Abstract: An exercise machine has a number of features relating to ease of use. The machine has a widened step through design, improved foot straps, an adjustable reading display or a pivotal arm rest.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a weight measurement system which provides a signal representative of a user's weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes at least one load cell outputting a signal used by a microprocessor to determine an accurate value of the users weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes a plurality of load cells using a Wheatstone bridge configuration to output a signal representative of a user's weight regardless of whether the weight is evenly distributed across each load cell. A calibration process calibrates the load cells for each exercise machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a user detection system for exercise equipment, such as a treadmill. In an embodiment, a sensor monitors displacement between a deck supporting a moveable treadmill belt and aspects of a treadmill frame. As users interact with the treadmill, a processor uses a sensor signal indicative of the displacement to determine whether a user has mounted the treadmill belt.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a number of features relating to ease of use. The machine has a widened step through design, improved foot straps, an adjustable reading display or a pivotal arm rest.

Abstract: A stationary exercise machine includes a system for electronically controlling a pedal resistance so as to simulate the riding of a road-going bicycle. The exercise machine includes a control system that monitors pedal velocity and that controls the resistive load generated by an electronically-controlled resistance mechanism. In one example, an electromagnetic device may vary a resistive load placed on a flywheel, which, in turn, varies the pedal resistance experienced by a user. When the user increases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism increases the resistive load. When the user decreases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism decreases the resistive load. In another example, the resistance mechanism varies the resistive load based on a gear selection by the user. The control system may also take into account other factors, such as the grade of the simulated ride, simulated wind resistance, or other frictional forces when calculating the resistive load.

Abstract: An elliptical machine has a frame and an operating linkage between the frame and foot supports. Each side of the operating linkage comprises five links that are connected with five pin joints. A foot support is connected to each side of the operating linkage with each of the five pin joints being positioned forward of the foot support.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine features a pair of translating members to which a pair of foot members is axially secured. The foot members each pivots with respect to the associated translating member. The generated motion allows a user to lock a knee before beginning downward movement and allows a user to bend the same knee before beginning forward movement such that the motion is more natural for the user.

Abstract: A stationary exercise machine includes a system for electronically controlling a pedal resistance so as to simulate the riding of a road-going bicycle. The exercise machine includes a control system that monitors pedal velocity and that controls the resistive load generated by an electronically-controlled resistance mechanism. In one example, an electromagnetic device may vary a resistive load placed on a flywheel, which, in turn, varies the pedal resistance experienced by a user. When the user increases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism increases the resistive load. When the user decreases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism decreases the resistive load. In another example, the resistance mechanism varies the resistive load based on a gear selection by the user. The control system may also take into account other factors, such as the grade of the simulated ride, simulated wind resistance, or other frictional forces when calculating the resistive load.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a universal holder that is adapted to facilitate communication between the machine and a variety of portable electronic device configurations. The universal holder can be formed of a material that is generally transparent to infrared signals, but that is generally optically opaque.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame and an operating linkage. The operating linkage includes any of a number of mechanisms that can adjust a foot trace generated by the linkage. In one configuration, the foot trace can be adjusted between at least a generally vertical trace and a generally horizontal trace.

Abstract: An exercise machine that varies a resistive load based on sensed changes in intensity of exercise. In one example, an electronic control system of a stationary bicycle adjusts a flywheel resistive load based on changes in the user's pedal cadence. During the exercise routine, subsequent increases or decreases in the pedal cadence cause, respectively, increases or decreases in the flywheel resistive load. In addition, the control system may execute the exercise routine after actuation of a single input key. In another embodiment, the user may simply start to exercise. The electronic control system may calculate a default flywheel resistive load based on initialization parameters, such as demographic data and/or exercise preferences.

Abstract: A guard assembly for exercise bikes has a master sprocket guard and a slave sprocket guard that are separate from each other and that are positioned between a master sprocket and a slave sprocket. A flexible transmitter such as a belt or chain extends through a portion of the master sprocket guard and the slave sprocket guard but does not make more than incidental contact with the guards.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame and an operating linkage. The operating linkage includes any of a number of mechanisms that can adjust a foot trace generated by the linkage. In one configuration, the foot trace can be adjusted between at least a generally vertical trace and a generally horizontal trace.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a controller circuit for an exercise machine, where the controller circuit includes a board mounted transformer having tolerances near or below the inrush current generally present in activating one or more cooling fans. According to one embodiment, the controller circuit attempts to power on a subsequent fan after the sum of the inrush or steady state current of presently operating fan or fans, and the inrush current generally associated with powering on the subsequent fan, is within the tolerances of the transformer.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a weight measurement system which provides a signal representative of a user's weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes at least one load cell outputting a signal used by a microprocessor to determine an accurate value of the users weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes a plurality of load cells using a Wheatstone bridge configuration to output a signal representative of a user's weight regardless of whether the weight is evenly distributed across each load cell. A calibration process calibrates the load cells for each exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise trainer having a first crank arm and a second crank arm respectively connected to a first foot link and a second foot link with foot pedals supported on the foot links, and bearing supports for the foot links removed from the crank arms. A flexible connection connects a ground point, the foot pedals, and the foot links to provide relative movement in a modified ellipse as to the ground point of at least twice the length of each crank arm. A seat is mounted on the trainer having a motor and control for raising and lowering the seat with respect to the foot pedals. The first and second crank arms are connected to a motor for driving the crank arms at a given speed which can supplement a user's effort or provide a load to a user beyond a given speed.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as a treadmill, has a display arrangement that is configured for easily repair and replacement. The display arrangement comprises a sandwich of a keypad panel, a display panel and an electronics panel. The display arrangement is secured within a console by one or more fasteners and the display arrangement comprises one or more sockets that connect with wires to a power supply and a controller.

Abstract: An improved elliptical path exercise machine is provided that is simple and robust in its construction, requires minimal maintenance, provides smooth even exercise motion, and which has a compact foot-print. The apparatus includes a pair of planetary gears, sun/ring gears and at least one crank. The crank is supported and arranged so as to be rotatable about a crank axis. Each planetary gear is pivotably secured to the crank about a pivot point located and arranged such that as the crank is rotated the planetary gears engage and rotate relative to their corresponding sun/ring gears while simultaneously revolving about the crank axis so as to form right and left epicylic gear trains. Two foot pedals are each pivotably secured to a corresponding one of the planetary gears and are sized and arranged to support the feet of a user. The layout and geometries of the device are such that each foot-pedal follows a substantially elliptical foot-path as the crank is rotated.