Abstract: The invention relates to an exercise disc for strengthening the fingers of the hand, including a disc body with an upper disc surface on which the palm together with the fingers and the thumb can be placed, wherein receiving areas for a region of the fingertips and a region of the thumb tip are recessed in the upper disc surface. According to the invention: one disc body is provided for the left hand and one disc body is provided for the right hand; two neighbouring receiving areas are provided for each said region of the finger tips and said region of the thumb tip; and the respective finger and the thumb can move between the two receiving areas by abduction/adduction. Preferably, the receiving areas are in the form of blind slotted holes.

Abstract: An aerodynamic flying device combines features of a flying disk and a boomerang. The device uses a closed dome flying disk with one or more cambered wings attached to the disk. The wings have their leading edges facing in the direction of rotation of the disk. The wings may be asymmetrically cambered or may be symmetrically cambered about the center line of each wing. An outer ring is attached to the outer edges of each wing. A downwardly dependent curved rim runs along the outer periphery of the device with a discontinuity of the rim occurring along the joinder line whereat each wing attaches to the disk. Another discontinuity of the rim may occur along a portion of the trailing edge of each wing.

Abstract: A rotary wing with a curved outer surface, inlet openings and an edge foil for use in helicopters to improve lift and efficiency, maximizing the gross weight lift and the horizontal flight speed capabilities and minimizing performance penalties and unstable, inefficient operation.

Abstract: A method for detecting tornadogenesis in a mesocyclone, and to monitor and track intense tornadic mesocyclones. The method includes flying a UAV above the mesocyclone for an extended period of time and detecting transition to tornadic stage. This further intensification is indicated by transition in a core structure of the mesocyclone to include the presence of an eye. The UAV can be a Global Hawk aircraft and can include a number of sensors and detectors, such as an imaging camera for providing imaging data of the mesocyclone-core structure, an infrared detector for detecting changes in heat in the mesocyclone-core structure, a radar detector for detecting wind magnitudes and direction in the mesocyclone-core structure, dropsonde sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, relative humidity and wind direction in the mesocyclone-core structure, etc. The UAV can relay the storm parameter data to a satellite for subsequent downlinking to receiving stations at the Earth's surface.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for reconfiguring a reversibly expandable structure, also referred to as a deployable structure. The deployable structure includes an enclosed mechanical linkage capable of transformation between expanded and collapsed configurations while maintaining its shape. An actuator coupled to the deployable structure provides a load, force or torque for actuating a transformation. The actuated deployable structure transfers the actuation force to an external body substances, or element in contact with the deployable structure. The force can be directed inwardly or outwardly depending upon direction of the transformation (i.e., expanding or contracting). The force provided by the deployable structure can be used to perform work by its application over at least a portion of the distance traveled by a perimeter of the deployable structure during its transformation. In some embodiments, the actuatable deployable structure is lockable structure supporting a static load.

Abstract: An aerodynamic circular foundation (i.e., disc or annulus) having a perimeter supporting two or more evenly spaced handgrips. The handgrips improve throwing and catching without appreciably altering aerodynamics.

Abstract: An aerial toy is formed by coupling a ring to an insulating sleeve used with disposable paper cups. The ring is attached to the smaller diameter conical end of the insulator sleeve creating a flying gyroscope. The flight of the toy is protracted due to the airfoil characteristics of the tubular body and is thrown like a football for distance, accuracy, fun and competition.

Abstract: A smart stuffed toy includes a head portion, a torso portion and four limbs. An air flow ventilation device is embedded within the torso portion of the smart stuffed toy to provide air circulation and reduce the settlement of carbon dioxide. The air ventilation device comprises no blades or safe fan blades. Preferably, the front torso surface covering the air flow ventilation device is made of material different from the remaining surfaces of the smart stuffed toy.

Abstract: A toy includes a generally disk-shaped body, a periphery of which includes a bottom which lies generally on a plane. The disk-shaped body further includes a series of protrusions on an undersurface of the disk, disposed radially inward of the periphery, which extend beyond the plane on which the periphery lies, such that the disk is supported by the protrusions when resting on a support surface, such as the ground, leaving the periphery elevated from the support surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an apparatus that includes a first disk with a top first disk surface, a bottom first disk surface, and a first thickness and a first diameter. The apparatus further includes a second disk with top second disk surface, a bottom second disk surface, a second thickness and a second diameter. In addition, a joining contour couples the first disk and second disk and a lip member is coupled to the second disk such that the lip member is substantially perpendicular to the second disk. Another aspect of the apparatus may be a lifting member coupled to second disk, the lifting member capable of causing the apparatus to tilt when lying on a substantially flat surface with the lifting member touching the flat surface.

Abstract: A flying vehicle in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main propeller and a propeller control mechanism for flying the vehicle. The main propeller includes a central base that permits the propeller control mechanism to be connected to the drive shaft. The propeller control mechanism includes a propeller hub and a lower hub with offset knobs that are connected by a link. A returning spring is sandwiched between the hubs and tends to return the hubs to the offset position when a change in a driving torque of the drive shaft causes them to move. The spring and link work in concert to change the pitch and height of the propeller blades while substantially unchanging the tip path plane of the propeller blades.

Abstract: An animal throw-toy of resilient construction is provided, comprising a buoyant interior member configured in the form of a distinct object shape, a fabric component that covers the buoyant interior member, and a molded component that also covers the buoyant interior member. The molded component is configurationally arranged relative to the buoyant interior member so as to gyroscopically stabilize the distinct object shape of the buoyant interior member when the throw-toy is thrown. In one embodiment, the fabric component of the throw-toy is a non-woven or woven material which is tear-resistant and the molded component is an elastomeric material which is abrasion-resistant.

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 throwing object that includes a multi-sided member that includes a top and a peripheral sidewall integral with the top. The top and peripheral sidewall together form a cap-shaped member that is hollow with the peripheral sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is formed as a concave surface shaped for receiving the finger or fingers of the user with the inner surface including a reinforcing rib that is integral with the sidewall.

Abstract: A throwing disc includes an elliptical, continuous, flexible frame which changes shape during flight. The flexible frame defines a central opening through the thickness thereof. The flexible frame has an arched shape with a height that changes during flight and which defines a three dimensional cavity situated at the bottom side of the frame to provide lift to the throwing disc during flight.

Abstract: A flying vehicle in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention includes a propeller control mechanism for flying the vehicle. The propeller control mechanism includes a propeller having a center shaft for connecting to the drive shaft; first and second propeller blades extending from the center shaft; and a control mechanism including a first linkage connecting the center shaft to the first propeller blade and a second linkage connecting the center shaft to a region defined on the propeller, wherein a change in a driving torque of the drive shaft causes the first linkage and the second linkage to change the pitch and height of the propeller blades while substantially unchanging the tip path plane of the propeller blades.

Abstract: A flexible toss toy is disclosed which includes a feature that makes it easier for a dog to pick up and retrieve the disc after being thrown. The disc is saucer-shaped and is made of a soft elastomeric material. The disc has an outer-diameter leading edge, an intermediate top deck surface, and a central portion. The intermediate top deck surface has a circumferential gripping projection. The circumferential gripping projection extends upward with respect to the intermediate top deck surface, and radially inward. The central portion has an elevated portion in a plane above the intermediate top deck surface. The circumferential gripping projection extends upwardly and radially inward to an extent that facilitates gripping by the teeth of a dog. Also, the circumferential gripping projection extends upwardly to an extent that is higher above the intermediate top deck surface than the elevated portion of the central portion.

Abstract: The combination of a toy and launcher member for use in providing chase activities for pets, the toy being toroidally shaped and propelled by a whipping stroke of an elongated launch member having a gripper at one end which is engaged with a segment of the perimeter of the toy. A whipping stroke of the launcher causes release of the toy from the gripper which propels the toy away at high speed, with a top spin imparted thereto which causes the toy to roll and bounce for a great distances along the ground.

Abstract: This is the recreational flying ring of U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,996 having material improvements added and made primarily to mitigate the premature curving of the flight path as the ring inherently slows in forward speed at a faster rate than rotational velocity during the flight. The improved performance of the flying ring may permit it to be used on a Disc Golf Course or as a fun toy for young people if molded in soft integral skin foam.

Abstract: A rotating flying vehicle in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hub having an outer perimeter, an outer ring having a diameter greater than the outer perimeter, a plurality of blades extending outwardly and downwardly connecting the hub to the outer ring, and a plurality of rotor assemblies. Each rotor assembly further includes a motor to spin a propeller, where the propellers are positioned beneath the plurality of blades. The propellers when spinning will cause the hub, blades, and outer ring to sufficiently rotate and generate lift such that the vehicle will fly. The vehicle also includes a system for determining a directional point of reference for the rotor assemblies when the vehicle is rotating and includes a control system to fly the vehicle in a specified direction relative to a remote controller.

Abstract: An accessory for affixmentation to a recreational flying disk is disclosed in the form of a separate apparatus that is readily compatible and adaptable to any flying disk that will greatly enhance the flight distance length and the other flight characteristics of that retrofitted disk because of the centrifugal power, ballast stabilization and lift capability that the disclosed invention apparatus transmutes to the said flying disk. The disclosed apparatus, in conjunction with it being the aforementioned aerodynamic catalyst that it becomes once it is affixed to the said thrown flying disk, also can transform the said disk into a flying disk that can skip across the surface of a body of water not unlike a flat stone used for centuries for the same results—that same body of water that would render an ordinary flying disk as immobile upon contact with it now can be considered as just another obstacle to cross just as easily as flying aerially.

Abstract: A rotating flying vehicle in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hub having an outer perimeter, an outer ring having a diameter greater than the outer perimeter, a plurality of blades extending outwardly and downwardly connecting the hub to the outer ring, and a plurality of rotor assemblies. Each rotor assembly further includes a motor to spin a propeller, where the propellers are positioned beneath the plurality of blades. The propellers when spinning will cause the hub, blades, and outer ring to sufficiently rotate and generate lift such that the vehicle will fly. The vehicle also includes a system for determining a directional point of reference for the rotor assemblies when the vehicle is rotating and includes a control system to fly the vehicle in a specified direction relative to a remote controller.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for dispensing a substance. The device may include a body portion in the shape of an airfoil and includes a region to contain the substance to be dispensed. The device may include one or a plurality of ports which may include a covering having a mechanical strength (e.g. tensile strength) that is less than the mechanical strength of the body portion. The device may be launched either by hand or by a launching mechanism.

Abstract: A circular planform wing includes a contiguous thin central plate having top and bottom surfaces. An outer annular rim encompasses the central plate. The rim has a lower edge defining a lower plane of the wing, and the central plate has an upper zone defining an upper plane of the wing. The rim has a cross-section with a lower rounded corner forming the lower edge, an outer rounded corner, and an upper corner merging with the central plate, the outer corner being located between the upper plane and the lower plane. The rim cross-section has a convex upper curve joining the outer rounded corner to the upper corner, an inside rim surface joining the lower rounded corner to the upper corner, and a convex lower curve joining the outer rounded corner to the lower rounded corner.

Abstract: A flying disc toy of flexible plastic construction with a convex central top section connected to a concave central bottom section by an annular rim. The toy has a central hollow area that can be filled with water through a central opening in the top plate and also has a plurality of openings on the annular rim. When the toy is thrown and flies in the rotating manner similar to most flying discs, the centrifugal forces produced will cause the water inside of the toy to spray out of the openings in the annular rim.

Abstract: A circular flying disc having an annular rim and a central section joined together by an annular shoulder formed in a single piece of a first material. The annular rim extends downwardly from the annular shoulder bounding a central cavity below the central section. The annular rim includes an inside grip edge facing the central cavity. The grip surface is attached to the circular flying disc and is formed from a second material which is pliant and different from the first material. The grip provides a pliant surface to facilitate grasping and throwing by a user.

Abstract: A throwing disc is provided having a plurality of equally spaced scoops about an intermediate circumference of a disc. The scoops communicate air from a top surface of a disc through a mouth of a scoop to a bottom surface of the disc wherein the transfer of the air from the top towards the bottom is believed to provide additional lift. The additional lift can be utilized for additional distance especially when combined with removable circumferential weighting.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein may include a toy method and system configured to be displaced for generally long distances by a small force. The disc-like or ring-like device may utilize wind-related vortex forces to remain generally upright and moving for long distances. Furthermore, the system may comprise an aperture, and may have a aerodynamic configuration to achieve the movement and/or provide for use as a flying disc. The ring-like device may be configured as an annular wing having a symmetrical airfoil configuration and as such may be used both as a wind-driven rolling toy and as a hand-tossed flying ring.

Abstract: A play activity set having, in at least certain aspects, target apparatus at which at least one object may be directed; at least one object for throwing at the target apparatus; the target apparatus and the at least one object made by separating box material from a single box or from a plurality of boxes; and, in one aspect, such a play activity set wherein the single box is, e.g., a pizza box.

Abstract: The invention is a projectile plaything, namely a boomerang-like toy that, if properly thrown, will fly in an arcuate path and return to the area of its release. The plaything will be formed to imitate the shape of the United States Air Force B2 Bomber, aka the Stealth Bomber.

Abstract: A flying disc which in certain aspects has a disc body having an outer perimeter and a plurality of cuts, indentations, grooves, and/or weakened areas spaced-apart around the outer perimeter, and at least one portion [or a plurality thereof] of the disc body between at least one pair of the cuts, etc., said portion(s) folded from the disc body. In certain aspects such a disc has a weight or weights, secondary piece or secondary disc connected to the disc body on either the top or bottom thereof, the weights(s), secondary piece or disc for facilitating flight of the disc body.

Abstract: An annular protective rim attachment designed to grip the outer peripheral edge of compact discs (CD's) and digital video discs (DVD's), consisting of a flexible, flat top rim (10), the inner periphery of which is molded to form an upper lip (12), lower lip (14), and between these lips, a gripping mouth (16) to securely hold the CD or DVD (28) inside the aperture of said ring. The underside of said ring is shaped in such a way as to create an airfoil (20) adequate to enable the airfoil ring with attached CD or DVD (28) to safely fly and exhibit controllability when tossed into the air. The airfoil ring is made of a soft, flexible non-malleable plastic material which will create a cushioning effect so as not to produce contact impact and resultant injury or damage when tossed into the air.

Abstract: A play activity set having, in at least certain aspects, target apparatus at which at least one object may be directed; at least one object for throwing at the target apparatus; the target apparatus and the at least one object made by separating box material from at least one box; in one aspect, such a play activity set wherein the target apparatus and the at least one object are separated from a single box; and, in one aspect, such a play activity set wherein the single box is, e.g., a pizza box.

Abstract: A method for fabricating field emission arrays employs a single mask to define emitter tips, their corresponding resistors, and, optionally, conductive lines. One or more material layers from which the emitter tips and resistors will be defined are formed over and laterally adjacent substantially parallel conductive lines. The exposed surface of the layer or layers of emitter tip and resistor material or materials may be planarized. The emitter tips and underlying resistors are then defined. Substantially longitudinal center portions of the conductive lines may be exposed between adjacent lines of emitter tips, with at least a lateral edge portion of each conductive line being shielded by material that remains following the formation of the emitter tips and resistors. The exposed portions of the conductive lines may be removed in order to define conductive traces. Field emission arrays and display devices fabricated by such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improvement to a flying disc that returns to the user by means of a string using rotational energy in a manner of a yo-yo. The flying disc has a lower wing 1 that generates a lift, a smaller wing 2 and an axle 3. Between the wings 1,2 is a string 4 attached to the axle. The flying disc has at least one circular airfoil 11 and there are openings inside the area bound by its inner edge and the axle 3. Air currents from the direction of the flight that pass over and under the airfoil 11 are able to effectively mix through these openings. When slung with the string 4, the flying disc starts to rotate rapidly and flies away. It returns to the user when winding the string 4 back in the manner of a yo-yo.

Abstract: A flying disc which, in certain aspects, has a disc body having an outer perimeter and a plurality of cuts, indentations, grooves, and/or weakened areas spaced-apart around the outer perimeter, and at least one portion of the disc body between at least one pair of the cuts, etc., the at least one portion folded up or down from the disc body, and which, in one aspect, has such folded portions around an entire outer periphery of the disc body. In certain aspects such a disc has a weight or weights, secondary piece or secondary disc connected to the disc body on either the top or bottom thereof, the weight(s), secondary piece or disc, in one aspect, for facilitating flight of and/or for stabilizing the disc body.

Abstract: A wind-actuated, spinning novelty device enabling a user to quickly, easily and interchangeably mount and transport a dual-head rotational device on a vehicle and to enjoy an active display along with coincident display of a selected logo, mascot depiction, design and/or vocal, thereby enabling a user to demonstrate patriotism, support for a sports team or to display any other personal interest capable of visual and/or audible expression by providing a dynamic showcase for individual interests and/or beliefs through the incorporation of effects such as, for exemplary purposes only, holographic images, reflective ornamentation, distinctive coloration, lights, insignias, licensed characters, other special visual effects and/or other notable styles or features.

Abstract: A wind-actuated, spinning novelty display device enabling a user to quickly, easily and interchangeably mount and transport a pinwheel-type rotational display device on a vehicle and to enjoy an active display of a selected logo, mascot depiction, design and/or vocal, thereby enabling a user to demonstrate patriotism, support for a sports team or to display any other personal interest capable of visual and/or audible expression by providing a dynamic showcase for individual interests and/or beliefs.

Abstract: A throwing disc with changeable aerodynamic characteristics for use with human hands having fingers, comprising a first member which is circular and has a diameter and a thickness substantially less than the diameter of the first member. The first member has first and second surfaces and has an outer margin and a downward depending lip adjoining the outer margin. A second member is centrally disposed with respect to the first member. The first and second members are interconnected so the first and second members can move in unison as the throwing disc is thrown. The second member is movable with respect to the first member for changing the aerodynamic characteristics of the throwing disc.

Abstract: A throwing disc with changeable aerodynamic characteristics for use with human hands having fingers, comprising a first member which is circular and has a diameter, and a thickness substantially less than the diameter of the first member. The first member has first and second surfaces and has an outer margin and a downward depending lip adjoining the outer margin. A second member is centrally disposed with respect to the first member. The first and second members are interconnected so the first and second members can move in unison as the throwing disc is thrown. The second member is movable with respect to the first member for changing the aerodynamic characteristics of the throwing disc.

Abstract: A flying disk includes an outer ring, a plurality of blades spaced from one another and extending from the outer ring to a central hub to form a top plate thereof. The blades have a leading edge of greater cross-sectional thickness than the trailing edge thereof to provide lift. A bottom plate is attached to the top plate and defines a turbine structure including a series of slots and vanes extending downwardly from an edge of a slot from the bottom plate. The blades cause the disk to rise to a maximum altitude, and as the disk descends, the turbine structure regenerates the spinning motion thereby extending flight time.

Abstract: A flying toy in the form of an aerodynamic flying ring. An annular disk (17) surrounds a central opening (12) to create a ring. A convex upper surface (11) deflects air flowing over the top side of the disk, increasing air speed and reducing downward air pressure. An aerodynamic protruding annular fin (27) located near the inner perimeter (18) of the unit deflects air upward again, increasing air speed and decreasing air pressure again. The lower side of the unit contains an undercut that can be straight (16), curved (20), or angled (22). This undercut creates a lower cutaway surface (19) which may be parallel to, or at an angle to, the horizontal plane. This structure captures air beneath the unit, slowing air speed and increasing upward air pressure on the unit. These features combine to provide greater lift capacity than any of them would produce separately. In the preferred embodiment the disk is made of a soft foam material such as polyethylene or polyurethane, but other materials could be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy, for example a Frisbee-type disc, a toy aircraft, a toy gplf club or a toy baton, provided with means for generating a stream of bubbles in use. The toy is constructed with a liquid reservoir which feeds liquid through a narrow gap to holes formed in overlying superimposed planar members. At these holes the liquid, which is a bubble-forming liquid such as a soap solution, forms a thin film until a bubble is formed under the influence of the airstreams generated around the holes as the toy moves in the air.

Abstract: The flying toy apparatus has improved launch and flight characteristics, is compatible either as a flying hoop-type structure or a disc-type structure, and can be readily disassembled for compact storage. The flying toy apparatus comprises an outer section and a central floatation member. The outer section includes an annular ring made of a solid material encased within a cushion-type material. The solid material enables firm grasping of the outer annular section during launch. The cushion-type material encases the annular ring and lessens any force imposed by the annular ring upon impact. By substituting one outer ring structure with a slightly different outer ring structure, the flying toy apparatus can be readily adapted for any variety of flight patterns.

Abstract: A flexible spinning throw toy having a top hub and a bottom hub connected by a plurality of flexible straps which, when thrown with a spinning motion imparted to it, bends into an oblate shape. Spinning of the toy creates a gyroscopic effect, allowing it to be thrown accurately for considerable distances. In alternate embodiments the straps are detachably connected to the hubs for removal as needed. The toy can be collapsed for easy portability.

Abstract: A toy includes a ring airfoil and a launcher to launch the ring airfoil. The ring air foil is formed with a rigid body portion and an energy absorbing material disposed on a leading edge. The launcher is adapted to substantially simultaneously impart rotational launching energy and translational launching energy to the ring airfoil.

Abstract: A novel aerodynamic toy comprising a camber defined by one or more inner or outer parameter gel profile(s) in the shape of an airfoil made from an elastic, tear resistant, crystal gel with or without one or more outer parameter gel profile(s) having a connective thin gel membrane, said gel membrane having one or more preselected holes therethrough. The airfoils of the invention exhibits excellent flight stability and no turnover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerodynamic toy particularly of the type for manually launching into the air. The toy includes a disc shaped body having a plurality of airfoil shaped sections, and a plurality of slots in the body. Light emitting devices and sound generating devices may also be included to enhance the amusement value of the toy. It is believed that airfoil shaped disc sections, depressions in the bottom of the disc body, and slots in the body improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the toy enabling it to remain in the air for a longer period of time when thrown, and cause the toy to tend to level itself while airborne.

Abstract: The flyer of the present invention comprises an upper main disk and a lower ring made from lightweight sheet material. The upper main disk and lower ring connect via an attachment element. Design, construction and assembly of the flyer of the present invention produce a stable flyer; when thrown flat, the flyer flies flat. Design, construction and assembly reduce or eliminate veering, an inherent characteristic of other common flyers. Distinguishing flight features of the flyer of the present invention arise where the design and construction of the flyer include a main disk and a lower ring separated by the attachment element, usually cut from the upper main disk and lower ring. Action between air and the upper main disk, lower ring and attachment means produce desirable flight features.

Abstract: A flingable, disk-like, flying toy (10) having a series of preferably bendable, radially inwardly directed vanes (13) extending out of the plane (11) of the disk, which can cause the toy to spiral and/or return to the user like a boomerang. The throwing disc has an open center (12), in which there is included about and in the inner, circular periphery the series of generally triangular, radially and inwardly arrayed, upwardly protruding fins or generally triangularly-shaped vanes or upwardly bent cut-outs (13) extending into the circular opening, which cause the disc to alter the normal path of a classic "Frisbee" type design, for example, causing the disc to spiral or to tend to return to the thrower. The vanes can be bent further inwardly or outwardly, i.e., up and down, about fold lines (14) to significantly vary the aerodynamic characteristics of the flying disc toy.