Abstract: The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a main support structure; securing assembly for securing the main support structure in an exercise position desired by a user; a shaft having a cable end and a handle end, the shaft being received by the main support structure and moveable therein, the cable end and the handle end extending from the main support structure; controlling assembly for controlling movement of the shaft within the main support structure; a handle detachably connected to shaft handle end; and detachably connecting assembly for detachably connecting the shaft cable end to the tension transmitting device of an exercise apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable air resistance system including two air cylinders fastened to the points of application on a fitness equipment, an air accumulator to receive compressed air from the air cylinders and to give a gradually increased air resistance to the points of application, and a pressure control system to control the pressure of the air accumulator by a programmable control unit through the monitoring of a pressure meter.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring device ( 10, 10A, 10B) comprising a pressure pad (11) in the form of a flexible bladder or bag which comprises a plurality of substantially separate compartments ( 12, 12A, 12B). There is also included pumping means in the form a pressure bulb or air bulb (24). There is also included feedback means in the form of an aneroid dial (18, 19). The feedback means permits monitoring or metering of pressure biofeedback transmitted to the pressure pad from the body part of the patient (34) in use. The feedback means may also comprise an analogue meter, digital readout or visual display device VDU which are all associated with the pressure transducer. There also may be provided valve means (21) in the form of a regulating screw which may regulate air flow between the air bulb (24) and aneroid dial (18, 19).

Abstract: An exercise apparatus (10) includes a hydraulic resistance member (50) with a single sided hydraulic cylinder (53) for pumping fluid through a fluid circuit (80). Lever members (31, 32) pivot in a common plane and extend outward to embrace the hydraulic resistance member (50) between them. Stop members (221,223) limit movement of the lever members (31, 32), and biasing member (230) biases 10 the lever members (31,32) apart. An immobilizing member (40) may selectively immobilize either one of the lever members (31, 32). An extension arm (17) supports an exercise member (16) which may move along an exercise stroke only by pumping cylinder (53). The fluid circuit (80) allows fluid to flow from the cylinder (53) only when pressure in the cylinder (53) exceeds a selected pressure corresponding to a selected exercising force determined in accordance with the position of the member (16) along the exercise stroke by a control linkage (100). During the return stroke, no exercising force is required.

Abstract: A recumbent bilateral reciprocal isokinetic leg exerciser wherein first and second reciprocating members are slidingly coupled to a linear track so that they move with linear bilateral reciprocal motion. Both reciprocating members are coupled to associated hydraulic cylinders so that hydraulic fluid is drawn into or forced out of the hydraulic cylinders as the reciprocating members move along the track. A valve assembly is coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling fluid flow into and out of the hydraulic cylinders so that the reciprocating members move isokinetically. The valve assembly may be set for simultaneous movement of the first and second reciprocating members or for movement of one reciprocating member by itself. To ensure accurate measurement of patient effort, a strain gauge assembly is disposed on each reciprocating member for detecting deformation of the reciprocating member along multiple axes.

Abstract: A pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus for the balanced strengthening of musculature surrounding injured, weakened, and post-operative ligaments associated with the major joints of the lower extremities. In a preferred embodiment, a leg press machine is provided comprising a frame, a foot rest assembly including a foot rest pad, and a reciprocating carriage having a patient supporting bed surface thereon. A pneumatic circuit comprising a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein, an accumulator, an air supply and a pressure regulator is provided for the variable progressive resistance against the movement of the carriage during the working stroke (where the patient straightens his/her leg(s)). The reciprocating piston rod is linked to the reciprocating carriage by a cable and pulley system to provide a longer and more physiologically tolerable working stroke.

Abstract: A retarding device for an exerciser includes a tubular housing, a drive shaft extending axially into the tubular housing and being movable axially therein, and a plurality of friction plates provided in the tubular housing and in contact with the drive shaft so as to resist axial movement of the drive shaft in the tubular housing. The tightness of contact between the friction plates and the drive shaft can be varied so as to vary correspondingly resistance to axial movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: The subject device is an apparatus structured to help facilitate the process of exercising the internal vaginal muscles, and comprises, in general, a hollow longitudinally extending member capable of being alternately contracted about its lower girth and its upper posterior portion to rhythmatically produce an internal wave action inside the device to both exercise and strengthen the vaginal muscles. The device is used by initially filling the vaginal insert with a fluid to a given volume and pressure determined by the user, through a detachable fill-empty device affixed to the device.The device is provided with an optional differential pressure flow gauge, or any other differential pressure indicator to measure rhythmatic action and strength of the resulting wave actions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a hollow outer cylinder, an inner cylinder inserted into the hollow outer cylinder and in co-axial alignment therewith, the inner cylinder being freely rotatable around its axis and freely slidable within the hollow outer cylinder along its axis. Grips of different size and shape can be provided which can easily be attached to the inner cylinder. The movement of the inner cylinder inside the hollow outer cylinder can be restricted. By attaching a larger cylinder to the inner cylinder and in co-axial alignment with it, rotational resistance can be provided. The user force application device can be secured to the exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus.

Abstract: A multifunctional exercise device is provided for use in muscle toning exercises for low impact aerobic workouts to increase the general body tone, strength and endurance. The multifunctional exercise device includes a resilient elastomeric body having a cylindrical hollow core designed to accept multifunctional and nestable hand weights for disposition in position in the cylindrical core of the resilient elastomeric body. The elastomeric body is covered with a cover of cloth or other suitable material having an opening at one end for accessing the removable weights and a multifunctional elastic strap for encircling the circumference of the multifunctional exercise device and for assisting in maintaining the detachable weights in position in the cylindrical core of the multifunctional exercise device.

Abstract: A hydraulic exerciser includes a base and a pair of driven units which are mounted pivotably on the base. A rigid tubular connector is secured on the base and extends between the driven units. The tubular connector has two ends which are provided with an annular peripheral groove and a fluid hole that is formed in the peripheral groove. Each of a pair of hydraulic cylinders includes a cylinder body, a piston movably disposed inside the cylinder body, a piston rod connected to the piston and having one end which extends out of the cylinder body and which is mounted pivotably to a respective one of the driven units, and a plug which is secured on one end of the cylinder body and which mounts pivotably the cylinder body on a respective one of the two ends of the tubular connector. The piston, the cylinder body and the plug cooperatively define a volume variable fluid chamber which is filled with hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder for a physical exercise equipment includes a cylinder body, a piston rod which extends outward from the cylinder body and which has an annular groove that is formed circumferentially in an outer end portion of the piston rod, and a coupling mechanism which includes a flexible end sleeve and a cylindrical metal retaining element. The end sleeve has a pivot joint tubular portion and a tubular protrusion which projects radially from the pivot joint tubular portion. The tubular protrusion is formed with a receiving recess which receives the outer end portion of the piston rod therein. The pivot joint tubular portion has a pivot bore formed therethrough so that a pivot pin can extend therethrough.

Abstract: A device for exercising internal and external muscles of the leg is provided. The device includes a foot holder for pivotally supporting a user's foot. The foot holder is capable of pivoting around an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the foot, and near the front of the user's leg. The device also includes a tension control unit for providing constant resistance to pivoting of the foot holder. The device preferably has separate foot holders and hydraulic tension control units for each foot.

Abstract: An automatic force generating and control system that automatically sets exercise forces in accordance with user programmed criteria and is capable of providing pressurized flow to both ends of the arm hydraulics and leg exerciser hydraulics. Anticavitation is provided during idling, pressurized flow and when the user is successfully overcoming the pressurized flow. In the preferred embodiment, pressure is regulated by two proportional pressure relief valves which set the pilot pressure of the control valves and switching elements which direct the pressurized flow to the hydraulics. In an alternate embodiment pressure and flow are regulated by a bi-directional pump through the current and voltage sent to the pump by the controls. In a third embodiment the pressure is regulated by a proportional pressure relief valve which is connected in parallel to the ends of either the arm cylinders and to a uni-directional pump.

Abstract: An automatic force generating and control system including a lever pivotally attached to a monolith and a lower body exerciser pivotally attached to a bench, with both the bench and monolith attached to a platform. The rotation of the lower body exerciser is translated into linear movement by a series of sprockets and timing belts. The electrical output from load cells and potentiometers are processed by the electronic controls to determine the speed, direction and position and the amount and direction of force being exerted on the lever and lower body exerciser. Resistance to movement is provided by a lever hydraulics assembly and a lower body hydraulics assembly. The lever has arms and handles which articulate to the physique of the user and the exercise to be performed. The arms pivot in mirror relationship and the lower body exerciser may be lengthened or shortened. Electric solenoid clutches or hydraulics may engage the handles to the arms and the arms to the head of the lever.

Abstract: A stair climbing exercise machine comprises an upright frame and a pair of reciprocating left and right pedals pivotally mounted on the frame for independent movement between raised and lowered positions. A hydraulic control system is connected to the pedals to provide resistance to downward movement and to return each lowered pedal to a raised position independent of operation of the other pedal. In a preferred embodiment, a TV screen is mounted on the frame and is controlled by a computer to display certain information during an exercise routine, which may be overlaid on a TV program. The computer may also control the duration and difficulty of each exercise routine.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus has a frame made up of a hollow main brace and a support brace, a base brace upon which the main brace and the support brace are mounted, two hollow sliding rods parallel to each other and having top portions of a length extending out of the main brace, two oil pressure cylinders arranged in a parallel manner at the bottom of the main brace and provided with piston rods having top ends coupled with the bottoms of the sliding rods, a connecting tube in communication with the two oil pressure cylinders, an adjustment button for controlling the flow of fluid between the two oil pressure cylinders, two pedals fastened respectively to the bottoms of the sliding rods by means of shaft pins, and two hand grips fastened respectively to the sliding rods. The gymnastic apparatus provides an animated exercise of cliff climbing.

Abstract: A bidirectional, synchronous, total body exercise machine. The machine includes bidirectional force-resistance mechanism in the form of a cylinder with a piston and piston rod. A lever is mounted to a framework which includes a vertical support member and a horizontal support member. The piston rod is attached to one end of the lever and the cylinder is attached to the vertical support member of the frame. Foot pedals are attached to one end of the lever and a seat is mounted on the other end of the lever so that a user may be seated on the lever. A stationary handle bar is also provided on the vertical support member so that the user, when seated on the lever, can grasp the stationary handle and then can pull forward with the arms and pushing down on the foot pedals, while at the same time rocking the torso forward, pulling the piston rod downwardly. The piston in then returned by straightening the arms and relaxing the force on the foot pedals, while rocking the torso back.

Abstract: A pneumatic weight lift assist apparatus utilizes a cylinder with an air pressure powered piston. The air pressure power is provided by a vacuum pump driven by an electric motor. The piston is connected to a weight stack by a series of pulleys and a cable. The piston may also be connected directly to a handle to provide direct resistance to a weight lifter. The power output of the piston is controlled by a variable speed electronic switch connected to the pump motor.

Abstract: An exerciser including a pair of treadles pivotally coupled to the frame body of the exerciser, a column fixed to the front end of each of the treadles and extended downwards, a pair of hydraulic cylinders having one end pivotally coupled to the frame body and having a piston rod coupled to the lower ends of the columns, and a valve coupled between the hydraulic cylinders so as to control the flowing of the hydraulic oil between the hydraulic cylinders so that the resistance of the hydraulic cylinders applied to the treadles can be adjusted.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring changes in human joint strength includes an open-cell body of flexible foam, an airtight flexible skin sealed about said foam body, with skin having an opening permitting passage of air into and out of the foam body, a hose sealed about the opening to channel air passing in and out of the opening through the hose and a gauge connected to the hose for measuring the force of air passing through the hose upon application of the force against the foam body.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit with a cooling device including mainly two hydraulic cylinders, a cooling device in the form of a rectangular structure having two oil channels each for connecting to a hydraulic cylinder and a spare tiny passage to keep on connecting to the oil channels, a control valve to close and open the oil channels, a plurality of cooling fins formed perpendicular to a side of the cooling device, and a fan for fast cooling effect whereby the hydraulic cylinders can be driven for reciprocating movements in two opposite directions.

Abstract: A leg exercising device including a frame, a pair of pedal arms pivotally secured to the frame, a double acting hydraulic cylinder having a chamber and a piston movably disposed therein, and a pair of valves connected to the hydraulic cylinder for controlling flow of fluid to and from the chamber on opposite sides of the piston. Foot engaging straps on the pedals exert a force in opposite directions toward and away from each pedal as a result of movement of the foot of a user in opposite directions. The valves are mounted adjacent the pedal within the reach of the user whose foot is in engagement with the foot engaging straps to permit independent adjustment of the magnitude of force resisting movement of the pedal arms in opposite directions.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism for exercising equipment that includes a frame structure on which is mounted a positive-displacement rotary pump, the pump having a housing with a rotor that pumps fluid through a closed circuit which includes a reservoir and conduit leading to the pump and conduit leading from the pump to the reservoir. The pump rotor is connected to an actuator for rotating the rotor and pumping fluid through the circuit with the circuit having a valve to constrict the conduit leading from the pump to vary the force required to pump fluid through the closed circuit.

Abstract: An exercising device combining an inclinable treadmill with an upper body exercising assembly having two or more sets of levers with handles. The resistance loading of each set of levers may be independently controlled and varied. This device combines strength training which aerobic exercise. Computerized controls and monitors are used. The device may be used in a weightless environment.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus to assist an exerciser to do chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, a platform parallel to the base for the exerciser to stand on, chin-up handles and dip handles extending from the frame, a system to oscillate the platform vertically between a lower position and an upper position while maintaining the platform parallel to the base and while avoiding any angular displacement, a pneumatic cylinder for providing a force to the oscillating system which is opposite the weight of the exerciser, and a control and monitor whereby the force is controlled and the oscillation of the platform is monitored.