Abstract: An integrated fitness system including a slidable unit that is slidably attached to a column vertical to the ground and that has exercise units mounted thereon. The exercise units are disposable in any of a plurality of configurations and have arms that are rotatable in any of a plurality of planes. The exercise units can be positioned along the column at any of a plurality of heights by sliding the slidable unit along the column to allow a user to use the exercise units for both arm and leg exercises.

Abstract: A therapy device aids an occupational therapist in soft tissue recovery and development. The device includes an attachment base which anchors to a table or other support surface, a riser pivotably connected to the base with 2-3 degrees of freedom, and a handle connected to the riser with an additional 2-3 degrees of freedom. Each pivotable connection can be adjusted to rotate freely or with a desired level of friction, or can be locked in a desired configuration. Multiple interchangeable handles may be included to adjust the patient-device interface, e.g., unilateral or bilateral engagement. Height adjustments may also be provided. The dual-pivoting design and adjustability of the device facilitates applications for a wide variety of patients with varying therapeutic needs, such that the device provides a highly.

Abstract: Aspects provide a punching bag formed by a body panel with a first edge that forms a first closed end, and a second edge distal to the first that defines a second opened end of an interior enclosure of the punching bag that is bounded within interior surface sidewalls of the body panel between the first closed end and the second opened end. The first closed end traps air within the interior enclosure that is configured to interact via the second opened end with ambient air within an outer area surrounding the body panel, to thereby slow motion of the punching bag as it is conveyed through the ambient air in response to forces imparted to the bag body panel by a user.

Abstract: An integrated fitness system including a slidable unit that is slidably attached to a column vertical to the ground and that has exercise units mounted thereon. The exercise units are disposable in any of a plurality of configurations and have arms that are rotatable in any of a plurality of planes. The exercise units can be positioned along the column at any of a plurality of heights by sliding the slidable unit along the column to allow a user to use the exercise units for both arm and leg exercises.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a base, a motor disposed on the base, and a motor cover. A side of the base is for disposing with a running belt. Another side of the base has a receiving space and an upper opening communicating with the receiving space. The motor is located in the receiving space for driving the running belt. A side of the motor cover is pivotally connected to the base for closing the upper opening, and another side of the motor cover is manipulable to pivot toward the side of the base disposed with the running belt to open the upper opening, and the motor cover is located above the running belt at this time. Thus, the user can manipulate the motor cover to open or close the upper opening without using tools, and the motor cover can be properly placed above the running belt when the upper opening is opened.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for electromechanical exercise or rehabilitation of a user is disclosed and can include pedals to engage appendages of a user. A spindle supports each pedal and has a spindle axis. A pedal arm assembly is located between the spindle and a rotational axle of the equipment. The pedal arm assembly is radially offset from the spindle axis to define a range of radial adjustability for the pedal relative to the rotational axle. The pedal arm assembly can include an electrically-actuated coupling assembly to adjust the radial position of the pedal in response to a control signal, and regulate motion of the user engaged with the pedals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kettlebell type apparatus for gymnastics including: a substantially spherical shaped body formed by a single flexible layer made of polymer material which defines an inner cavity: and a rigid handle fixed to the upper part of the body. The cavity is filled with a filling material that includes at least one liquid, where the filling material occupies from 10% to 80% of the volume of the cavity, and in which the body includes at least one sealable mouth for introducing the filling material into the cavity.

Abstract: A dual-turntable training device includes a base, two turntable units, and a resistance unit. Each turntable unit includes a rotating shaft, a turntable, and a grip. The rotating shaft is pivoted to the base. The turntable is secured to the rotating shaft. The two turntables of the two turntable units are horizontally arranged side by side. The grip is vertically disposed on the turntable. The resistance unit includes a control member and two resistance members. The control member is disposed on the base. The control member is connected to the two resistance members. The two resistance members correspond to the two turntables and are configured to apply rotation resistance to the two turntables. By operating the control member, the two resistance members are moved closer to or away from the two turntables for adjusting the rotation resistance.

Abstract: Technologies are described for aquatic resistance training. An aquatic resistance line may be deployed across the surface of a swimming pool. An aquatic resistance device may be deployed to ride along the resistance line when pulled by a swimmer. The aquatic resistance device comprises offset compression tensioners, each with a wedge-like geometry and a channel for the resistance line. The housing of the aquatic resistance device positions adjacent pairs of the offset compression tensioners into alternating orientation to one another.

Abstract: An inflatable belt 100 for use in a BFR system with an outer belt material 102 hermetically sealed to an inner belt material 101 along a perimeter, thereby forming at least one inflatable chamber 103, the inflatable chamber having an input port 104 for accepting a gas into the chamber, the inflatable belt further comprising a first fastening means 110 in communication with the outer belt material, for attaching to a second fastening means 111 in communication with the outer belt material, thereby locking a circumference of the inflatable belt, when wrapped around a user's limb, efficacy feedback means 200 for gathering efficacy feedback data 205, for use in prescribing, monitoring and adjusting one or more training parameters of a BFR training session and/or program based on evaluation of the efficacy feedback data.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device is disclosed, able to exert omnidirectional uniform water resistance while exercising, so that equal force is required to move it in any direction. The water resistance of the device according to the invention can be adjusted in a quick and measured way. This device can be operated with one hand and can be brought close to the body of exerciser.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a supporting frame; a resistance fan on the supporting frame, the resistance fan being configured to provide an amount of resistance to a user of the exercise machine; a housing enclosing the resistance fan, the housing having a plurality of openings through which air from the resistance fan is directed towards the user of the exercise machine; and a shroud on the housing. The shroud is movable with respect to the plurality of openings so as to redirect the air from the resistance fan without changing the amount of resistance provided to the user of the exercise machine.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for analyzing robotic physical rehabilitation systems. In some examples, a method includes receiving user interaction data characterizing a user's interaction with a robotic rehabilitation system. The robotic rehabilitation system includes one or more robotic motion machines, a control system for controlling motors of the robotic motion machines, and one or more sensors for collecting the user interaction data while the user performs physical rehabilitation training using the one or more robotic motion machines. The method includes analyzing the user interaction data to track the user's past course of treatment and determine an action for the user's future course of treatment. The method includes sending one or more commands to the control system of the robotic rehabilitation system based on the action for the user's future course of treatment.

Abstract: Provided is a personal fitness machine device using VR including: a driving unit collecting front location information of a user and front posture information of the user; a VR unit which collects rear location information, rear posture information, and distance information of the user; an exercise unit including a bottom frame, a footrest unit, a separation prevention unit, a back support frame, and a waist protector; and a control unit which controls the driving unit, the VR unit, and the exercise unit, compares the front posture information of the user and pre-stored posture information, and generates posture correction information.

Abstract: A sporting apparatus training aid having a central wall with an inner surface, an outer surface opposing the inner surface of the cylindrical central wall, and with one or more plate-like side fin(s) radially extending outwardly from the outer surface of the central wall, the training aid also having a plate-like base fin coupled to the side fin(s) at an angle to create air resistance thereon and in multiple directions when a sporting apparatus and the training aid are swung together.

Abstract: An aqua resistance fin assembly comprises two fin components and at least one fastening member for fitting the fin components to a user's limb in a side-by-side configuration around the limb. Each fin component comprises a base adapted to fit against a user's limb and adapted to be secured to the user's limb by the fastening member, and at least two longitudinal fins and at least one lateral fin on an outer side of the base.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system including a hydraulic brake device that includes: a brake actuator including a pump and a two-system electric motor that includes first and second coils; a battery; a first drive circuit for supplying electric power from the battery to the first coil; a capacitor; and a second drive circuit for supplying electric power from the capacitor to the second coil, wherein, in a normal mode in which the pump is driven by power not greater than set power, the motor drives the pump by the electric power supplied from the battery to the first coil, and wherein, in a high power mode in which the pump is driven by power that exceeds the set power, the motor drives the pump by both of the electric power supplied from the battery to the first coil and the electric power supplied from the capacitor to the second coil.

Abstract: A board paddling training apparatus for assisting in improving a user's paddling technique and strength. In particular, the board paddling training apparatus includes a buoyant board, such as a board adapted for surfing, bodyboarding, paddleboarding, or other board-related sport that entails paddling, and includes a resistance mechanism that creates drag or resistance against a user's paddle stroke. Some implementations of the resistance mechanism can be adjustable in order to create a variety of resistance against the user's paddle stroke and board movement.

Abstract: A chain wheel locking device of an exercise apparatus includes a wheel frame mounted on a main frame of the exercise apparatus, wherein the wheel frame is a U-shaped structure and has two supports corresponding to each other. The exercise apparatus includes a chain wheel axle rotatably extending through a chain wheel and the two supports. The chain wheel axle has two opposite ends each having a locking device mounted thereon for positioning the chain wheel axle and preventing the chain wheel axle from being moved relative to the wheel frame such that a tension of a chain on the chain wheel is maintained to prevent the chain from being detached from the chain wheel.

Abstract: A turbine damping device is mounted on a fitness device, and has a housing assembly, a turbine assembly, and a regulating unit. The turbine assembly is mounted inside the housing assembly and has a turbo casing, a turbo wheel, and an adjusting plate. The turbo casing has an exhaling hole. The adjusting plate is controlled by the regulating unit and mounted movably in the exhaling hole. The turbo wheel is mounted rotatably inside the turbo casing. The turbo casing and the turbo wheel generate an airflow resistance that is an exercising load for users using the fitness device. The adjusting plate regulates an opening size of the exhaling hole to adjust the airflow resistance. The turbine damping device has a simple structure and maintenance thereof is easy. A user adjusts the exercising load easily by controlling the adjusting plate. The fitness device with airflow resistance is helpful to environmental protections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a Kegel health system can include: inserting an insertable body into a user, the insertable body connected to a tail outside of the user, the insertable body including a bulbous body coupled to a connecting body, the bulbous body including a control unit, the connecting body coupled to the tail, and the connecting body including sensors; sensing sensor data with the sensors, the sensor data indicating the presence of contractions from a pelvic floor muscle of the user; providing feedback to the user with graphics and written information displayed on an external device, the graphics and the written information indicating attributes of the contractions from the pelvic floor muscle.

Abstract: Cell flow device and method provides a sequential linear flow of pressure resistance includes a family cell of two or more continuance cells. These continuance cells have the same or different size and shape. They also have different degrees of elastomeric capability and are in fluid connection with the advantage of a properly calibrated valve(s) and will transfer air, gas, liquid, or other substance or media, or mixture thereof by a sequential linear flow of pressure resistance from a reservoir or external source through different degrees of elastic potential energy, geometric advantages, or introduction of a force. Thereby, the family cell performs the predetermined function in any device that uses the technology for a wide array of uses for users and operators thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a pneumatic sock exercise device utilizing pneumatic resistance transmitted to a user by a pneumatic sock capable of slidable movement within a pneumatic conduit configured to be removably interfaced with a source of airflow. The pneumatic sock is a tubular structure made of a flexible material that includes various aspects and features. When an embodiment is interfaced with the source of airflow, the pneumatic sock enables airflow within the pneumatic conduit or pneumatic conduit structure to oppose the user and his/her movement of the sock in either direction (with or against airflow) during exercise. Some embodiments may include an extension means and/or an anti-friction means to extend the range of movement of the pneumatic sock. The same or other embodiments may include a housing including a pneumatic conduit structure. A cushion of a resilient material may be included in an embodiment.

Abstract: A practice device for use with a bat in batting sports to instruct a batter on proper swing technique and form. It is a batter assist power trainer for sports exercise. This relates to an exercise method and apparatus for improving performance in sports that include swinging of a device such as a bat. It is a batter assist power trainer device made of an airtight airfoil structure made of flexible and durable material and a method or way for connecting the structure to a bat so that the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball. Other configurations include structures made with end sections, with reinforcing splines; and a various ways to connect the device to the bat.

Abstract: A lower body reciprocating exerciser includes a frame having two posts on two sides thereof. Two swing units are respectively connected to the two posts and an arm of each swing unit is connected with a cam of a transmission unit corresponding thereto. The cam is connected with a piston rod of a resistance unit corresponding thereto and the piston rod is connected with a piston located in a cylinder. An enclosed loop pipe is connected to outside of each of the cylinders and includes two sets of a check valve and an adjustable control valve. The loop pipe communicates with the space in the cylinder. The check valves and the adjustable control valves control the fluid in the cylinders to adjust the resistance force when the user swings the pedals and the arms, so that the user's bones and muscles of the lower body are exercised properly.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that provides multiple different exercises for a User, including both resistance movements and isometrics. The User interacts with the apparatus by grasping a bar. A resistance mechanism is symmetrically mounted on a second bar and provides infinitely variable resistance to the User, as well as soundproof operation. There is a vertical column that allows infinite positioning of the bars for different bodily exercises, and a bench for support. The User can change the exercise resistance by verbal commands, or the apparatus can vary the exercise resistance in response to the force applied by the User. The apparatus can be operated at locations where electric service is permanently unavailable, or in zero gravity; and the apparatus can be mounted inside a shallow closet and hidden from view. To verify accuracy, the resistance can be calibrated against a known quantity of weight.

Abstract: To ensure easy and secure placement of a belt for KAATSU muscle training on a target compressed site near the proximal portion of a limb. A belt 100B has a longer first band-shaped member 110 and a shorter second band-shaped member 120 both of which have a band shape and are connected to a ring-shaped joint member 130 at their respective ends. In order to place the belt 100B on the target compressed site, the limb (right leg in this case) on which the belt 100B is expected to be placed is inserted into a loop of the first band-shaped member 110 formed by passing the end of the first band-shaped member 110 through an opening in the joint member 130, and the belt is moved up to the target compressed site. Then, the first band-shaped member 110 and the second band-shaped member 120 are pulled with both hands in the opposite directions. The belt 100B is placed on the target compressed site with the belt 100B being tensioned appropriately.

Abstract: A core muscle group training equipment includes a seat, a backrest located on the back side of the seat and a damping mechanism provided at the bottom side of the seat. When sitting on the seat and resting the back on the backrest, the user can selectively bend the upper body forwards and backwards to contract the proximal muscles, or keep the upper body immovable and move the lower body up and down to contract distal muscles. By means of biasing of the seat and the damping effect provided by the damping mechanism during operation, the muscle strength of the abdominal muscles is trained. When releasing the pressure, the damping mechanism returns the machine parts smoothly, preventing accidental injury.

Abstract: A descent apparatus (1) including a housing (3) with a liquid conduit (4) therethrough and a float (8) constrained within the liquid conduit (4) and capable of slideable movement along a first path between an upper and a lower position. A moveable element (6) is located outside the liquid conduit (4) and is slideably coupled to the housing (3). A mechanical connector (9) physically connects the movable element (6) to the float (8) such that in use, the liquid conduit (4) contains liquid and the position of the float (8) is variable by applying a force to the movable element (6) and wherein the slideable movement of the float (8) along a first path produces a corresponding movement of the moveable element (6) outside the housing (3) along a second path co-axial, or parallel with the first path.

Abstract: An exercise device having a water-tight, interior compartment into which a destabilizing liquid can be added to fill the device to a desired weight, such as by indicated on weight marks provided on an exterior surface of the exercise device. The device is capable of being filled with the destabilizing liquid via a water port of the device, which may be releasably securable to a water hose or faucet. The destabilizing liquid filling the interior compartment of the exercise device provides resistance to muscular movement and provides destabilization of the device as an aid in improving a user's balance and coordination. Handles and/or at least one protruding knob are provided on the exterior surface of the exercise device, and/or padded straps are provided on the exterior surface of the exercise device for attaching the device to the user's limbs or back. One side of the device may be flattened and padded to increase comfort for the user when the device is attached to the user's body.

Abstract: A device for training the body of a user (1) includes a mechanism (2) with levers (3) arranged to be operated by no more than two limbs of the user. The levers are linked to a flywheel configuration (4) such that the flywheel configuration is actuated/driven by periodic push and/or pull forces exercised by the user to those levers. The resistance of the flywheel configuration can be varied. The device can be put into at least two orientations with respect to a base plate (13), so that the levers are moved by the user either forward and backward or upward and downward. The levers are arranged to be actuated by either the user's hands or the user's feet.

Abstract: An exercise device (10) is provided with a twist cap (14) spaced apart from a base cap (12) with a resistance assembly (52) therebetween. The resistance assembly (52) includes a spring (20), a rotating member (26) that rotates with the twist cap (14), and a translating member (30) threadably engaged to the rotating member (26) and configured to variably deform the spring (20) due to rotation of the twist cap (14) in order to adjust the resistance level. An annularly pleated sidewall (16) and a vent means (18) may be included to provide a further resistance means. The exerciser compresses the twist cap (14) towards the base cap (12) to experience both compressive and bending resistance.

Abstract: An exercise device for use when a person is in a pool or other water body. A central boom extends from attachment to a sidewalk around the pool, and extends to a wishbone member that forms a furcated member mounted to the central boom. The wishbone has lateral members that are parallel and spaced with hand-grippable handles at the ends farthest from the central boom, and disposed over the water. A user can grasp the handles and perform numerous exercise movements while buoyed, at least partially, by the water. A lower support member is mounted to the central boom beneath the wishbone, and a handle is mounted to the central boom between the wishbone and the lower support member. The user can rest his shoulders on the lower support member and hold the handle mounted to the boom, and perform abdominal exercises. Many other movements are possible.

Abstract: An upper body reciprocating exerciser includes a frame having a post. A cam is connected to the post and has a guide slot which is cooperated with a piston rod of a cylinder. An enclosed loop pipe is connected to outside of the cylinder and includes two sets of a check valve and an adjustable control valve. The loop pipe communicates with a space in the cylinder. The check valves and the adjustable control valves control fluid in the cylinder to adjust the resistance force when a user pulls a pull unit, so that the user's bones and muscles are exercised properly.

Abstract: A sport swinging resistance exercise device is described that is designed for providing air resistance when swinging elongated sports equipment. An athlete can change the amount of air resistance by either using a different air resistance vane, or a resistance vane with variable opening features. An alignment marker for a right-handed athlete and second alignment marker one for a left-handed athlete is used to orient the sports swinging exercise device to operate optimally. The sports swinging exercise device is made mainly from durable, light-weight materials such as rip-stop nylon, for lightness and air blocking capabilities. When not in use the sports swinging exercise device and other optional air resistance devices can be stored in a small storage bag to keep them together and for easy transportation and accessibility in an equipment bag such as a batting bag.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that provides multiple different exercises for a User, including both resistance movements and isometrics. The User interacts with the apparatus by grasping a bar. A resistance mechanism is symmetrically mounted on a second bar and provides infinitely variable resistance to the User, as well as soundproof operation. There is a vertical column that allows infinite positioning of the bars for different bodily exercises, and a bench for support. The User can change the exercise resistance by verbal commands, or the apparatus can vary the exercise resistance in response to the force applied by the User. The apparatus can be operated at locations where electric service is permanently unavailable, or in zero gravity; and the apparatus can be mounted inside a shallow closet and hidden from view. To verify accuracy, the resistance can be calibrated against a known quantity of weight.

Abstract: Aquatic exercise system and method for use in a body of water is presented. In particular, the system comprises a sleeve correspondingly disposable in covering relation to at least a portion of a user's appendage, such as an arm or leg, a securing assembly to secure the sleeve to a user, and at least one fin outwardly extending from the sleeve and structured to increase resistance to the user regardless of the particular directional or rotational movement. In some embodiments, the sleeve is further structured to cover an extremity of a user, such as a hand or foot. Further embodiments include a seat assembly connectable to an access pole of a pool or hot tub. The method includes applying an aquatic exercise system to an appendage of a user, submerging the appendage and system, and moving the appendage and system through water in at least one direction to create resistance.

Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.

Abstract: An air management system that allows safe and convenient forms of interval training exercise to be performed on pneumatically elevating rebound exercise equipment. The system includes at least one air intake valve and bleed valve. By providing repeatable degrees of difficulty for both air intake and air release from the extendable air springs employed for the exercise, competitive athletes and their coaches can design, employ, repeat, and compare individualized medium- or high-intensity interval protocols for optimal cardiovascular training programs.

Abstract: A waist-mounted parachute deployment and retracting system for training runners and other athletes that provides a user a method for selectively deploying and retracting the parachute during training without stopping or breaking stride. The parachute provides drag to increase resistance to improve performance by overloading the muscles. The user selectively deploys the parachute by pressing a button to release and open the parachute. Air flow created by the user's forward motion flows through a pair of ports on the side of a case holding the parachute. The air flow expands the parachute, causing the cords attaching the parachute to the case to extend and wind a recoil mechanism. The user selectively retracts the parachute by pressing a button to close the parachute and the recoil mechanism rewinds the cords, pulling the parachute into the case, ready to be deployed again when desired.

Abstract: An aquatic training device (150) including: a drag member (160) including an inlet (161), an outlet (162) and at least one side wall (163) extending between the inlet (161) and the outlet (162); and a link (170), for towing the drag member (160), coupled to the at least one side wall (163) adjacent the inlet (161); wherein the drag member (160) includes at least one drag inducer (164) formed in or attached to the at least one side wall (163).

Abstract: A piece of aquatic training equipment is provided that comprises a glove, made substantially from neoprene, for, in use receiving a user's hand. The glove is provided with a pocket that can receive one or more pieces of closed cell foam so as to varying its buoyancy. The pocket is located so that the foam is wrapped around the hand to produce ergonomically and uniformly balanced buoyancy in the glove.

Abstract: An aquatic resistance ball is provided that comprises a containment skin substantially filled with, and surrounding, a non-toxic soluble material such as salt. The containment skin is made of a water resistant material and the bulk density of the contents of the containment skin is greater than 1 g/cm3. The resistance ball is substantially spherical, ovoid or tubular in shape.

Abstract: A skiing simulating exercise machine includes a supporting base for supporting a user, a pair of retractable couplers attached to the supporting base, and a pair of handle devices coupled to the retractable couplers for being grasped by the user and for simulating a skiing operation. The supporting base includes a beam for attaching the retractable couplers, the retractable couplers each include a rod slidably engaged in a housing, and a spring biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing for retracting the rod into the housing. The retractable couplers each include a wheel attached to the rod for allowing the rod to be smoothly moved into and out of the housing.

Abstract: A muscle training and physical rehabilitation device is disclosed. The device is controllable by liquid based resistive units. The liquid based resistive unit utilizes either smart magnetorheological (MR) liquid whose resistance to motion can be adjusted by electromagnetism or by proportional valves with various liquids whose resistance can be controlled by an electronic signal. The MR fluid resistive units comprises a rotor supported by a bearing inside a housing, a stator mounted together with the housing to the mounting plate, and the MR liquid that flows inside the cavity formed by the vane of the rotor and chamber of the stator. The MR liquid is controlled by the applied electromagnetic field to adjust the resistance according to the exerted toque.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising may include a blade section for resistance movement in a fluid, a handle section to connect to the blade section to hold the exercise device with a hand of the user and a wrist section to connect to the handle section to guide the exercise device with the wrist of the user. The blade section may include a first convex surface at the distal end of the blade section. The blade section may include a second convex surface at the distal end of the blade section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of exercise utilizing fluid containing bladders. The bladders may be in communication with each other so that compression of one bladder causes the fluid to be transferred to a neighboring bladder. The system may be used to exercise complementary muscle groups. Additionally, the system may be adjustable to provide different workout levels or so that the device can be used to exercise a variety of muscle groups.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological fluid brake includes a housing, a non-magnetically permeable separating ring, a plurality of magnetically permeable blocks, a plurality of magnetically permeable bars, an axle, an upper magnetically permeable block, a lower magnetically permeable block, and a magneto-rheological fluid. The magneto-rheological fluid is surrounded by a plurality of coils and a plurality of pole coils for increasing the area of magnetic permeability of the magneto-rheological fluid subjected to an applied magnetic field. Accordingly, the magneto-rheological fluid brake demonstrates an enhanced braking force and is free from a complete failure of the braking force.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a drag chute. An exemplary drag chute is comprised of a canopy from flexible material having a perimeter, a first surface, and a second surface. The drag chute is also comprised of a stiffening member coupled to the canopy along a portion of the canopy perimeter. The drag chute is also comprised of a veil attached to the canopy and a leash attached to the veil. The stiffening member may be maintained in a tunnel that extends along at least a portion of the canopy perimeter. In an additional embodiment, the stiffening member may be a foam material. An additional embodiment may include an integrated bag for storing one or more parts of the drag chute when not in use.