Benjamin G Barber

US Patent:

6823363, Nov 23, 2004

Filed:

Oct 26, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/427340

Inventors:

Beth S. Noveck - New York NY 10023
Benjamin R. Barber - Piscataway NJ 08854

International Classification:

G06F 1516

US Classification:

709204, 709206, 709207

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for initiating and controlling an electronic conversation comprising the steps of: initiating a electronic conversation between a plurality of users, each user associated with a respective computer, determining whether a number of users engaging in the electronic conversation exceeds a predetermined number of users and, permitting a specific one of the plurality of users to become a moderator of the electronic conversation for a first time period if the number of users engaging in the electronic conversation exceeds the predetermined number of users, and preventing any of the users from becoming the moderator if the number of users engaging in the electronic conversation does not exceed the predetermined number of users. The present invention also allows for a dynamic rotation of the moderator, and allows the plurality of users to change the rules of the electronic conversation.

US Patent:

7850189, Dec 14, 2010

Filed:

Oct 16, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/252942

Inventors:

Benjamin Barber - Hartsdale NY, US
Richard Bordoni - Ardsley NY, US
Julia Brady - White Plains NY, US
Max Brivic - Ardsley NY, US
Michael Cornell - Hartsdale NY, US
James Doerhoff - Ardsley NY, US
Jonathan Goldszmidt - Dobbs Ferry NY, US
Jeffrey Rovenpor - Ardsley NY, US
Sahib Singh - Ardsley NY, US
David B. Ponterio - White Plains NY, US
Ahron Rosenfeld - Bronx NY, US

International Classification:

A61G 5/10
B63B 27/14

US Classification:

2803041, 14 711

Abstract:

A curb climbing wheelchair system having left and right side attachments are designed to be attached to left and right side portions, respectively, of a standard wheelchair to enable a wheelchair occupant to climb a curb, bump or other obstruction without the aid of another individual. Each attachment includes a ramp extending from a telescoping arm that is designed to be attached, via a clamping system, to one side of the wheelchair. When not in use, the ramps are folded and stowed away on the sides of the wheelchair. During use, the ends of the ramps are placed on the curb to allow the wheelchair occupant to roll up the curb. To retrieve the ramps (now disposed behind the wheelchair), the wheelchair occupant moves the telescoping arms, if necessary with the aid of an attached circular handle, to lift the ramps thus allowing the wheelchair occupant to grab the ramps. The retrieved ramps then are stowed away until needed.