Abstract: A lever operated exercise apparatus is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a foot engagement assembly mounted on a frame structure. The foot engagement assembly comprises two foot engaging members which are coupled to the frame structure to move in a substantially vertical direction. A power translating mechanism comprising a lever operatively connects the frame structure and the foot engagement assembly such that a downward force applied to one of the foot engaging members produces an upward force on the other foot engaging member. This causes the foot engaging members to move in opposite direction from one another. The power translating mechanism may have two levers rigidly mounted together and connected to the foot engaging member at two different locations. This double lever keeps the foot engaging members in a substantially horizontal position while they move in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: An adjustable cycling apparatus comprising a pedal mechanism which may be adjusted to various horizontal and vertical positions for a more versatile cycling exercise routine. The cycling apparatus includes a frame unit upon which the pedal mechanism is mounted. The pedal mechanism is collapseable into the frame unit for easy storage. The frame unit supports a seat with adjustable back and arm supports whereby cycling exercise routines may be performed from a comfortable seated position. The back and arm supports may also be lowered to add to the collapseability of the apparatus.

Abstract: A manually operated uplift apparatus comprising a structural frame unit, a mechanical uplift assembly unit, and a power translating mechanism connecting the two units to allow the user to more easily obtain a standing position from a previously seated position. The structural frame unit is used to support and guide the mechanical uplift assembly unit. The mechanical uplift assembly unit has two sections which can independently move vertically with respect to the structural frame unit. One section has a seat, the other has rails. When downward force is applied to the rails, the section having the rails moves vertically downward and produces an upward force in the section having a seat through the power translating mechanism. This interface allows the user to more easily uplift themselves from a seated position and is especially useful for older and/or medically disabled persons.

Abstract: A pivoting exercise apparatus comprising a structural frame, a thigh engagement member, and optional resistance device and motor, whereby the user may engage the thigh engagement member with the thigh portion of their legs and perform lower body exercise routines while in a relatively reclined position. The thigh engagement member is pivotally coupled to the structural frame to pivot in the forward, backward, and side directions. The user may manually produce motion in the thigh engagement member. A resistance may be included to provide a resistance force against this pivoting motion. A motor may also be used to provide automatic pivoting motion of the thigh engagement member.

Abstract: A stationary exercise apparatus is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a rotational assembly mounted on a frame structure. The rotational assembly includes a plurality of rotational members connected together by a closed loop. Cranks are attached to and extend from each side of each rotational member. A pedal is located on each side which bridges the cranks on that side. The cranks are arranged such that the pedals are opposingly positioned and travel their path of rotation while remaining in a horizontal position. Handles and optional variable resistance provide adjustable support and multiple work levels for the user.

Abstract: A foot operated rotational assembly is provided which a user operates while in a standing position. The apparatus includes a rotational assembly mounted on a frame structure. The rotational assembly includes a plurality of rotatable members connected together by an intermediate rotatable member. Cranks are attached to and extend from each side of the rotatable members. A pedal is located on each side which bridges the cranks on that side. The cranks are arranged so that the pedals are opposingly positioned and travel their path of rotation while remaining in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A user-operated seat uplift apparatus including a structural frame unit and a mechanical uplift assembly unit, thereby allowing the user to more easily obtain a standing position from a previous seated position. The structure frame unit is used to support and guide the mechanical uplift assembly unit. The uplift unit consists basically of a seat member, two rail members, one disposed on each side of the seat member, and an interconnection means. The user presses downward upon the rail members, which move in a downward direction. This downward movement produces an upward movement in the seat member. And likewise, downward movement of the seat member results in upward motion of the rail members. This interface allows the user to more easily uplift themselves from a seated position and should prove especially useful for older and medically disabled persons.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a tensioned closed looped belt driven by a manually operated force-transmitting member which grips the belt between a cylinder and a support rod in one direction of movement and releases the belt in the opposite direction of movement. The exercise apparatus includes a frame unit, a belt assembly unit and user engagement members, the frame unit being collapsible into a compact unit for storage. The frame unit supports a seat with an adjustable back whereby, through the user engagement members, upper and lower body exercises may be practiced while the user remains seated. A basket may be provided for storage of user engagement members and other elements as desired.

Abstract: In a multiple-board computer system, diagnostics are primarily performed by highly reliable microcontroller units (MCUs) on each processor (and memory) board. Operated separately from the board central processing units so that board failure will not prohibit diagnostic routines, the MCUs are serially connected to a bus separate from the main bus. Redundant diagnostic processor board MCUs constantly monitor the other MCUs and the serial bus, and oversee the operation of an MCUs on a malfunctioning board. In an alternate embodiment the diagnostic processor boards are replaced by a microcomputer serving as a monitor.

Abstract: A molded piston for a shock absorber is formed as a cylindrical member having a central, axial opening for receiving a piston rod. A plurality of unrestricted axial openings are provided in the piston radially outbound of the central opening and aligned substantially parallel to the axis of the piston to serve as primary flow passages. A plurality of axial grooves are provided on the circumference of the piston to serve as secondary flow passages. A flexible, circumferential valving ring is integrally molded at one end of the piston for permitting only one-way flow of fluid through the secondary flow passages as the piston reciprocates in an inner cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper for a suspension system comprises a fluid-filled inner cylinder mounting a reciprocating piston and piston rod. The piston divides the interior of the inner cylinder into upper and lower chambers. A reservoir tube surrounds the inner cylinder and forms a reservoir in the interior volume between the reservoir tube and the inner cylinder. A base valve assembly permits the return of fluid into the lower chamber from the reservoir. A pair of concentric tubes are mounted between the inner cylinder and the reservoir tube and provide a one-way laminar flow path for fluid exiting the upper chamber of the inner cylinder and entering the reservoir. The length and the spacing of the concentric tubes can be varied to provide a preselected damping force.

Abstract: A vortex valving assembly for a hydraulic damper is adaptable for use in both a piston and a cylinder end. A generator plate includes a plurality of upstanding, arcuate vanes for imparting a vortex to passing fluid and directing the fluid to a central opening. A control plate having a plurality of openings is stacked adjacent the generator plate to control the entry and exit of fluid from the control plate during reciprocation of the piston.

Abstract: A wheeled rake apparatus (10) including a wheeled unit (11) adapted to detachably receive a generally V-shaped framework member (20) having downwardly angled arm segments (22,23) provided with rake teeth (26) for removing and collecting debris as the apparatus (10) is pushed across a lawn.

Abstract: A treadmill associated exercise apparatus (10) including a conventional treadmill unit (11) provided with a pair of guide rails (18) which are operatively associated with a force transmitting member (21); wherein the force transmitting member (21) is attached to a releasable grasping structure (22) that will selectively engage the treadmill belt element (14) when the force transmitting member (21) is moved in one direction; and, wherein the releasable grasping means will become disengaged from the treadmill belt element (14) when the force transmitting structure (21) is moved in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A viscous fan clutch having clutch and pump plates with interleaved lands to form the shear zone featuring an annular blocker ring and axial fluid feed passages radially inward of the blocker ring leading to the shear zone through lands partially or completely removed from the clutch plate to improve flow distribution into the shear zone.

Abstract: A viscous fan clutch employing flat wipers with angled edges secured on the inner annular periphery of the clutch body which scavage viscous fluid from the space between the inner diameter of the main body and the outer diameter of the clutch plate which controls the rate of discharge of pumping slots formed on the inside diameter of the body to optimize fluid flow from the working cavity to the storage cavity by way of a discrete intermediate cavity to reduce horsepower requirement when a low output speed during disengaged mode is desired or a faster rate of disengagement is required.

Abstract: A viscous fan clutch which employs a dynamic blocker ring positioned inside of the clutch between the pump plate and the clutch plate in such a manner that the fluid flow path is directed and not left to chance. The blocker ring, in effect, hydraulically separates the drive portion of the clutch from the pump and viscous fluid storage portion. The divider ring due to its location will provide support outboard of the bearing providing optimized durability.