Abstract: A controller includes a first control member movable with one or two degree(s) of freedom (DoF) a second control member coupled to the first control member and movable with three independent DoFs and a third control member coupled to the first and the second control members, the third control member movable with one DoF, which is being one of the three DoFs of the second control member in the set, and providing a third control input, wherein the first, the second, and the third control members are configured to be operated by a user's single hand. Further, a forearm brace for attaching to a forearm of a user and a controller is used to support the user's forearm when the user operates the controller. Additionally, the controller includes vibration haptic motors for provide haptic alerts to the user based on position data and/or orientation data associated with a target object.

Abstract: A controller includes a first control member movable with one or two degree(s) of freedom (DoF) a second control member coupled to the first control member and movable with three independent DoFs and a third control member coupled to the first and the second control members, the third control member movable with one DoF, which is being one of the three DoFs of the second control member in the set, and providing a third control input, wherein the first, the second, and the third control members are configured to be operated by a user's single hand. Further, a forearm brace for attaching to a forearm of a user and a controller is used to support the user's forearm when the user operates the controller. Additionally, the controller includes vibration haptic motors for provide haptic alerts to the user based on position data and/or orientation data associated with a target object.

Abstract: A system includes a speaker enclosure, a speaker in the speaker enclosure, and a meta cell. The meta cell includes an opening on a first end connected to the speaker enclosure, and a closed cavity on a second end.

Abstract: A tabletop microphone assembly is provided that exhibits improved spatial audio pick-up characteristics, for example for use as an extension microphone for a conference system. In one embodiment, the tabletop microphone assembly comprises at least a housing with a top cover and a bottom cover, wherein the bottom cover is configured for placement on a table surface; a printed circuit board, arranged in the housing; and a microphone, arranged between the printed circuit board and the bottom cover; wherein the microphone is facing the bottom cover.

Abstract: The Recreational Vehicle (RV) Black Water Holding Tank By-Pass Piping Apparatus invention is a RV black water holding tank by-pass plumbing system that enables continuous use of the toilets within said RV while docked that is residential plumbing code compliant. Our invention consists of additional “Drain” piping , fittings and gate valves to divert the toilets discharge waste product when flushed around the RV's existing Black Water Holding/Storage Tank directly to the RV's Main Sewer Connection while at the same time maintaining the ability to flush the entire sewer discharge piping/lines with available waste from the RV's gray water storage/holding tanks as highly recommended by all RV manufacturers.

Abstract: A tabletop microphone assembly is provided that exhibits improved spatial audio pick-up characteristics, for example for use as an extension microphone for a conference system. In one embodiment, the tabletop microphone assembly comprises at least a housing with a top cover and a bottom cover, wherein the bottom cover is configured for placement on a table surface; a printed circuit board, arranged in the housing; and a microphone, arranged between the printed circuit board and the bottom cover; wherein the microphone is facing the bottom cover.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an air cooled cutting torch having improved performance. The torch comprises an improved electrode, where the electrode has at least one gas flow port to allow air flow to pass through the electrode to improve cooling and performance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an air cooled cutting torch having improved performance. The torch comprises an improved electrode, where the electrode has at least one gas flow port to allow air flow to pass through the electrode to improve cooling and performance.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a plasma torch and methods for assembling and disassembling a torch wherein a plurality of front end parts form a unit that is removable from, and installable in, the torch in a single operation without a special fixture. The front end assembly includes a nozzle retaining cup body connectable to a body of the torch, and a forward end connectable to a shield retainer. A nozzle retaining cup insert fits into the nozzle retaining cup body. The shield retainer has an inner surface for retaining the shield. A nozzle is received within the nozzle retaining cup insert. A stop on the nozzle engages the nozzle retaining cup insert when the front end assembly is removed from the torch so the nozzle does not remain in the torch. The shield engages an insulator, which engages the nozzle, to limit forward axial movement of the nozzle.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes an annular baffle defining distinct faces A, B, C, and D. Faces A and C are opposite from each other, and faces B and D are opposite from each other. First passages for fluid flow extend between the faces A and C, and second passages extend between the faces B and D. The baffle is installable in an annular space between an inner wall and an outer wall, in either of two orientations. In a first orientation, the first passages are open to fluid flow and the second passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces B and D, and in a second orientation, flipped over relative to the first orientation, the second passages are open to fluid flow and the first passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces A and C.

Abstract: A special-purpose plasma arc torch for gouging grooves in a metal workpiece includes an angled nozzle having a bore made up of a first bore portion and a second bore portion that makes an angle of about 15° to about 75° with the first bore portion. The nozzle includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being adapted for surrounding an electrode assembly when the nozzle is installed in the torch, the distal portion being adapted such that a part of the distal portion extends beyond a front face of an electrode of the torch. The part of the distal portion extending beyond the front face of the electrode has an exterior shape other than cylindrical or conical, and preferably has a non-axisymmetric shape that makes it suitable for fitting within a deep groove in a workpiece.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a plasma torch and methods for assembling and disassembling a torch wherein a plurality of front end parts form a unit that is removable from, and installable in, the torch in a single operation without a special fixture. The front end assembly includes a nozzle retaining cup body connectable to a body of the torch, and a forward end connectable to a shield retainer. A nozzle retaining cup insert fits into the nozzle retaining cup body. The shield retainer has an inner surface for retaining the shield. A nozzle is received within the nozzle retaining cup insert. A stop on the nozzle engages the nozzle retaining cup insert when the front end assembly is removed from the torch so the nozzle does not remain in the torch. The shield engages an insulator, which engages the nozzle, to limit forward axial movement of the nozzle.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes an annular baffle defining distinct faces A, B, C, and D. Faces A and C are opposite from each other, and faces B and D are opposite from each other. First passages for fluid flow extend between the faces A and C, and second passages extend between the faces B and D. The baffle is installable in an annular space between an inner wall and an outer wall, in either of two orientations. In a first orientation, the first passages are open to fluid flow and the second passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces B and D, and in a second orientation, flipped over relative to the first orientation, the second passages are open to fluid flow and the first passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces A and C.

Abstract: An improved plasma torch and method of starting the torch are provided. The torch may comprise a main torch body with an electrode assembly coupled to a piston therein. The piston and electrode assembly are moveable between a starting position whereby the electrode assembly contacts a nozzle, and an operating position whereby the electrode assembly does not contact the nozzle. The piston is moveable by directing fluid, which may comprise coolant, through the plasma torch either in a first direction which biases the piston to the starting position, or in an opposite second direction which biases the piston so as to retract the electrode assembly to the operating position. A reversing valve or reversible pump may be used to control the direction of the flow of the fluid. Thereby, the coolant supply may be used to both cool the torch and control the starting and operation of the torch.

Abstract: A threaded connection for an electrode holder and an electrode in a plasma arc torch is provided. The threaded connection has relatively low height, and the engaged portion of a male threaded portion of the electrode and a female threaded portion of the electrode holder are positioned at least partially within a nozzle chamber. In one inventive aspect, the nominal pitch diameter of the electrode is less than the minor diameter of the electrode. In another, the width of the root area of the electrode thread is wider than the width of the root area of the electrode holder thread by at least about 35%. The width of the root area of the electrode is at least about 15% wider than the width of the crest portion of the electrode. As such, the less consumable of the two parts, the electrode holder, is provided with a thread that is less likely to be worn and damaged. In one particular embodiment, the crest profile of the electrode is that of a Stub Acme thread separated by a larger root profile.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for improving speaker performance with an acoustic damped port are disclosed. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a damping material is placed around a vented frame of a speaker driver, and substantially covers or fills the vents of the frame. In some embodiments, the damping material results in improved impedance matching with acoustic delay, without required dimensional tuning (as with conventional ports). In some embodiments, it also reduces the air velocity gradients minimizing higher order frequency distortion components. In some embodiments, the damping material also acts as an absorber of energy by coupling to the sound wave. In some embodiments, low-frequency performance is improved in a small-scale design.

Abstract: A special-purpose plasma arc torch for gouging grooves in a metal workpiece includes an angled nozzle having a bore made up of a first bore portion and a second bore portion that makes an angle of about 15° to about 75° with the first bore portion. The nozzle includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being adapted for surrounding an electrode assembly when the nozzle is installed in the torch, the distal portion being adapted such that a part of the distal portion extends beyond a front face of an electrode of the torch. The part of the distal portion extending beyond the front face of the electrode has an exterior shape other than cylindrical or conical, and preferably has a non-axisymmetric shape that makes it suitable for fitting within a deep groove in a workpiece.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing high quality speaker performance in a small-scale design are disclosed. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a small-scale speaker assembly is provided which is capable of delivering high-fidelity wideband audio. The speaker assembly includes a speaker driver and a number of electronic components within an enclosure. In some embodiments at least one microphone is included in the assembly. In some embodiments the speaker assembly is well suited for audio conferencing. In some embodiments low-frequency performance is improved in a small-scale design.

Abstract: A new lip balm, cosmetic, or personal care product dispenser using a non-lethal shotgun shell hull that will accept an industry standard 0.15 ounce twist-base balm dispenser, providing increased turning friction and a tighter fitting cap. A new type of lip balm dispenser that solves the problems associated with old standard tubular balm dispensers. Standard 0.15 ounce lip balm tubes have a knurled twist base that inadvertently rotates in your jacket or pants pocket while people are engaged in outdoor activities such as walking, working, biking, hiking, hunting or fishing. As the tube base twists inside your pocket, the balm itself is wormed outward and mashed into the cap, creating a gooey mess. Also, standard lip balm tube caps come off easily in your pocket which is another big messy problem. The newly invented dispenser prevents a gooey mess in your pocket, purse, jacket or luggage.