Abstract: Methods, devices and apparatus are disclosed for forming one or more wells in a sheet of deformable material. The device comprises an element comprising a tip adapted for reducing forces on an extruding material and/or preventing resistance to stretch and an outer surface that is at least partially textured and a maximum outside diameter that is less than the diameter of the wells to be formed by at least the thickness of the sheet. In one aspect, the tip is radiused and/or polished. In another aspect, the at least partially textured outer surface is at least adjacent to the radiused tip. The element may be wholly or partially hollow. Apparatus include one or more of the aforementioned devices and a moving mechanism for moving the devices in position for forming one or more wells in a sheet of deformable material.

Abstract: A network for connecting a plurality of devices and the components used in constructing the network. The network includes at least one fan-out device for connecting the devices to each other. The fan-out device includes a controller, a top port and a plurality of downstream ports. The controller monitors messages received by the ports and generates messages that are sent via the ports. The network also includes a plurality of network cables, one per port. The network preferably utilizes a cabling system that includes twisted pairs for communicating the messages via the Ethernet protocol and power conductors for distributing power to the various network devices. The fan-out device includes one power component associated with each of the ports. Each power component provides connections between the power lines in the network capble and the ports of the fan-out device. The power components are used to power the devices on the network and to monitor the power lines for problems.

Abstract: A variety of techniques for low cost reduction of thermal drift in electronic components. These techniques include structures for increasing the thermal mass of an electronic component and for insulating an electronic component from thermal drift caused by air flow as well as structures for thermally isolating an electronic component from heat flow on a circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring potentially-cumulative-trauma-syndrome-inducing activities by a wearer is provided. A wearable monitor and wireless transmitter are attached to a body part of the wearer. The monitor monitors activities of the body part of the wearer. The transmitter transmits signals from the monitor to a receiver. The receiver provides the transmitted signals to a processor, which analyzes the received signals and, in response to a determination that a pre-defined threshold has been exceeded, provides feedback to the wearer. The processor is connected via a local-area-network (LAN) connection to a local area-network. Ergonomics personnel can monitor the wearer and set the threshold remotely via the LAN and the LAN connection. Ergonomics personnel can also determine when the monitor is not being worn by the wearer. The monitor is adapted to resist disablement by the wearer.

Abstract: A materials handling system which is made up of self-organizing components that provide distributed materials handling control without intervention or control by a centralized controller.