Abstract: A launch and recovery system for a tethered airborne element is provided that launches and retrieves the tethered airborne element in a completely unattended manner. The system is comprised of a protective shroud for storing a tethered airborne element, a winch module for releasing the airborne element to fly into the air or retrieving the element from the air, and a bearing for enabling the control of launch and recovery. Optionally, the system is also comprised of a slip ring assembly for providing external power and/or control signals to the winch module. The system can also be equipped with instrumentation modules on the tether line to provide a radio link and high altitude weather information. These modules may also contain other sensors and actuators which will help stabilize the airborne element.

Abstract: A launch and recovery system for a tethered airborne element is provided that launches and retrieves the tethered airborne element in a completely unattended manner. The system is comprised of a protective shroud for storing a tethered airborne element, a winch module for releasing the airborne element to fly into the air or retrieving the element from the air, and a bearing for enabling the control of launch and recovery. Optionally, the system is also comprised of a slip ring assembly for providing external power and/or control signals to the winch module. The system can also be equipped with instrumentation modules on the tether line to provide a radio link and high altitude weather information. These modules may also contain other sensors and actuators which will help stabilize the airborne element.

Abstract: Wind driven apparatus for an aerial power generation system include driven elements and controls. The driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The driven elements have a sail portion with a leading edge and a trailing edge. The controls change the driven elements between high force configurations for downwind operation and low force configurations for upwind operation, adjust the pitch and azimuth angles of the driven elements, and control the camber.

Abstract: An aerial power generation system includes a guide line supported by a support body. Wind driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The guide lines add stability to the system and provide better control over angular orientation and direction of motion. Power transfer is through one or more tow lines connected from the driven elements to power generation devices on the ground. Another embodiment of the aerial power generation system includes a revolving apparatus and two or more wind powered driven elements connected by tow lines to the revolving apparatus. The method includes changing the driven elements between high and low force configurations for downwind and upwind operation, and flying the driven elements in a selected pattern perpendicular to the tow line.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus includes a main mirror that rotates about two transverse axes to reflect light for an array of subimages through a lens to a correcting mirror that reflects the light to an image detector. The correcting mirror moves in translation and tilts to correct for loss of focus of the subimages. A method of generating high resolution images includes acquiring an array of subimages by moving the main mirror and correcting each subimage with the correcting mirror. A method of surveillance includes acquiring and storing an array of initial subimages, then acquiring new subimages, comparing the new subimages with the stored subimages, and storing changed subimages.

Abstract: An improved sample and hold circuit is disclosed. One field effect transistor (FET) is used as a switch between a variable input voltage connected to the source and a holding capacitor connected to the drain on the output line. The sampling pulse is applied to the gate, and is unavoidably coupled through the gate-to-drain capacitance to become a noise pulse on the output line. To cancel this pulse, a second compensating FET is provided. The sources and drains of these FETs are connected and the gate of the second FET receives a sampling pulse of opposite polarity. The second FET is biased off but the gate pulse is coupled through the source and drain capacitance to the first FET where it is used to cancel the original noise pulse on the output line.