Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for interactively controlling the rate of real-time video playback and audio track playback is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus is an interactive exercise video system which utilizes a bicycle, a bicycle wheel speed detector, an interface unit connected to the wheel speed detector and to a conventional game controller connected to a conventional video game CD player, which is in turn connected to a TV. A prerecorded video CD is played in the player in which the display rate of video images is altered via software embedded on the CD such that the speed of the video is changed by the level of activity on the exercise device. The variation of the video frame rate is accomplished by modifying the duration time stamp on each video frame which is used by the player control program so as to change the sequential time at which each frame is called for display by the conventional video player.

Abstract: Apparatus for strength and aerobic conditioning is disclosed, and comprises a frame with support from which a support arm projects. A rotatable hub is mounted on the support arm, and a suspension rod with a resistance mass at one end depends from the hub. The suspension rod is slidable through the hub and may be set in different angular positions relative to the hub. A crank with a handle and adjustable-length offset arm are engaged with the end of the support arm opposite the hub. A stand or platform for secure footing may be used across the base of the frame or, alternatively, a treadmill/workout bench, when unfolded folded, may be used under foot. The treadmill/workout bench has a rectangular frame with side rails; cross braces; forward, rearward and interior rollers; and, one or more endless, circulating belts.

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 monitor, which receives the pressure signal, processes the pressure signal to derive information that is meaningful to a user, and generates a display signal corresponding to the information derived from the pressure signal. The monitor is coupled by a wireless link to a processing device, which receives the display signal. A display device receives the display signal from the processing device and provides a visual indication of the information to the user. The visual indication of the information may be a metaphorical representation of the pressure signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener for runway board of jogging device on which a front supporting frame of a jogging device at a certain position adjacent to a pivot of a runway board is connected with a plate on which a pull button is mounted for fastening, whereby a blocking axle of the pull button protrudes toward the runway board; thereafter a fan-shaped member with two inserted holes is fixed on the corresponding side of the pivot of the runway board to the blocking axle of the pull button, so that the blocking axle of the pull button can be inserted into the corresponding inserted holes of the fan-shaped member of the runway board no matter the runway board is placed at a using or at a folded position. Accordingly, the runway board is blocked in order not to turn around on its own through unexpected external force, and the safety of the user and persons around is able to be ensured.

Abstract: A treadmill includes two stands each having a transverse portion and a continuous belt is pivotally connected between the two stands. Each transverse portion has a recess defined radially therein for receiving a wheel therein. The two wheels each have a rotational axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transverse portion corresponding thereto so that the continuous belt can be folded between the two stands and the folded treadmill can be moved laterally by the two wheels.

Abstract: A physical fitness device includes a housing, at least one resilient foot pad having a plurality of stepping locations, pad switch elements activated by pressure placed upon the stepping locations of the at least one foot pad, an on-board microcomputer coupled to the switch elements, and a control panel permitting a user to interact with the device. The switch elements include a plurality of pairs of contacts beneath the stepping locations and conductive leads to the microcomputer and control panel. Each foot pad has an electrically conductive undersurface adapted to make contact with one or more of the pairs of contacts when pressure is placed upon the foot pad. The control panel, which is coupled to the on-board microcomputer and an on-board power supply, has an electronic display. The control panel can be used to select predefined programs or exercise modes from the microcomputer to be followed by the user. The programs test and improve the user's foot speed, agility, and reaction time.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand and arm exercise device. The exercise device has a deformable elastic bulb having a central cavity. A first port is provided which communicates with the central cavity. A first check valve limits the flow through the first port such that a fluid can pass into but not out of the central cavity. A second port is provided which communicates with the central cavity, and with a chamber via a connecting passage therebetween. An adjustable bleed valve is provided in the passage. In one preferred embodiment the chamber is rigid, while in another preferred embodiment the chamber is elastic and a second check valve is provided in the second port to block flow into the central cavity of the deformable elastic bulb. It is further preferred that a pressure gauge be provided to the chamber so a user of the hand and arm exercise device can monitor his/her strength.

Abstract: This invention is relating to a buffer structure to be installed in between the framework of jogging machine and the floor surface. The jogging machine is comprised of one framework, one front floor-rod, one hand holder and one rear floor-rod, etc. components. Amid the components, framework has a jogging board installed on its end surface. And one jogging track is enclosed to surface of this jogging board on its up and down end. Thus this installation can enable user to stand on jogging track and start jogging exercise. The key point here is that there is a pulling board transversely pivoted to the top end of two bent chips incorporated to rear floor-rod. And one side of the pulling board has a pivot lug to pivot an adjustment screw rod. Then let this screw rod pass through the holes drilled on the front & rear partition boards and place a buffer pad in between front and rear partition boards. Finally use one screw rod socket and one knob to bolt screw rod together.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a switched reluctance motor which drives a moveable surface upon which a user can exercise. A controller which is responsive to sudden load changes on the moveable surface controls the torque developed by the motor substantially to maintain a desired motor speed output without the need for a flywheel. In a first embodiment, the controller uses a feedback signal from a rotor position encoder and a motor speed indicator to control the motor output using a proportional-plus-integral signal processor. In a second embodiment, a composite state observer is used to provide estimates of the rotor position, motor speed and load disturbance states from which real time closed loop control of the motor speed with load disturbances on the moveable surface is effected. Corresponding methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus alters the elevation of a person based on the person's level of exertion. The exercise itself may involve motion and/or isometric exercise performed by the person's arms and/or legs. The elevating process may be directly linked to the exercise motion and/or controlled electronically.

Abstract: A system and method of objectively testing the functional capacity of a patient over a range of motion and with a limited resistance are provided. A selected number of visual indicators are applied and maintained at selected points with respect to the patient. The patient is directed through a series of exercise movements. The patient's movements are captured on a video record. This video record is digitized. The motion of the indicators is tracked in the digitized video record. A patient data set is developed including performance parameters based, at least in part, on the position and the time of each indicator during the movements. The patient data set is compared to a base data set. If the patient's performance parameters fall within certain ranges, it can be determined that the patient is or is not exerting a true effort. The functional capacity of the patient is determined based, at least in part, on the comparison of the patient data set with the base data set.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvement for the front pulley of a treadmill, wherein a positioning plate is disposed at each of both sides of the front end of a frame of a treadmill. A hole is located at the middle of the positioning plate, and a resilient body having hollow metal ring at its inner is sideways disposed in each hole. Shafts at both sides of the front pulley in cooperation are disposed in the inner holes of the metal rings of the resilient bodies. When the rear pulley at both side of the frame is integrated, while the running belt is assembled on the front and rear pulleys and is tightened, the front pulley keeps on a parallel with the rear pulley automatically because of the tightening effect of the running bell by the action of the two resilient bodies. Thus, the running belt continuously circulates around the front and rear pulleys smoothly, and instant idling between the front pulley and the running belt do not occur and increases the operation safety.

Abstract: A foldable jogging machine comprises a support body, a jogging platform, a connection member, a linear actuating device, and a lifting member. The support body is formed of a base and a support frame. The jogging platform has a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side. The front side is provided with a receiving slot in which a first motor is mounted for driving a track located between the left side and the right side. The rear side is provided with at least one roller in contact with the floor surface. The base of the support body is fastened pivotally with the front side of the jogging platform by the connection member such that the jogging platform can be moved between a first position and a second position in relation to the base. The linear actuating device comprises a second motor mounted in the receiving slot, and an expandable rod driven by the second motor.

Abstract: In a planetarium apparatus, a first controller controls a projector for projecting a state of celestial bodies as observed from a selected first viewpoint onto a dome, and a second controller controls a display and/or a video projector for displaying said state of celestial bodies as observed from a selected second viewpoint onto the dome and/or on other screen.

Abstract: An exercise device having two chambers, underlying two elastic membrane portions, in a position to closely support above the ground, the left and right foot respectively, of a user. A support structure such as a housing for the first and second membrane portions permit raising and lowering, as by shifting body weight, of the left and right foot in a stair stepping action, preferably without raising each foot from contact with the membrane portions to elastically stretch the membrane portions in succession. A fluid underlies the first and second elastic membrane portions. The fluid preferably is displaced by the stretching of each membrane portion and in the preferred embodiments, it acts with the membrane portions to support the body of a user in use.

Abstract: Apparatus that can be added to an existing ski treadmill provides resistance to a forward, as well as a rearward motion of an exerciser's arm. The apparatus includes a transverse beam attached to a body supporting post that is part of the treadmill. Longitudinal arms are hinged to the ends of this beam and swing away from their normal operating positions to allow an exerciser to mount or dismount from the apparatus. A closed rope loop having an indented portion is formed by connecting the two handgrips of a conventional ski treadmill with another piece of rope that engages, in sequence, a first pulley at the rear end of a first of the longitudinal arms, a second pulley near a hinge connecting that arm to the transverse beam, a third pulley at the other end of the beam, and a fourth pulley at the rear end of the second longitudinal arm.

Abstract: This invention is relating to an improvement configured to a pushing caster of jogging machine. The body of jogging machine contains one master frame, one framework, one jogging board, one front transverse-rod, one hand holder, one rear floor-rod, etc. components. The transverse rod designed for master frame's base and front transverse-rod are fitted to the base of master frame where caster assemblies are plugged and retained at their both ends respectively. Diameter of caster is slightly bigger than diameter of rods. The inner sides of caster assembly, that is, the opposite direction that caster assembly face one another as they are installed at transverse-rod of master frame's base and front transverse-rod, is erected a positioning bushing to secure itself individually. Afterward, the outer circumference of each positioning bushing is enveloped by a floor-type rubber block which is in rectangular shape. This floor-type rubber block can be revolved around positioning bushing.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing audible sounds in response to visual indicia in the nature of an electronic book. The electronic book is constructed from a plurality of leaves which may be formed from a continuous accordion folded sheet or individual modular folded sheets joined back-to-back to form the pages of the book. During construction, a spacer is internally provided within each leaf to create at least one internal passageway opening at one end of the leaves at a location forming the book's spine. An electronic circuit having pressure sensitive switches and conductive paths is provided on the surface of a dielectric substrate using conductive ink. The switches are arranged on elongated members which are inserted into a respective internal passageway within the leaves of the book. By activation of a switch by pressure applied to visual indicia on the leaves, audible sounds are produced by an on board electronic module.

Abstract: A continuous loop foot strap is connected to a bungee cord by an O-ring. An opposite end of the bungee cord is looped through a flexible handle and back through a clamping device. A push button actuator permits the size of the handle loop to be adjusted to adjust the overall length of the device to a) enable a different user to adjust the device for her/his needs, b) alter the configuration for use in a different exercise, or c) increase the resistance force afforded by the device as repetition of the various exercises results in strengthening of various muscle groups. Illustrative exercises are discussed.

Abstract: A planetarium of the present invention has a plurality of projectors for projecting astronomical bodies and the like, input device and the like for entering data relating to the attitude of said projector, controller for controlling the attitude of said projector in accordance with said data, and memory device. The memory device stores variety information relating to planets, constellations, astronomical phenomena, and so one. When the attitude of projectors is entered, suitable information from among the information stored in the memory device is selected and displayed on a display device.