Abstract: A throwing device has a head for holding an object to be thrown on its distal end. Located near to the head is a catapulting mechanism that is used to further the distance. The catapulting mechanism comprises one or more catapulting devices. A plurality of these catapulting devices may be included thereon, and the flexibility of the spring-like member may be varied as required or desired. During the swing, the weight of the tennis ball and the head cause the spring-like member(s) to rearwardly flex. The user determines when to slow the swing of the head which causes one or more of the catapult devices to decelerate the head with the tennis ball therein wherein a hammer of the catapult device hits a stop and thereby transfers a significant degree of kinetic energy into the motion of the released ball to obtain the greater distance.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved wind turbine having multiple blades mounted in a turbine rotor. The tips of the blades are attached to a blade ring. The blade ring holds the blades in place, provides support to the rotor in a stator/guide track, provides a location for energy transfer either by mechanical means or electrical means, and provides at least one location for means for reducing friction between the rotor and the stator. The rotor may further include a device for controlling the direction of the rotor axis based upon the wind direction such as a rudder. The stator/guide track holds the blade ring, in a frictionless manner, and provides locations for levitation devices as well as energy transfer devices that complement devices on the blade ring. The guide track is mounted to a pedestal secured to the ground. The pedestal may also include devices for controlling the direction of the rotor.