Abstract: A fish culture system for cultivating fish contained in tank-like silos through which aerated water that may also contain food and/or medicine is circulated in such a way that the water circulates upwardly through the silos. Individual silos containing diseased fish may be isolated for treatment of the fish independently of the remaining fish population. Sediment collecting in the bottoms of the silos may be drained and dried for use as fertilizer.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing striding-type exercises is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of leg members depended from and rotatably associated with a pair of journals connected to a frame. Each of the leg members is fitted with a foot support. The leg members are mechanically associated one with another by a cable and pulley arrangement adapted for providing a reciprocative action of one by member opposite to that of the other upon a movement of either leg member.

Abstract: A combination exercise and refreshment device to be worn about a runner's or other athlete's wrist or forearm that contains liquid, the weight of which provides vigorous exercise to the muscles of the hands, arms and shoulders during the earlier part of the run or other aerobic exercise and the liquid serving to be drunk to replenish lost body fluids during the latter part of the exercise and reduce stress on the fatigued muscles comprising a liquid-containing pouch adapted to fit around the wrist, a fastener for attaching the pouch around the wrist, and a valve for introducing and withdrawing the liquid from the pouch directly into the user's mouth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercising device for simulating athletic movements. The device includes a frame, having an upper end and a lower end and the lower end having a base. A pulley assembly is rotatably connected to the frame. The pulley assembly includes a pulley and a spool having two stages. The first stage of the spool is positioned closest to the pulley and has a gradually increasing outside diameter as the distance from the pulley increases defining an incline for self-tending. The second stage defines a step function decrease in the mechanical advantage of the pulley assembly, and also includes an increading outside diameter as the distance from the pulley increases, also for self-tending. The exercising device further includes a pull/resistance structure for rotating the pulley and spool together connected to the frame.

Abstract: A barbell including a spring handle mounted on the bar of said barbell whereby the user may force the handle outwardly against the urging of said spring. The barbell includes a bar, one or more weighted discs mounted on the bar and a safety lock for preventing the discs from sliding off the bar. A locking ring is secured to the bar adjacent the discs. One end of a spring is secured to the locking ring. The other end of the spring is secured to a handle. The handle is axially moveable against the urging of the spring for compressing the spring. A detent is also provided on the bar to define an end position of the handle.

Abstract: A tension exercise device of the chest pull type includes a flexible band that has flexible handles on each end thereof. The handles have grooves defined therein and a hand-hole defined therethrough. The hand-holes are oblong and somewhat egg shaped with a major axis extending along the length dimension of the band. The band is formed of lightweight material, such as latex, and the handles are also formed of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A weight lifting belt including a midsection of increased width and a therapeutic lumbar region central disposed on the interior surface of the midsection. The therapeutic lumbar region consists of a moldable mass for occupying the spinal column depression in the lumbar region of a weight lifter and a leather covering attaches the moldable mass to the midsection of the belt. When properly positioned on a weight lifter, the moldable mass fills and conforms to the shape of the spinal column depression of the weight lifter enabling the weight lifting belt to provide constant support and uniform pressure to the muscles of the lumbar region.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for strengthening the abdominal musculature. The method primarily copmrises isometric contraction of the abdominal musculature while the operator is seated in a specific position. The positioning entails a generally seated position of the operator in which the forearms are generally orthogonal to the arms, the arms are generally parallel to the thoracic spine, the legs are extended, the hip is flexed, the thoracic and lumbar spine are slightly flexed. While in this position, the operator contracts the abdominal musculature by pulling with the hands on a tow line, and pushing the feet against a foot stop, involuntarily tensing the abdominal musculature. Additional strengthening of the abdominal musculature is achieved by positioning the pelvis on the seat such that the pelvis is posteriorly rotated, by allowing the chest to move forward against a chest restraint, and by taking a breath and holding it by doing isometric contractions of the abdominal musculature.

Abstract: A compact multi-function weight-training exerciser having at least one pivoted handlebar lever efficiently matches liftable weight-training resistance to the exercising forces applied by the user. The handlebar levers can be simply and easily reconfigured in a variety of rest positions to facilitate a variety of exercises. Cable and linkages are efficiently laid out and housed within the frame of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the rest height of free-moving barbells in which a support plug is slidably inserted into one of several angled pockets in the upright standards of the weight-training rack or stand. The barbell used in the exercise rests upon the extended portion of the support plug in each upright standard and the rest height of the barbell can be varied by choosing one of several available pockets for containing the support plug in each upright support.

Abstract: A rotator cuff therapeutic exercise apparatus is provided which includes a stack of weights supported on a frame for movement along a working stroke from a rest position against gravitational force to a displaced position and an actuator mechanism on the frame adapted to be gripped and rotated by a hand of a user to move the weights along the working stroke. The actuator mechanism is positionable in either first or second configurations for permitting a corresponding rotational working motion of the one of the user's arms whose hand grips the actuator mechanism. For transmitting the rotational motion of the user's arm to move the weights, a ratchet-type mechanism is provided which is connected to the actuator mechanism and allows internal and external rotation of the arm and for accomplishing positive and negative work therewith.

Abstract: A weight lifting rack (10) for supporting weights used in the performance of weight lifting exercises and for facilitating the safe performance of weight lifting exercises. The weight lifting rack (10) comprises a base (14) defining a platform for performing lifting exercises and a frame (12) mounted on and supported by the base (14). The frame includes first and second selectively spaced side portions (20 and 22) each of which is mounted on the base (14). The side portions (20 and 22) each includes a first vertical support member (26, 38) and a second vertical support member (28, 40), with each of the support members being provided with a plurality of holes (56) disposed along at least a portion of their lengths. The rack (10) further comprises at least one weight support hook (80) operatively associated with each side portion (20,22) of the frame (12) for releasably engaging and supporting the weights (16) and for catching such weights (16) should the lifter lose control of the weights or become tired.

Abstract: Externally threaded opposite end portions of the bar of a barbell are insertable into the central apertures of cylindrical weights. Locking sleeves having manually retractable inward-projecting locking pins are fittable on the externally threaded bar end portions. With a locking pin in its projected position, the locking sleeve can be rotated like a conventional nut so as to advance toward or away from the weights. With the locking pin held in a retracted position, the locking sleeve can slide longitudinally in either direction along the threaded bar end portion without rotating.

Abstract: A split phase cam-controlled weight lifting exercise machine employs two independently selectable weight stacks connected by cable and pulley assemblies to a respective phase of the cam. Exercise arms are pivotally mounted for pivotal movement of the cams to which are connected the cables in a manner to provide for a different moment arm for one loaded weight than for the other during a part of the exercise. The weight loading is selected by a pin that fits through the weights and a guide rod mounted so as to not contact the weights and cause friction that degrades the benefits of the split cam operation. The guide rod is mounted on bearings that limit movement to the vertical direction. The weights include integral interlocks to align them vertically in a stack.

Abstract: A padded cervical spine rest and a padded lumbar spine rest in combination with a padded mat each having a centrally aligned spine protecting channel. The spine protecting channel supports the back yet eliminates the compression of the spinal column normally associated with weight lifting. The mat and the two padded rests are removably attachable to a conventional weight lifter's bench in combination or as single units. Each of the padded rests are contoured to be compatible in shape with the specific area of the human anatomy to be supported. The padded cervical spine rest has crescent shaped edges which allows user shoulder and arm movement without rubbing against the edge of the pad.

Abstract: By an exercise garment comprising a waistband, a pair of upper leg straps attached to the waistband for positioning about the thighs with weight attachments at the front of the thighs, a pair of lower leg straps for placement about the calves and providing for weight attachment in the back of the calves. An upper body strengthening suit complements the lower body suit and has provisions for weights up the spinal cord across the shoulders to the elbows. This is carried out through the use of an upper waist strap with a generally T-shaped portion having a T-base up the spine for the support of weights with a cap to the "T" crossing the shoulders extending to the elbows and provided for placement of weights therein. Shoulder straps attach the upper T cap across the shoulders down the front of the wearer back to the upper waist strap for support thereof.

Abstract: A hydro-inflatable, band-form weight device for aiding in the exercise of a limb, including a flexible, elongated, water-tight envelope adapted to contain a substantial weight of water and constructed to wrap circumferentially around a portion of the limb; a longitudinally-extending fastening strap joined to the elongated envelope, adapted to wrap circumferentially about the limb to overlap a portion of the band device, and fasteners associated with the overlapping portions, the strap and fasteners being adapted to secure the inflated band on the limb in a manner that preserves the wrapped condition and prevent migration of the band device along the limb during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a lever in the form of an elongate board that is supported for pivotal movement by a fulcrum disposed at or near the center of the board. Weights are connected to one end of the board, while a handle is attached to the other end of the board. The fulcrum is connected to a base in the form of a pair of spaced, parallel runners to which a seat can be connected. The machine permits a variety of "pull-down, push-down" exercises to be performed.

Abstract: A weight lifting device which allows for varying, in a predetermined manner, weight resistance during exercise motion. The device includes a plurality of weight units which are capable of being flexed relative to one another at a plurality of points along at least a substantial portion of the device. The weight lifting device can include a plurality of weighted sections, each of which include a flexible elongated hollow member. At least one weighted section can include a removable closure at the second end which provides for removal of, or filling with, a high density, flowable substance.

Abstract: A barbell assist device which is characterized by a frame fitted with a horizontal housing for enclosing a motor-driven yoke assembly which is provided with cables that extend around sheaves and downwardly from each end of the housing to support a barbell over a weight bench. A kick plate is located in close proximity to the weight bench and is wired into the motor through electronic circuity which facilitates raising and lowering the barbell responsive to contacting the kick plate. The barbell assist device is useful in "spotting" a barbell containing free weights and in performing weight lifting repetitions and negative stress exercises.