Abstract: A cleaning tool 410 designed to be used with at least one cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt or cleaning pad 11 is disclosed. The cleaning tool 410 includes a telescoping support 409 comprised of a plurality of telescopingly received shafts or sections (412, 413, 414, 415) wherein one of the shafts is an I-beam 415. The shafts 412, 413, 414 and 415 may be freely extended into a locked fully extended position 401 and released via depression of a first engaging projection 439. A primary support head 416 and secondary support head 418 are pivotally mounted to a forward mount 440 and releasably locked together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be used to enhance the presentation of a virtual environment for certain users, e.g., a visually impaired user. Because users may visit, and revisit, locations within the virtual environment, the state of elements in the virtual environment may change. Accordingly, audible descriptions of an object, person or environment, may be adjusted to prevent redundant or unnecessary descriptions. For example, when the user encounters a given element a second time, rather than describe each characteristic of the element, only changes to the characteristics of the element are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for describing elements within a virtual world to a user of the virtual world. An element may be identified based on a position of an avatar within the virtual world. The avatar is a representation of the user within the virtual world. A tag associated with the element is selected. The tag includes a description of the element. The element is described to the user based on the description.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for describing elements within a virtual world to a user of the virtual world. An element may be identified based on a position of an avatar within the virtual world. The avatar is a representation of the user within the virtual world. A tag associated with the element is selected. The tag includes a description of the element. The element is described to the user based on the description.

Abstract: A page is received, which includes elements. A tree represents the page. A subset of the elements are displayed. In response to selection of an important element, a subtree is created, which includes a path from a root element of the tree to the important element. A changed page is received, which is represented by a changed tree. A second path in the changed tree is found, where a leaf element of the second path is different from the important element in the first path, and where all other elements in the first path and the second path match. A message is displayed, which indicates that the important element was changed. In various embodiments, the message is presented in audio, magnified, or touch form. In this way, the user is notified of changes to the page that the user has selected as important.

Abstract: A system for real-time communication between a plurality of different games, including: a plurality of different gaming engines that transmit and receive a plurality events between the plurality of different games; an interchange protocol for permitting use of a common vocabulary between the plurality of dissimilar/different engines of the plurality of events; and a vocabulary generation system for mapping internal events from a first engine of the plurality of different gaming engines to external events of a second engine of the plurality of different gaming engines; wherein each of the plurality of different games includes an event table, a build event mapping function, and a use built-in event mapping function, the event table being unknown in advance to each of the plurality of different games.

Abstract: An assistive reading device for visually impaired users comprises a sheet-like member containing a photo-active material. The sheet-like member responds to light patterns representing data from a patterned light source to form tactile shapes on its surface. The visually impaired user obtains information by touching the tactile shapes. Preferably, the photo-active material is a layer of cross linked azobenzene liquid-crystalline polymers. The assistive reading device preferably is an output device for a computer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing non-visual access to on-screen menus for remote controlled electronic devices, such as DVD players, DVRs, VCRs, satellite receivers, televisions, etc. A repeater device is interposed between the remote control and the electronic device. The repeater device includes a receiver for receiving a first signal from the remote control and a transmitter for transmitting a second signal, based on the first signal, to a receiver of the electronic device. A repeater mechanism causes the repeater device to transmit the second signal and a feedback mechanism causes a non-visual response, such as an audio and/or Braille message, to be provided to the user. This response is based on a key pressed on the remote control in the context of a sequence of keys pressed earlier, and may inform the user of an action associated with the depressed key and options for additional keystrokes.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing materials is provided including a container for holding the material to be dispensed, a plurality of frame portions for holding decorative items, locking apparatus for locking the frame portions to the container, and a dispensing means for dispensing materials from the container. The dispenser also includes a base for receiving the container and frame portions, a memory device for playing a sound when the dispenser is removed from the base, and a switch for activating the memory device when the container is removed from the base. The plurality of frames each contain an aperture and each aperture contains an inner edge operable to lock onto the container. The frames each contain clips to lock onto each other and hold the container. The dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism and the base includes an opening for receiving the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A flexible cleaning tool for use in wet, damp or dry cleaning is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a handle connected to an elongated flexible support member. A cleaning pad encloses the support member. In one embodiment, the handle defines a fluid reservoir receiving cradle.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing materials is provided including a container for holding the material to be dispensed, a plurality of frame portions for holding decorative items, locking apparatus for locking the frame portions to the container, and a dispensing means for dispensing materials from the container. The dispenser also includes a base for receiving the container and frame portions, a memory device for playing a sound when the dispenser is removed from the base, and a switch for activating the memory device when the container is removed from the base. The plurality of frames each contain an aperture and each aperture contains an inner edge operable to lock onto the container. The frames each contain clips to lock onto each other and hold the container. The dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism and the base includes an opening for receiving the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing materials is provided including a container for holding the material to be dispensed, a plurality of frame portions for holding decorative items, locking apparatus for locking the frame portions to the container, and a dispensing means for dispensing materials from the container. The dispenser also includes a base for receiving the container and frame portions, a memory device for playing a sound when the dispenser is removed from the base, and a switch for activating the memory device when the container is removed from the base.

Abstract: A cleaning tool 410 designed to be used with at least one cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt or cleaning pad 11 is disclosed. The cleaning tool 410 includes a telescoping support 409 comprised of a plurality of telescopingly received shafts or sections (412, 413, 414, 415) wherein one of the shafts is an I-beam 415. The shafts 412, 413, 414 and 415 may be freely extended into a locked fully extended position 401 and released via depression of a first engaging projection 439. A primary support head 416 and secondary support head 418 are pivotally mounted to a forward mount 440 and releasably locked together.

Abstract: A wheelchair frame member that includes a first metallic tube member, a second metallic tube member, and a tubular composite member. First and second end portions of the composite member extend into the first and second metallic tube members. The first and second end portions of the composite members are secured to inner surfaces of the first and second metallic tube members. The end portions of the tubular composite members may be connected to the inner surfaces of the metallic tube members in a variety of different ways. For example, the end portions may be forced radially outward into engagement with the inner surface of the tube members to secure the end portions to the inner surfaces of the tube members.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a seat frame and at least one side frame is provided. The seat frame includes, for example, a first distal portion having a first releasable attachment and a second distal portion having a second releasable attachment. The at least one side frame includes, for example, a first portion having a substantially horizontal section and second portion having a substantially vertical section. The first releasable attachment of the seat frame is attachable to the side frame substantially horizontal section at a plurality of positions and the second releasable attachment of the seat frame is attachable to the side frame substantially vertical section at a plurality of positions to adjust the position of seat frame.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing materials is provided including a container for holding the material to be dispensed, a plurality of frame portions for holding decorative items, locking apparatus for locking the frame portions to the container, and a dispensing means for dispensing materials from the container. The dispenser also includes a base for receiving the container and frame portions, a memory device for playing a sound when the dispenser is removed from the base, and a switch for activating the memory device when the container is removed from the base. The plurality of frames each contain an aperture and each aperture contains an inner edge operable to lock onto the container. The frames each contain clips to lock onto each other and hold the container. The dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism and the base includes an opening for receiving the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing power transmission components of a locked gear train having two helical gears coupled on a first shaft meshed with two helical pinions coupled on a second shaft, with the two gears arranged to axially translate (while rotating) with respect to the two pinions when a linear force is applied to a thrust bearing at an end of the first shaft. The axial displacement of the two gears causes torsional displacements of the meshed gear and shaft elements, creating a dynamic torque within the locked train assembly. Under rotation, this dynamic torque subjects the components within the locked gear train to a much higher power level for testing.

Abstract: Naturally occurring element combinations that are useful in methods, as well as compositions and devices, for carrying out vibrational therapies. These naturally occurring element combinations comprise: (a) at least one naturally occurring element selected from a first group consisting of charoite, pearl, rubellite, rebuilt with quartz, and ryolite; and (b) at least one naturally occurring element selected from a second group consisting of alexandrite, amazonite, amber, amethyst, aquamarine, aventurine, azurite, bloodstone, calcite, carelian, celestite, chrysoprase, citrine, copper, diamond, dioptase, emerald, fluorite, garnet, gold, hematite, Herkimer diamond, jade, jasper, kunzite pink, lapis lazuli, lepidolite, malchite, manganese, moonstone (e.g., rainbow moonstone), moss agate, obsidian, onyx (e.g.