Abstract: An apparatus having a data processing unit, a plurality of inputs, a plurality of outputs, a keyboard, a screen, a reading and saving unit, a saving unit, an indicator, a plurality of sensors and a plurality of controllers. The data processing unit provides a program that can be combined with the data sent by at least one sensor capturing the intensity of use of the equipment through an input and selects and derives to an output, one of a plurality of variables of response of at least one air flow and conditioning controller. The program also combines modifications of the responses of the controllers optionally entered from an input linked to the keyboard or from an input linked to a reading and saving unit and derives the resulting data to an output linked to a screen.

Abstract: An exercise repetitious motion counter includes a case containing a repetition counter display mounted within the case and visible through a first opening of the case, a proximity sensor mounted within the case and extending through a second opening of the case, the proximity sensor connected to the display to cause the display to show a repetition count when a portion of an exerciser's body comes into non-contact proximity to the proximity sensor, and a detection distance setting mounted within the case and extending through a third opening of the case, the detection distance setting being connected to the proximity sensor and variable to determine a proximity sensitivity range of the proximity sensor.

Abstract: A backdriveable device for manipulating and measuring limb movement, and a method of use thereof. The device comprises a plurality of forcers, at least one linear guide for constraining the forcers to reciprocate along respective linear trajectories, and a linkage for attachment to a limb of a user, the linkage rotatably connected between the forcers and including two bars rotatably connected together at a vertex. Movement of the forcers along their linear trajectories results in movement of the vertex along a spatial trajectory. In specific embodiments, the forcers are moving coils of a linear motor. The movement and forces applied by the coils can be controlled through a computer interface, providing robotic control of limb movement.

Abstract: A running machine 1 is provided with an exercise monitoring unit 40 for turning a running belt 14 on which a user runs by means of a motor 15 and monitoring a running state of the user based on a driven state of the running belt 14. The running machine a includes a monitor 31 for displaying images at its front side.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring system. The monitoring system is configured to acquire workout information from an exercise equipment device that includes a set of selectable resistive elements, such as a weight stack. The monitoring system includes a testing subsystem, sensing subsystem, and processor that cooperate to acquire the workout information by monitoring the set of selectable resistive elements.

Abstract: An exercise assisting apparatus including a cycling machine, a rotation sensor for detecting pedaling movement of the cycling machine, a pulse sensor for detecting the pulse rate of the user, an exercise monitoring unit for monitoring the pulse rate of the user based on the detection results of the rotation sensor and the pulse sensor and a monitor for displaying a background image and a role-playing character. The apparatus also includes an image processor for causing the role-playing character to make a simulated motion related to the pedaling movement within the background image on the monitor based on the detection result of the rotation sensor, a game executing unit for causing the roll-playing character to jump, and a game evaluating unit for giving a higher evaluation when a landing position after the jump is closer to the position reached when the jump is made at a preset target pulse rate.

Abstract: A microprocessor based exercise treadmill control system is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation. These features include programs operative to: permit a set of user controls to cause the treadmill to initially operate at predetermined speeds; permit the user to design custom workouts; permit the user to switch between workout programs while the treadmill is in operation; and perform an automatic cooldown program where the duration of the cooldown is a function of the duration of the workout or the user's heart rate. The features also include a stop program responsive to a detector for automatically stopping the treadmill when a user is no longer on the treadmill and a frame tag module attached to the treadmill frame having a non-volatile memory for storing treadmill configuration, and operational and maintenance data. Another included feature is the ability to display the amount of time a user spends in a heart rate zone.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation and to reduce maintenance costs. These features include handlebars with an upwardly curved center section and outwardly flared side portions along with pivoting rear legs for the treadmill frame. The control panel features include snap-in user trays and an overlay covering the numerical key pad along with an auxiliary control panel having a subset of user controls that are larger and more easy to use than the same controls on the main control panel. Maintenance enhancing features include the provision for access panels in the treadmill housing and a belt lubrication system that uses a priming pulse to clear the wax spraying nozzle. For injection molded parts such as the control panel, structural strength is enhanced by utilizing gas-assist injection molding to form structural ribs. Another feature includes pre-glazing the treadmill belt.

Abstract: A method for deriving isokinetic measurements of the moment applied by a body portion while the body portion performs a pivotal or flexing motion at a given angular velocity about an effective pivot axis. The method uses a linear dynamometer configured for performing isokinetic measurements over a predefined range of motion along a linear path. First, the linear dynamometer is deployed with its linear path substantially tangential to a circle of given radius about the effective pivot axis for measuring force applied by the body portion. The linear dynamometer is then used to measure a force profile applied by the body portion over a predefined range of motion at a predefined linear velocity. This force profile, the linear velocity and the radius are then used to derive data for the moment applied by the body portion and the corresponding angular velocity.

Abstract: A motorized roller comprised of a commercial electric motor suspended inside a drive roller tube, drives via belt means, input of a integral two stage drive belt system adjacent to said motorized drive roller. Subsequently the output of two stage drive belt system is fed back to the motorized motor outside housing which in turn drives treadmill or conveyor continuous belt to move people or goods. Increased torque provided by two stage drive requires less horsepower. The all belt, no gears, drive system absorbs shock, is quiet and has a low profile.

Abstract: A mini body press that is configurable to allow a user to perform a multitude of upper body workout exercises. The mini body press includes a molded contoured back brace member, a pair of shoulder harnesses, a pair of hand grips, and a number of elastic straps that are securable between the hand grips and the back brace member.

Abstract: A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes: (i) a support base; and (ii) a treadbase having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner portion therebetween, the treadbase selectively inclining with respect to the support base. The treadbase is pivotally coupled at the inner portion thereof to the treadbase. A handrail assembly of the hiking apparatus adjusts automatically throughout the range of motion of the treadbase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a front supporting rod, a front wheel assembly, a main frame, a deck and a rear wheel assembly. A plate extends at each of two sides of the front end of said main frame while two corresponding plate are disposed at two sides of the upper part of a longitudinal shaft of said front wheel assembly. Moreover, two soft resilient bodies are fixed between two sets of said plates. As a result, when the main frame is inclined to the side by steering the front supporting bar for creating a direction-turning effect to the front wheels, two plates at two sides of the main frame will squeeze or pull the resilient body respectively. After removal of the external force, the main frame, the front supporting bar and the front wheels restore themselves by the resilience of the resilient body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treadmill having a base frame with a handrail. The base frame is provided with two rollers at both ends thereof. A support plate is interposed between both rollers. And a walking belt is disposed around the rollers and the support plate. The base frame has a plurality of crossbars in the position of the support plate, and the crossbars is provided with at least one buffer piece in the middle thereof which is in contact with the bottom face of the support plate. A support element has a bottom member on the base frame and a top member fixed on the bottom of the support plate, and both members are pivotably connected, thereby positioning the support plate indirectly on the base frame. Accordingly, the injury of the feet is avoided and the service life of the support plate is prolonged.

Abstract: A communication interface is coupled to an exercise machine and the public communication network. The communication interface receives first exercise information from an exercise machine wherein the first exercise information indicates exercise performance. Some examples of exercise information are video and audio files for competitive tracking with voice and video interaction. The communication interface then generates first communication information based on the first exercise information. In one embodiment, the communication information is in Internet Protocol packets. The communication interface then transmits the first communication information over the public communication network. The communication interface then receives second communication information from the public communication network. The communication interface then generates second exercise information based on the second communication information wherein the second exercise information indicates a response to the exercise performance.

Abstract: Interlock apparatus for fitness equipment comprises a microprocessor 105 receiving grip signal inputs from grip sensors (101A, 101B) mounted on a load-bearing component of the fitness equipment. Signal conditioners (103A, 103B) provide noise filtering, signal debouncing and digital inputs for the microprocessor. Grips status monitors (106A, 106B) provide grip status signals used by microprocessor 105 to determine the validity of the grip signals. Microprocessor 105 provides validity criteria which changes depending on the grip status inputs. The apparatus detects sensor connection changes and abnormal sensor and circuit operation and modifies logic functions to improve the capability and reliability of safety locks and brakes on the equipment.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium preferably including the Internet that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: A foot straightening trainer apparatus for helping to correctly align or straighten pigeon-toed and penguin-toed feet of users. The foot straightening trainer apparatus includes a base assembly including an elongate housing having top and side walls, and also including rollers being spaced apart and being disposed in the elongate housing, and further including an endless belt having a selected width and being carried about the rollers and being movable upon the top wall, and also having a motor being connected to at least one of the rollers; and also includes a handrail assembly being attached to the elongate housing and extending upwardly therefrom for a user to hold while walking upon the endless belt; and further includes a first switch member being attached to the handrail assembly for energizing the motor to drive the endless belt; and further includes a sensor/alarm assembly for detecting improper foot alignment and for signaling to the user of the detection of the improper foot alignment.

Abstract: Hydrotherapy apparatus is described comprising a tank for containing water and having a moving belt above the tank floor for the user to walk upon, the tank having a door which when raised seals the tank and when lowered forms a ramp to enable the user to enter the tank onto the belt.

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.