Majors: Equator Clothes Processor Model EZ 3600 marketed and distributed by Equator, Houston, and manufactured by Philco Italia, Bergamo, Italy. The purpose of this project was to develop a front-loading combination washer-dryer that eliminates the need to vent hot dryer exhaust air, making it suitable for apartments without dryer vents, or for built-in applications.

The horizontal-axis offering features a choice of 500 or 1,000 rpm spin during the normal wash cycle. During the final wash spin, the automatic preheat function begins, followed by the automatic drying cycle, which eliminates the need for a dryer-vent hose. Instead, the drying cycle uses a condenser dryer. With this feature, the hot air used to dry the laundry is cycled into a drum, where it passes through a mist of cold water. The cold water causes the hot air to cool and condense. This water, along with the condensed moisture from the hot air, is then pumped from the machine via the water outlet. Lint particles in the dryer exhaust collect in the cooling water and are filtered through the drain screen as the water is pumped from the machine.

Design elements such as a contoured control panel, easily accessible soap dispenser, simple graphics, and a large opening for easy loading/unloading, contribute to the functionality and aesthetics of the unit.

"The product's control panel is very simple and well thought-out," says judge Carl Garant. "And the product itself fills a real need in today's marketplace."

Key project players from Equator: Atul Vir, president. From Philco Italia: Sante Casamenti, project manager; Ernesto Rebolini, chief engineer.

Key suppliers:
Eaton Controls (timers)
GRE (pump)
Kema Keur (thermostat)
Remco (control board)
Sole (main motor)

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