Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, user actuation components connected to the frame for being engaged and moved by a user during an exercise, and a rheological fluid brake operatively connected to the user actuation components for applying a controllable resistance to movement thereof. The rheological fluid brake includes a rheological fluid having a controllable viscosity, a housing connected to the frame and containing the rheological fluid, and a rotatable shaft extending outwardly from the housing and connected between the rheological fluid and the user actuation components. A flywheel is also preferably connected to the rotatable shaft to further smooth action of the brake. A controller, such as a microprocessor operating under stored program control, is preferably operatively connected to the rheological fluid brake for causing a predetermined field strength to be applied to the rheological fluid based upon a user-selected resistance value.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, user actuation components connected to the frame for being engaged and moved by a user during an exercise, and a rheological fluid brake operatively connected to the user actuation components for applying a controllable resistance to movement thereof. The rheological fluid brake includes a rheological fluid having a controllable viscosity, a housing connected to the frame and containing the rheological fluid, and a rotatable shaft extending outwardly from the housing and connected between the rheological fluid and the user actuation components. A flywheel is also preferably connected to the rotatable shaft to further smooth action of the brake. A controller, such as a microprocessor operating under stored program control, is preferably operatively connected to the rheological fluid brake for causing a predetermined field strength to be applied to the rheological fluid based upon a user-selected resistance value.

Abstract: An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated stair climbing exercise includes left and right foot platforms pivotally connected to a frame by respective unequal-length four-bar linkages. The linkages maintain the foot platforms generally perpendicular to the user's lower leg during the exercise as the foot platforms are alternately depressed by the user. An eddy current brake provides the desired resistance to the user's simulated stair climbing. A display with a touch-sensitive screen is mounted on the frame and allows the user to input information to a processor which controls the resistance of the eddy current brake and other functions. The display also includes an integral television tuner that allows the user to view either a simulated image of the user performing the stair climbing exercise or a standard television program on the display during the exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine for assisting a user in performing chin-ups and dips includes a pair of handles attached to a frame and a kneeling platform operably connected to the frame by a four-bar linkage. The pair of handles may be a pair of chin-up handles attached to an upper portion of the frame or a pair of dip handles attached to a medial portion of the frame. The four-bar linkage moves the kneeling platform along an arcuate path of travel corresponding to the natural arcuate path of the center of gravity of the user during a chin-up or a dip so that the kneeling platform remains beneath the user's center of gravity during performance of a chin-up or a dip. The four-bar linkage also preferably maintains the kneeling platform in a horizontal orientation. A selectable number of weights urge the kneeling platform upward so that the user may lift his body with his arms while applying a force less than his own body weight.

Abstract: A leg exercise machine includes a frame having a seat connected thereto for supporting a user in a seated position thereon. A foot engaging member is adapted for engaging the feet of a user and receiving force from the user leg. The foot engaging member is pivotally mounted on the frame by a four-bar linkage which includes first and second lever arms pivotably mounted on the frame. The pivotal mounting of the lever arms provides for back and forth movement along a path of travel and about an instantaneous (changing) axis of rotation for changing the angle of inclination of the foot engaging member so that a force substantially normal to the foot engaging member is directed substantially up the leg and tibia during corresponding movement of the user. The second lever arm is operatively connected to a weight stack for transmitting the pivotal back and forth movement of the leg engaging member to movement of the weight stack to thereby exercise the legs of a user.

Abstract: A torso exercise machine includes a seat connected to a frame for supporting a user thereon. An upper body engaging member receives force from an upper body part for exercising the torso. The upper body engaging member is pivotally mountd to the frame for pivotal movement along an eccentric path of travel while generating an instantaneous axis of rotation substantially along the torso and spine of the seated user. The eccentric path of travel of the upper body engaging member is illustrated as being obtained by pivotally mounting the upper body engaging member to the frame by a four-bar linkage. A resistance weight opposes movement of the user while the user exercises. A range limiter is provided to reduce the normal range of back and forth movement of the upper body engaging member.

Abstract: A torso exercise machine includes a seat connected to a frame for supporting a user thereon. An upper body engaging member receives force from an upper body part for exercising the torso. The upper body engaging member is pivotally mounted to the frame for pivotal movement along an eccentric path of travel while generating an instantaneous axis of rotation substantially along the torso and spine of the seated user. The eccentric path of travel of the upper body engaging member is illustrated as being obtained by pivotally mounted the upper body engaging member to the frame by a four-bar linkage. A resistance weight opposes movement of the user while the user exercises. A range limiter is provided to reduce the normal range of back and forth movement of the upper body engaging member.