Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for operating a gliding parachute/kite. The gliding parachute/kite has a wing with a flexible material, and a set of suspension lines adapted for coupling a load to the wing, such that the coupling is configurable in any one of a plurality of possible states based on relative lengths of the suspension lines. In some implementations, the possible states include a first state enabling gliding in a first direction, and a second state enabling gliding in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Reversing direction is possible with the first and second states. Additionally, or alternatively, the possible states include a spinning state enabling spinning of the gliding parachute/kite. Adjusting a rate of decent is possible with the spinning. Reversing direction and/or spinning operations can be used to improve control of trajectory.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for operating a gliding parachute/kite. The gliding parachute/kite has a wing with a flexible material, and a set of suspension lines adapted for coupling a load to the wing, such that the coupling is configurable in any one of a plurality of possible states based on relative lengths of the suspension lines. In some implementations, the possible states include a first state enabling gliding in a first direction, and a second state enabling gliding in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Reversing direction is possible with the first and second states. Additionally, or alternatively, the possible states include a spinning state enabling spinning of the gliding parachute/kite. Adjusting a rate of decent is possible with the spinning. Reversing direction and/or spinning operations can be used to improve control of trajectory.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for operating a gliding parachute/kite. The gliding parachute/kite has a wing with a flexible material, and a set of suspension lines adapted for coupling a load to the wing, such that the coupling is configurable in any one of a plurality of possible states based on relative lengths of the suspension lines. In some implementations, the possible states include a first state enabling gliding in a first direction, and a second state enabling gliding in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Reversing direction is possible with the first and second states. Additionally, or alternatively, the possible states include a spinning state enabling spinning of the gliding parachute/kite. Adjusting a rate of decent is possible with the spinning. Reversing direction and/or spinning operations can be used to improve control of trajectory.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for operating a gliding parachute/kite. The gliding parachute/kite has a wing with a flexible material, and a set of suspension lines adapted for coupling a load to the wing, such that the coupling is configurable in any one of a plurality of possible states based on relative lengths of the suspension lines. In some implementations, the possible states include a first state enabling gliding in a first direction, and a second state enabling gliding in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Reversing direction is possible with the first and second states. Additionally, or alternatively, the possible states include a spinning state enabling spinning of the gliding parachute/kite. Adjusting a rate of decent is possible with the spinning. Reversing direction and/or spinning operations can be used to improve control of trajectory.

Abstract: Methods and active optical cable assemblies for sending a reset signal from a host end of an active optical cable assembly to a peripheral end are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of resetting a peripheral end of an active optical cable assembly wherein data contacts of a host end of the active optical cable assembly are not coupled to data contacts of the peripheral end of the active optical cable assembly includes detecting a reset signal on one or more data contacts of the host end of the active optical cable assembly. The method further includes, in response to detection of the reset signal, generating a peripheral reset signal at the peripheral end of the active optical cable assembly.

Abstract: Methods and active optical cable assemblies for sending a reset signal from a host end of an active optical cable assembly to a peripheral end are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of resetting a peripheral end of an active optical cable assembly wherein data contacts of a host end of the active optical cable assembly are not coupled to data contacts of the peripheral end of the active optical cable assembly includes detecting a reset signal on one or more data contacts of the host end of the active optical cable assembly. The method further includes, in response to detection of the reset signal, generating a peripheral reset signal at the peripheral end of the active optical cable assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a parachute flight controller from a parachute comprises a bearing member, for example a pulley, a load-bearing coupling, for example a harness, connected to the bearing member and including a connector for connecting the coupling to a parachute flight controller. The coupling includes a load-bearing connector for connecting a payload thereto, and the bearing member is adapted to enable relative movement, controlled by the flight controller, between the bearing member and a support member, for example a flexible coupling line or web for supporting the bearing member connected between first and second suspension lines of a parachute. The flight controller may include one or more control lines connected to the support member or suspension lines which can be wound in or out of the flight controller to effect relative movement between the bearing member and the support member and thereby control the direction of the parachute.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a parachute flight controller from a parachute comprises a bearing member, for example a pulley, a load-bearing coupling, for example a harness, connected to the bearing member and including a connector for connecting the coupling to a parachute flight controller. The coupling includes a load-bearing connector for connecting a payload thereto, and the bearing member is adapted to enable relative movement, controlled by the flight controller, between the bearing member and a support member, for example a flexible coupling line or web for supporting the bearing member connected between first and second suspension lines of a parachute. The flight controller may include one or more control lines connected to the support member or suspension lines which can be wound in or out of the flight controller to effect relative movement between the bearing member and the support member and thereby control the direction of the parachute.

Abstract: A powered parafoil device is disclosed. The device includes a main body provided with at least one thrust generator for imparting the main body thrust in a determined direction. The device is also includes a parafoil connected to the main body by cords attached to the main body at attachment positions, and a tilting mechanism for tilting the main body with respect to the parafoil, when airborne. The tilting mechanism is capable of tilting the main body between at least two states: in the first state the determined direction of the thrust is substantially parallel to the direction of flight of the device when airborne, and in the second state the determined direction of the thrust is tilted with respect to the direction of flight of the device when airborne, imparting the main body a thrust vector component in the vertical direction. A method for increasing lift of a powered parafoil device and methods for cargo delivery are also disclosed.