Abstract: An information collecting system comprises an access terminal connectable to a data base through a network and a host computer, an IC memory card adapted for removable insertion into the access terminal, and a portable personal terminal. Requests for an item of information, from a customer, are inputted and recorded in the IC memory card using the personal terminal and the IC memory card is inserted into the access terminal. The request for information is transmitted through the access terminal to the data base and the requested information, transmitted from the data base, is stored in the IC memory card. Thereafter, the IC memory card, storing the information, is inserted into the personal terminal whereby the requested information is displayed on a display formed in the personal terminal.

Abstract: A rotary boring machine comprises a base machine placed on the ground, a boring drill provided with the base machine and driven for rotation, a dip gauge provided at the tip end of the boring drill, a first circuit provided in an intermediate portion of the boring drill and electrically connected to the dip gauge for producing a varying flux corresponding to the output signal of the dip gauge, and a second circuit provided in the intermediate portion of the boring drill in opposition to the first circuit and inducting an induction current corresponding to the output signal of the dip gauge through an electromagnetic induction caused by the varying flux generated by the first circuit. The output signal of the dip gauge is transmitted by electromagnetic induction between the first and second circuits and thus transmitted to the base machine without requiring physical connection of the signal transmission lines.

Abstract: A floatable structure propelling mechanism is combined with a floatable structure filled with helium gas to propel the floatable structure for flying in the air. The floatable structure propelling mechanism comprises a pair of lateral fins supported for swing motion respectively on the opposite sides of a middle portion of the floatable structure. The driving mechanism for driving the lateral fins for swing motion alternately in opposite direcitons in a vertical plane comprises a rotative driving unit provided near the lower surface of the middle portion of the floatable structure. The rotative driving unit includes a double crankshaft which is rotated by the driving unit, first connecting rods fixed to the lateral fins, respectively, and second connecting rods interconnecting the crank pin portions of the double crankshaft and the free ends of the first connecting rods, respectively.

Abstract: A radio-controlled flying apparatus comprising an annular buoyant body and having an overall center of gravity below the center of buoyant force of the buoyant body. The annular buoyant body contains a gas of lighter weight than air. A main body is supported by the annular buoyant body by means of a dual-axis gimbal. The main body is provided with a pair of propellers which are rotatably supported by the main body and are driven by variable-speed motors into rotation in opposite directions. The main body is further provided with a rocking mechanism for causing said main body to rock about the dual-axis gimbal. An electric circuit resides in the main body for receiving a radio wave from an external transmitter to control the rocking mechanism and variable-speed motors. The electric components in the electric circuit are supplied their power from a battery carried on the main body.