Abstract: A moving decoy support system for easy placement of decoys on stakes, and natural motion. The moving decoy support system generally includes a motion cone for the decoy, in which the motion cone has a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending into the first end toward the second end. The cavity has an opening at the first end and an upper surface at the second end which supports the decoy on a stake. The motion cone is mountable in the bottom of the decoy body. The motion cone may also have an upper, cylindrical portion and a funnel-shaped portion at the opening, so that the opening is larger than the inside, top of the cone. This allows for easier placement of the decoy on the stake. The motion cone allows the decoy to rotate and rock on the stake, giving the appearance of natural motion.

Abstract: An anchor system for a duck decoy includes a pendulum weight, a connector adapted to connect the pendulum weight to the duck decoy, an anchor weight and a decoy cord connected between the pendulum weight and the anchor weight. A self-righting, keel-free duck decoy includes a keel-free decoy body, a pendulum weight, a connector adapted to connect the pendulum weight to the decoy body, an anchor weight and a decoy cord connected between the pendulum weight and the anchor weight.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy deployment system includes a thrust device and a hub coupled to the thrust device. The waterfowl decoy deployment system also includes a plurality of arms coupled to the hub such that the plurality of arms extend radially outward from the hub. The thrust device is configured to rotate about an axis to induce a substantially circular motion to the hub and the plurality of arms.

Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus and methods for deterring birds and other animals from structures such as but not limited to cell towers, communications towers, buildings and areas to be protected. A broken wing effigy of the species to be deterred is suspended from an upper suspending structure and a lower suspending structure. The effigy body and wing appendage can each be molded or otherwise produced from rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. Hangers can be attached to structures such as towers, buildings and the like. A C shaped hanger can be used for hanging an effigy which allows for the effigy to be able to move, such as rotate and simulate a live bird. Hanging linkages between the hanger and a molded bird body, can allow for a plurality of rotation movements there between. Wing linkages between the molded bird body and a molded wing can allow for an additional plurality of rotation movements there between.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a decoy apparatus comprising: a body (or structure) shaped to resemble at least a portion of an animal resting on water and a weighted member operationally attached to a motor such that the weight can be redistributed so cause the decoy apparatus to move to a feeding position in which a portion of the decoy body, preferable the head portion, is tipped under the waterline and the opposing portion is raised in the air.

Abstract: A wind-aided game decoy system that allows for multiple decoys moving independently on a single support. The system comprises multiple pivot arms holding multiple decoys. The pivot arms are attached to pivot channels on a wheel hub. The wheel hub is rotatably mounted to a support. The wheel hub may further comprise pin bores along the peripheral edge of the wheel hub allowing a user to adjust the swing of the pivot arms with insertion and removal of pins. The support of the wheel hub can be a stake with one end inserted into a ground and another end connected to the wheel hub. Alternatively, the wheel hub may be moved away from the stake by using an extension arm that connects to a bearing case and runs to the wheel hub, wherein the bearing case is connected to the stake.

Abstract: A scarecrow including a scarecrow body corresponding generally in shape to a body of a live animal; and a scarecrow head corresponding in shape to a head of a live animal; and an unstable mount disposed between the scarecrow body and the scarecrow head onto which the scarecrow head is rotatably mounted for 360-degree movement of the scarecrow head to the scarecrow body without interfering with free movement of the scarecrow head. The unstable mount includes a lower pivot assembly rigidly connected to the scarecrow body and an upper pivot assembly rigidly connected to the scarecrow head and balanced onto the lower pivot assembly, the lower pivot assembly being of two-piece molded plastic construction and including a foot and an upper member that press-fit together, with the foot configured to press-fit install into the scarecrow body.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to foldable roping dummy assemblies and systems. In a first illustrative embodiment, a central support portion may have right and left leg assemblies and an upper body chamber generally formed as tube. A body cylinder slidable in the upper body chamber may be connected to a head assembly via a linkage at a front end. In a folded position, the head assembly resides between the leg assemblies. As the head assembly is lifted into position, the body cylinder slides rearward and the linkage rotates the head assembly into position at the front of the upper body chamber. In a second illustrative embodiment, the central support portion may be formed as a set of stairs which includes a central cavity open on at least one side, such that in a folded position, the head assembly resides in the central cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to motion waterfowl decoys and methods of attracting waterfowl using same. The waterfowl decoy mimics the feeding behavior of live waterfowl by moving its head toward a surface without the remainder of their body moving in the same motion. The feeding motion is provided by rotating a spherical ball breast of the decoy, to which the head is attached. When the ball breast rotates, the head moves toward the surface while the body remains in its initial position. Rotation is provided using manually-provided pressure or a battery-driven device, such as a bilge pump or a gear motor. When rotation of the ball breast ceases to be provided, a counterweight in the ball breast returns to its initial position, moving the ball breast and head back to an upright position.

Abstract: An automatic duck decoy jerk string device 1 having an enclosure 2, a mounting pole 6, a lockable mount 8 for mounting the enclosure 2 at different heights on the mounting pole 6, an electric motor 10 in the enclosure 2, a battery 12 configured to power the electric motor 10, a speed control 13 to control a rotational speed of a motor drive shaft 16, an elongated slider 20 partially inside the enclosure 2 and partially outside the enclosure 2, the elongated slider 20 moves back-and-forth towards the inside of the enclosure and away from the inside of the enclosure, a gear system 14 connected to the motor drive shaft 16 to reduce the rotational speed of the motor drive shaft 16 and rotate a drive arm 18, and a link arm 28 is rotatably mounted to the drive arm 18 and rotatably mounted to the first slider end 22. A method of using the jerk string device to move duck decoys 48 on a jerk line 38 connected to the elongated slider 20.

Abstract: A moving decoy support system for easy placement of decoys on stakes, and natural motion. The moving decoy support system generally includes a motion cone for the decoy, in which the motion cone has a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending into the first end toward the second end. The cavity has an opening at the first end and an upper surface at the second end which supports the decoy on a stake. The motion cone is mountable in the bottom of the decoy body. The motion cone may also have an upper, cylindrical portion and a funnel-shaped portion at the opening, so that the opening is larger than the inside, top of the cone. This allows for easier placement of the decoy on the stake. The motion cone allows the decoy to rotate and rock on the stake, giving the appearance of natural motion.

Abstract: A first portion and a second portion of a decoy where the first portion is weighted or weightable and the second portion is buoyant. A housing attached to the first portion of the decoy by a hinge. An actuator combined to the housing engages the first portion of the decoy to selectively raise and lower the first portion of the decoy into the water.

Abstract: A decoy comprising a decoy body having an upper portion shaped to resemble water fowl and a lower portion extending downward from the upper portion; the decoy body including an outer wall defining a cavity therein, wherein the decoy body is constructed of a collapsible shape memory polymer material having an initial volume that collapses under a compressive force to form a second volume that is less than the initial volume, and wherein upon release of the compressive force, the decoy body returns to the initial volume; the lower portion of the decoy body includes an integral keel having a greater thickness than the wall to form a concentrated mass in the lower portion.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy converter system is disclosed. The waterfowl decoy converter system enables floating waterfowl decoys normally used to float in bodies of water to be converted for use in a field setting or attached to a ground surface to attract and lure waterfowl. The system includes a keel adapter assembly that is adjustable in height and is usable to hold a variety of waterfowl decoys even if the keels of the decoys have different shapes and sizes. A keel adapter assembly fits around the keel of the decoy which is then positioned within a keel trench, and the keel trench is attached to a stake that can be mounted where needed. The system allows for wind powered swivel motion and movement of the decoy when positioned on top of the decoy converter over a limited range of degrees to ensure realistic movement of the decoy.

Abstract: A retrofit propulsion apparatus attaches to an avian decoy to provide both propulsion and steering to the decoy under remote control by the user. The retrofit propulsion apparatus attaches to decoys with different keel geometries without the need to modify the retrofit propulsion apparatus for each decoy keel geometry. The apparatus includes a housing that contains electrical circuitry with control circuitry that couples to inboard water propulsion devices to provide thrust and steering to the decoy. A housing cover sealably attaches to the housing to seal the housing. The housing cover includes a slot that receives a vertical member of a decoy keel. The housing includes an angled channel that receives both a decoy with a decoy bottom member with vertical spaced apart sides and a decoy with a decoy bottom member with angled sides.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy animation device comprising a frame having a first elongated frame member and a second elongated frame member configured in a cruciform configuration, a first pulley wheel rotatably attached to a first end of the first frame member, a second pulley wheel rotatably attached to a second end of the first frame member, a third pulley wheel rotatably attached to a first end of the second frame member, and a fourth pulley wheel rotatably attached to a second end of the second frame member; a drive motor operatively associated with one of the pulley wheels; a drive belt around the pulley wheels; an electric source operatively associated with the drive motor; and at least one waterfowl decoy attached to the drive belt.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an integrated and packaged control system that can be implemented in and compatible with different types of decoys such that the decoys can be remotely controlled via a user's personal computing device. In an illustrative example, the control system may include a package that houses a package that houses a processing engine, a communication interface, a connector, and a data store. The data store may contain different settings of different types of decoys and corresponding control signals. The input/output terminal may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the interior of the package and the exterior of the package. By providing the control system, different types of decoys may be controlled remotely.

Abstract: A decoy body that is configured with one or more flutter assemblies that make the decoy appear as though the wings/feathers are moving. The flutter assemblies include a suspension arm and lightweight flutter elements configured to be operable in very low wind conditions. The flutter assembly can be used on new or existing decoys. Movement of the wings attracts live game to the decoy spread.

Abstract: A flapping wing water fowl or migratory bird decoy set is disclosed. The decoy set includes a decoy and a mounting base. The decoy includes a body, a pair of wings, a motor assembly, a battery, and a waterproof control module. An exemplary bird is a goose. The body is constructed of a predetermined plastic material with hyper-realistic exterior ornamentation, and is arranged in a predetermined orientation to simulate a goose. The decoy has a pair of flappable decoy wings connected to the decoy body, the decoy wing being constructed and arranged to simulate the wing of a waterfowl or migratory bird. The control and power module is plug and play software controllable. The decoy is mountable on a male type member post via a female type receptacle on the decoy body. The decoy has a biased stabilizer cord that also mimics the legs of the waterfowl or migratory bird. The motor is mechanically coupled to the wings via a belt drive arrangement which yields a quiet decoy.

Abstract: A system may include a virtual reality system configured to present one or more virtual objects via an electronic display. The system may also include one or more inflatable objects that correspond to the one or more virtual objects, such that the one or more inflatable objects matches one or more shapes of the one or more virtual objects. The system may also include a processor configured to cause at least one of the one or more inflatable objects to inflate based on feedback from the virtual reality system.

Abstract: A method of simulating feeding movement of a waterfowl decoy in a body of water includes rotating a shaft of a motor of the decoy from a resting position to a first feeding position to cause the decoy to move from a horizontal position to a vertical position, from the first feeding position to a second feeding position to cause the decoy to move from the vertical position to a position between the horizontal position and the first feeding position, from the second feeding position to the first feeding position to cause the body of the decoy to move from the position between the horizontal position and the first feeding position back to the vertical position, and from the first or second feeding position back to the resting position thereby causing the body of the decoy to move back to the resting position.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy may include a decoy body for flotation, a submersible keel projecting from the body and a keel rocker to rock the keel to form ripples in water about the body.

Abstract: A buoyant hunting decoy comprising a decoy portion, a wall, a first keel, and a second keel. The wall defines a portion of a hull and the first keel extends downwardly from the wall. The second keel also extends downwardly from the wall and is spaced apart from the first keel.

Abstract: The present invention is a decoy system that simulates waterfowl taking off and landing byway of a string, pulley and spring which collectively cause a crossbeam holding waterfowl decoys to raise and lower relative to the surface of the water in which the system sits. When the string is pulled one end of the crossbeam holding one decoy lowers and the opposite end of the beam holding either a counterweight or another decoy raises. When the string is released a spring attached to the opposite side of the beam from the string moves the beam towards its original position and thereby the string and spring actuate a teetering motion that provides a visual que on both sides of the hinge at the midpoint of the crossbeam.

Abstract: A mechanism for producing simulated tail motion or other motion in a waterfowl decoy. It may include a cantilevered carbon fiber composite spring clamped rigidly at one end and free at the other. At the free distal end of the spring, a permanent magnet and simulated tail are affixed. Fixed rigidly nearby, within the decoy body, near the magnet but not in direct contact with the magnet, is an inductor/coil. The coil is energized and de-energized at a frequency matching the resonant frequency of the spring/magnet/tail assembly, which causes the tail/magnet assembly to oscillate back and forth from side to side as the magnetic field within the coil varies, providing variable attraction between coil and magnet. Custom circuitry, which is energized by a battery, provides appropriately timed electrical impulses to the coil.

Abstract: A motorized decoy provides lifelike feeding motion by rotating or pivoting a decoy head in and out of water. The motor releasably couples to the decoy head such that the decoy head is rotated in the rearward direction when the motor is coupled to the decoy head and in the forward direction when the motor is decoupled. The motor decouples from the head when encountering a decoupling force above a preset threshold. The decoy body can bob in, and changes its orientation relative to, the water as the decoy head pivots. The decoy head can also pause under the surface of the water before rising up from the water.

Abstract: A decoy assembly is configured to have an adjustable buoyancy level. The decoy assembly has a head assembly with a decoy head. A decoy body has a body planar bottom surface and a head opening configured to accommodate the head assembly. The head assembly further has a head keel bracket, joined to the planar bottom surface. A head weight is joined to the head keel bracket and configured to lower a head assembly center of gravity. The decoy assembly has body keel brackets and body keel weights joined to the body keel bracket at the planar bottom surface and configured to lower the body assembly center of gravity. Adjusting the body assembly center of gravity independently of the head assembly center of gravity provides lifelike movement for the decoy assembly and allows the orientation of the decoy to be varied for a natural looking presentation.

Abstract: A remote game call system may include a game call and an actuator for remotely actuating the game call.

Abstract: A buoyant hunting decoy, comprising a decoy portion having a head, a tail, and a bottom wall. The bottom wall is convexly curved from a front end to a rear end of the decoy portion and convexly curved from a left side to a right side of the decoy portion. A lower portion comprising a first keel extending downwardly from the bottom wall; a second keel extending downwardly from the bottom wall and spaced apart from the first keel. A first weight secured to the lower portion within a first recess along a first side thereof; and a second weight secured to the lower portion within a second recess along a second side thereof, opposite the first side. The first and second recesses matches a size and shape of the first and second weights. The first keel is adjacent the rear end of the decoy portion and defines the first recess and the second recess.

Abstract: A game bird decoy provides for more natural kinematics by providing a smoothly articulating neck, an automatic orientation of the neck with respect to body tipping and improved dual-mode wing activation in which the wings may lift or lift and extend as a function of body angle.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy includes an upper portion configured to appear as a waterfowl and a lower portion that extends from the upper portion. A first keel that extends from the lower portion defines a first surface extending from the lower portion and sloping downwardly. A second keel that extends from the lower portion defines a second surface extending from the lower portion and sloping downwardly. The first keel further defines a third surface that extends from the lower portion, slopes downwardly, and is opposite the first surface, and the second keel further defines a fourth surface that extends from the lower portion, slopes downwardly, and is opposite the second surface. The first keel is spaced from the second keel, defines a first recess that is configured to receive a first weight, and includes a first aperture while the second keel includes a second aperture.

Abstract: A moving decoy that better captures the natural movements of a goose or similar game bird in critical aspects, most notably, the characteristic, highly flexible goose neck and the wagging of the tail is provided. The invention provides an improved set of neck vertebrae for use in this application and may operate as integrated into the rest of the decoy or as a modular neck modular neck may be attached to a variety of different decoys. Actuation of the neck may be provided by self-contained electrical motor and power unit in the latter case. In an alternative embodiment remote access of the neck may be provided by cables run between the decoy and a remote location.

Abstract: A floatable toy, including a toy body and a skeleton. The toy body is provided with a receiving cavity and a first opening. The skeleton passes through the first opening and is located in the receiving cavity. The skeleton is provided with a first engaging portion on which a clamping groove is provided. The clamping groove is adapted to the first opening, and the toy body engages with the clamping groove in a snap fit through the first opening to fixedly connect the toy body and the skeleton, thereby sealing the receiving cavity. In this way, the toy body and the skeleton are connected and fixed in a detachable manner, the receiving cavity is opened or closed by the skeleton. Therefore, the interior of the floatable toy can be cleaned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a decoy apparatus comprising: a motor unit securely connected to a base, at least one wing member operatively connected to the motor so as to be rotated by the motor when the motor is engaged, a power source to operate the motor, and a shell that mimics the look of an avian animal that can be incorporated with the motor so as to cause the rotating wing members to appear as if they were the wings of the avian animal. In alternate embodiments, the motor is encased in a motor housing that defines a structure and the shell is a soft body in the shape of a bird with a cavity that is substantially to the size and shape of at least the top of the motor housing such that at least a portion of the motor housing is capable of being inserted into the decoy body, filling a portion of the cavity.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy which can be used in water and on land. The waterfowl decoy requires no additional components to be removed or added to convert the decoy from use in water to use on land. The decoy includes stakes which rotate about axles fitted to a keel on the decoy. The stakes can be rotated or unfolded from the keel so that they point generally downward. The stakes may then be pushed into the ground to secure the decoy on land. Alternatively, if it is desired to use the decoy in the water, the stakes may be rotated or folded up into the keel where they are stored. The decoy can then be placed in the water where it can float without interference from the stakes.

Abstract: A moving wing waterfowl or migratory bird decoy including a decoy body constructed of a predetermined material with exterior ornamentation to simulate a live waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body being arranged in a predetermined orientation to simulate a waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body having a top and a bottom. The decoy has at least one decoy wing connected to the decoy body, the decoy wing being constructed and arranged to simulate the wing of a waterfowl or migratory bird. The decoy body is constructed and arranged of a particular plastic material to hyper-realistically resemble a waterfowl or migratory bird. The control and power module is plug and play software controllable. The decoy is mountable on a male type member post via a female type receptacle on the decoy body. The decoy has a biased stabilizer cord that also mimics the legs of the waterfowl or migratory bird.

Abstract: The invention herein is a duck-shaped decoy that floats upon a body of water. The decoy may also be formed into the shape of a goose, wild turkey, or other fowl. The decoy includes a mechanism that produces a motion that simulates the motion of a wild duck, or other fowl. The decoy also includes a mechanical can call activating device that mechanically manipulates a can call producing a noise that attracts ducks, or other fowl.

Abstract: A moving wing waterfowl or migratory bird decoy including a decoy body constructed of a predetermined material with exterior ornamentation to simulate a live waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body being arranged in a predetermined orientation to simulate a waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body having a top and a bottom. The decoy has at least one decoy wing connected to the decoy body, the decoy wing being constructed and arranged to simulate the wing of a waterfowl or migratory bird. The decoy body is constructed and arranged of a particular plastic material to hyper-realistically resemble a waterfowl or migratory bird. The control and power module is plug and play software controllable. The decoy is mountable on a male type member post via a female type receptacle on the decoy body. The decoy has a biased stabilizer cord that also mimics the legs of the waterfowl or migratory bird.

Abstract: A fowl decoy is detailed having a buoyant upper shaped and decorated to approximate a fowl. The upper is attached to a funnel shaped stabilizer that extends downward from the bottom surface of the buoyant upper. The funnel improves the movement of the decoy by lowering the center of mass and allowing water to move the decoy about by force applied to the lower portion of the stabilizer. The decoy is also equipped with an anchor to facilitated removal from the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for simulating the movement of animals on land, air, or water. The invention includes a small, enclosed, and portable unit containing a motor, a rechargeable power supply, a timing control mechanism, and a spool attached to a line. The line extends from the unit and attaches to one or more animal decoys and, at the end, to an anchoring mechanism (e.g., an anchor placed in the water or a tether attached to a tree or other stationary support). The anchoring mechanism preferably is attached to the line via a bungee cord or other flexible connection that exhibits elasticity.

Abstract: A decoy is configured of a body portion, a neck portion and a head portion wherein a rod may be inserted in the head for connecting the decoy to a ground surface such as water or dry land. The decoy is relatively flat; however, the neck and head portions may be bent down to emulate a fowl or bird eating. A low glare coating may be applied to the painted image to reduce any reflection and/or flocking applied for reduced glare. The decoy is advantageous and useful as it is designed for effective hunting and for convenient storage and transportation due to being stackable and light weight.

Abstract: A decoy buoy for holding a plurality of waterfowl decoys that comprises a buoyant ring having mounting holes equally spaced about the outside periphery and/or the inner periphery. The mounting holes are further adapted for mounting a waterfowl decoy and/or an anchoring device to prevent the decoy buoy from floating away while in the water. The ring having a height that is generally less than or equal to the distance between the outside periphery and the inner periphery of the ring. The ring further being constructed from two buoy sections and joined with hinges that provide both a fold-flat configuration and an unfolded stable semi-rigid circular configuration adapted for placement upon or near the surface of water.

Abstract: A motion attachment device designed to be attached to the keel of a decoy includes a housing that is configured to releasably receive the keel. An actuator in the housing is connected to and moves one or more appendages also attached to the housing. The device can be attached to different decoys at different times.

Abstract: A decoy for holding decoys in position to attract waterfowl or game birds such as doves or ducks. The stake may comprise a single shaft or multiple shaft portions that are fixed together by a connection means such as a pin extending thorough coaxial sections. The shaft includes a helical coil at the bottom end for fixedly screwing that end of the stake into the ground. A central rod defining a shaft includes an integral S-shaped handle providing a crank handle for screwing the shaft into the ground. A decoy holding means such as a sleeve or receiver extends from a top distal end of the shaft and a pair of opposing decoy holding means such as sleeves or receivers can extend upward and/or outward at selected angles from the upper portion of the support shaft for supporting cross members having additional decoys mounted thereon.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a race course system for remote controlled boat racing where the outer boundary of the race course is comprised of the exterior walls of a swimming pool enclosure and the internals walls of the race course is comprised of floating devices with connection point for interconnecting the floats and an anchoring device and adjustable length anchor tether attached to the bottom of a number of the floating devices. The floating devices can be attached to each other in various configurations to create various different race course layouts, such as an oval course, a figure “eight” course, or even an intricate “road course” configurations.

Abstract: A hunting decoy having two pairs of receiver slots for receiving a wire wing attachment which is flexible and moves gently when wind or air passes over a cloth clover of the wing attachment. A hook ring attached to the bottom of the wing allows a string to connect the wing to the ground or underneath of the body of the decoy to the other wing to provide a gentle bend to the wings and to prevent them from flying upwards.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method of placing a decoy spread to simulate landing. The user attaches a tree line to a tree and a pulley. The user attaches a pulley line to a reel and a decoy line. Then the user attaches one or more decoys to a loop on the decoy line. Then the user attaches the decoy line to a float.

Abstract: A decoy stand. The decoy stand includes a base having a front end and a rear end, and a pair of support legs disposed on a lower side of the base, the support legs extending angularly and outwardly from the base. A slot is disposed on the base, the slot including an open end on the front end of the base and a closed end on the rear end of the base. The slot is configured to removably receive and releasably engage a keel of a decoy. A floating decoy having a keel can thus be supported by the decoy stand and used as a land decoy.

Abstract: A decoy may include a ground support comprising a ground engaging portion and an upstanding post, a powered actuator operably coupled to the decoy and a wireless communications device. The wireless communications device may include a transmitter to transmit signals to a receiver in communication with the powered actuator, wherein the powered actuator selectively raises and lowers the decoy in response to receipt of the signals received by the receiver.

Abstract: A harness assembly for a hunting decoy. The harness is made of wire and can fit over all standard hunting decoys. The harness is formed with a central back arch, two side angles which bend generally perpendicular from the arch on either side, which then are bent again several times and terminate into hooks for hooking around the legs of the decoy or about the base of the decoy. The top corners of the harness include receiver slots for receiving a wire wing attachment which is flexible and moves gently when wind or air passes over a cloth clover of the wing attachment. A hook ring attached to the bottom of the wing allows a string to connect the wing to the ground or underneath of the body of the decoy to the other wing to provide a gentle bend to the wings and to prevent them from flying upwards.