Abstract: A resistance apparatus for use with exercise devices includes an axle and outer housing for rotatably mounting the axle therein. At least one inner housing includes an opening for receiving the axle therethrough so that the inner housing is fixably mounted on the axle. The inner housing is rotatably mounted inside the outer housing to permit rotation of the inner housing along with the axle within the outer housing. At least a first tensioned member is disposed within the inner housing. The first tensioned member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the inner housing. The second end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the outer housing. The tensioned member creates a rotational restoring force between the inner housing and the outer housing.

Abstract: A resistance apparatus for use with exercise devices includes an axle an outer housing for rotatably mounting the axle therein. At least one inner housing includes an opening for receiving the axle therethrough so that the inner housing is fixably mounted on the axle. The inner housing is rotatably mounted inside the outer housing to permit rotation of the inner housing along with the axle within the outer housing. At least a first tensioned member is disposed within the inner housing. The first tensioned member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the inner housing. The second end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the outer housing. The tensioned member creates a rotational restoring force between the inner housing and the outer housing.

Abstract: A resistance apparatus for use with exercise devices includes an axle an outer housing for rotatably mounting the axle therein. At least one inner housing includes an opening for receiving the axle therethrough so that the inner housing is fixably mounted on the axle. The inner housing is rotatably mounted inside the outer housing to permit rotation of the inner housing along with the axle within the outer housing. At least a first tensioned member is disposed within the inner housing. The first tensioned member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the inner housing. The second end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the outer housing. The tensioned member creates a rotational restoring force between the inner housing and the outer housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable exercise device comprising a seat with a front and rear portion. The front portion is pivotably attached to at least one support member. The rear portion includes an intermediate pivotably lateral support member attached between first and second vertical support members. Each of the first and second vertical support members includes top and bottom ends. The seat is configured to pivot to at least two positions including an open position and a folded position. A back support is pivotably secured to the intermediate pivotable lateral support member. The back support is configured to pivot to at least two positions including an open position and a folded position. A resistance apparatus is secured between the first and second vertical support members. The resistance apparatus is configured to supply a variable resistive force when at least one connector coupled to the resistance apparatus is pulled by a user.

Abstract: A resistance apparatus for use with exercise devices includes an axle an outer housing for rotatably mounting the axle therein. At least one inner housing includes an opening for receiving the axle therethrough so that the inner housing is fixably mounted on the axle. The inner housing is rotatably mounted inside the outer housing to permit rotation of the inner housing along with the axle within the outer housing. At least a first tensioned member is disposed within the inner housing. The first tensioned member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the inner housing. The second end of the tensioned member engages an engagement area of the outer housing. The tensioned member creates a rotational restoring force between the inner housing and the outer housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable exercise device comprising a seat with a front and rear portion. The front portion is pivotably attached to at least one support member. The rear portion includes an intermediate pivotably lateral support member attached between first and second vertical support members. Each of the first and second vertical support members includes top and bottom ends. The seat is configured to pivot to at least two positions including an open position and a folded position. A back support is pivotably secured to the intermediate pivotable lateral support member. The back support is configured to pivot to at least two positions including an open position and a folded position. A resistance apparatus is secured between the first and second vertical support members. The resistance apparatus is configured to supply a variable resistive force when at least one connector coupled to the resistance apparatus is pulled by a user.

Abstract: A destination server (18) associated with a system (10) for in-store marketing receives (130) messages from developers (12) over a distribution network (16). The destination server causes the messages to be displayed (134) by one or more interactive display terminals (22). Individuals can input (136) various feedback information into the terminals which indicate the individual's response to the displayed message. This feedback information is sent (152) to the developer's computer system (12), enabling the developer to evaluate the feedback information and, if desired, modify and re-distribute the message. Prior to distribution, the developer can select (104) multiple destination servers (18) to which the developer wants the message to be distributed, and can also select (110) multiple time slots during which the message will be displayed by interactive display terminals (22).

Abstract: An electronic promotional game which preferably operates in conjunction with a point of sale terminal having a processor includes an electronic display screen for displaying the image of a game card. The game card has one or more selection areas which appear initially to be covered by an opaque covering which conceals game information on the card, specifically the indicia which indicates a winning game card or the premium to be awarded. An input device allows the game participant to control substitution of the game information for the opaque covering in the image, thus simulating erasure of the opaque covering in the manner of a scratch-off paper based game. The input device can include a touch sensitive screen for indicating the position to be "erased" on the image.

Abstract: An automated retail checkout system includes scanning terminals operable by either customers or store personnel, and payment terminals which service a number of scanning terminals. The scanning terminal communicates with a central processor for determining prices from the coded identities of products. Electronic payment can be optionally accepted at the scanning terminal, or a transaction is opened there and closed when payment is accepted at a payment terminal, also coupled to the central processor. Video monitoring allows the image of the products being scanned to be compared with the image expected from their scanned code, for identifying any discrepancy.

Abstract: A retail checkout station for purchaser self-checkout is coupled to a service terminal with a video monitor directed at the checkout. The service terminal preferably services a number of checkouts. Product codes can be downloaded from a remote location to a checkout presented with a product lacking a product code barcode label, such as an item of bulk produce. A product database having product price information stored in a memory is normally indexed to product codes which are scanned in, and also is at least partly indexed by product identity information. The checkout station can have an electronic scale for determining the weight of a product. A video image of an uncoded product in the security zone is captured by a camera and displayed on a video monitor which is viewable by store personnel. A keyboard associated with the video monitor permits the store personnel to enter a product code corresponding to the product displayed on the video monitor.

Abstract: An interment vessel is designed to be capable of transoceanic travel. A body for the vessel is buoyant and self-righting. The vessel has a sail disposed diagonally across its upper surface, relative to a keel along the bottom, providing propulsion under power of prevailing winds. Crematory ashes can be placed in the body of the vessel, either into an opening in the body which is thereafter sealed, or into a sealable container or urn arranged to be carried by the vessel. A provision to store and display a removable reward can be provided as an incentive for a finder of the vessel to return the vessel or the container/urn to the decedent's family or the like. Instructions can be provided, for example detailing the address and mentioning a further reward.

Abstract: An operator-unattended checkout system for processing articles selected for purchase and of first type bearing supplier-applied UPC indication and of second type not having supplier-applied UPC indication includes a reader for generating output signals indicative of article UPC indication where present on articles, a first processing part operable without customer input for using the reader output signals for determining first type article price and generating output signals indicative thereof, a customer-interactive display unit for use through customer input thereto for directing system operation selectively from such first processing part operation to the computation of second type article price, a scale for determining article weight and generating output signals indicative of determined article weight, and a second processing part operable on customer input to the display unit for using the scale output signals for generating ouput signals indicative of second type article price.

Abstract: A coupon validation network is disclosed for automatically processing product coupons which are presented for redemption by customers. The coupon validation network includes: a central control systems storing at least two database master files, a first file for all redeemable encoded coupons issued by all manufacturers participating in the network and a second file for all coupons redeemed by each retailer participating in the network. A plurality of local control systems for operation by one of the retailers store and at least three database local files, a first file of all the redeemable encoded coupons, a second file for all coupons redeemed by the retailer and a third file for customer coupon accounts of all validated redeemable coupons presented in advance for credit by each customer. A first coupon processing terminal for use in conjunction with an electronic sales register and the like adjusts a total purchase price to reflect all valid redeemed coupons and updates the second local database file.

Abstract: An expanded display unit for communication with a customer in a supermarket checkout facility is furnished with information from a system responsive to UPC signals provided by a scanner. Such system discerns selected characteristics of the customer, particularly deducing from products selected for purchase, other products which may be of interest to the customer. The system then provides information respecting the other products to the display unit, which may be customer-interactive for the dispensing of coupons or the like.

Abstract: An expanded display unit for communication with a customer in a supermarket checkout facility is furnished with information from a system responsive to UPC signals provided by a scanner. Such system discerns selected products selected for purchase from such UPC signals, such products being those in connection with which a promotional plan has been preestablished, either for such products or other products. The system then provides information implementing the promotional plan to the display unit, which may be customer-interactive for the dispensing of coupons or the like.

Abstract: A system for processing articles selected for purchase and bearing distinct identification codes comprises, in one version: (a) a code reader for generating an output signal indicative of such article identification code; (b) a conveyor for receipt and transport of such article; (c) an entrance sentry for defining an inlet to a secured zone extending along a portion of the conveyor and for generating an output signal indicative of entry of the article into the secured zone and of a measurable characteristic of the article; and (d) a controller for selective movement of the conveyor in respective article acceptance and article rejection senses.

Abstract: The check-out counters for use in a supermarket, or the like, are provided with a laser scanner for reading the UPC labels on the individual products presented to it by each customer. The counters are also provided with transport belts or conveyors controlled by a central processor which, in turn, is supplied with information from a weigh scale under the input conveyor and from optical curtain devics at strategic locations along the belts and in a bagging area. The outfeed conveyor operates through a tunnel such that a customer cannot reach a product being conveyed therethrough. An opticl curtain disposed at the entry to the tunnel is broken by passage of an article into the tunnel and also by a customer reaching into the tunnel. Products are conveyed to the bagging area if (1) the actual weight of the product as determined by the scale corresponds to the anticipated weight obtained from a memory bank based upon the product UPC label identification and (2) none of various other events have occurred.

Abstract: For joining a wishbone boom to the mast of a sailboard there is provided a connector having a body to which is pivotally joined a pair of sockets for receiving the mast ends of the wishbone, the sockets straddling a pair of complemental semi-cylindrical jaws pivotally mounted on said body and arranged to embrace a mast. When the sockets are positioned generally normal to the longitudinal elements of the jaws the latter are urged together by the sockets to clamp on the mast. Moving the sockets as a unit through an arc relative to the body and jaws releases the jaws so that they can separate and release the mast.

Abstract: A continuous loop transmitting winding assembly is disposed in one panel and a vertically oriented figure eight receiving coil winding assembly is disposed in a second panel, the two panels being mounted on pivots for swinging gate type movement straddling the pathway to be controlled by a magnetic surveillance system. This arrangement confines the surveillance field to the pathway and tends to follow the passage of an object bearing a marker therealong. No marker detecting backfield is generated. Alternatively, one winding assembly is moveable while the other is stationary thereby similarly confining the field.Special winding configurations are used to reduce interference from third harmonic signals produced in adjacent metallic counters. The arrangement also imposes immunity to signals emanating from cash registers, motors and the like.Door and single gate mounted magnetic and microwave surveillance systems are also disclosed.