Abstract: A shell having a closed upper end and an open lower end, and a weight in the form of a piston sealingly slidable in the shell. In one form partial vacuum is produced in the shell above the weight and atmospheric pressure consequently raises the weight. In another form, pressurized air lifts the weight, against the action of weight. The weight has driving connection with a load, such as a generator, and upon being permitted to drop, acting by its potential energy, drives the load. The partial vacuum is produced in one form, by heating and cooling units; and in another form, by natural heating and cooling. A plurality of power plants are utilized to drive a single load, so that one weight can be raised, and the power plant re-activated, while others continue to drive the load, thereby maintaining continuity of drive.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a drive means for moving a target figure for use in sports shooting, comprising a frame, a pulley and a power wheel mounted on support of the frame, a power shaft connected with the power wheel, an endless pulling rope, which passes around the pulley and the power wheel and whereto the figure has been affixed, a weight rope and a moving weight, the latter being connected with the power shaft by the aid of the weight rope, said components being so arranged that the moving weight may be suspended to be borne by the weight rope wound around the power shaft, whereby the gravity effect acting on the moving weight tends to move the figure by mediation of the weight rope, the power shaft and the power wheel and of the pulling rope.