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 binocular focusing mechanism for a binocular having a pair of telescopes disposed in parallel relation. The binocular has optical elements in each of the telescopes for magnifying an object image. The optical elements are focused by movement generated by the focusing mechanism which includes a pivotable knob operatively joined ot the optical elements. The knob is a generally elongated member normally extending generally parallel to the telescopes and is mounted between the telescopes in a plane extending generally parallel to the plane defined by the telescopes for pivotable movement about a pivot point located generally at one end thereof. The pivot point of the elongated member is defined by a fastener disposed generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the telescopes. The binocular also includes a finger contacting portion on the elongated member generally at the end opposite the pivot point of the knob.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise apparatus has a pair of interchangeable lever arm assemblies which can be moved to provide a plurality of exercise positions. The apparatus has a frame with a seat on the frame and the lever arm assemblies are interchangeably mounted on opposite sides of the ends of the frame in various configurations to provide the exercise positions.

Abstract: A hearing aid of the self-contained type. The hearing aid includes a unitary housing shaped for insertion into an ear of a wearer. The housing has a face plate adapted to face outwardly of the ear of the wearer. A first opening is provided in the face plate to form a battery compartment. The battery compartment normally is concealed by a pivotable door movable from a closed position to an open position providing access to the battery compartment. A wheel mounting cavity is also provided within the unitary housing in laterally spaced relation to the battery compartment. The cavity is defined in part by an outer wall integral with the end plate. A second opening is provided in the face plate to form a volume control wheel compartment. The compartment is disposed between the battery compartment and the wheel mounting cavity and is in communication with the wheel mounting cavity. A volume control wheel is disposed in the volume control wheel compartment for rotational movement.

Abstract: A releasable locking device for frictionally engaging a bar member. The device includes a cam sleeve adapted to be adjustably positioned in selected locations along the bar member. The cam sleeve has an internal surface generally conforming in shape to the external surface of the bar member entirely along its length and the internal surface of the cam sleeve normally is dimensioned the same as or larger than the bar member so as to be slidably movable along the bar member for adjustably positioning the cam sleeve in a selected location. The cam sleeve is formed of a resilient material for selective radially uniform compressed frictional engagement with the external surface of the bar member. The device also includes a pair of cam collars adapted to be operably disposed in substantially coaxial relation on the cam sleeve.

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: An improved rowing apparatus has a back bearing surface coupled to the oar arms of the apparatus to maximize the rowing exercise. The bearing surface can be fixed to a seat back of a seat movably mounted on the frame of the apparatus. The seat back can be pivotably mounted to the seat to maximize the forces of the leg, back and arm muscles in the rowing exercise.

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: Mechanisms are disclosed for modifying conventional single element and typebar typewriters, having character-for-character correction systems, with automatic backspacing or non-backspacing, and non-forward spacing, after obliteration, to provide an additional operational mode whereby character-for-character correction can be achieved with automatic forward spacing, after each obliteration, thereby to provide simplified word obliteration.

Abstract: A retainer for a shelf including a barrier member. The barrier member is adapted to be supported by the shelf and releasably secured to the shelf in at least two positions of adjustment including an article retaining position and an article access position. With the barrier member secured in the retaining position, articles are prevented from inadvertently falling from the shelf.