Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-126). Also available via the Internet.

The purpose of this research was to determine consumers’ satisfaction with cooking systems commonly available in the United States. Five types of cooktops (conventional electric coil, gas flame, solid element, and halogen and electric coil under glass ceramic) and six types of cookware (glass ceramic, porcelain enamel-on-aluminum nonstick, stainless steel with an aluminum disk, heavy gauge aluminum, thin gauge aluminum, and heavy gauge aluminum with non-stick finish) formed 30 cooking systems. Fifteen consumers prepared one menu that represented four cooking operations (frying, boiling, thermalization, and waterless) with each of the 30 cooking systems. They also completed a three-part questionnaire to determine their knowledge and practices regarding the interaction between cooktops and cookware at the beginning, to assess their satisfaction with each cooking system, and to test their knowledge and preferences after completing the 30 cooking systems. Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA, T-test, and General Linear Model (GLM). Statistically significant findings include: (1) Knowledge was different before and after completing the 30 cooking systems; (2) There was a relationship between consumers’ knowledge and overall satisfaction; (3) There was a relationship between optimum compatibility and consumers’ satisfaction; (4) There were differences among cookware of different gauges with respect to evenness of heating; (5) The cooking systems required different levels of user interaction; (6) There were differences in consumers’ satisfaction with cookware cleaning and frying due to the interior finish of the cookware. However, there was no significant difference in consumers’ overall satisfaction with the cooking systems. / Master of Science

Objective of this thesis is creating the construction of one-purpose assembly machine for combination of gas switchboard in gas grill assembly, which is top part of the gas cooking grill, consisting of stainless steel plate and burners. There are three types of burners, one small type, two medium types and one big type. Each consists of aluminium body, nozzle, ignition electrode and gas leakage protection fuse. Prior to construction itself,  variant solutions of the assembly operations arrangement are designated. From those, the most appropriate one is chosen based on multicriteria weighting method. Construction of assembly line is created using 3D modelling program with necessary design calculations. For selected assemblies and parts, a drawing documentation has been created. Risk analysis and security of the machine’s normal operation is an integral part of the thesis. Risk analysis is created for the machine’s normal operation. In conclusion, the costs of purchasing the assembly line are calculated and the return of the investment for purchasing the machine is assessed.