Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a communication device. The methods comprise: concealing the communication device and/or at least one cable in a ballistic wearable item (e.g., a ballistic vest) such that the communication device resides in a storage slot for a trauma plate, where the communication device comprises a frame having a cross-sectional profile that matches a cross-sectional profile of the trauma plate by a given amount (e.g., 75-100%); and performing communication operations by a radio module integrated with the frame of the communication device.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (500) for controlling operations of an electronic device. The methods comprise: using a rotary knob having a single rotatable part to select a first circuit to perform operations of the electronic device during a first time and to select a second circuit to perform operations of the electronic device during a second time; and using the single rotatable part of the rotary knob to additionally change preset functions for the first circuit at the first time and a second circuit at the second time, where a degree of rotation of the single rotatable part corresponds to a desired preset function input selected from a plurality of possible preset function inputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a communication device. The methods comprise: concealing the communication device and/or at least one cable in a ballistic wearable item (e.g., a ballistic vest) such that the communication device resides in a storage slot for a trauma plate, where the communication device comprises a frame having a cross-sectional profile that matches a cross-sectional profile of the trauma plate by a given amount (e.g., 75-100%); and performing communication operations by a radio module integrated with the frame of the communication device.

Abstract: Systems (300) and methods (900) for packaging an antenna (702) in a communication device (300). The methods involve coupling the antenna to a Printed Circuit Board (“PCB”) such that the antenna is mechanically supported thereby. A hollow shaft (510) of a control knob (304) is positioned over the antenna and at least a portion of PCB (706) such that the antenna is embedded within the control knob. Thereafter, the control knob is mechanically secured to a housing (308) of the communication device. The control knob is arranged such that it can move in a radial direction and a vertical direction (516) relative to the chassis. The control knob is also arranged such that the hollow shaft is able to move freely over the antenna without coming in contact therewith.

Abstract: Kits, devices, and methods are provided for increasing a retaining force on a first device configured to mate with a second device to establish an electrical connection between the first and second devices. The first device can be, for example, a plug-type electrical connector (15), and the second device can be, for example, a receptacle connector. Magnets (100) can be mounted on or proximate one of the connector (15) and receptacle (16), and a ferromagnetic element in the form of a plate member (14) can be mounted on or proximate the other of the connector (15) and receptacle (16) so that magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements (100) and the ferromagnetic element (14) urges the connector (15) toward the receptacle (16) when the connector (15) and the receptacle (16) are mated. Existing electrical connectors can thus be retrofit so as to increase the retaining force thereon.

Abstract: Systems (300) and methods (900) for packaging an antenna (702) in a communication device (300). The methods involve coupling the antenna to a Printed Circuit Board (“PCB”) such that the antenna is mechanically supported thereby. A hollow shaft (510) of a control knob (304) is positioned over the antenna and at least a portion of PCB (706) such that the antenna is embedded within the control knob. Thereafter, the control knob is mechanically secured to a housing (308) of the communication device. The control knob is arranged such that it can move in a radial direction and a vertical direction (516) relative to the chassis. The control knob is also arranged such that the hollow shaft is able to move freely over the antenna without coming in contact therewith.

Abstract: Connector systems (10, 100) for electrically connecting two or more electrical components include a connector (14, 114) having one or more magnets (36a, 136a). Each magnet (36a, 136a) is attracted to another magnet (36b, 136b), or to a magnetically-attractable element on the other connector (14, 114) of the system (10, 100) when the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114) are mated. The magnetic attraction helps to maintain the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114) in a mated condition. The magnets (36a, 36b, 136a, 136b) can be oriented so that surface normals of pole faces (37a, 37b, 137a, 137b) of the magnets (36a, 36b, 136a, 136b) are angled in relation to a mating direction of the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114).

Abstract: Kits, devices, and methods are provided for increasing a retaining force on a first device configured to mate with a second device to establish an electrical connection between the first and second devices. The first device can be, for example, a plug-type electrical connector (15), and the second device can be, for example, a receptacle connector. Magnets (100) can be mounted on or proximate one of the connector (15) and receptacle (16), and a ferromagnetic element in the form of a plate member (14) can be mounted on or proximate the other of the connector (15) and receptacle (16) so that magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements (100) and the ferromagnetic element (14) urges the connector (15) toward the receptacle (16) when the connector (15) and the receptacle (16) are mated. Existing electrical connectors can thus be retrofit so as to increase the retaining force thereon.

Abstract: Connector systems (10, 100) for electrically connecting two or more electrical components include a connector (14, 114) having one or more magnets (36a, 136a). Each magnet (36a, 136a) is attracted to another magnet (36b, 136b), or to a magentically-attractable element on the other connector (14, 114) of the system (10, 100) when the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114) are mated. The magnetic attraction helps to maintain the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114) in a mated condition. The magnets (36a, 36b, 136a, 136b) can be oriented so that surface normals of pole faces (37a, 37b, 137a, 137b) of the magnets (36a, 36b, 136a, 136b) are angled in relation to a mating direction of the connectors (14, 12, 112, 114).

Abstract: In a flow meter of the type comprising a rotor consisting of a spindle 12 and bearing heads 9 and 11 cooperating with seats 5 and 6 to give support of the rotor, it has been found that the flow does not split evenly between the ends. In order to improve the flow performance, the flow characteristics of the two heads 9 and 11 are chosen to be different so as to have their transitions from laminar to turbulent flow occuring sequentially. It is preferred that the turbine means on the rotor be formed by angled passages through the bearing heads 9 and 11.