Abstract: A balloon gun comprising a hollow cylindrical body, one or more hand grips attached to the cylindrical body, a release trigger pivotally mounted on one of the hand grips or on the hollow cylindrical body and a balloon attaching mechanism. A balloon inflated with a fluid can be inserted inside the hollow cylindrical body and the inflated balloon is held by the balloon attaching mechanism. When the trigger is pressed the neck of the inflated balloon gets released from the balloon attaching mechanism and by the difference in fluid pressure that exists between the inside and outside of the balloon, the fluid rushes out of the balloon once the neck gets released from the balloon attaching mechanism and the force of the fluid coming out of the inflated balloon pushes the balloon forward and the balloon flies till the fluid pressures inside and outside of the balloon get equalized.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhanced control of user configurable devices, such as robots. One system may include a user-configurable device and an on-vehicle programmable controller coupled to the user-configurable device. This system may further include a wireless receiver coupled to the on-vehicle programmable controller via one signal wire, where a substantial portion of the receiver-controlled communications occur using the one signal wire. Another system may include (alternatively or in combination as appropriate) a user-configurable device including an on-vehicle programmable controller and a first tether port. The system may also include a remote control transmitter with at least one wireless output and a second tether port, where the transmitter is communicably coupled to the user-configurable remote control device.

Abstract: A system and method of power generation, wind based flight, and take off and landing using a tethered kite with a raised tail mounted rearward of the main wing or wings. The tail may be fully rotatable and may be adapted to rotate more than 90 degrees from its nominal position during a traditional flight paradigm.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a game of poker in which player actions are fixed by game rules.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote controller for an aircraft model, which includes a body, a mode selection switch, and a signal acquisition unit. The body is adapted to be held in a first direction and a second direction. The mode selection switch may be configured to issue a mode selection signal. The signal acquisition unit acquires the manipulation signals manipulated by the first joystick and the second joystick in the remote controller, and processes the manipulation signals according to the mode selection signal, so as to enable the remote controller to operate respectively in the first manipulation mode and the second manipulation mode. The remote controller of the present invention merely switches the electric signals for switching between the manipulation modes without modifying the mechanical structure, thereby simplifying the switching operations.

Abstract: One or more ready-to-use near-invisible fixed-length tethers are provided on a carrier such that each tether can be removed from and reattached to the carrier without tangling. Most typically, such attachment is facilitated by modifying the ends of the tethers with a low tack adhesive and by winding the tether around a spool portion. Especially preferred low-tack adhesives provide adhesion of the tether ends to a user, the carrier, and the toy. In particularly preferred aspects, the tether is attached such that one end is removable while the other end remains attached such that the tether can be unwound from the spool by inverting the carrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling one or more servos coupled to a model vehicle. An input signal having a series of input pulses encoded at an input pulse repetition frequency is received at a receiver coupled to a model vehicle having one or more servos. The input signal is decoded at the receiver. A servo control pulse is generated using at least one of the input pulses at the receiver. The servo control pulse is outputted to at least one of the servos at an output pulse repetition frequency that is different from the input pulse repetition frequency.

Abstract: One or more ready-to-use near-invisible fixed-length tethers are provided on a carrier such that each tether can be removed from and reattached to the carrier without tangling. Most typically, such attachment is facilitated by modifying the ends of the tethers with a low tack adhesive and by winding the tether around a spool portion. Especially preferred low-tack adhesives provide adhesion of the tether ends to a user, the carrier, and the toy. In particularly preferred aspects, the tether is attached such that one end is removable while the other end remains attached such that the tether can be unwound from the spool by inverting the carrier.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: A simulated jet fan is mounted inside a flying toy to provide propulsion. A tether attached to a mounting plate and the flying toy directs the flying toy in a circular motion. In one embodiment, the simulated jet fan is an impeller enclosed in a housing. The impeller is attached to an electric motor powered by batteries. The flying toy includes air inlets coupled to an air intake of the fan, and exhaust ports direct air expelled from the fan toward a rear of the flying toy, providing propulsion. Wings may be attached to the toy to assist in “flying.” The attached wings may be fixed or moveable. In one embodiment, flapping wings powered by an electric motor are attached giving the flying toy additional propulsion and a pleasing nature.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a model aircraft 14 for preventing the fouling of control lines for tethered aircraft controlled by means of radio frequency transmission 12. The present invention 10 has a coupling 22 for model aircraft attached by a semi rigid conduit 20 to a base control unit 18. The rigid conduit 20 is a composite material tube providing anti-sway control. The tube 20 houses a lubricant and drive cable 40 connected to a coupling 22 connecting the aircraft 14 to the base control unit 18 whereby various aircraft may be substituted. At the other distal end the semi-rigid member is removably secured to a drive module housing the drive motor 36 that forms part of the base control unit 18. The base module 18 houses a power supply 52, receiver 48, servo motor 50 and speed control 46. A hand held remote control 12 unit is used to transmit control signals for the aircraft elevator control and prop speed.

Abstract: A model space vehicle having a fixed circular wing, streamlined fuselage, fins with booms attached thereto all efficiently configured to result in an article possessing suitable aerodynamic properties to enable it to glide smoothly through the air for a substantial period of time and substantial distance relative to its size and weight.

Abstract: A wired flying model airplane manipulation rack for manipulating the flying of a wired model airplane, including a swivel control mechanism having a U-frame turned about a metal axle horizontally through 360.degree. and a swivel member turned within the U-frame vertically over 180.degree., a traction mechanism adapted to change the direction of the applied force of the operator, for permitting the flying model airplane to be controlled to fly horizontally through 360.degree. and turned in different directions.

Abstract: An electrically powered model aircraft is disclosed in which an on-board electric motor is powered from a ground based electric storage battery. Flight attitude of the aircraft is controlled by torsion control system in which a torsion member is attached at one end to the aircraft and a tubular shaft is disposed about the torsion member, with one end of the tubular shaft being nonrotatably attached to the torsion member at a point spaced from the aircraft and the other end of the tubular shaft being nonrotatably attached to a control device on the aircraft adapted to be operated by rotation of the tubular shaft, to control operation of a control surface of the aircraft. A combination electrical connector and torsion control line extends between, and is releasably mechanically and electrically connected to, the aircraft and to a control handle carried by the airplane operator.

Abstract: A convertible wrist to finger kite handle constructed in the manner of a wrist kite handle of flexible material having a wrist loop and kite string attachment ring, the invention incorporating a conversion ring adjacent to the attachment ring to permit the flexible material of the wrist loop to be introduced therein to convert the single wrist loop into a two finger kite handle. The invention also contemplates the incorporation of additional conversion rings adjacent to each other to provide for a three and four finger kite handle.

Abstract: A remotely controlled toy flying system in which the pitch of the toy flying device is controlled by the same drive shaft and drive shaft tube that is used to transmit power to the rotor of the toy flying device. A child can easily control the pitch of the toy flying device by rotating a knob. Rotation of the knob displaces the drive shaft, lifts the pitch link member and rotates the pitch shaft and toy flying device. Tilting the toy flying device causes the rotor to have a horizontal component of thrust causing the toy flying device to rotate in a fixed arc around the pivot member in the direction in which the knob is rotated by the child. Speed of the toy flying device rotor is controlled by the fore and aft motion of a lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered controlled flying toy that is attached to a control unit by a hollow tube and a clutch assembly. A rotating cable extends from a motor within the control unit through the clutch assembly and the hollow tube to the flying toy where it attaches to the propeller of the flying toy. The rotating cable is rotated by the motor that in turn causes the propeller of the flying toy to rotate and the flying toy to become airborne. The present invention can be used in confined spaces and simulates many the aerodynamics of true flight.

Abstract: A toy aircraft electrically powered through control lines attached to a control handle held by a ground controller is improved by provision of a break resistant connection of electrical transmission wires which also function as elevator control cables to a bellcrank arrangement on the airframe, by use of knife disconnect connectors for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the handle, the control wires and the airframe, by use of fatigue resistant flexible steel cable segment coupling the handle to the control wires, and scrape protecting skid elements on the wing for also holding the lines wrapped on the wing for storage.

Abstract: A helicopter toy including a hollow body which forms an elongated conduit. A generally elongated planar tail member is secured to the body at one end of the body and is axially aligned with the body. The tail member also includes a generally planar flap secured thereto. The flap is generally horizontal and is arranged at any angle to the plane of the tail. A multi-bladed, boomerang-shaped propeller is rotatably secured to the body so that the body is suspended from the propeller. The toy may be thrown to describe a curved flight path, whereby the toy will return to the operator, or different flight patterns depending on the selected propeller. Air passes through the hollow body to continually keep the hollow body aligned with the path of flight of the toy.

Abstract: A hinge for control surfaces of model aircraft, comprising a first hinge member formed with a lateral keyhole slot for removably engaging a lateral barbell portion of a second hinge member. The first hinge member is preferably attached to a fixed structure of the aircraft with the second hinge member attached to a control surface, such as, an aileron or elevator. Relative rotation of one hinge member with respect to the other hinge member allows the lateral barbell portion to operatively engage or disengage from the lateral keyhole slot. When engaged, the operatively coacting hinge members provide rotating hinge action between the control surface and the fixed structure of the aircraft.

Abstract: A line-controlled, centrifugal fan, jet-propelled model airplane is disclosed in which the impeller of a fan contained within the fuselage of the aircraft is driven from a remote drive unit by an elongated flexible cable contained within a flexible sheath. The impeller rotates about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airplane and is driven in a direction of rotation tending to rotate the airplane about its lateral axis in a nose-up direction, due to the frictional contact of the compressed air between the rotating impeller and the housing of the centrifugal fan mounted within the fuselage. A flywheel powered by the electric motor in the remote drive unit controls the rate of acceleration and deceleration of the aircraft as an electric motor in the drive unit is switched on and off.