Abstract: A system and method for wind-powered flight, comprising a low-speed, high-drag leading aircraft such as a kite, tethered to a low-speed, low-drag trailing aircraft, such as a glider. The leading aircraft is launched, and when the leading aircraft ascends into winds which are significantly greater than winds at the ground level and the takeoff velocity of the trailing aircraft, the leading aircraft begins to tow the trailing aircraft. The trailing aircraft becomes airborne and can be flown at a low air speed to maintain a constant drag on the leading aircraft, which in turn provides thrust to maintain the trailing aircraft aloft at the lower altitude.

Abstract: A storage device for compact disc trays, each of the trays having a front surface and a rear surface and a pair of side ledges extending substantially from the rear surface to the front surface and terminating in respective notches adjacent to the front surface. The storage device comprises a plurality of housing elements, each of the housing elements includes a rear wall and two side walls defining a rectangular space for receiving one of the compact disc trays. A spring is disposed adjacent the rear wall for applying a compressive force to the rear surface of the compact disc tray for urging the tray out of the space. A latch projects from one of the two side walls for releasably engaging one of the notches on the tray, thereby retaining the tray in the housing element against the compressive spring force.

Abstract: A device (10) for transferring an invalid includes a beam (11) comprised of two telescopically received tubes (12,13); a track (14), slidably engaged within said beam capable of supporting a rolling trolley (15) and connected winch (16) for providing a vertical lifting force. A seat (18) is appended to winch (16) by a winch yoke (19). The device is secured transversely to the roof surface of an automobile by clamps (21,22) mounted to the beam and track. The invalid is positioned within the seat and lifted vertically by the winch and is then slided into or out of the automobile as desired.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled vehicle, preferably configured as a golf cart is controlled by two independent driving motors operably connected each to one of the wheels. Signals for operation of the motors are generated by an infra-red signal detecting device, which detects infra-red signals from a remote source being followed by the vehicle. The infra-red signal detecting device includes two detectors which detect the source to the sides of the vehicle and turn the device in that direction by applying a differential speed to the wheels. The infra-red detecting device also includes two detectors which detect the source forwardly of the device at one of three different locations in response to which the speed of the vehicle is controlled.

Abstract: An air vehicle for lifting loads generates lift forces from helium gas within a torus-shaped envelope having a central passageway, and from a fan arrangement designed to direct air downwardly through the passageway. Lateral propulsion units are provided on the envelope. In one embodiment, the fan arrangement comprises two fans carried by a saddle supported on the envelope, while in another embodiment a single fan is carried by a gondola suspended from the envelope.

Abstract: An ultralight aircraft has a single stick three-axis aerodynamic control, twin engined power control, wing- and tail-mounted ailerons, an inverted V-tail and wide span wings with upturned tips.

Abstract: A toy flying object consists of a single wing which is shaped and weighted to provide aerodynamic capabilities. The single wing structure is readily and simply manufactured.