Abstract: Running the individual illustration systems provided by the insurance companies is very complicated and time consuming. It requires an intimate knowledge of each system. This invention allows an agent to bypass all of that. The agent does not have to be an expert. The system 122 as shown in FIG. 2B is easy to use and provides information in a matter of seconds. It can take from two to ten minutes to run individual illustration systems. In this invention, it is recognized that the financial data associated with a particular plan is substantially proportional to the benefit amount. The deviation between the data produced by using the factor and the data produced by running an illustration for a particular benefit is in the worst case less that 1.5%. The ability to produce insurance reports quickly is a significant benefit to an insurance marketer. As a result, an agent with minimal computer training is easily able to produce a very complex insurance benefit plan document.

Abstract: A flying disc aircraft includes a symmetrical body housing pilot and/or passenger seating apparatus above, a thrust-generating apparatus below, and a rotation inertia disc located therebetween. The disc rotates within the body in a plane normal to the axis of symmetry, and provides inertial stability for the aircraft through a gyroscopic effect. Directional control is achieved by means of mechanical linkage elements connecting a control stick at the pilot seating apparatus with the thrust-generating apparatus, the linkage allowing the pilot to orient the thrust at various angles relative to the aircraft axis of symmetry. Lift occurs when ambient air is induced, by virtue of the thrust-generating apparatus, to flow over the disc. In an alternate embodiment, lift is generated by the thrust-generating apparatus, and a shroud located beneath the apparatus is employed for redirecting resulting thrust to therefore facilitate directional control of the aircraft.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a chute or boom, attached to the stern of a ship permits towed body to be launched and retrieved without damaging the hull of the ship. The chute includes a plurality of telescoping sections coupled to one another through a locking and release mechanism operated by a cable assembly. In a preferred embodiment, launch contemplates extension of the chute and activation of the cable assembly so that the chute telescopes open to a locked full extension. The towed body may then be released through the chute to its towing position. Retrieval involves first recapturing the towed body and drawing it up through the chute into the ship and then activating the cable assembly and retracting the chute so that the chute is telescopically folded back to its initial position with the towed body stowed in the chute ready for its next launch.