Abstract: The present invention is a toy launcher system. A lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis and is generally spool-shaped. The launcher is composed of a flexible shaft to which a flexible curled band is attached. The flexible curled band holds the projectile within its curvature. A user applying a bending force to the flexible shaft creates a spring force within the shaft. When the user removes the bending force, the spring force causes the flexible shaft to return to its rest state. As the flexible shaft returns to its rest state the band uncurls, thereby launching the projectile into flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy launcher system. A lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis and is generally spool-shaped. The launcher is composed of a shaft to which a flexible curled band is attached. The flexible curled band holds the projectile within its curvature. When the launcher is rotated by a user using a general throwing motion the band uncurls, thereby launching the projectile into flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy launcher system. A lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis and is generally spool-shaped. The launcher is composed of a shaft to which a flexible curled band is attached. The flexible curled band holds the projectile within its curvature. When the launcher is rotated by a user using a general throwing motion the band uncurls, thereby launching the projectile into flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile and launcher system. The lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has a holding cavity composed of three semi-flexible sides, two of which sides apply counter-acting forces to the surface of the projectile along the imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has a mechanism for applying a motive force perpendicular to the counter-acting force vectors and perpendicular to the projectile's imaginary longitudinal axis. When the motive force is applied to the projectile, the semi-flexible sides deform and return to pre-deformation positions, thereby launching the projectile into flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile and launcher system. The lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has a holding cavity composed of three semi-flexible sides, two of which sides apply counter-acting forces to the surface of the projectile along the imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has a mechanism for applying a motive force perpendicular to the counter-acting force vectors and perpendicular to the projectile's imaginary longitudinal axis. When the motive force is applied to the projectile, the semi-flexible sides deform and return to pre-deformation positions, thereby launching the projectile into flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile and launcher system. The lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has planar leaves or holding pins, for receiving and holding the projectile. Within the launcher is a spring-loaded element that moves between cocked and released positions. The spring-loaded element contacts a first planar leaf or a first holding pin as the spring-loaded element moves from cocked to released position. Contact with the spring-loaded element causes the leaves or pins to pinch the projectile and launch the projectile into flight in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. In an alternate embodiment, rotational and linear velocities are imparted to a projectile by action of a ribbon held against the projectile's exterior surface by parallel members. Contact with the spring-loaded element causes the ribbon to translate along the length of said parallel members and into flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile and launcher system. The lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has planar leaves or holding pins, for receiving and holding the projectile. Within the launcher is a spring-loaded element that moves between cocked and released positions. The spring-loaded element contacts a first planar leaf or a first holding pin as the spring-loaded element moves from cocked to released position. Contact with the spring-loaded element causes the leaves or pins to pinch the projectile and launch the projectile into flight in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. In an alternate embodiment, rotational and linear velocities are imparted to a projectile by action of a ribbon held against the projectile's exterior surface by parallel members. Contact with the spring-loaded element causes the ribbon to translate along the length of said parallel members and into flight.

Abstract: A toy projectile and launcher system. The projectile is tubular in shape and lightweight. The projectile has an exterior surface that is symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has a holding trough that receives and holds the tubular projectile. Within the launcher is a spring loaded element. The spring loaded element selectively moves between a cocked position and a released position. The spring loaded element contacts the projectile in the holding trough as the spring loaded element moves from its cocked position to its released position. Contact with the spring loaded element causes the tubular projectile to launch into flight in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Simultaneously, contact with the spring loaded element imparts a spinning rotation to the projectile, wherein the projectile spins about its longitudinal axis in flight. The spinning creates a Magnus effect on the projectile.

Abstract: A toy projectile and launcher system. The projectile is tubular in shape and lightweight. The projectile has an exterior surface that is symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has a holding trough that receives and holds the tubular projectile. Within the launcher is a spring loaded element. The spring loaded element selectively moves between a cocked position and a released position. The spring loaded element contacts the projectile in the holding trough as the spring loaded element moves from its cocked position to its released position. Contact with the spring loaded element causes the tubular projectile to launch into flight in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Simultaneously, contact with the spring loaded element imparts a spinning rotation to the projectile, wherein the projectile spins about its longitudinal axis in flight. The spinning creates a Magnus effect on the projectile.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling multiple model vehicles while using only a single remote control transmitter. A remote control signal transmitter is provided for transmitting control signals. The transmitted control signals are received by a single master model vehicle. The master model vehicle contains a remote control signal receiver and various motors that enable the master model vehicle to move along a first pathway in response to the control signals that are received. At least one slave model vehicle is provided that is coupled to the master model vehicle. The slave model vehicle(s) contain no motors but are rather propelled by the master model vehicle. Each slave model vehicle does not travel along the same pathway as the master model vehicle, but rather travels in formation in pathways that are adjacent to the pathway of the master model vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a stepping platform in front of a cabinet structure, so that a person can better reach above the cabinet structure. The system includes a motorized platform that is retracted into the base support below the cabinet structure. When a person needs the platform, that person engages an activation switch. Once the activation switch is depressed, an electric motor drives the platform forward in front of the cabinet structure. Once fully extended, the platform can be stood upon, thereby adding between three inches and six inches of height to the person. When the platform is no longer needed, the activation switch is again engaged. The electric motor retracts the platform back into the base support below the cabinet structure.

Abstract: An assembly for retaining and displaying a plurality of greeting cards in a space efficient manner is claimed. The assembly includes an album structure that has a front cover and a back cover. Both the front cover and the back cover have interior surfaces that face each other when said album structure is closed. A plurality of elastic cord segments are arranged in parallel lines across the interior surface of at least one of the covers. A plurality of elastic cords can also be present on separate sheets that are bound within the album structure. Greeting cards can be placed around each of the segments of elastic cords. The elastic cords retain the greeting cards in an overlapping pattern in the same plane as the surface that supports the segments of elastic cords. Each segment of elastic cord can engage at least one greeting card. As such, multiple greeting cards can be retained and displayed on each surface that supports the elastic cords.

Abstract: An improved bicycle locking mechanism, mounted on a bicycle, which minimizes manual manipulation and operation time. Mechanism consists of two main sections, a tubular connector(38) and a crescent-shaped housing(50). Mechanism is activated by a plunger(26), the vertical motion of which is translated to circular motion of a shackle(22) by a series of gears. The gear series rotates the shackle(22) into a locked position. A key frees the shackle(22) and a spring(28) resets the locking system. Mechanism stores safely within the frame of a bicycle. A spring hinge allows lock to be positioned for rapid activation and rapid storage.