Abstract: A lightweight, foldable device for the partial weight bearing during walking and gait training is provided. The lightweight, partial weight bearing suspension walker is made from two frames that are pivotally attached and can be folded at the pivot point for storage or transport. The apparatus can be adjusted to fit over wide treadmills or wheelchairs and through narrow doors. The apparatus includes two fail-safe lift and support devices to insure patient safety in case of unintentional release by the operator.

Abstract: An exercise device that has a shaft containing one or two rollers that are free to slide on the shaft. The shaft can be shaped near a semi-circle or can be normally straight and bent elastically to a near semi-circle. When the normally straight shaft is bent, it can be held by an elastic cord like a bungee cord. The invention can also be a small unit with one or more (preferably two) rollers that are held together by a pair of handles. For all embodiments, optional springs can connect the handles to the shaft.

Abstract: An amphibious foldable treadmill includes: a main frame having at least a wheel rotatably mounted on a base of the main frame to be rolled on a ground floor or on a pool bottom, a tread belt device pivotally secured to the main frame and unfolded from the main frame to be laid on the floor or pool bottom for treading operation, and a hand rail device pivotally secured to the main frame and pivotally connected with the tread belt device, whereby upon folding of the hand rail device and the tread belt device to the main frame, the treadmill can be folded for convenient handling, moving, launching in a pool or landing on the ground floor from the pool for successfully serving as an amphibious treadmill.

Abstract: A sports training device includes a body having at least one hitting surface sized and shaped so as to receive a punch or kick delivered by a user. A sound generator is carried by the body for generating an audible sound and includes a switch carried by the body for causing the generator to generate the sound in response to an impact created by the punch or kick. The switch is movable between first and second conditions such that the generator generates the sound when the switch is in the first condition and the generator does not generate the sound when the switch is in the second condition. The switch moves from the second condition to the first condition in response to the impact. The switch also has an impact threshold for moving the switch from the second condition to the first condition. The switch includes an adjustment device for adjusting the threshold of the switch, whereby the switch can be set at a desired sensitivity for causing the generator to generate the sound.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable, modular skate rail comprising a plurality of square or tubular interlocking rail members 12 that may be assembled to provide grind rails of various lengths and elevations. Each rail member 12 has at least one hinged leg support 20 with a hinged footplate 22 that allows the leg support and footplate to be folded in a substantially parallel relation to the rail member to save space during transport and storage. Additionally provided are brackets 38 whereby two rails 12 can be fastened together with one rail having a handle 44 furnishing means for porting the present invention 10 as an integral assembly. The rails 12 of the present invention 10 may also be adapted to provide an angled rail relative to the ground 18.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods enhance the ability of a rowing machine to provide a full body workout by increasing the range of movement possible during a rowing stroke, thereby producing increased strength, muscle mass and/or range of movement. These benefits are achieved by use of, in conjunction with a rowing machine, a handle assembly uniquely configured such that, when a user of the rowing machine grasps the handle assembly and performs an exercise routine which includes a pull phase of a stroke, the handle assembly defines a space in which the body of the user may be received during the pull phase. As a result, the user may extend the pull phase of the stroke.

Abstract: A compound bicycle exercising device includes two foot pedals rotatably attached to a base, for being operated by users, two handle stems pivotally attached to the base, for being rotated by the users, and two rotary members secured to each handle stem. A spindle is rotatably supported on the base, and includes two followers rotatably attached to each end with unidirectional bearings. Two coupling members couple the rotary members to the followers, and a rotary element is engaged between one of the rotary members and one of the followers, to allow the spindle to be rotated in different direction relative to the rotary member, and to allow the spindle to be continuously driven by the handle stems via the followers and the rotary members alternatively, when the handle stems are rotated relative to the pivot axle in reciprocating action.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: A stepping exerciser includes a spindle rotatably supported on a base, a pair of foot pedals rotatably supported on the base and arranged to be moved up and down stepped upon by a user, a coupling device for coupling the foot pedals to the spindle, to drive and to rotate the spindle, a pair of handles rotatably supported on the base, and arranged to be rotated by the user, and a connecting device for connecting the handles to the spindle, to selectively drive and rotate the spindle. The spindle may thus be continuously driven by the foot pedals and the handles alternatively. One or more spring members or a wheel may apply a resistive force against the spindle.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a shaft rotatably disposed on a base, a housing rotatably engaged on the shaft and having a chamber formed by an outer peripheral wall which has a groove, a belt wound around the tube for rotating the housing, a barrel received in the chamber of the housing and secured to the shaft and having a slot. A coil spring is received in the housing and has two ends engaged into the slot of the barrel and the groove of the outer peripheral wall of the housing. A cover includes a space formed by an outer peripheral fence, to suitably enclose the chamber of the housing.

Abstract: A quick action lock for vertically adjustable legs of a stilt or workbench utilized by construction workers, as for example, installers of wallboard. The lock includes a pair of horizontally aligned squeeze spring fingers completely positioned within the confines of the telescoping struts of the legs for biasing a pair of stop pegs outwardly into alignable holes formed in such struts.

Abstract: A postural awareness apparatus includes a pad, signal means for producing a signal, detection means for determining a weight applied to the pad and activating the signal means when the weight exceeds a predetermined weight, means for producing an output when the detection means determines the weight, and means for recording the output.

Abstract: Actuator assemblies for adjustment mechanisms of exercise machines. In one embodiment, an actuator assembly includes a connecting member having a first end attached to the adjustment mechanism and a second end, a shaft rotatably coupled to the exercise machine proximate the second end, an actuating handle attached to the shaft, and a coupling member attached to the second end of the connecting member and having an engagement portion contacting an actuating portion of the shaft. As the shaft is rotated, the actuating portion of the shaft pushes the engagement portion of the coupling member, tensioning the connecting member and actuating the adjustment mechanism. The actuator mechanism advantageously reduces wear and breakage of the connecting member. In another embodiment, the shaft may be rotated in either a forward or an aft direction, improving the convenience of the actuator assembly for the user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wetsuit that may be worn by a user for providing torso support when user is lying prone on a board while engaging in aquatic sports. The wetsuit includes a torso wedge, which is generally aligned proximal the width of a costal arch of the user lower rib cage, critical in supporting the torso of the user. In general, the torso wedge is configured to provide a wedge-like angle between the board and the user's chest when the user is in a prone position on the board, thereby elevating the torso of the user.

Abstract: A removable artificial climbing hold comprising a molded or cast body having an opening for a threaded fastener to pass through, and safety means incorporated in the body around the opening to retain the debris in the event of the body breaking.

Abstract: An exercise machine has resilient elongate members for providing balanced resistance in the form of elongate resilient members oriented horizontally such that the intermediate portion of the elongate members contact a fulcrum of the exercise machine. The user adjusts the amount of resistance provided by capturing different combinations and numbers of resilient elongate members. A cable and pulley system ensures a long stroke so that the use can perform a wide variety of exercises in comfortable positions.

Abstract: An exercise device providing an exterior sheath for a standard Olympic weight bearing bar that secures the bar and weight while providing access to the bar for gripping and also providing secure handles which are perpendicular to the bar and parallel to the torso, providing alternate gripping posture for alternate exercise paradigms.

Abstract: A method for preventing serious injuries to a person participating in a physical activity, such as pole-vaulting, which occurs at least partially over a hard surface. The method includes: detecting predetermined criteria indicative of a condition which requires deployment of the material into the deployed position; and moving a material from a retracted position to a deployed position upon detection of the predetermined criteria, wherein the material substantially does not impede the physical activity while in the retracted position and cushions the person from falling onto the hard surface while in the deployed position.

Abstract: A hand-held exercise device exercise device incorporating a variable stability strength overload distribution system resulting from the even or uneven distribution of weight relative to a center of gravity thereof. The even or uneven distribution of weight providing the variable stability strength overload distribution system results from the attached of a selected number of weights along first, second and/or third planes, each generally parallel to a handle assembly thereof.

Abstract: A facial and neck muscle exercising device for positioning against opposite corners of a person's mouth at the opening thereof to strengthen and tone facial and neck muscles. The exercising device includes a pair of mouth spreading arms each having an elongate slide member and an end member contoured to engage the opposite corners of the person's mouth. The slide members are slidably connected together longitudinally and an arm retaining device connected thereto controls sliding movement and resistance of the mouth spreading arms. Versions of the arm retaining device elastically bias the end members against the corners of the person's mouth in an adjustable manner, allow adjustment of the length or range of motion of the exercising device, retain the exercising device at a fixed length, or a combination thereof.