Abstract: The present technology is directed to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) a wing. The UAV can include first and second propellers extending from a front portion of the wing and positioned to provide thrust to the UAV. The UAV can include a first actuator carried by the wing, and a first leg operably coupled to the first actuator. The first leg can be configured to rotate in a first plane parallel to a plane bisecting the wing. In some embodiments, the UAV includes a second leg connected to a second actuator, the second leg configured to rotate in a plan parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: Walking VTOL vehicles and related systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system can include one or more vertical thrust propulsion systems for providing vertical thrust for the vehicle, one or more horizontal thrust propulsion systems for providing horizontal thrust for the vehicle, and leg elements that are rotatable between a first configuration in which each leg element extends downwardly and a second configuration different from the first configuration. A representative method of operating a vehicle includes using vertical thrust to raise the vehicle upward, rotating a leg element forward, lowering the vehicle, and then rotating the leg element rearward to propel the vehicle forward.

Abstract: A valve includes a holder having an expandable material. The valve includes a retainer coupled to the holder. The valve further includes an umbrella member with a stem coupled to the holder. The expandable material is adapted to expand in size when absorbing a fluid and translate the umbrella member along an axis of the stem.

Abstract: A valve includes a holder having an expandable material. The valve includes a retainer coupled to the holder. The valve further includes an umbrella member with a stem coupled to the holder. The expandable material is adapted to expand in size when absorbing a fluid and translate the umbrella member along an axis of the stem.

Abstract: Cable connection assemblies for marine propulsion, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative connection assembly includes a multi-conductor cable having two high voltage power conductor lines, two low voltage power conductor lines, two interlock lines, and two signal lines. The assembly further includes a connector having a connector body carrying connection elements corresponding to each of the conductor lines, interlock lines, and signal lines. In further representative embodiments, one or more of the connection elements can be housed in corresponding insulating bodies. In still further representative embodiments, the assembly can be configured so that the high voltage lines are the first to mate, and the last to un-mate, which, together with the interlock loop, can reduce or eliminate the likelihood for high voltage arcing.

Abstract: A valve includes a holder having an expandable material. The valve includes a retainer coupled to the holder. The valve further includes an umbrella member with a stem coupled to the holder. The expandable material is adapted to expand in size when absorbing a fluid and translate the umbrella member along an axis of the stem.