Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft includes a pair of ducted lift/thrust fans that are rotatably movable between a first vertical lift position and a second horizontal thrust position. The lift/thrust fans are disposed within curvilinear fan recesses formed within leading edge portions of the aircraft's wings. A downwardly exhausting, ducted lift fan is disposed within the aircraft's fuselage, aft of the aircraft's pitch axis. A power plant, disposed within the fuselage, is coupled with the lift/thrust fans and the lift fan by a transmission system. The lift/thrust fans and lift fan are positioned with respect to one another to be triangulated about the aircraft's center of gravity and the aircraft's center of lift.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heliport incorporate commercial and residential spaces with a plurality of helipads at multiple levels or floors, within a multi-story building. In various embodiments, the helipads cantilever out from the sides of the building or may simply span between oppositely faced sides of adjacent building structures. In some embodiments, the helipads extend outwardly from aircraft hangers and from commercial and residential spaces that extend into the building from the rear of the helipad. Rooftops associated with embodiments of the heliport include control tower facilities and additional helipads.

Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft includes a pair of ducted lift/thrust fans that are rotatably movable between a first vertical lift position and a second horizontal thrust position. The lift/thrust fans are disposed within curvilinear fan recesses formed within leading edge portions of the aircraft's wings. A downwardly exhausting, ducted lift fan is disposed within the aircraft's fuselage, aft of the aircraft's pitch axis. A power plant, disposed within the fuselage, is coupled with the lift/thrust fans and the lift fan by a transmission system. The lift/thrust fans and lift fan are positioned with respect to one another to be triangulated about the aircraft's center of gravity and the aircraft's center of lift.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heliport incorporate commercial and residential spaces with a plurality of helipads at multiple levels or floors, within a multi-story building. In various embodiments, the helipads cantilever out from the sides of the building or may simply span between oppositely faced sides of adjacent building structures. In some embodiments, the helipads extend outwardly from aircraft hangers and from commercial and residential spaces that extend into the building from the rear of the helipad. Rooftops associated with embodiments of the heliport include control tower facilities and additional helipads.

Abstract: Embodiments of a heliport incorporate commercial and residential spaces with a plurality of helipads at multiple levels or floors, within a multi-story building. In various embodiments, the helipads cantilever out from the sides of the building or may simply span between oppositely faced sides of adjacent building structures. In some embodiments, the helipads extend outwardly from aircraft hangers and from commercial and residential spaces that extend into the building from the rear of the helipad. Rooftops associated with embodiments of the heliport include control tower facilities and additional helipads.

Abstract: A dual, coaxial rotor helicopter is provided that is relatively easy to fly. Thrust is provided by two ducted fans that are mounted at the rear of the aircraft and spaced apart laterally. Differential thrust generated by the fans provides yaw control for the aircraft, and forward thrust is provided by the fans working in combination. The coaxial rotors are preferably utilized primarily for lift, and not for forward thrust, which simplifies the control requirements. The coaxial rotor with ducted fan configuration also results in lower vibratory loads being imposed on the helicopter, thereby increasing its speed capability. The fan ducts serve to protect the fans, augment the fan thrust at low airspeeds, increase the efficiency of the fans at cruise speeds, and provide horizontal and vertical stabilizing surfaces to ensure aircraft flight stability.

Abstract: A dual, coaxial rotor helicopter is provided that is relatively easy to fly. Thrust is provided by two ducted fans that are mounted at the rear of the aircraft and spaced apart laterally. Differential thrust generated by the fans provides yaw control for the aircraft, and forward thrust is provided by the fans working in combination. The coaxial rotors are preferably utilized primarily for lift, and not for forward thrust, which simplifies the control requirements. The coaxial rotor with ducted fan configuration also results in lower vibratory loads being imposed on the helicopter, thereby increasing its speed capability. The fan ducts serve to protect the fans, augment the fan thrust at low airspeeds, increase the efficiency of the fans at cruise speeds, and provide horizontal and vertical stabilizing surfaces to ensure aircraft flight stability.

Abstract: A particle sprayer includes a hollow body divided into an air compartment and a storage compartment for particulate material. The air compartment receives a piston which is manually slidable along the length of the air compartment to create air pressure within the air compartment. An air passageway provides air flow communication between the air compartment and the exterior of the sprayer. A discharge tube extends into the material in the storage compartment at one end and at the other end intersects the air passageway near a restriction in the air passageway defining a venturi opeing. Depression of the piston creates increased positive air flow exiting the sprayer the venturi opening and the resultant low pressure area draws material up the discharge tube from the storage compartment to be dispersed in a uniform amount into the air in the air passageway and ejected from the sprayer as a spray.

Abstract: A particle sprayer includes a hollow body divided into an air compartment and a storage compartment for particulate material. The air compartment receives a piston which is manually slideable along the length of the air compartment to create air pressure within the air compartment. An air passageway provides air flow communication between the air compartment and the exterior of the sprayer. A discharge tube extends into the material in the storage compartment at one end and at the other end intersects the air passageway near a restriction in the air passageway defining a venturi opening. Depression of the piston creates increased air flow velocity past the venturi opening and the resultant low pressure area draws material up the discharge tube from the storage compartment to be dispersed in a uniform amount into the air in the air passageway and ejected from the sprayer as a spray.