Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for controlling an exercise device with one or more control signals associated with an exercise program received from a telephone answering service. The exercise device includes an input device through which a user can request an exercise program from the telephone answering service. The telephone answering service delivers selectable options to the exercise device, which presents the options to the user. In response to the user selecting a particular option, the telephone answering service delivers the selected exercise program, including one or more control signals, to the exercise device. The exercise device identifies the one or more control signals, either by detecting the audible representation of the one or more control signals or analyzing the electronic representation of the received exercise program, and controls one or more operating parameters of the exercise device based upon such one or more control signals.

Abstract: A physiological stress testing method and apparatus which provides customized exercise routines that allows an individual to exercise at their own rate, while still challenging the individual to achieve maximal desirable heart rates and exercise stress loads. An apparatus that provides at the user's option to use different major muscle groups, but without requiring weight bearing on joints. A gradually increasing work load is applied. The work load applied by the apparatus is the same regardless of the speed or efficiency at which a patient operates the apparatus. This maximizes a user's opportunity to reach a desired physiological stress level either in a stress testing context or in an exercise context. The apparatus ordinarily will use an electromagnetic resistance unit and a controller with a central processing unit to adjust the resistance to control the work load.

Abstract: A virtual reality system transposes a user's position and movement in real space to virtual space. The virtual reality system includes a locomotion interface that outputs signals indicative of a user's position in real space. The locomotion interface includes a pressure-sensing mat having a base layer, a plurality of pressure sensing elements and a heating/refrigeration layer formed over the base layer, and a top layer formed over the plurality of pressure-sensing elements. The plurality of pressure sensing elements output a signal indicative of pressure applied to the top layer. A virtual reality processor uses the signals output by the locomotion interface to produce an output indicative of the user's position in the virtual space corresponding to the user's position and movement in the real space. A display uses the output from the virtual reality processor to produce an image of the virtual space.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and displaying information related to pressure exerted at a point of interest during an isometric exercise includes a fabric base, adapted to receive a body part. A sensor is attached to the fabric base and disposed at the point of interest during the isometric exercise, and measures a pressure magnitude at the point of interest and provides a pressure signal corresponding to the pressure magnitude. A processing unit is attached to the fabric base and receives the pressure signal, processes the pressure signal to derive information that is meaningful to a user, and generates a display corresponding to the information derived from the pressure signal.

Abstract: A stationary bike can control a display content appearing on a screen in accordance with its operation. The stationary bike basically includes a body, a handlebar rotatably attached to the body and a control unit controlling the display content on the screen, and is characterized by a restoring mechanism restoring the handlebar to an initial position. The restoring mechanism is configured with a coil spring wound around an outer circumference of a shaft, a hook securing one end of the coil spring to the shaft, and a hook securing the other end of the coil spring to a tubular member. The hooks are respectively engaged with a bolt secured to the shaft and with a bolt secured to the tubular member.

Abstract: A built-in, or add-on, accessory mounted to a conventional exercising device to allow the user to have access to the Internet while exercising. The built-in version includes the conventional exercising device controls with an added computer keyboard. The accessory added to an existing conventional exercising device includes a computer keyboard on a platform with brackets which allow for the attachment of the platform to the exercising device, and for the adjustment of the platform with respect to the exercising device.

Abstract: An exercise motivating system which rewards the exerciser with allowable TV viewing time includes a component interactive with an exercise modality to generate a responsive signal proportionate to the amount of exertion or work done. The responsive signal is received by an accumulating component which converts it to a stored control medium. A control module is interposed between a source of household electrical current and an electrical appliance such as a TV set. The control module physically couples with the accumulating component and processes the stored control medium in a manner to operate the appliance for a time duration proportionate to the amount of exercise effort recorded by the accumulating component.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a computerized fitness equipment that is designed to simulate, emulate, or implement actual race conditions with other users. An exemplar fitness equipment includes at least one operating component and sensors to monitor performance parameters of the at least one operating component (such as speed of movement). A display is also provided, along with logic to provide a visual display of a user's performance (as measured through the first performance parameters). In one embodiment, a communication interface is provided to communicate the first performance parameters to at least one remote, similarly-configured, fitness equipment. Performance parameters from the remote fitness equipment are also received through the communication interface. The fitness equipment includes logic to compare the first performance parameters with performance parameters received from remote fitness equipment and display the results in a comparative fashion to the user.

Abstract: A method for sports training allows an athlete to move an exercise bar connected between congruent trusses freely in two dimensions. The resistance the bar offers to the movements of the user is programmable and may be varied according to predetermined parameters and also as a predetermined function of measured parameters. The parameters of the exercise may also be recorded.

Abstract: A motorless treadmill is disclosed which exercises the upper body and lower body of a user. Displacement of an upper-body exercise mechanism such as a pair of reciprocating arm members rotates a drive roller, which is coupled to an endless belt through a transmission system. The transmission system employs a double-wound belt, which links the drive roller to the upper body exercise mechanism such that arm movements are translated into belt rotation. The double-wound belt allows for arm motion in both directions to directly drive the belt, through the use of one-way clutches orientated in opposite directions on the drive shaft. Further, the double-wound belt transmission system allows independent operation of each arm. A flywheel may be added to store energy to smooth the belt rotation.

Abstract: A control device for a treadmill having a dual-purpose electronic element having a panel and a control circuit formed in the panel. The control circuit basically includes a controller, driving unit connected between the controller and a motor and a speed control and switch unit connected between the controller and the driving unit. The speed control and switch unit has at least two functions which are adjusting the speed of the motor and immediately stopping the rotation of the motor. Therefore the control device not only saves at least one electronic element for the control circuit but the panel has more space.

Abstract: A brace compliance monitor is disclosed that includes a compliance sensor, a signal processor, and a display. Compliance data is displayed on the display to provide the patient or subject with immediate compliance information on whether they have been wearing the brace for the specified period and in the specified manner. The brace compliance monitor may also include a secondary sensor such as a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a velocity sensor. The secondary sensors may provide additional compliance data to the patient and health car provider.

Abstract: The present invention is for arousing a sense of rivalry to the user so that the user can exhibit an active will to exercise.

Abstract: In accordance with the method, system and program of the present invention, at least one type of exercise indicator signal associated with exercise performed by a particular user is received from a particular exercise machine in a common transmittable data format at a portable computer system provided the particular user. Cumulative fitness activity is computed and stored for the particular user at the portable computer system utilizing the at least one type of exercise indicator signal and previously accumulated fitness activity data at the portable computer system, such that an independent portable computer system associated with the particular user monitors the real-time cumulative fitness activity of the particular user from at least one type of exercise indicator signal received from at least one exercise machine over a period of time.

Abstract: In accordance with the method, system and program of the present invention, at least one type of exercise indicator signal associated with exercise performed by a particular user is received from a particular exercise machine in a common transmittable data format at a portable computer system provided the particular user. Cumulative fitness activity is computed and stored for the particular user at the portable computer system utilizing the at least one type of exercise indicator signal and previously accumulated fitness activity data at the portable computer system, such that an independent portable computer system associated with the particular user monitors the real-time cumulative fitness activity of the particular user from at least one type of exercise indicator signal received from at least one exercise machine over a period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise amount measuring device using as an exercise signal generator an inclination detector commercially available, which can detect two-dimensional movements. Use of such inclination detectors facilitates the assembly of exercise amount measuring devices. The inclination detector 1 is connected to a counter circuit via an input circuit, and the input circuit and the counter circuit are connected to an MPU via an input-and-output port. The input circuit comprises a CR circuit or a flip-flop circuit. The counter circuit counts input pulses post-chattering exclusion, which input pulses are caused by the on-and-off switching actions, which are brought every time the contact ball touches selected contact electrodes in the inclination detector.

Abstract: An intermediate section is inserted into the mid-portion of an exercise bar's body to increase its effectual length. The section is locked in place at each end thereof by the protrusion of a separation release button in one of the connecting members through a button opening in the member it is joined to. The button is retained in place either by a grasshopper leg spring supported upon a spring seat or a plastic memory resilient integral finger as snap-fit connection means.

Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a treadmill, the arrangement comprising a basic unit composed of a frame and a running track movably arranged thereon and rails arranged in connection with the basic unit. To provide a flexibly modifiable structure arrangement comprises articulation parts on both sides of the basic unit, the articulation parts being arranged to be fastened to first points of the rails on both sides of the basic unit. A supporting rack extending in the longitudinal direction of the basic unit is arranged to the articulation parts, the supporting rack being arranged to be fastened from its free end to second points of the rails on both sides of the basic unit.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for preventing and/or treating carpal tunnel syndrome are disclosed. One such apparatus comprises a splint for wearing on a portion of an upper extremity of an individual, a warning mechanism carried by the splint and a switch mechanism carried by the splint and electrically coupled to the warning mechanism. The switch mechanism is operable to activate the warning mechanism upon extension or flexion of the hand beyond a predetermined range of motion and thereby alert the user of such undesirable motion of the hand.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically evaluating the state of a user's physical health includes a game for maintaining the use's interest as he exercises and which automatically measures and evaluates the user's physical strength and health and provides an exercise prescription. The method has a game execution and measurement step performed via a main controller section with a display device, a memory and a virtual subject in the game space. Multiple standardized protocols are selected according to measurements reflected in the game and the virtual subject, reflecting an exercise state of the user on the basis of an exercise state of a reference person in the game. Measuring/reading/storing/displaying physical strength and health information occur after generating events for measuring the physical strength and health information such as particular situations, letters, sounds, voices, etc., in the game content.