Abstract: A register system for facilitating point of sale transactions of any of a plurality of products, each of the products having a bar code encoded product identification associated therewith, is disclosed. The register system comprises a central computer for storing data representing a sales price for each of the products, a plurality of distributed point of sale registers coupled to the central computer, a bar code reader, operatively associated with each of the registers, for scanning the bar code encoded product identification from the products. Each register is responsive to the scanned product identification and communicates with the central computer for transferring to the register associated with the bar code reader the sales price for the selected one of the products. The register system includes a bidirectional card reader for reading data stored as a plurality of sequential multi-bit characters on a magnetic stripe on a card.

Abstract: A measuring tape device which includes a casing having an aperture through which a coilable measuring tape can be extracted and retracted. A coilable measuring tape is disposed in the casing with a distal end projecting from the aperture. A first brake mechanism is mounted on the casing for normally applying a controlled drag on the tape which allows the tape to be extracted or retracted against the drag to any given length and held at that length. A second brake mechanism is mounted on the casing and is selectively operable for applying a positive lock on the tape greater in magnitude than the drag of the first brake mechanism, to prevent accidental extraction or retraction of the tape.

Abstract: An automatic can opener is described which is operable using a single hand to complete the opening of a can merely by positioning the can in an opening position. Particularly, the can opener senses when a can has been placed in a position to be opened, and automatically retains the can in this position and begins cutting the top thereof. Subsequently, when the cutting is completed, the can opener automatically terminates the cutting operation while retaining the can in position. Thereafter, when a user begins to remove the can, such action is automatically sensed, and the can is automatically released for removal.

Abstract: A tool having a laterally slidable adjustment structure including a corresponding track and guide slidable thereon. The tool also includes a mechanism for releasably securing the guide on the track in a selected position of adjustment. Additionally, the tool is provided with a friction drive arrangement operatively associated with the guide and in engagement with the track.

Abstract: An inertia controlled loading system for an exercise apparatus or the like. The system includes a rotatable member mounted on a frame together with a mechanism for rotating the rotatable member through a drive pulley operatively associated with the rotating mechanism and a driven pulley operatively associated with the rotatable member. It also includes an endless belt member drivingly interconnecting the pulleys such that the belt member imparts rotation of the rotating mechanism to the rotatable member through the drive and driven pulleys which occurs because of the fact that the belt member has a surface in driving engagement with the pulleys. The system further includes a non-rotating frictional surface member in engagement with the belt member intermediate the drive and driven pulleys. With this construction, the inertia controlled loading system is suitable for an exercise apparatus or the like.

Abstract: A lift device for a sewing machine head of the type having a free arm to alternately provide flat bed, free arm and storage positions in a cabinet having a tabletop with a cutout for the sewing machine head and a pivoting lift mechanism disposed beneath the cutout. The lift device includes a base plate for the sewing machine head secured to the pivoting lift mechanism to permit movement of the sewing machine head between the flat bed, free arm and storage positions. The lift mechanism includes a pair of primary links having first ends pivotally secured to the underside of the tabletop adjacent and on opposite sides of the cutout and a pair of secondary links having first ends pivotally secured at opposite sides of the base plate remote from the points at which the primary links are secured to the tabletop with the second ends of the primary links being pivotally secured to the second ends of the secondary links.

Abstract: A drive system for an exercise apparatus or the like. The system includes a rotatable member mounted on a frame together with a mechanism for rotating the rotatable member through a drive pulley operatively associated with the rotating mechanism and a driven pulley operatively associated with the rotatable member. It also includes an endless belt member drivingly interconnecting the pulleys such that the belt member imparts rotation of the rotating mechanism to the rotatable member through the drive and driven pulleys which occurs because of the fact that an inner surface of the belt member is in driving engagement with the pulleys. The system further includes a component frictionally engaging an outer surface of the belt member in the area in which the inner surface of the belt member is in driving engagement with the drive pulley to impart a resistance to rotation of the rotating mechanism. With this construction, the drive system is suitable for an exercise apparatus or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a line driven device such as a traverse rod. The apparatus includes a frame member adapted to be mounted on or near the device, a reaction arm mounted on the frame member for pivotal movement, a motor mounted on the reaction arm and having an output shaft with a drive member, the reaction arm being adapted for pivotal movement about the output shaft, and a tensioning member disposed in spaced relation to the drive member. With this arrangement, the tensioning member can engage a line to maintain the line in tension in response to pivotal movement of the reaction arm.

Abstract: A coilable member, such as a measuring tape, is replaceably supported within a device for extension and recoiling. A separable casing defines an aperture through which a coilable member can be extracted and retracted, and has an interior portion defining a bearing surface for supporting for rotation a first reel adapted to retain a spring secured to the reel. The first reel rotatably supports a second reel adapted to support the coilable member secured thereto and extending through the aperture defined by the casing. The second reel is supported in the casing by the first reel for relative axial movement with respect to the first reel. Braking means, which can include an annular member having teeth which engage at least one of the reels, rotates therewith in the casing substantially freely in one direction, while causing retardation of the rotation of the reel in the opposite direction through frictional engagement with the side of the casing.

Abstract: A reclining chair adapted to be positioned in close adjacency to a wall, the chair having a frame and a body supporting unit which is movable relative to the frame between an upright sitting position and a variety of reclining positions. The frame is supported on ground engaging rollers and on rocker feet, the latter being connected by linkage arrangements to the body support unit. When the occupant moves the body supporting unit to reclining position both the chair frame and body supporting unit are caused to be moved away from the wall so that no part of the chair is in physical contact with the wall. Substantially 40% of the movement away from or toward the wall is effected by the body supporting unit and substantially 60% of the movement is effected by the frame. Upon movement to upright position the chair frame and body supporting unit return to the original position in close adjacency to the wall.