Abstract: Inertial measurement units (IMUs) and methods with adaptations to eliminate or minimize sensor error, offset, or bias shift are presented. More particularly, the IMUs and methods for gun-fired projectiles herein are particularly adapted to accurately measure forces and to prevent or minimize the error, offset, or bias shift associated with events exhibiting high g shock, and/or high levels of vibration, and/or rotation. Even more particularly, the IMUs and methods herein utilize novel IMU packaging adapted to prevent or minimize sensor error, offset, or bias shift, and recalibration adaptations and methods adapted to correct or reset the error, offset, or bias shift from such an event. The IMUs are adapted to provide accurate measurements prior to, during and after such event, and to provide continuous accurate measurements during flight of gun-fired projectiles.

Abstract: The distribution of Bluetooth IDs among multiple integrated circuit testers at multiple sites for programming with a master database containing large size ID blocks, site operational databases with medium size ID blocks and tester programs with small size ID blocks provides reduced memory requirements and limits the chance of two units with a duplicate ID.

Abstract: The management of customer security keys by an integrated circuit manufacturer with automated material tracking among multiple circuit testers at multiple sites for programming keys into circuits. Limited key change methods plus sufficient key statuses provides processes for key handling.

Abstract: An infeed transfer system for a continuously operated container decorating apparatus comprises a mandrel wheel assembly having a rotating mandrel wheel, a plurality of regularly spaced mandrel assemblies pivotally mounted thereon, and a box cam spaced-apart from the mandrel wheel and communicating with one end of the mandrel assemblies, to guide the path of movement of the mandrel assemblies during the rotation of the mandrel wheel. A pocket wheel is rotatably mounted and is axially displaced from the mandrel wheel. The pocket wheel has a diameter smaller than that of the mandrel wheel and the box cam defines an undulating path that causes each of the mandrel assemblies to follow the circumferential periphery of the pocket wheel, in alignment with consecutive cradles defined by the pocket wheel, and such alignment continues through an arc of rotation.

Abstract: A differential pressure thermoforming machine has a female mold with a female mold cavity, and an opposing mold, with a mold closing portion cooperable therewith. A foam injection head is perimetrally separated from the mold closing portion and is provided on the opposing mold. When the molds are initially closed, a differential pressure is created in the molds to cause the heated plastic sheet to move into contact with the mold cavity and form a configured pocket in the sheet. Mechanism is provided for releasing the plastic sheet from the carriage in which it has been moved between the molds, after the molding operation, to the cavity in the female mold, after which the molds are restored to spread-apart position.

Abstract: The disposable transducer includes a small housing constructed of lightweight plastic material. The housing is shaped so as to form a transparent chamber within which is situated a very small piezoresistive strain gauge in the form of a resistive bridge network diffused onto a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is electrically isolated by means of a nonconductive gel which partially fills the transparent chamber in which the semiconductor substrate is positioned. The resistive bridge network of the semiconductor substrate is also electrically connected to a plurality of calibration resistors which are separately formed on the semiconductor substrate, making the entire apparatus economically disposable after a single use.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine having opposed mold platens includes a linkage system driven in cyclic movement by rotary cam mechanism to cyclically shift the platens between their open and closed position. The cam mechanism is driven by a variable speed motor which is controlled in a manner such that the rotary speed of the cam mechanism during different portions of a cam revolution may be set to a speed which is different than the rotary speed of the cam mechanism during other portions of each revolution. By adjusting the speed differential or by adjusting the angular extent of that portion of a revolution of the cam mechanism over which the different speed is maintained the time duration of any chosen portion of the cycle may be adjusted independently of the time duration of other portions of the cycle.

Abstract: A mandrel wheel assembly is disclosed for use with an apparatus for the continuous decoration of containers such as cylindrical cans, and comprises a circular mandrel wheel having a plurality of regularly spaced mandrel assemblies mounted transversely about its circumferential periphery. The mandrel assemblies have cam roller ends that communicate with a guiding stationary box cam, and oppositely extending container receiving mandrels. The mandrel wheel assembly is mounted along a stationary central shaft. A secondary mandrel support is provided adjacent the mandrels comprising a stationary planar support member also mounted on the central shaft with one or more planar support cams that extend radially from the secondary support member and are adapted to cammingly engage the mandrel assemblies. The support cams are juxtaposed to the coating stations and reduce unwanted deflection of the mandrels during coating operations.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine having opposed mold platens includes a linkage system driven in cyclic movement by a single rotary cam to cyclically shift the platens between their open and closed position. The cam is driven by a variable speed motor which is controlled in a manner such that the rotary speed of the cam during different portions of a cam revolution may be set to a speed which is different than the rotary speed of the cam during other portions of each revolution. By adjusting the speed differential or by adjusting the angular extent of that portion of a revolution of the cam over which the different speed is maintained the time duration of any chosen portion of the cycle may be adjusted independently of the time duration of other portions of the cycle. The platens are mounted for reciprocatory movement upon a three-post frame.

Abstract: The disposable transducer includes a small housing constructed of lightweight plastic material. The housing is shaped so as to form a transparent chamber within which is situated a very small piezoresistive strain gauge in the form of a resistive bridge network diffused onto a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is electrically isolated by means of a nonconductive gel which partially fills the transparent chamber in which the semiconductor substrate is positioned. The resistive bridge network of the semiconductor substrate is also electrically connected to a plurality of calibration resistors which are separately formed on the semiconductor substrate, making the entire apparatus economically disposable after a single use.