Abstract: A parallel resistance rowing machine is an apparatus that provides adjustable, independent resistance to a user to perform rowing exercises that isolate and emphasize various laterally opposed muscle groups. The parallel resistance rowing machine uses a first resistance assembly and a second resistance assembly mounted to an axle within a chassis. The first resistance assembly and the second resistance assembly are selectably interconnected by a clutch mechanism, enabling a first handle and a second handle to be moved independently or in concert under resistance from the first resistance assembly and the second resistance assembly, respectively. An elongate frame supports a slidable seat assembly, further supporting a full-body rowing action as the user exerts themselves against the first resistance assembly and the second resistance assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting resistance on an exercise apparatus include a first resistance apparatus having an adjusting bracket, magnetic members mounted on an inner surface of the adjusting bracket, a stepper motor having an adjusting shaft and operable to traverse a portion of the length of the adjusting shaft. At a first position, the magnetic members are disposed above a flywheel, and in a second position, the magnetic members are disposed on opposite sides of the flywheel, providing resistance thereto. A load cell couples the adjusting bracket to the frame and generates a signal corresponding to the movement of the adjusting bracket. A computing system calculates resistance, rpms, power from load cell signal, stepper motor position, shaft rotational position and other sensor inputs.

Abstract: A flywheel system comprises a flywheel rotor comprising a rotor disc and a rotor shaft and has a longitudinal axis extending centrally through the rotor disc and the rotor shaft. The system further comprises a journal assembly configured to facilitate rotation of the flywheel rotor. The journal assembly comprises a sleeve having an aperture extending therethrough from a first end to a second, opposite end, a rod at least partially disposed within the aperture of the sleeve, and a nut coupled to a portion of the rod. The rod has a length greater than the sleeve such that a portion of the rod extends axially beyond the first end of the sleeve. A method of forming the flywheel comprises coupling the rod to the rotor shaft and pulling the second end of the rod to tension the rod. The nut maintains the tension in the rod when coupled thereto.

Abstract: A resistance sensing apparatus for exercise equipment includes a resistance adjusting assembly and a sensing unit. The resistance adjusting assembly includes an adjusting unit, a tubular member disposed above the adjusting unit, and an adjusting shaft mounted in the tubular member. The adjusting shaft has a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion formed thereon. The adjusting unit is threaded onto the first threaded portion. The sensing unit includes a second threaded member threadedly engaged to the second threaded portion, a first sensing member is disposed on one of the adjusting unit and the second threaded member, the second sensing member is disposed on the other of the adjusting unit and the second threaded member. By adjusting the adjusting unit and the second threaded member, a distance of the first and the second sensing member is changed and generates corresponding signals.

Abstract: A method provides for optimizing at least one exercise. The method includes receiving first image data. The first image data includes first pixel data associated with the user performing the exercise at a first time. The method includes receiving second image data. The second image data includes second pixel data associated with the user performing the exercise at a second time. The method includes determining, based on a difference between the first pixel data and the second pixel data, deviation data associated with a profile of the user. The method includes generating outline data based on the deviation data and corresponding to a frontal area of the user. The method may also include determining drag coefficient data based on the frontal area of the user. The method includes determining, based on the outline data and the drag coefficient data, drag force data associated with the user using the exercise device.

Abstract: A hybrid resistance adjustment system is used on an exercise bike which has a frame and a flywheel, and the hybrid resistance adjustment system has a resistance assembly, a manual adjustment assembly, and an electronic adjustment assembly. The resistance assembly is mounted on the frame and has a mounting seat pivotally connected to the frame, a brake pad and a magnetic set. The mounting seat is pivotally connected to the frame. The brake pad and the magnetic set are mounted on the mounting seat. The manual adjustment assembly is mounted on the frame and has a shaft. The electronic adjustment assembly is mounted on the frame and has a linearly movable component and a motor. The motor is connected to the linearly movable component. The shaft and the linearly movable component selectively push the mounting seat to simultaneously make the brake pad abut against the flywheel.

Abstract: A fan vehicle includes a driving wheel, a wind resistance wheel, a resistance unit and a power generating unit. The driving wheel can be driven by two pedals. The wind resistance wheel is connected to the driving wheel via a transmission unit in order to rotate synchronously. The resistance unit includes a mandrel, a flywheel installed on the mandrel and connected to the transmission unit, a magnetic ring mounted onto the flywheel and a magnet securement rack installed on the outer perimeter of the flywheel. One side of the magnet securement rack includes a plurality of magnets. The magnet securement rack can be pulled by a cable in order to change the distance of the magnets relative to the magnetic ring in order to adjust the magnitude of the magnetic resistance. The power generating unit is installed inside the flywheel.

Abstract: A flywheel system comprises a flywheel rotor comprising a rotor disc and a rotor shaft and has a longitudinal axis extending centrally through the rotor disc and the rotor shaft. The system further comprises a journal assembly configured to facilitate rotation of the flywheel rotor. The journal assembly comprises a sleeve having an aperture extending therethrough from a first end to a second, opposite end, a rod at least partially disposed within the aperture of the sleeve, and a nut coupled to a portion of the rod. The rod has a length greater than the sleeve such that a portion of the rod extends axially beyond the first end of the sleeve. A method of forming the flywheel comprises coupling the rod to the rotor shaft and pulling the second end of the rod to tension the rod. The nut maintains the tension in the rod when coupled thereto.

Abstract: An improved magnetoresistance adjustment device of fitness equipment suitable for using in a fan-type fitness equipment. The fitness equipment having a traction rope, and including: a resistance wheel mounted on the fitness equipment and having a wheel and an axle, the axle being mounted on the wheel; a magnetoresistive ring mounted on the resistance wheel; a fixing member fixedly mounted on the axle and having a positioning bolt, a direction of the fixing member extending to the magnetoresistive ring being a displacement direction; a displacement member having a displacement hole, a fixing portion and a magnetoresistive portion, the displacement hole allowing the positioning bolt to pass through, and the displacement member repeatedly displacing along the displacement direction to bring the magnetoresistive portion closer to or away from the magnetoresistive ring, and the fixing portion being connected to the traction rope and driven by the traction rope.

Abstract: A swingable mechanical structure installed to fitness equipment or bicycles includes a machine base, a swing mechanism, and an auxiliary bracket. The swing mechanism includes a rotating shaft, a tilt member, and a swing post. The rotating shaft of the swing mechanism is installed into an assembling slot of the rotating shaft. Both ends of the auxiliary bracket are assembled to the machine base and an end of the swing post. When the rotating shaft is rotated, the rotating shaft is rotated to an angle with the respect to the tilt member, so that the swing post may swing together with the tilt member sideway and rotated around the tilt member. One of the ends of the swing post is limited by the auxiliary bracket, so that the swing post can just swing sideway to produce a mechanical structure with a force input and output conversion.

Abstract: A resistance sensing mechanism includes a resistance adjusting unit including a holder frame, a locating sleeve disposed above the holder frame, an adjustment screw rod rotatably inserted through the locating sleeve and a first screw nut threaded onto a first thread segment of the adjustment screw rod and pivotally connected to the holder frame, and a sensor unit including a linkage pivotally connected to the holder frame, a second screw nut threaded onto a second thread segment of the adjustment screw rod and pivotally connected to the linkage, a sensor mounted at one of the holder frame and the linkage and a sensible member mounted at the other of the holder frame and the linkage to face toward the sensor. Subject to the relative movement between the first and second screw nuts, the holder frame and the linkage relatively biased to change the distance between the sensor and sensible member.

Abstract: A resistance sensing mechanism including a resistance adjusting unit including a holder frame, a locating sleeve disposed above the holder frame, an adjustment screw rod rotatably inserted through the locating sleeve and a screw nut threaded onto the adjustment screw rod and pivotally connected to the holder frame, and a sensor unit including a first linkage pivotally connected with one end to the screw nut, a second linkage having one end pivotally connected to an opposite end of the first linkage and an opposite end pivotally connected to the locating sleeve, a sensor mounted at one of the first and second linkages and a sensible member mounted at the other of the first and second linkages to face toward the sensor. Subject to the linkage relationship between the first and second linkages, the distance between the sensor and the sensible member can be changed, thereby generating a relative sensing signal.

Abstract: An exercise bike includes a main frame having a seat extending therefrom. A peddle assembly is mounted on the main frame. A rotating damping element is rotatably mounted on the main frame by a second axle. A drive assembly is connected to the peddle assembly and the second axle. An internal gear device is disposed on the rotating damping element and includes a casing, an internal transmission is centrally received in the casing for driving the casing and a drive element connected to the internal transmission for operating the internal transmission. The second axle centrally extends through the internal gear device and the internal transmission is securely sleeved on the second axle, wherein the rotating damping element is securely sleeved on the on the casing. The damping provided to the exercise bike A is adjusted when the drive element of the internal gear device is operated once.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present exercise machine, an assembly is attached to the end of a reformer, where the assembly comprises a seat mechanism and a pedal mechanism. The seat mechanism has a seat, a bracket supporting the seat, and a height adjustment system, where activation of the height adjustment system permits selective adjustment and locking of the height of the seat and the bracket by restricting travel of the seat and bracket to a slanted path that is slanted relative to the vertical. The pedal mechanism has an axle, a first pedal arm with a first pedal, and a second pedal arm with a second pedal. The pedal mechanism is located directly beneath the seat when the seat mechanism is in a lowest position and partially exposed in a higher position.

Abstract: A resistance adjusting apparatus has a bracket, a seat pivotally mounted on the bracket, a resistance supplier mounted in the seat, and an adjusting assembly. The adjusting assembly is mounted on the bracket and connected to the seat. The adjusting assembly has a motor, a stick and a sleeve. The motor is mounted on the bracket and has a spindle. The stick is mounted on the spindle of the motor. The stick has an outer threaded portion formed on an outer surface of the stick. The sleeve is mounted on the seat, is connected to and around the stick, and has an inner threaded portion engaging with the outer threaded portion. The motor can control the moving distance of the resistance supplier accurately. The adjustment precision and the sensitivity of the resistance adjusting apparatus are increased.

Abstract: A stationary exercise cycle includes a simulation system for simulating real-world terrain based on environmental and other real-world conditions. Using topographical or other data, an actual location can be simulated. The exercise cycle may include a resistance mechanism that is adjusted based on changes in simulated slope, and by amounts simulating actual frictional and gravitational forces. The simulated speed of the rider, as well as speed and direction of a simulated wind, are used to determine a simulated air speed. Based on the simulated air speed, the simulation system determines the simulated air resistance hindering the rider, and changes reflective of the simulated air resistance are made by the resistance mechanism. The stationary exercise cycle takes into account actual or approximate physical information of the user in determining the real-world conditions that are simulated, including the height, weight, shape, and/or rising position of the rider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus operated in a seated position where foot operated pedals and arm operated handles follow linear paths. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with motion of the feet. The foot pedals and handles are positioned forward the operator to allow easy ingress and egress. The handles and pedals may be operated in unison for rowing exercise or the left handle and pedal may be operated independent of the right handle and pedal for opposing stepping exercise. Adjustable resistance is provided.

Abstract: An upper body exerciser which is compatible with walking or using a treadmill permits vigorous upper body exercise involving hands, arms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and neck. The upper body exerciser is a harness that rests on the shoulders of a person with a forward extension presenting handgrips at the distal ends of a hand crank that can be rotated such as bicycle pedals are rotated by the feet. Since the harness is easily donned or removed with just a single motion without the need for confining straps, its convenience encourages frequent use.

Abstract: An integrated flywheel set for exercise equipment includes a base plate, a flywheel that is coaxial with the base plate and arranged such that an accommodating space is formed between the flywheel and the base plate, a magnetic damper unit that is deposited on the base plate and received in the accommodating space and provides magnetic attraction to hinder the flywheel from rotation, and a transmission that is received in the accommodating space and configured to drive the flywheel to perform an inertial motion. Thereby, the integrated flywheel set has the magnetic damper unit, a driving wheel set, a driven wheel set, and a multiplying wheel set integrated on the base plate, allowing exercise equipment to have its internal space used more effectively, and making the production and maintenance of the integrated flywheel set easier, thereby providing economical advantage.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a removable attachment for installing on a bicycle with the goal of altering the resistance to either front tire or back tire revolution. In this way, the bicycle includes enhanced physical training capabilities allowing the rider to use a bicycle on a standard trainer frame or as a regular bicycle for riding in the usual manner. In one embodiment, the attachment includes a resistance support connected to a bicycle and supporting a resistance device that engages a bicycle wheel or bicycle tire for altering the resistance to tire revolution. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a resistance support attached to the bicycle proximate a bicycle tire along with a resistance device removably attached to the resistance support. In one embodiment, the resistance device defines a slot, and the resistance support projects through the slot to position the resistance device against the bicycle wheel or the bicycle tire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact, unitary exercise machine which may be rapidly reconfigured such that the user can perform a variety of exercise routines employing essentially the same rotary exercise movement, whether using the legs or the arms, while simultaneously exercising all the muscles of the subject extremity, including antagonistic muscles.

Abstract: A rotary disk acceleration mechanism for exercise equipment includes a stationary axle; a first large rotary disk; at least one acceleration disk assembly; a first belt, which is coupled between the acceleration disk assembly and the first large rotary disk; a first bearing, which is mounted to the stationary axle; a second small rotary disk, which is rotatably mounted by the first bearing to the stationary axle and is coaxial with the first large rotary disk; and a second belt, which is coupled between the acceleration disk assembly and the second small rotary disk, so that the acceleration disk assembly drives, via the second belt, the second small rotary disk to rotate.

Abstract: A brake device with built-in power generation mechanism and permanent magnetism eddy current comprises: an external rotator including a flywheel and a permanent magnet fixed at an inner periphery of the flywheel; an internal stator including a fixing bracket and a tile-shaped armature mounted at an outer periphery of the fixing bracket; a brake mechanism including a magnetic-conductive plate; when the external rotator is rotated the tile-shaped armature generates a three-phase alternating current, and the arc-shaped metal plate generates eddy current and braking torque of magnetic resistant; a cooling fan mounted on the flywheel to produce a cooling effect; an adjustment mechanism provided for adjusting a gap between the arc-shaped metal plate and the permanent magnet to adjust magnetic flux, and thus change the braking resistant load; a controller transferring the three-phase alternating current into direct current for required power of the control panel and server.

Abstract: An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The design includes a frame having a head tube, a first upper rear mounting point and a second lower front mounting point configured to maintain the frame, a seat connected to said frame and configured to support the user in a forward facing orientation, a wheel positioned in association with said frame and pedals configured to interact with said wheel, and a stem connected to a handlebar arrangement, the stem passing through the headset collar and connected to a base by a connection arrangement comprising an arm. The frame is configured to pivot about the first upper rear mounting point and second lower front mounting point in response to leaning by the user, causing rotation of the stem within the head tube by movement of the connection arrangement comprising the arm.

Abstract: A planetary gear system in an exercise machine featuring a flywheel; an axle shaft positioned through the center of the flywheel, a sun gear disposed on the axle shaft and fixedly attached to the flywheel, a housing disposed on the axle shaft, a planet carrier fixedly attached to the axle shaft and disposed in the housing, and a ring gear fixedly attached in the housing. One or more planet gear wheels are rotatably attached to the planet carrier. The planet gear wheels can rotate independently of the planet carrier. Rotation of the axle shaft in a first direction rotates the planet carrier in the first direction, thereby causing the planet gear wheel to rotate in a second direction within the ring gear. Rotation of the planet gear wheel in the second direction causes the sun gear and the flywheel to together rotate in the first direction.

Abstract: A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and a crank in such a manner that the foot supporting member moves through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

Abstract: A flywheel device for an exercise bike includes a frame body, a pedal unit and a reinforced glass flywheel. The pedal unit and the reinforced glass flywheel are assembled to the frame body. The frame body has a driving member connected with the pedal unit and the reinforced glass flywheel. The pedal unit and the reinforced glass flywheel are rotated spontaneously via the driving member. A driven device is pivotally mounted on a center portion of the reinforced glass flywheel. Two ends of the driven device are positioned on the frame body. One end of the driven device assembled with the driving member.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle including a frame supporting a wheel such as a flywheel. A brake assembly (or resistance assembly) including a brake arm is pivotally coupled with the frame. The brake arm assembly includes a brake pad engaging the flywheel to alter the power needed to rotate the flywheel during exercise. A brake adjustment assembly is operably coupled with the brake arm. The adjustment assembly includes a shaft rotatably supported on the frame and mounted to be translated toward the flywheel while being restricted from translating away from the flywheel. A spring is positioned between the threaded shaft and the brake arm whereby rotation of the shaft increases or decreases compression of the spring thereby increasing or decreasing a frictional force between the brake pad and the flywheel.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle wherein when rotating the wheels by rotating pedals, the user feels the bicycle moving forward and being tilted left and right as when riding a bicycle outdoors, and also feels as if the user is riding on a slope, a plain road, etc., thus preventing the user from feeling monotonous and tedious and allowing the user to feel as if the user is riding a bicycle outdoors, thereby increasing the amount of exercise.

Abstract: The application provides items of furniture having a seating portion (2), a table surface (3) and a set of two pedals (4) allowing the user to pedal from a sitting position on the seating portion, whereby this set of pedals are connected to a generator.

Abstract: An electromagnetic resistance apparatus includes a support frame, a metallic conductive plate rotatably mounted on the support frame, and at least one magnetically controlled mechanism mounted on the support frame and aligning with the metallic conductive plate. Thus, the electromagnetic resistance apparatus has a modularized structure so that the electromagnetic resistance apparatus is mounted on a rehabilitation or exercising equipment easily and quickly so as to shorten the time and save the cost of assembly of the electromagnetic resistance apparatus.

Abstract: An exercise machine adaptable to perform a cardiac workout and an abdominal workout simultaneously includes a frame structure, a resistance provider, a pair of pedals, a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a sprocket rotating means, an axis, an engaging means, a cable, a seat, an elastic band, a pair of shoulder straps, a monitor and a pulley system. The sprocket rotating means allows the first sprocket to engage and disengage with the exercise bike. The pedaling of the pedals allows the user to perform the cardiac workout. The pair of shoulder straps designed to insert along the shoulders of the user is connected to the cable and creates a tensional force thereon by getting stretched with the pedaling of the pedals. The tensional force pulls the user backward and the user in turn resists the backward movement by manually contracting abdominal muscles to perform the abdominal workout.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a machine base, on which an axle, a small pulley on the axle, a big pulley, a belt running around the small pulley and the big pulley, at least an idler, and an idler adjusting apparatus are provided. The idler adjusting apparatus includes a lever, on which the idler is pivoted, a linkage connected to the lever, and an adjusting device connected to the linkage. The adjusting device having a bolt head sticking out of the machine base that user may work with the bolt head directly to adjust the idler, without having to disassemble any part of the exercise machine.

Abstract: Vibrational ergometer comprising a seat unit (20), a bottom bracket/crank unit (1) connected to a braking unit (4) as well as a vibrational unit, the latter consisting of a plate vibrator (2), a vibrational stand (18) and vibrational motors (3), wherein the plate vibrator (2) is connected to the bottom bracket/crank unit (1) and the bottom bracket/crank unit (1) is mechanically decoupled from the seat unit.

Abstract: An exercise bike may include a magnetic braking system to resist rotation of a flywheel. The magnetic braking system may be magnets mounted on brackets selectively pivoted relative to the frame to increase or decrease the resistance opposing rotation of the flywheel. The brackets may be pivoted using a brake adjustment assembly joined to the brackets in such a manner that the magnetic forces resisting rotation of the flywheel increase or decrease in a proportional manner over at least a portion of the adjustment range of the brake adjustment assembly. The exercise bike may further include a console that displays information, such as power. The power may be estimated from a look-up table using the crank or flywheel speed of the exercise bike measured using a speed sensor and the tilt angle of the brackets relative to a reference point measured using a power sensor that includes an accelerometer.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer, the bicycle trainer comprising a biased, pivot mounted belt for contact with the rear wheel of a bicycle, such that the belt moves in response to rotation of the wheel and applies predetermined tension.

Abstract: A seated exercise apparatus comprises a frame having a seat attached to the frame. A pair of opposed cranks are rotatably coupled to the frame such that they rotate about a first axis. A medial portion of each of a pair of elongated members is rotatably connected to the frame at a second axis. A first end of each elongated member has a handle and a second end of each elongated member is rotatably connected to a one end of a respective pedal arm. The handles may be adjustable to invert the handles from an upper position to a lower position. The other end of each pedal arm is in turn rotatably connected to a respective crank. Each pedal arm also has a pedal adapted to receive a user's foot. In operation, the apparatus provides the user with coordinated seated exercise of both the arms/hands and legs/feet.

Abstract: A dual-purpose exercise equipment includes a spin bike, a bicycle after removal of a rear wheel thereof, and a linking device arranged at one side of an axle of a flywheel of the spin bike and coupled with the bicycle. Thus, an individual user can selectively ride the spin bike or bicycle of the dual-purpose exercise equipment. Alternatively, two users can ride the spin bike and the bicycle respectively at the same time, enjoying riding a tandem bicycle.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation system equipped to display information on the rear side of a driver (rider). The simulation system includes a dummy bicycle operated by the rider, a monitor on the front side for displaying a scene based on the operations of the dummy bicycle, and a lamp unit connected to the dummy bicycle and provided on the rear side relative to the seated position of the rider. The lamp unit has a red lamp, a yellow lamp and a green lamp, and is controlledly turned ON under the action of a main control unit. An input device is provided on a steering handle of the dummy bicycle. The input device has a switch for red, a switch for yellow, and a switch for green. The rider checks behind, and operates the input device according to the ON/OFF conditions of the lamp unit.

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: A stationary exercise cycle includes a simulation system for simulating real-world terrain based on environmental and other real-world conditions. Using topographical or other data, an actual location can be simulated. The exercise cycle may include a resistance mechanism that is adjusted based on changes in simulated slope, and by amounts simulating actual frictional and gravitational forces. The simulated speed of the rider, as well as speed and direction of a simulated wind, are used to determine a simulated air speed. Based on the simulated air speed, the simulation system determines the simulated air resistance hindering the rider, and changes reflective of the simulated air resistance are made by the resistance mechanism. The stationary exercise cycle takes into account actual or approximate physical information of the user in determining the real-world conditions that are simulated, including the height, weight, shape, and/or rising position of the rider.

Abstract: An exercise machine adaptable to perform a cardiac workout and an abdominal workout simultaneously includes a frame structure, a resistance provider, a pair of pedals, a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a sprocket rotating means, an axis, an engaging means, a cable, a seat, an elastic band, a pair of shoulder straps, a monitor and a pulley system. The sprocket rotating means allows the first sprocket to engage and disengage with the exercise bike. The pedaling of the pedals allows the user to perform the cardiac workout. The pair of shoulder straps designed to insert along the shoulders of the user is connected to the cable and creates a tensional force thereon by getting stretched with the pedaling of the pedals. The tensional force pulls the user backward and the user in turn resists the backward movement by manually contracting abdominal muscles to perform the abdominal workout.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer provides variable resistance to pedaling and allows for a rider to simulate a real-world bicycle course. The trainer engages both the front tire and the back tire of the bicycle and adjusts each according to the rider's preferences during a training session. The front tire lifts up and down as the bicycle moves forward and backward on the trainer. The back tire is adjusted by incorporating magnets thereon in the form of magnetic elements on a sleeve or a clip that engages the back tire and/or the back tire rim. The magnets on the back tire may also be attached to the spokes. The trainer includes magnets as well, usually of opposite polarity, and adds resistance to pedaling when the magnetic fields of the magnets interact to resist back tire revolution.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame for residing on a horizontal surface, a pair of arm-supporting members for supporting the user's arms and a pair of leg-supporting members for supporting the user's legs. A linkage assembly couples the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members to the frame and moves the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members in closed paths relative to the frame in response to user forces applied to the arm-supporting members and leg-supporting members. The linkage assembly includes actuators for adjusting dimensions of the closed paths in response to control signal inputs. Sensors mounted on the linkage assembly generate force-indicating signals representing user force. A user interface receives and processes the force-indicating signals and supplies the control signal inputs to the actuators. A dimension of at least one of the closed paths is a function of at least one of the forces applied to the leg and arm-supporting members.

Abstract: A muscle exercise device can include a crank having an axis of rotation. A first arm can be connected to the crank so that a downward external force applied to the distal end of the first arm causes rotation of the crank. The devices of the present invention can further include a second arm to which a counterweight is connected. Optionally, an assist mechanism other than a counterweight can be used to provide upward movement of the first arm with minimal application of force by a subject. A retrofit kit can be provided for modifying an existing device such as an ergometer or road bicycle. The retrofit kit can include a counterweight and a fastener for attaching to the device to the existing device. The devices of the present invention allow for increased exercise capacity, isolation of muscle groups, and biomechanical forces which closely approximate comparable paired limb motion.

Abstract: A planetary gear system in an exercise machine featuring a flywheel; an axle shaft positioned through the center of the flywheel, a sun gear disposed on the axle shaft and fixedly attached to the flywheel, a housing disposed on the axle shaft, a planet carrier fixedly attached to the axle shaft and disposed in the housing, and a ring gear fixedly attached in the housing. One or more planet gear wheels are rotatably attached to the planet carrier. The planet gear wheels can rotate independently of the planet carrier. Rotation of the axle shaft in a first direction rotates the planet carrier in the first direction, thereby causing the planet gear wheel to rotate in a second direction within the ring gear. Rotation of the planet gear wheel in the second direction causes the sun gear and the flywheel to together rotate in the first direction.

Abstract: A novel stationary exercise bicycle and method for exercising on that bicycle is disclosed. The novel bicycle, comprising a frame having front and rear sockets, a seat mounted into the rear socket, and a handlebar mounted in the front socket, can advantageously be adjusted so that a rider can adopt different riding positions to simulate outdoor bicycle riding conditions.

Abstract: A dual actuation mechanism for controlling resistance applied to a rotating member includes a lever, a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator and second actuator are both operably coupled to the lever, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator move the lever independent of the other. For example, the lever may have a first slot for receiving the first actuator and a second slot for receiving the second actuator, wherein the first slot and second slot are sized such that when one actuator moves the lever, the other actuator is undisturbed because the respective slot moves with respect to the non-moving actuator. The dual actuation mechanism may be incorporated in an exercise cycle in which one of the actuators controls a level of resistance applied to a flywheel, and the other of the actuators selectively applies a stopping force to the flywheel.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation system equipped to display information on the rear side of a driver (rider). The simulation system includes a dummy bicycle operated by the rider, a monitor on the front side for displaying a scene based on the operations of the dummy bicycle, and a lamp unit connected to the dummy bicycle and provided on the rear side relative to the seated position of the rider. The lamp unit has a red lamp, a yellow lamp and a green lamp, and is controlledly turned ON under the action of a main control unit. An input device is provided on a steering handle of the dummy bicycle. The input device has a switch for red, a switch for yellow, and a switch for green. The rider checks behind, and operates the input device according to the ON/OFF conditions of the lamp unit.