Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a payload transfer and release system for a kite including a potential energy storage unit for releasably storing potential energy, a launcher, a receptacle, an optional payload and an optional stopper. The potentially energy storage unit is, in one embodiment, an elastic band. The launcher includes a body which has a hook to which the launcher mounts. The receptacle is for holding a payload and has an outlet for releasing the payload. The receptacle has at least one mounting connector for slidably connecting the receptacle to a kite string, and a receiving portion for releasably receiving a portion of the elastic band. In use, the receptacle holding the payload can be launched to travel on the kite string. The receptacle can be stopped by the stopper, at which point, the payload leaves the receptacle.

Abstract: A light source (27) comprises a header (30), electrical conductors (31), (32), (33), a light sensor (40), a laser (39), a can (28), a convex lens (36), and an external control circuit (34). A window (35) is defined in an inclined top of the can (28), and the convex lens (36) is mounted within the window (35). A convex surface of the inclined convex lens (36) faces away from the light sensor (40). The laser (39) and the light sensor (40) are separately mounted on the header (30). The electrical conductors (31), (32), (33) electrically connect with the control circuit (34). The convex lens (36) has a pre-determined curvature such that emitted light beams of the laser (39) reflected from the lens (36) converge onto the light sensor (40). Accordingly, the reflected light beams (52) received by the light sensor (40) are accurately proportional to the emitted light power of the laser (39).

Abstract: A laser-based light source includes a laser (26), two optical detectors (27), a diffraction grating (29) mounted in a can (28), and a controlling circuit (31). A plurality of parallel grooves (293) is defined in a bottom face (292) of the diffraction grating. Each groove has a depth “d.” A groove separation “a” is defined between any two adjacent grooves. A groove cycle “b” is defined as a sum of the distance a and a width of any one groove. A light intensity of light beams depends on the values of “d”, “a” and “b”. By selecting a desired duty cycle f=a/b for the diffraction grating, the reflected light beams are converged into ±1 order light beams. Almost all the ±1 order light beams are collected by the optical detectors, notwithstanding variations in operational temperature. The controlling circuit receives feedback signals from the optical detectors.

Abstract: A light source (27) comprises a header (30), electrical conductors (31), (32), (33), a light sensor (40), a laser (39), a can (28), a convex lens (36), and an external control circuit (34). A window (35) is defined in an inclined top of the can (28), and the convex lens (36) is mounted within the window (35). A convex surface of the inclined convex lens (36) faces away from the light sensor (40). The laser (39) and the light sensor (40) are separately mounted on the header (30). The electrical conductors (31), (32), (33) electrically connect with the control circuit (34). The convex lens (36) has a pre-determined curvature such that emitted light beams of the laser (39) reflected from the lens (36) converge onto the light sensor (40). Accordingly, the reflected light beams (52) received by the light sensor (40) are accurately proportional to the emitted light power of the laser (39).

Abstract: A system for automatically allocating a layout suitable for a web page. The system of the present invention utilizes an editing unit provided with a layout template having a plurality of display areas for inputting data and an integrating unit for integrating display areas that contain data with adjacent display areas that do not contain data. The systems can also include a data unit for providing a plurality of data to input into the display areas, a previewing unit with an integrated layout, and a memory unit for storing the integrated layout. The integration unit determines whether display areas adjacent to a selected display area contain data. If not, the display areas are merged.

Abstract: An improved shape-retaining support structure is provided for the fuselage of a windsock style kite. An inextensible strap member is also provided between the wings of the kite to transfer wing loads through the windsock body without distorting its shape.