Abstract: An exercise treadmill (10) includes a self contained lift mechanism (24) extending upwardly from a forward central portion of a frame structure (12) adjacent the forward end of an endless belt (14) supported by an underlying deck (20) and defining a running surface. This mechanism is operated by a hand crank that is rotatable by a user while standing on the treadmill running surface. The frame structure (12) includes a pair of side rails (30,31) each having inside, top and outside wall portions (48,46,52). Each of the wall portions includes an interior groove extending substantially along their entire lengths wherein the interior of the groove is configured to receive hardware members at any location along the groove or directly receive the threaded ends of threaded hardware members used to mount the deck (20) and other components to the frame structure (12).

Abstract: A guide which maintains an edge surface of a tape, such as an elongated strip of print stock, in contact with a reference surface formed on a base of the guide as the tape is moved in a predetermined direction and along a predetermined path. Preferably, the guide includes a first roller which is mounted on the base in proximity to the reference surface and which has an axis of rotation which is inclined, in an imaginary plane parallel to the predetermined direction of tape movement, from a normal drawn to the reference surface. A second roller is also mounted on the base in proximity to the reference surface and has its axis of rotation substantially parallel to that of the first roller, with corresponding portions of the peripheral surfaces of the first and second rollers being in proximity to each other to define a nip therebetween for compressing the tape.

Abstract: An improved hammer bank assembly includes a plurality of spaced-apart hammers, each of the hammers including a substantially planar hammer body containing an electrical coil, with each hammer body being supported for movement in a predetermined plane. A hammer head is attached to and coplanar with each hammer body. Also included are a plurality of flat permanent magnets interleaved with the plurality of hammers so that adjacent ones of the permanent magnets oppose but are separated from each hammer body. A plurality of hammer guide members are provided, one for each hammer, with each hammer guide member defining therein an elongated groove in which is received at least a portion of each hammer head.

Abstract: An automated label applicator includes an elongated arm which is rotatable between a first position, in which the label applicator receives an adhesive-backed label as it is being separated from an elongated strip of label stock backing, and a second position, in which the label is removed from the label applicator by progressive engagement of the adhesive backing with a moving surface. In the label-receiving position, the label is directed between a first pin upstanding from the elongated arm, and a second pin supported for rotation about the first pin, by a spring arm which extends transversly from the first pin. The spring arm is normally biased against the second pin, but is deflected therefrom only when the elongated arm is in the label-receiving position. Upon initial rotation of the elongated arm toward the label-applying position, the spring arm is released to press the label against the second pin.

Abstract: An impact printer is disclosed for imprinting characters in succession on print stock such as that comprising an elongated strip of label stock backing having a lower edge surface, an upper edge surface, a front surface and a back surface and further comprising a plurality of labels removably adhering to and spaced along a front surface of the elongated strip. The impact printer moves the print stock under tension along a predetermined path past a print station including a hammer capable of controllable, reciprocative movement in a predetermined plane to contact the back surface of the print stock. In order to maintain the print stock properly aligned in a vertical direction with respect to the hammer as it moves in its predetermined plane, a first guide includes a planar reference surface normal to the predetermined plane and is located in proximity to the print station and to the predetermined path of print stock movement.

Abstract: An improved hammer assembly is disclosed for use in impact printers having a print station comprising a continuously rotating print wheel and an adjacent hammer mechanism for selectively impacting print stock and an interposed ink ribbon against a raised element on the print wheel to thereby imprint a character on the print stock. The hammer assembly includes an elongated hammer having a hammer surface at one end and an actuating surface at the other end which is engaged by a hammer actuating device in the hammer mechanism having a controllable, substantially reciprocative movement. The elongated hammer is supported for substantially reciprocative, planar movement with respect to a similarly elongated first support member by a pair of linear leaf springs which extend between the elongated hammer and the first support member in a spaced-apart, parallel manner.