Abstract: Multi-axis pivot assemblies for control sticks and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A multi-axis pivot assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an input shaft, a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft, and a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages and pivoting joints. The first and second axis output shafts rotated about corresponding first and second fixed bearing sets to capture a first axis output and a second axis output. The series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output.

Abstract: Handheld, unmanned vehicle controllers including interchangeable function bridge modules attached to the grip handles of the controllers are described herein. Interchangeable function bridge modules can include, but are not limited to, a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module. An operator may quickly and easily swap modules, using different modules to perform various tasks.

Abstract: Multi-axis pivot assemblies for control sticks and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A multi-axis pivot assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an input shaft, a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft, and a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages and pivoting joints. The first and second axis output shafts rotated about corresponding first and second fixed bearing sets to capture a first axis output and a second axis output. The series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output.

Abstract: Multi-axis pivot assemblies for control sticks and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A multi-axis pivot assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an input shaft, a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft, and a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages and pivoting joints. The first and second axis output shafts rotated about corresponding first and second fixed bearing sets to capture a first axis output and a second axis output. The series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output.

Abstract: Handheld, unmanned vehicle controllers including interchangeable function bridge modules attached to the grip handles of the controllers are described herein. Interchangeable function bridge modules can include, but are not limited to, a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module. An operator may quickly and easily swap modules, using different modules to perform various tasks.

Abstract: Systems devices and methods for flash charging a portable device with a charging device. The portable device may be a ruggedized hand-held controller. In some examples, the portable device includes a capacitive power supply which comprises one or more capacitors, e.g. supercapacitors. In use, the capacitive power supply may receive charge, store the charge, and provide power to power-using components of the portable device, when needed. In some examples, the system includes a charging device, such as a docking station. The charging device may couple to the portable device to charge the portable device. The charging device may include a capacitive power supply, which may comprise one or more capacitors, such as supercapacitors. In some cases, the system flash charges the capacitive power supply within the portable device, via the capacitive power supply of the charging device.

Abstract: A hall effect system having a housing, an input element coupled to the housing, and a magnetic element coupled to the input element and configured to have a detectable magnetic flux. A sensing element is adjacent to the magnetic element. The sensing element is configured to sense the magnetic flux. A processing element is coupled to the sensing element and is configured to determine a position of the magnetic element relative to the sensing element by determining changes in and/or the orientation of the magnetic flux upon movement of the interface element by a user.

Abstract: Control inceptor systems and associated methods, including inceptors suitable for high-g operations and/or inceptors having a center of rotation located within an operator's grasp region, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a control inceptor having a grip coupled to a support. The inceptor is configured so that a center of rotation for movement in at least one plane is located within the grasp region of an operator when an operator grasps the grip. The support is positioned so that when the operator moves the grip (e.g., makes an input movement), the support arcs about the center of rotation.

Abstract: Multi-axis pivot assemblies for control sticks and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A multi-axis pivot assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, an input shaft, a first axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft, and a second axis output shaft coupled to the input shaft via a series of linkages and pivoting joints. The first and second axis output shafts rotated about corresponding first and second fixed bearing sets to capture a first axis output and a second axis output. The series of linkages are configured to decouple first axis movement of the input shaft from second axis movement of the input shaft such that the second axis output is substantially independent of the first axis output.

Abstract: Handheld, unmanned vehicle controllers including interchangeable function bridge modules attached to the grip handles of the controllers are described herein. Interchangeable function bridge modules can include, but are not limited to, a display screen module, a pushbutton module, and a keyboard module. An operator may quickly and easily swap modules, using different modules to perform various tasks.

Abstract: A hall effect system in accordance with one embodiment is described herein. The hall effect system comprises a housing, an input element coupled to the housing, a magnetic element coupled to the input element and configured to have a detectable magnetic flux, a sensing element adjacent to the magnetic element, the sensing element being configured to sense the magnetic flux, and a processing element coupled to the sensing element and configured to determine a position of the magnetic element relative to the sensing element be determining changes in and/or the orientation of the magnetic flux upon movement of the interface element by a user.

Abstract: The steps of an identification theft proof tag and sticker method are providing a plurality of tags with a telephone number, a PIN, and a plurality of selections corresponding to a phone number, each tag optionally containing a smart chip and a smart card with a microprocessor; activating the tag by the user by following specific instructions and placing a registered tag on a valuable; following the instructions printed on the tag when finding a lost valuable by a person other than the owner; using the tag as a phone card, if needed, and dialing the number on the back of the tag; entering the PIN when prompted to do so, and selecting a contact number; and contacting the owner and ascertaining the best way to return the valuable.

Abstract: Control inceptor systems and associated methods, including inceptors suitable for high-g operations and/or inceptors having a center of rotation located within an operator's grasp region, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a control inceptor having a grip coupled to a support. The inceptor is configured so that a center of rotation for movement in at least one plane is located within the grasp region of an operator when an operator grasps the grip. The support is positioned so that when the operator moves the grip (e.g., makes an input movement), the support arcs about the center of rotation.

Abstract: A slicer has antimicrobial impregnated surfaces or components integrated into various parts of the slicer to reduce microbe growth.

Abstract: A tee shaped electrical connector for a pump such as a sump pump having a pump motor controlled by a float switch. A power cord carrying a plug on one end extends from one leg of the connector body. A float switch cord extends to the float from another leg of the connector. The third leg of the connector includes electrical contacts to which the power cord and float switch wiring extend. Electrical terminal pins for the motor leads project into a socket on the pump so that the contacts and terminals connect electrically when the connector is applied to the socket.

Abstract: An expanded foam material surrounds a relatively thin, metallic motor casing and forms a housing which supports the motor while providing a seal to preclude leakage of liquids into the motor casing and to prevent discharge of dielectric oil from the interior of the motor casing. During manufacture of the pump, the casing is placed within a mold and a portion of the mold structure complementally and firmly engages four radially spaced regions of the generally cylindrical motor casing. Next, a quantity of the initially pourable foam material is introduced into the space between the mold and the casing, and the material self-expands to a solidified, cured condition in firm, surrounding engagement with the motor casing.