Technology Cooks Up a Recipe to Beat Nasty Kitchen Bugs
(ContentDesk) February 17, 2006 -- Food poisoning may become a thing of the past, if commercial kitchens link their appliances to the Internet. Unique technology developed recently for this environment also promises to reduce the risk of fire and to slash maintenance costs. The idea of remotely monitoring and controlling catering equipment over the Internet isnt new, says Stephen Read, coordinator of the IMOK project. But nobody succeeded in doing it. Our plug-and-play software and hardware is a major step forward, with the potential to reduce cases of food poisoning in the European Union by more than 113,000 annually. The nine partners from Belgium, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom came up with a system to link each kitchen appliance to a LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network) control station, which is connected to the Internet. A kitchen appliance with an RJ45 connection can be plugged into the Net.
Few appliances have this, but manufacturers of chillers, fridges and fryers are increasingly adding this connection as well as PC boards to future-proof equipment, says Read. The project tested both hardwired and wirelessly-networked connections to the Internet. Both have disadvantages. Hardwiring an old kitchen is disruptive and time-consuming. Wireless connections with microwave technology in kitchens must be used with care, to avoid interference with other appliances.
According to Read, the projects case studies proved the feasibility of placing special sensors on appliances and monitoring them over the Internet. This technology is perfect for detecting fires, which are common in food establishments, he says. Another problem faced by fast-food outlets in particular is maintaining food at a constant temperature. Appliance doors are often accidentally left open or opened too frequently. When a problem is detected, the system alerts kitchen managers by a sending them a text (SMS) or email message. If that person cannot be reached, the software will try someone else in the chain of responsibility.
The system can work with anything from a single appliance in caf? to thousands of machines owned by a large company. Our main development was the software, says Read. It offers human interaction with appliances and an interface for pressure and temperature sensors. Parameters like these can be monitored at a computer centre or managers office, with the system showing results for every outlet. The IMOK system also helps with preventive maintenance. It builds up a history for each appliance, not unlike a cars log book.
For example, it may recommend replacing a fridge after 90,000 hours of use, rather than waiting for it to fail, as happens today. Or it could put a machine that is not in use into sleep mode. Monitoring and maintenance of this kind will inevitably bring energy savings for caterers. The two-month case studies involved an ice machine, fridge and microwave oven in a real commercial kitchen. Read envisages a major food and beverage company such as Enodis setting up longer studies as a proving scenario, so people can see the benefits of the projects unique software, as well as its monitoring and configuring capabilities.
We are not sure of the best route to commercialisation for our technology, he admits, but catering companies are gearing up for the Internet and we believe that networked appliances like ours will be a tremendous asset for the sector. Note to Editors: PLEASE MENTION IST RESULTS AS THE SOURCE OF THIS STORY AND, IF PUBLISHING ONLINE, PLEASE HYPERLINK TO: http://istresults.cordis.lu/Contact: Tara Morris, +32-2-2861985, tmorris at gopa-cartermill.com..
The right small appliance for you
Don't let their name fool you. Small appliances can do a multitude of tasks. Take the tears out of chopping onions with a food processor or mini-chopper, mix bread dough with your food processor, make fresh sauces in the blender - the list could go on forever. How do you shop for small appliances? Price, brand, ease of use, warranty, ease of maintenance? All of these are important for sure. But the number one consideration should be what works best for you.
But always buy the most appliance that you can afford, and those that will multi-task are always your best solution. It's like hiring a maid who does dishes, cleans the sink, mops the floors, shines the wash basin, cleans the toilet, the tub, makes the bed, vacuums the rugs, and oh ya, one who does windows is a bonus.
Things to consider when buying small appliances:
Determine your cooking needs and wants ? both current and future. Is your family growing or growing up and moving out? Are you interested...
Appliances > The right small appliance for you
Appliance Part Repair
If your appliance is malfunctioning then one or more of its parts might need repair. You can go to your nearest repair shop or, if you don't have time, log on to your computer and choose the right kind of mechanic from a wide variety of web resources.
One can also order a part which needs to be replaced. These parts are shipped to your doorstep, with warranties for a specified time period. The rates charged by online repair shops are quite reasonable and competitive.
Heavy discounts are also offered. Often, if you are not able to get a part repaired from your regular mechanic, then you can utilize the services offered by one of these websites. They are most helpful in providing or repairing parts from various appliances. Even the company that sold you this appliance a few years back might find it difficult to repair. But an online repair guru has all that is needed to repair the part of an appliance (or so they claim!).
Many online and offline...
Appliances > Appliance Part Repair
Houston Charity Center Helps Katrina Victims
(ContentDesk) September 3, 2005 -- The Houston Charity Center located at 14110 South Post Oak Road in Houston, Texas, is offering immediate help to those suffering the ravages of one of the worst storms in history.The Center's Big Charity Sale thrift store stocks racks and racks of quality clothing, furniture, mattresses, small and large appliances, home decor and more.Those with photo ID from one of the affected areas are eligible for free clothing and may select other household essentials from the store at 50% off regular price.Co-founders Virginia Bowen and Leland Smith have vowed to provide timely assistance to those in need. Houstonians wishing to assist in this effort may donate food, clothing, furniture, appliances, household items or monetary gifts directly to the Houston Charity Center. Donation pickup service is available for larger donations and smaller gifts can be dropped off directly at the Center.More information on the Houston Charity Center can be found at
Houston Charity Center Helps Katrina Victims
Appliances > Houston Charity Center Helps Katrina Victims
Helpful Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Functionality and aesthetics are the two main objectives of any kitchen remodeling plan. A kitchen must provide an efficient working place, even while it looks good.
Most kitchen designs in vogue for the last few decades have been based on three standard layouts: the U-shaped kitchen, the L-shaped kitchen and the galley kitchen. All of them make use of the classic work-triangle concept that basically positions the three major kitchen components (refrigerator, stove, and sink) in a triangular pattern.
With changing lifestyle and man-woman roles, whereby both wife and husband share home responsibilities, multiple work centers or work stations within the kitchen are gaining popularity in order to allow more than one person to work efficiently without getting in anyone else's way.
Adding an island is one of the most common ways to have multiple work centers into a kitchen.
An island creates two to four small work stations along the perimeter...
Helpful Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Appliances > Helpful Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Technology Cooks Up a Recipe to Beat Nasty Kitchen Bugs Appliances insurance quotes
Free MIDI ringtones
Today, advanced technology has taken the world and its people to excellent heights. Thanks to the intelligent work of the inventors who have put their efforts to give the world the gift of technology. It has made connectivity sound so simple and easy. The latest technology that has been incorporated into cell phones is the MIDI ringtones.
Now you must be wondering: what exactly is a MIDI ringtone? You must have heard pf many ringtones, like polyphonic, monophonic and real. MIDI ringtones...
Appliances > Free MIDI ringtones
cosmetics Technology Cooks Up a Recipe to Beat Nasty Kitchen Bugs
cosmetic dentistry Technology Cooks Up a Recipe to Beat Nasty Kitchen Bugs
dvd copy Technology Cooks Up a Recipe to Beat Nasty Kitchen Bugs