Abstract: One embodiment is a rotor assembly for an aircraft, the rotor assembly comprising a plurality of rotor blades, wherein at least one of the rotor blades comprises a rotor alignment drag assembly comprising a drag structure on a surface of the at least one of the rotor blades, wherein the drag structure is moveable between a first position in which the drag structure is stowed within the at least one of the rotor blades, and a second position in which the drag structure is extended from the surface of the at least one of the rotor blades; and an actuation mechanism for moving the drag structure from the first position to the second position when a speed of the rotor assembly falls below a first threshold speed.

Abstract: An aircraft is described with both VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) capabilities and convention airplane capabilities. A preferred embodiment comprises a fuselage and fixed wing, with one boom on either side of the fuselage. Each boom comprises a tilt rotor on a fore end and a fixed rotor on the aft end. Both rotors can be directed vertically for VTOL capability. During cruise the tilt rotors can be directed forward for thrust and the fixed rotors can be stopped and directed along the boom axis, minimizing drag. The described embodiments have advantages in weight savings and maneuverability compared to other VTOL aircraft.

Abstract: One embodiment is a rotor assembly for an aircraft, the rotor assembly comprising a plurality of rotor blades, wherein at least one of the rotor blades comprises a rotor alignment drag assembly comprising a drag structure on a surface of the at least one of the rotor blades, wherein the drag structure is moveable between a first position in which the drag structure is stowed within the at least one of the rotor blades, and a second position in which the drag structure is extended from the surface of the at least one of the rotor blades; and an actuation mechanism for moving the drag structure from the first position to the second position when a speed of the rotor assembly falls below a first threshold speed.

Abstract: An aircraft is described with both VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) capabilities and convention airplane capabilities. A preferred embodiment comprises a fuselage and fixed wing, with one boom on either side of the fuselage. Each boom comprises a tilt rotor on a fore end and a fixed rotor on the aft end. Both rotors can be directed vertically for VTOL capability. During cruise the tilt rotors can be directed forward for thrust and the fixed rotors can be stopped and directed along the boom axis, minimizing drag. The described embodiments have advantages in weight savings and maneuverability compared to other VTOL aircraft.

Abstract: A telescopic light base couples decorative light fixtures to a flower pot or other similar container. The decorative light fixture may then be used to illuminate the contents of the pot. The telescopic light base has a ground-engaging pad upon which the pot rests. The weight of the pot then serves to anchor the telescopic light base in place. A telescopic pole support of variable length is coupled at a first end to the ground-engaging pad. At an end of the telescopic pole support distal to the ground-engaging pad, a pot upper rim retention arm is provided which operatively passes within the pot sidewalls. Adjacent to the pot upper rim retention arm is a lamppost connector. The telescopic pole support may be contracted to capture a pot between the ground-engaging pad and pot upper rim retention arm, and then later expanded and separated from the pot.

Abstract: A telescopic light base couples decorative light fixtures to a flower pot or other similar container. The decorative light fixture may then be used to illuminate the contents of the pot. The telescopic light base has a ground-engaging pad upon which the pot rests. The weight of the pot then serves to anchor the telescopic light base in place. A telescopic pole support of variable length is coupled at a first end to the ground-engaging pad. At an end of the telescopic pole support distal to the ground-engaging pad, a pot upper rim retention arm is provided which operatively passes within the pot sidewalls. Adjacent to the pot upper rim retention arm is a lamppost connector. The telescopic pole support may be contracted to capture a pot between the ground-engaging pad and pot upper rim retention arm, and then later expanded and separated from the pot.