Abstract: A method for producing inertial measurement data is provided. The method comprises receiving raw inertial measurement data from one or more inertial sensors; receiving raw position data based on signals from a global navigation satellite system; processing the raw inertial measurement data and the raw position data with a filter to generate state variable estimates; and calculating enhanced inertial measurement data based on the raw inertial measurement data and the state variable estimates from the filter.

Abstract: A three-dimensional balance assembly is provided. The assembly includes a center shaft, two or more eccentric weighted shafts encompassing the center shaft and a first and a second locking mechanism that lock each weighted shaft into any rotational location. Each eccentric weighted shaft includes at least one eccentric weight. The two or more eccentric weighted shafts are independently rotatable around the center shaft to balance the assembly in two dimensions. The center shaft includes a first and a second bore extending inwardly from each end of the center shaft or a single bore all the way through the shaft. The first and second bores are adapted to receive and secure one or more axial weights and balance the assembly in a third dimension.

Abstract: A wireless communication interface for inertial measurement unit is disclosed. One or more instrumentation sensors, a processor, a wireless radio frequency transceiver with an antenna, and a power source are sealed within an inertial sensor assembly. The processor is adapted to receive output signals from the instrumentation sensors and to convert the output signals into a stream of digital data packets. A radio frequency transceiver is coupled to the processor and adapted to wirelessly communicate the stream of digital data packets through the antenna. In one embodiment, the radio frequency transceiver is further adapted to wirelessly receive a stream of digital data packets through the antenna and communicate the received digital data packets to the processor.

Abstract: An inertial measurement unit is provided. The inertial measurement unit comprises two rotational axes, wherein a first of the two rotational axes is aligned nominally along a thrust axis and a second of the two rotational axes is aligned substantially perpendicular to a plane formed by a local gravity vector and a thrust vector, and one or more sensors which rotate about the second rotational axis.

Abstract: An ion selective potentiometric electrode component consisting essentially of a solid, plate-like interface element prepared by simultaneously co-precipitating Ag.sub.2 S, Ag.sub.2 Se, CdS and CdSe followed by compressing the precipitated material at an elevated temperature to provide a substantially impervious agglomerate having an X-ray diffraction pattern distinct from a composite pattern of the individual four components and characterized by improved response properties and enhanced sensitivity to cadmium ion concentration in solution.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the electromagnetic (E/M) impedance of soil is diosed. This impedance is obtained by measuring the voltage standing wave ratio and first minimum with the disclosed apparatus. The apparatus comprises a trombone slotted line in combination with an earth probe. The trombone slotted line comprises a telescoping outer conductor and a telescoping inner conductor coaxial with and surrounded by the outer conductor. The inner part of the telescoping outer conductor has a slot along its length and a probe that passes through the outer part of the telescoping outer conductor extends into this slot. The earth probe also comprises an outer conductor and a coaxial inner conductor surrounded by the outer conductor. One end of the inner telescoping conductor of the slotted line mates with the inner conductor of the earth probe and the other end of the telescoping inner conductor of the slotted line is coupled to coupling means for coupling RF energy to the apparatus.

Abstract: A hoist mechanism is activated to elevate a trolley hanger from a lowered position to a predetermined position adjacent and above a conveyor rail after which the hanger is stabilized and the rail-engaging wheel of the trolley hanger is positioned in vertical alignment with the rail. The rail engaging wheel is then landed on the rail, the stabilizing force is removed and the hoist mechanism descends to a lowered position.