Abstract: A movement training device includes two movable actuating elements for a pair of extremities of a person. At least one electric motor drives and/or brakes the actuating elements and an electronic unit regulates and/or controls the movement of the actuating elements. The invention provides sensors for determining extremities-based measurement values that give information about which load is acting on the respective actuating element, whereby on the basis of the extremities-based measurement values of at least one extremity, the electronic unit regulates and/or controls the movement of the actuating elements.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and an exercise arm assembly pivotally linked to the support frame for swinging movement in at least one fixed arc about a first pivot axis, the exercise arm assembly including at least one rigid, elongate exercise arm. A flexible handle assembly is secured to the exercise arm, the handle assembly having a hand grip portion for gripping by a user, and a flexible connecting portion securing the hand grip portion to the exercise arm to permit a variety of different upper body exercises to be performed by moving the hand grip portion in selected different paths as permitted by the flexible connecting portion.

Abstract: The machine provides for training a user in maintaining a correct posture when performing a physical exercise, and has a frame resting on the floor and which supports a number of exercise devices and a supporting surface for supporting part of the user's body. The main characteristic of the present invention lies in the machine having means for detecting a correct posture of the user and which are fitted to the supporting surface.

Abstract: An exercise machine is described which is entirely self-contained without any source of outside power. A rechargeable battery is used to maintain the exercise system operative for a time-out period. At all other times the machine is powered by the user. The machine is compact, light, rigid and sized to fit through a standard doorway. The entire exercise machine is provided with a wrap-around handrail into which a display input/output unit has been integrally provided. The exercise machine or stepper utilizes a dynamically controllable load or alternator which is controlled by a computer circuit to maintain the power input into the exercise machine or to maintain metabolically energy consumption rate within a user of the exercise machine at a predetermined, approximately constant level, regardless of the speed of stepping or the actual or effective weight of the user. The alternator is dynamically controlled by pulse width modulating its field coils.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising the forearms and upper arms, in the manner of dumbbells, has a frame with a horizontal pivotal axis, A1, at least one lever having the proximal end connected for pivotal movement about axis A1, a handle extension connected to the distal end of the lever for pivotal movement about an axis A2, A2 being substantially perpendicular to A1, a connecting linkage for pivoting the handle extension about axis A2 in a predetermined relationship relative to the lever as the lever pivots about axis A1, and a handle having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to axis A2, a gripping end centered on, and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and an opposite end, pivotally connected to the handle extension at the distal end thereof for free rotation about the longitudinal axis, so as to permit elective pronation and supination movements of the hands in combination with converging and diverging arm movements.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus having a main body with a generally cylindrical inner cavity. The main body has a main aperture for the user to breath into and at least two sets of outer openings. An inner cylinder is coaxially disposed within the inner cavity of the main body and is adapted to move relative to the main body. The inner cylinder has an open end adjacent the main aperture, and at least two sets of inner openings selectively matable with the openings in the main body upon movement of the inner cylinder with respect to the main body. By selecting the appropriate alignment of openings, either resistive, percussive, or pulsing breathing exercises can be performed.

Abstract: A display controller system for use with a selectively adjustable exercise apparatus is disclosed. The hiking display controller system comprises a display device, a controller, and a selectively adjustable exercise device. The controller enables adjustments in the exercise apparatus according to a mountain exercise profile having trail workout segments that are digitally coded to enable the selectively adjustable exercise device. The mountain exercise profile may use topographical maps, GPS coordinates, or portable hike monitors to design the actual exercise program. A mountain exercise profile may also be obtained through an external interface located in the controller. The user can develop a virtual trail. These preprogrammed trail workouts are created by a trail workout designer who identifies the density of the trails and digitally codes the necessary adjustments for a specific exercise device.

Abstract: Provided is a weighted cable resistance apparatus, primarily for rehabilitation and therapy, and equally effective for recreational exercising. A frame with a perpendicularly attached seat form a rigid structure. The structure is supported on leveling screws or lockable casters for transport to bed-confined patients. Dead weights within the frame and the rigid seat structure stabilize the apparatus against overturning during use of the apparatus. At each end of the frame is attached a horizontally pivotable assembly, called a ‘module’. Each module contains weights which are, in turn, connected to a cable and to pulleys controlling the cable path. Vertically pivotable arms are mounted on the front of the is modules. The cables are guided to the end of the arms and past the exit pulleys, whereupon exercise tools can be connected. The twin module design provides simultaneous exercising with any two limbs.

Abstract: An interactive video display and computer system which provides changing video images in response to a combination of signals received from repetitive body movements and voice commands. The system comprises a pace sensing apparatus which is worn on the user's body which senses the repetitive body motion, translates that motion into a signal and transmits the pace signal to a signal receiver, which translates the signal into a signal readily recognized by a computer and then delivers the signal to the computer system. The system further comprises a voice receiving mechanism for receiving voice commands and transmitting a voice signal to the computer system. The user controls the perceived rate of motion and perceived direction of travel, as well as other aspects of the video image, by pace and voice.

Abstract: A physical interaction device includes a controller (110) and one or more arms (102), such as a first arm (102) and a second arm (101). The first arm (102) is movably connected with a first support (104). The first arm includes a first flexible portion sized to physically interact with a first limb portion of a user of the device. The second arm (101) is movably connected with a second support (105). The second arm (101) includes a second flexible portion sized to physically interact with the first limb portion of the user and/or a second limb portion of the user. The controller (110) is linkable with the first arm (102), the second arm (101) and the pitch adjuster (402). The controller (110) is configured to adjust the angle of the first arm (102) and the second arm (101). The controller (110) is configured to selectively cause a first movement of the first flexible portion of the first arm (102).

Abstract: A novel moveable surface conveyor system, especially used as an exercise treadmill is disclosed. The surface is comprised of a plurality of deck members, each pivotally attached to the adjacent deck member, thus creating a continuous loop with an upper run and a lower run. At least the upper run of the loop is supported on a pair of side frames by a support means which is comprised of a series of wheels or bearings. Annular configurations of the support means exist at one or both ends of the treadmill to facilitate the transition of the deck members from the upper run to the lower run and back to the upper run. These configurations include a race that receives the bearings, the bearings being attached to the deck members or the bearings can be mounted on the side frames. Here the bearings receive and thereby support and guide the deck members, thus eliminating the traditional drum pulleys which are prevalent in the art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for training body parts of a person in a sitting position, by preselecting a desired movement and generating movement signals form a movement of a sitting person, via a sensor unit.

Abstract: A hand-holdable exercising device is provided in the form of an elongated member having a central portion tapering into oppositely facing handle and end knob portions. The elongated member, in its mostly preferred form, is generally cylindrical in cross-sectional shape and superficially resembles two baseball bats joined together end-to-end with their handle portions facing oppositely from each other. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, a device 15 provided for selectively varying the weight of the exercising device. Various exercises also are disclosed for manipulating the member while walking or standing in place.

Abstract: A method and system for passively exercising a selected portion of a human body by applying a partial vacuum pressure to the selected portion of the human body; maintaining the partial vacuum pressure applied to the selected portion of the human body for a first predetermined period of time; releasing the partial vacuum pressure so that substantially atmospheric pressure is applied to the selected portion of the human body; and maintaining the substantially atmospheric pressure applied to the selected portion of the human body for a second predetermined period of time.

Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive athletic exercising system for development of muscles of the athlete to increase the velocity and strength of movement of a body member away from an initial position toward a further position employing in a preferred embodiment of the invention a set of two magnetic members for magnetic retention together with a predetermined magnetic force. The first magnetic member is affixed to an athletic vehicle, such as a tennis racquet, ball bat or hockey stick, to be manipulated by said athlete. The second magnetic member is positioned at a restrained position from which an athletic stroke is initiated for magnetic retention together with the first magnetic member. This system permits an athlete to develop strength and speed in muscular reaction over an athletic stroke by manual manipulation of the athletic vehicle to overcome the predetermined magnetic force while permitting a substantially unimpeded follow through stroke after the initial magnetic force is overcome.

Abstract: A top-pressing cushioning mechanism for treadmill has a strip-shaped coupled member pivoted on two sides of a frame of the treadmill, the bottom end of the coupled member is provided with a resilient cushioning element which is pressed against the face of a blocking piece of the inner side of a supporting base. Thus the shaking force on the frame can be effectively reduced by means of the resilient cushioning member and the blocking piece.

Abstract: A device for exerting force between two portions of the human anatomy, such as a back or neck. The device includes an upper brace for attachment to an upper portion of the human anatomy and a lower brace for attachment to a lower portion of the human anatomy. The first and the second fluid containing cylinder, each cylinder having a lower portion and a telescopically extendable upper portion, have attachment means thereon and extend generally in a longitudinal direction of a patient. The first cylinder upper portion is attached to the upper brace, the first cylinder lower portion is attached to the lower brace. The second cylinder upper portion is attached to the upper brace and the second cylinder lower portion is attached to the lower brace. The first and second cylinders are positioned on opposite sides of the human anatomy with the fluid within the cylinders being compressive and under compression providing a constant force urging the upper brace away from the lower brace.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system, particularly for orthopedics, is designed for use by the medical layman and provides this person with information relating to the exercises or activities he performs. To this end, a sensor array produces sensor signals which are stored in a first memory and are compared to the contents of a second memory (ideal signal pattern). The comparison result is made available to the user via a display or as a biofeedback.

Abstract: A fold-up treadmill apparatus for in-place walking, jogging, and running exercise is provided. The treadmill apparatus includes a base assembly and a treadmill assembly. The treadmill assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. According to the presently most preferred embodiment, the forward portion of the treadmill assembly is pivotally mounted to the base assembly and the rearward end is free. The treadmill assembly includes a means for raising and lowering the forward end of the treadmill assembly, whereby the incline of the treadmill assembly can be adjusted between about zero degrees to the horizontal and about fifteen degrees to the horizontal when the rearward end of the treadmill assembly is supported on a floor.

Abstract: An apparatus used to train pole vaulters to practice the swing and stretch of the vault from the pole plant and bend phase to the inversion phase which includes an upside down "U" shaped tube member with two short extensions protruding from a top surface of the upside down "U" shaped tube with steel straps extending from each extension with handles attached to the end of steel straps, the "U" shaped tube, extension and straps and grips are positioned so that the handles hang parallel, level but offset from each other about eight inches. The "U" shaped tube is swingingly attached to the horizontal bar by the use of velcro straps while a cloth mat is provided between the "U" shaped and the horizontal bar allowing the "U" shaped tube to swing freely around the horizontal bar. Safety wrist straps are attached to the hand grips assuring the athlete's safe grip during the training.