Abstract: A technique for managing a cable for an antenna involves applying (or providing) a cable retracting force to a carrier which is movable relative to a cable guide. The cable extends from a connector through the carrier and through the cable guide to an antenna platform for the antenna. The cable retracting force biases the carrier away from the cable guide. The technique further involves moving the carrier toward the cable guide to dispense the cable through the cable guide in response to a pulling force on the antenna platform exceeding the cable retracting force. The technique further involves moving the carrier away from the cable guide to retract the cable through the cable guide in response to the pulling force on the antenna platform being less than the cable retracting force.

Abstract: A technique for forming a releasable attachment provides first and second latch strips each having an alternating pattern of lobes and troughs. The lobes of the first latch strip are adapted to fit within the troughs of the second latch strip, and vice versa, with the lobes retained within the troughs until sufficient force is applied between the first and second latch strips to separate them.

Abstract: A technique provides an amphibious, submersible vehicle, which includes an electric drive and is capable of operating both on land and in water. The vehicle includes a water-tight compartment that houses batteries and a set of electric motors for propelling the vehicle using tracks on land and on a subsea floor. The vehicle is further capable of propelling itself through water, using the tracks and/or a set of thrusters powered by the batteries.

Abstract: A track tensioning mechanism and method includes a bracket assembly coupled to an axle of a tensioner wheel configured to engage a track to be tensioned. The bracket assembly has its own axle, which is configured to rotatably engage with a body of the vehicle. The axle of the bracket assembly is laterally offset from the axle of the tensioner wheel, enabling the track to be loosened or tightened by rotating the bracket assembly about its own axle between first and second positions.

Abstract: A firefighting vehicle includes a chassis that houses an electric drivetrain for driving wheels of the vehicle. A conduit extends within the chassis from back to front for conveying firefighting fluid. Within the chassis, a first motor and a first battery pack are disposed on a first side of the conduit and a second motor and a second battery pack are disposed on a second side of the conduit. The first motor is configured to drive a first wheel on a first side of the vehicle, and the second motor is configured to drive a second wheel on a second side of the vehicle. The conduit is configured to provide firefighting fluid to a monitor mounted at the front of the chassis, where the fluid can be discharged toward a target, such as a fire.

Abstract: A modular apparatus is disclosed in which wheel assemblies of a tracked vehicle can be added, removed, located, and/or relocated over a wide range of adjustments. The apparatus includes a rail attached to the tracked vehicle. Modular wheel assemblies can be attached to the rail at variable locations.

Abstract: A technique for a modular tracked vehicle that can be reconfigured as needed to address different requirements and use cases. The modular tracked vehicle includes a chassis hull that allows interchangeable components to be connected thereto. The interchangeable components include interchangeable final drives which drive the vehicle's tracks. The chassis hull stores an energy reservoir, such as a battery or fuel tank, and the final drives include at least a gear box and drive axle. Different final drives may be provided for different torque levels, speed levels, energy sources, and or other specifications, and the final drives may be swapped based on mission requirements. Other components of the modular tracked vehicle may be interchangeable, as well. The technique may be provided, for example, as a modular tracked vehicle, a platform for a modular tracked vehicle, and/or as a method for use with a modular tracked vehicle.