Abstract: A method and device for reordering items stored as groups in an inventory of items which includes an order sheet and a group of labels deposited with each group of items. Each label has a part number corresponding to the item and an index mark printed on one side and a second side treated with a peelable adhesive. When an item is withdrawn from a group of items, a label is attached to a sheet which thus becomes an order sheet. Index marks are printed on the order sheet which are aligned with index marks printed on each label. When the customer desires to order items to replenish depleted stock, he mails or "faxes" the order sheet to the supplier. The supplier may then (either manually or with character reading equipment) identify the item to be ordered and the quantity to be ordered from the number of labels on the order sheet. He may then compute price, taxes, etc., and print out an order form using this information. The index marks may simply be lines.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air saucer or disc-shaped non-rigid airship is disclosed. A saucer-shaped flexible envelope is provided within which an annular pressurized tube is positioned so as to maintain the flexible envelope in a saucer shape when inflated. Walls within the envelope from a central chamber and a plurality of outer chambers symmetrically disposed around the central chamber. Typically a load such as a gondola is suspended beneath the central chamber. To maintain level horizontal flight stability, differential forces are developed by preferably providing the central chamber with heated air and the outer chambers with a lighter-than-air gas such as helium providing greater lift than the central chamber. Propulsion units are preferably arranged at opposite peripheral side edges of the envelope and maneuvering of the saucer-shaped airship is accomplished by rotating the airship.

Abstract: A solar powered hot air balloon with a maneuvering system is disclosed. The balloon is formed of an envelope with an opaque portion and a transparent portion arranged so as to utilize solar heating to heat air within the envelope. The opaque portion of the envelope has a substantially black inner surface and a light reflecting outer surface with the black inner surface being positioned so as to receive a maximum amount of sunlight through the transparent portion for a given location of the sun. Ascent and descent maneuvering is accomplished by changing the rotational position of the balloon relative to the position of the sun so that more or less portions of the black inner surface receive sunlight to thus generate heating within the envelope. The maneuvering system includes a pair of propulsion units positioned on opposite sides of the balloon. In one embodiment, two light sensors may be provided which are connected to a control unit.