Abstract: A motorized assist apparatus provides an assist force to user moved weight of a weight training or rehabilitation/therapy exercise machine or stand and includes an assist force delivery assembly with operably connected motor and reel, a flexible assist member on the reel to transmit force from the assembly to a primary load interface (PLI). A main digital controller controls operation of the assembly and a human-machine interface (HMI) accepts input of variable parameters for assist control. In some examples, the PLI is a harness to support a rehabbing person. In some examples, the motor can be a DC servo motor or an AC induction motor. In some examples, the assist assembly has two or more motors connected to drive the reel.

Abstract: An apparatus providing an assist force to user moved weight of an existing un-motorized exercise or rehab machine or stand includes an assembly with operably connected motor and reel, a human-machine interface (HMI) that accepts input of variable parameters for assist control including entry of at least a user selected assist force and number of movement repetitions, a motor drive and a main digital controller connected with at least the motor, motor drive and HMI. The controller is programmed to provide a user selected non-zero assist force essentially only during parts of an exercise and a nominal static or drag force at other times. A cable has a first end securable to the reel and a second end configured to be coupled directly or indirectly with the weight to be moved by the user. The apparatus can be supplied in kit form.

Abstract: An apparatus providing an assist force to user moved weights of a existing weight exercise or rehab machine or stand can be supplied as a kit including servo motor/transmission/reel assembly. A cable has a first end securable to the reel and a second end configured to be coupled directly or indirectly with the user moved weights of the existing machine/stand. A control interface accepts input of variable parameters for assist control including entry of at least a user selected assist force. The kit also has a servo drive and a main digital controller connected with at least the servo motor, motor drive and control interface, the controller programmed to provide a user selected non-zero assist force essentially only during part of an exercise.