Abstract: An umbrella in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a canopy that is extendable into an extra wide configuration to cover two users. In accordance with one embodiment the umbrella opens to a first open position to provide coverage for one person and expands to a second open position to provide coverage for a second person.

Abstract: A controllable brake with a shaft having an axis of rotation and a shaft end. The controllable brake including a controllable brake rotor connected with the shaft, the rotor having a rotation plane. The controllable brake includes a controllable brake magnetic field generator located proximate the controllable brake rotor, the controllable brake magnetic field generator for generating a controllable magnetic field strength.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a haptic interface system, also known as a force feedback system, comprises a motor for supplying actuating energy and a magnetically-controllable device that transfers the actuating energy into force feedback sensations. The magnetically-controllable device contains a magnetically-controllable medium beneficially providing variable resistance forces in proportion to the strength of an applied magnetic field. The system further comprises a computer system having a processor that runs an interactive program or event, a video display for displaying the interactive program or event, and a haptic interface device in operable contact with an operator for controlling inputs to the interactive program.