the rare earth element and if isotropic bonded Nd-Fe-B magnets made from powder will work.

Targeted for dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines, power-off switches keep home appliances from consuming standby power. Two models for washing machines are available: an auto power-off version (shown) to connect with an appliance control unit, and a programmable auto power-off unit with double-disconnect functionality. Both switches exceed IEC 60335-1 and Europe's EuP Ecodesign safety standards.

Exercising at work is routinely a challenge, at least until WeBike made its debut. Created by a Belgian company, this bike is meant for easy pedaling and not the heavy perspiration work-out. An added bonus of this light exercise is converting pedal power into electricity, generating 230 Vac/30 W for those necessary mobile gadgets. The only drawback to this three-seater may be its U.S. $13,154 price.

Computer-capable via USB, this personal activity monitor focuses on gardening, lawn mowing, shopping, and other activities not considered exercise, even composing email. After establishing a baseline, wearers can hit a "halo bar" that changes from red to orange to yellow to blue to green as they get closer to their goals. A reminder buzz indicates that the nonexercise is not vigorous enough.

Endurance™ FireWire Cable Assemblies are now immediately available from NorthwireDirect and authorized distributors world-wide. These rugged industrial-grade assemblies feature cable rated for continuous flexing and carry an exclusive lifetime warranty.

MTE Motor Protection Filters are designed to protect AC motors from the destructive effects of long cable runs between an inverter and motor. MTE Series A Sine Wave Filters eliminate motor audible noise and heat attributed to control by PWM inverter drives.

Designed to be "utilitarian and efficient," the Cricket was created by a NASA engineer who worked on habitation modules for the Space Station. Even small vehicles can tow it, thanks to its 1300 lb weight. Flexible living quarters include a couch that transforms into a bed, a sleeping loft, a small kitchen, and a pull-out shower. Options offered: air conditioning, solar panels, and a portable toilet (not standard?).

Now it's easier than ever to find out how much propane is left thanks to an accurate ultrasound device that you hold against a tank. In use, an LED indicates whether there is gas behind a point on the cylinder or not by glowing red or green. Developed by a British company, the LevelCheck measures the level of propane and butane in aluminum or steel tanks with 200 to 350 mm diameters.

Vulnerability of iPads to damage can be significantly reduced via a Lifedge case. The case withstands damage from a 1 m drop onto concrete and immersion in 1 m of water for 30 minutes. The model for the iPad 2 floats in deep water. The case also incorporates a coating to optimize screen clarity out in the sun, also providing abrasion and chemical resistance.

Expected in 2013, 3D tablets will undoubtedly become all the rage. One promising unit — Qualcomm's MDP (Mobile Development Platform) Tablet 3D Edition — runs a Snapdragon S4 processor and utilizes MasterImage's 3D display, which is described as "Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier Technology" by Technology Review. As this video demonstrates, features include stereo 3D conferencing, recording 1080p movies, taking 8-MP 3D pictures, and more.

Patlite offers a smart and smooth signal tower to its lineup, the LS7. By changing the surface of the body into a smoother form, the adhesion of water and dust is reduced. The structure no longer exposes any screws, shafts, or other metals to be adaptable for various environments.

VRI is a full-service electronic contract manufacturer, serving a diverse group of customers including electronic manufacturers of medical instrumentation, military electronics, oceanographic instruments, and commercial products. Products manufactured run from individual printed circuit boards to completely assembled and tested systems.

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