HUMAN/COMPUTER INTERFACING

MAY 26, 1998

INTRO TO SPECIAL DEVICES INC.

JUNE 10, 1998

 GETTING THERE

CHANNEL ISLANDS SECTION

MAY 1998 NEWSLETTER

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Members,

Have you thought about your career lately? I have. Career, in its denotation, means an occupation. But it also carries a connotative sense of "progress through life". Everyone seeks different progress in his or her career. Some people work 20 years as production assemblers while others seek continual advancement through the executive ranks. And while some people like to stay in the same company for the duration of their working years, others prefer to hop around among companies, always snatching the most promising opportunity. So what, then, is a successful career? The answer lies in how we define "success".

Everyone has different answers of what "success" means. Therefore everyone will have different opinions about their careers. Regardless of the answers, we should ask ourselves: Am I satisfied with my current career progress? Have my aspirations been fulfilled? Do I have a sense of achievement for the things I have done? If you answer all these questions "Yes", then I would say you have a successful career.

Early this month I participated in the ASME Region IX Regional Administrative Conference. There I met people with a wide range of careers. I was most impressed with the presentation from Mr. Denis Manning, who led a small team to design and build the world’s fastest motorcycle from scratch. They spent 9 years working on the project part time without making a cent from it. They did not have much money but they did have a focused dream of beating the current world record. Quite appropriately, they named their vehicle "TENACIOUS". They have finished building the motorcycle and are ready to taste the world record. Do you consider that a successful career?

Society tends to judge a career based on its materialistic appeal and accumulation of wealth. I believe it should be gauged by the accomplishment of our personal goals, not by other people’s opinions. For example, an automotive switch assembler can consider himself successful if he accomplishes his goal for building 10 millions switches in his career.

Personally I truly believe that ASME is an organization where you can meet people with phenomenal achievements learn from their successes and failures. It is also an organization where you can find opportunities to help achieve or progress toward your career goals. In the end, the fundamental question remains:

What ARE your goals?

INDUSTRY BREAKFAST SUCCESS

On April 29 the Channel Islands Section hosted an industry breakfast to provide a discussion forum between ASME and local industry and academia. Lynden Davis, the ASME Western Regional Director, and E. Nick Friesen, the Region IX Engineering Council Chair, represented ASME from the regional level.

A total of 21 people attended the event, held at the Pierpont Inn in Ventura. Represented were the following local organizations:

Cal State University Channel Islands

Dynamic Solutions

Fluid Kinetics Corporation.

IMODCO

Meissner Filtration Products

Oxnard Community College

Stainless Fluid Products

Teradyne, Inc.

Thomas & Beers

Tracor Systems Technologies, Inc.

University of California, Santa Barbara

Valex Corporation

The morning began with breakfast, followed by a brief introduction by Channel Islands Section Chairman Steve Tang. Nick Friesen then spoke about ASME’s interest in supporting local industry and academia through national and regional programs. Lynden Davis followed with an overview of the ASME Western Regional Office and the support functions it offers.

Richard Ramsey, the Channel Islands Section Industry

Relations Chair, then led the group in a brainstorming session. A variety of industry and academia interests were generated and recorded for further review. The list of ideas will be distributed among attendees. Working with ASME Region IX, the Channel Islands Section will seek to address the desires and expectations of local organizations. Through cultivating a relationship with local industry and academia, the section hopes to continue Industry Breakfasts on a regular basis to the benefit of all involved parties.

Nick Friesen describes ASME’s industry/academia relevance.

1998 RAC NEWS

From May 1-3, section representatives from California, Hawaii, and Nevada gathered on the California side of Lake Tahoe for the annual Region IX Administrative Conference (RAC). Chairman Steve Tang and Vice Chairman Kevin Manning represented the Channel Islands Section.

During the conference delegates participated in a variety of activities aimed at strengthening ASME in the region. On Friday, after each section presented a brief report on activities and status, members of Regional Councils described council roles. A short workshop on effective section operations followed. Shortly before dinner delegates were treated to a demonstration of "Tenacious II", a custom-built motorcycle with its sights set on a speed record. A presentation by its design team followed dinner.

Saturday’s morning activities consisted primarily of status reports from ASME International officers and Regional committees. Delegates also voted on member initiatives. After an afternoon brainstorming session, delegates recessed to enjoy leisure activities in the scenic surroundings.

ASME International President Keith Thayer delivered the keynote address at Saturday’s dinner. He emphasized the importance of humor, action, respect, and teamwork in ASME pursuits. An awards presentation followed dinner. To the surprise of the Channel Islands Section delegates, Vice President Alex Marr presented Chairman Steve Tang with the award for "Most Improved Section."

On Sunday delegates learned about the region’s various Operating Committees. After a brief closing address by Alex Marr, the delegates dispersed until next year.

VOTING RESULTS

In an election marked by extremely low voter participation, the Channel Islands Section chose its officers for the 1998-1999 term. With the 3 votes cast (a turnout well less than 1%), voters unanimously supported the candidates suggested by this year’s Executive Committee. Congratulations to your elected officers for the coming year:

Chairman: Vice Chairman: Treasurer:

Steve Tang Alex Flores Bob Morris

To date, no one has volunteered for the position of Secretary. The Secretary’s responsibilities include recording minutes of section and Executive Committee meetings, and maintaining section supplies, mailing lists, and files. If you would like to volunteer for this position, contact Steve Tang at (818) 874-7735 or tangs@std.teradyne.com.

RAC ’98 PHOTO GALLERY

Hiking delegates pause for a picture overlooking Lake Tahoe.

HUMAN/COMPUTER INTERFACING

RESERVATIONS: Contact Steve Tang at (818) 874-7735

or tangs@std.teradyne.com

As the capabilities of computers continue to increase, so do the advantages of facilitating the interaction between computers and humans.

Dr. Boris Kamenster is the president and founder of Bokam Engineering, a company that specializes in developing sensors and controls for electromechanical systems. "Interface for the New Millennium" describes the technology and applications of unique sensors and transducers specifically designed to communicate human motion to a computer in a precise, accurate, and natural fashion. The sensors utilize multi-axis force sensing elements, made possible through innovations in thick film technology.

Please contact Steve Tang (see above) if you plan to attend. This is a FREE event, and refreshments will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the latest developments in sensor technology, and about the future of the human/computer interface.

CONTEST WINNERS

We are happy to announce the winners of our March newsletter contest. Our readers were presented with the following challenge:

GIVEN: A balance and 12 coins.

PROBLEM: One coin does not weigh the same as the others.

The prize: 4 free passes to a movie theater of the winner’s choice. We received 2 correct entries by the May 1 deadline. Congratulations to Keith Breinlinger and Jeremy Thorpe for their winning submissions. Have fun at the movies!

INTRO TO SPECIAL DEVICES INC

PROGRAM: Intro to Special Devices Incorporated

In the late 1950s, a small company formed in Pacoima to provide effects for the motion picture industry. By 1960 the company had changed its name to Special Devices Incorporated (SDI) and had switched its focus to the production of pyrotechnic devices for the military.

In 1989 SDI began supplying air bag initiators to TRW. Since then the company has flourished. Annual sales increased steadily from around $20 million in 1989 to over $100 million today. SDI’s stock has more than tripled in value since 1991. In response to continued growth SDI is currently constructing a large manufacturing facility in Moorpark.

The Channel Islands Section is pleased to welcome 3 of SDI’s leaders to introduce the company, its products, and its industry. David Forman, Kevin Gunning, and Bill Sipes will discuss:

A question and answer session will follow.

SDI’s success story will interest anyone who has entertained thoughts of starting a manufacturing company. The June event is also an excellent opportunity to learn about the exotic field of pyrotechnics and explosives, and to develop an awareness of a company growing locally. The reservation deadline for this event is June 3 – only about a week away. Call Bob Morris as soon as possible at (805) 524-3727. We look forward to seeing you!

YOUR COMMITTEE

Chairman    

Steve Tang 818.874.7735    tangs@std.teradyne.com

Treasurer

Bob Morris 805.524.3727   rpmorris@compuserve.com

Industrial Relations

 Richard Ramsey 805.445.7605   dynamicsol@earthlink.net

Vice Chairman/Newsletter

Kevin Manning 310.457.388    kevinmanning@asme.org

Secretary/Technical Activities

 Steve Harrington 805.388.9911    steveh@meissner.com

Vice Chairman

Elizabeth Rowins 805.525.7165   jerowins@west.net

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