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: A variable optical attenuator of the multiple-aperture type is disclosed. The attenuator comprises a thin element having a plurality of apertures therein. The plurality of apertures is arranged such that the size of most of the apertures increases along a distance of the thin element. In particular, the plurality of apertures is arranged in a carefully designed pattern wherein the percentage of transmitted light varies from one end of the pattern to the other. The variable optical attenuator is substantially wavelength and polarization independent.

Abstract: A voltage controlled attenuator for an optical telecommunication system comprises an optical attenuator placed between an input and an output lens for obstructing the path of an incoming light beam. The attenuator has variable attenuation (reflection, absorption, etc.) which is controlled for maintaining a preset power of the outgoing light beam. To this end, a fraction of the outgoing signal is diverted to an output detector by reflecting off an end face of a lens, and processed for obtaining a control signal representative of the output power. The control signal actuates a dc motor which displaces the attenuator to a position corresponding to a preset output power.