Abstract: An autorotative flyer comprises a circular root portion integral with a wing portion; the root being generally circular and providing a counterweight of from 55-85%, preferably 70-72%, of the total weight of the flyer and locating the center of gravity of the flyer behind the leading edge of the wing a distance equal to from 28-29% of the mean aerodynamic chord of the wing and at a spanwise distance from the root end of the flyer of from 10-21% of the root end to wing tip span; the wing of the flyer having curved leading and trailing edges and a curved tip with an integral spar along the leading edge and a wing area providing a wing loading of not more than about 0.5 lbs./ft.sup.2 ; and, optionally, scallops on the trailing edge of the wing and a vane on the edge of the root section concentric with the center of gravity.

Abstract: A plastic back support plate, formed of a firm but bendable material is connected to two side plates by curved integral hinges along opposite edges of the support plate that engages the back of the user. When deflected, these side plates cause the back support plate to be curved to a degree depending upon the angular deflection of the two side plates. The side plates are secured in the desired position by an adjustable strap extending between the outer edges of the side plates.To enhance portability, the back support mechanism is formed of a plurality of linear parallel segments that are connected together by linear integral hinges. These straight hinges are spaced and extend from edge to edge across the entire back support mechanism. When the side plates are undeflected, that is, lie in the plane of the support plate, the mechanism can be folded into a roll, about an axis parallel with the straight hinges, and that roll is comparable in size to a small folding umbrella.

Abstract: A wind turbine having a flexible central beam member supporting aerodynamic blades at opposite ends thereof and fabricated of uni-directional high tensile strength material bonded together into beam form so that the beam is lightweight, and has high tensile strength to carry the blade centrifugal loads, low shear modulus to permit torsional twisting thereof for turbine speed control purposes, and adequate bending stiffness to permit out-of-plane deflection thereof for turbine yard control purposes. A selectively off-set weighted pendulum member is pivotally connected to the turbine and connected to the beam or blade so as to cause torsional twisting thereof in response to centrifugal loading of the pendulum member for turbine speed control purposes.