Abstract: In an interactive media environment, input events are distributed to a plurality of applications where each application includes zero or more script components and zero or more markup files and has a Z order which corresponds to the position of the applications' visual elements on a display. An input event processing order is utilized where the application that has focus in an interactive media environment (by virtue of its receipt of user events) is provided with the first opportunity to consume the input event. If the focused application does not consume the input event, it is then delivered to the remaining applications in top down, inverse Z order. Each application is enabled with the ability to consume an input event, pass it on to lower Z ordered applications, hide it from lower Z ordered applications, or otherwise handle it. Input event processing stops when an application consumes the input event.

Abstract: In an interactive media environment, a model is provided where applications, each comprising zero or more script components and zero or more markup components, are themselves handled as visual elements having a Z order. A resource-efficient rendering order is provided where the application that has focus in an interactive media environment (by virtue of its receipt of user events) is rendered first. The remaining applications are rendered in top down order, i.e., in reverse Z order. Rendering is performed by drawing into one or more graphics buffers associated with respective applications. Frames for applications are composited from the graphics buffers bottoms up, in Z order, to provide the display with the correct appearance.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided where all applications in an interactive media environment run on a single application thread in a media player. Event queues are utilized to schedule the application thread's processing of workitems corresponding to events that occur in the environment. Workitems include methods to be invoked when the workitem is processed and arguments for the method. Workitems further include a begin time and an end time and are ordered in the event queue first by begin time followed by the order in which they were inserted into the queue. The application thread marks workitems whose begin times corresponds to the current or previous time and then processes marked workitems from the queue in order. Such processing is committed so that once the application thread begins processing of a workitem it does not stop. Workitems are dropped from the event queue if their end times have been passed.

Abstract: A portable wind screen is provided, including: a sheet of material having a sheet first end and sheet second end; a first pole coupled with the sheet of material adjacent to the sheet first end; a second pole coupled with the sheet of material adjacent to the sheet second end; a first handle connected to a connection portion of the wind screen; a second handle connected to a second connection portion of the wind screen, and an engagement means configured to selectively engage the first handle and the second handle with each other.

Abstract: A method for identifying additive components for polycrystalline metals and materials that enhance grain boundary cohesion and compositions of such materials comprises calculation of an empirical value &Dgr;BAwhich is dependent upon a summation of various energy values associated with the matrix and additives and identifying the additives having a negative value. Formulations of alloys having improved physical properties and their processing steps are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foot-operated, window-raising device for a window having a sliding sash, with the window being positioned a predetermined distance from a support surface. The foot-operated, window-raising device includes at least one pulley mounted to a frame member adjacent to the window and a moveable platform. A cord is threaded through the pulley and a first end is attached to the sliding sash. The cord is secured to the platform such that movement of the platform in a first direction causes the cord to open the sliding sash. The cord has a predetermined length which positions the platform between the window and the support surface at a height which is accessible by a user's foot. By stepping on the moveable platform, the platform moves in a first direction causing the cord to open the sliding sash.