The way we wash

To illustrate the capabilities of microprocessor control, the author describes the Whirlpool LA98000XM washer. The electromechanical dial has given way to smooth touch panels similar to the ones on calculators, television sets, and other consumer products. The setting for each type of wash load is preprogrammed for proper wash and rinse temperatures, agitation, spin time, and water level, thereby eliminating individual push-button settings. At the same time, the touch panel allows more wash-cycle options to be offered for a wider range of fabrics. The features available on the latest dryers, irons, and knitting machines are also described. In discussing sewing machines, the author compares the features of the top-of-the-line mechanical machine with those of its computerized counterpart. It is pointed out that in sewing, the microprocessor offers the same versatility that it gives knitting machines: manipulating patterns in various ways, such as flipping them to form mirror images or turning them upside down.