What connects flying discs and good coffee? A lively mind fascinated by physics

You’re probably familiar with both of the US inventor Alan Adler’s most famous innovations, but considering how seemingly different they are, it’s easy to be surprised that they’re products of the same mind. That is, until you hear Adler explain his lively thinking process. Designed in 1984, the Aerobie flying ring has become a toy icon, selling roughly 10 million worldwide. The AeroPress, designed in 2005 to make single-cup servings of coffee as convenient as possible, quickly became Adler’s second great success. Inventor Portrait: Alan Adler reveals how Adler found the inspiration for his clever and hugely successful inventions.