Abstract: The specification discloses a self propelled stress testing apparatus for providing graded levels of exercise and for measuring human energy output. An adjustable frictional load calibrated in terms of patient weight and operatively coupled to a pair of translational platforms provides the exercising drag force to a flywheel against which the effort of the user is applied. Reciprocal exercising motion applied to the translational platforms is converted into rotary motion via a pair of unidirectional sprockets. Alternative embodiments employing bifilar and elastically centered slideable guide platform configurations are disclosed as well as special adaptions for use in a weightless space environment.

Abstract: A novelty device also useful for hand and finger exercises, including a continuous wire formed with open loops and a captive element riding on the wire. The open loops each fit around a finger so the captive element can be manipulated around the fingers and along the wire by thumb action, finger flexing, and positioning the device for gravity action on the captive element.

Abstract: A device for exercising muscles of the extremities is disclosed. The device consists generally of a spring, mounted on a base, with a free end upon which the arm or leg may bear to provide an opposing force. Indicia are provided on the spring to permit measurement of effort and achievement. In one embodiment of the invention, a counter is provided to enable the user to keep track of his efforts.

Abstract: A lightweight portable device is provided to impart continuous passive motion to a user's shoulder. The device causes abduction and adduction and has the option of causing simultaneous rotation as well through use of a single actuator. The base of the device is curved to fit against a lateral portion of the user's torso and the device is held in position by a harness. An upper arm support is pivotally connected to and extends laterally from the base. A linear actuator extends between and is linked to the upper arm support and the base to cause abduction and adduction of the arm. A forearm support which is pivotally connected to the upper arm support and is also angularly adjustable relative to the upper arm support is linked to the base to cause rotation of the forearm support as the upper arm support is pivoted. The range of rotation can be varied or eliminated. The degree and speed of abduction and adduction can also be varied.

Abstract: An elongated bench support including head and foot ends is provided for disposition in generally horizontal or inclined position and against which a person wishing to carry out bench press exercises may repose on his or her back. Upstanding guide structure is disposed adjacent the head end of the bench support and follower structure is mounted thereon for guided movement therealong. The follower structure includes weight bar supporting structure for supporting a weighted bar therefrom and a foot engageable support is mounted from the foot end of the bench support for guided movement generally longitudinally of the bench support. Motion transmitting structure operatively connects the foot engageable support and the follower structure for raising and lowering the latter responsive to movement of the foot engageable support away from and toward the head end of the bench.

Abstract: There is disclosed an attachment assembly for mounting to a platform member to permit engagement by feet of the user for effecting other exercise protocols, e.g. sit-up exercises by the user.

Abstract: A bench press safety apparatus provided with safety shelves or platforms for receiving outer ends of a barbell when a lift thereof is missed or defective, and then further provided with reversible unloading members to allow the barbell to be rolled from the safety shelves or platforms to an unloading position in which the ends of the barbell are free for removal of the weights.

Abstract: A body training device is provided which allows for user alterable resistance curves as well as a low inertia exercise machine. Two resistance devices are utilized, the movement of the first device causing a varying movement of the second device and the second device dampening movement of the first device. Different resistance curves can be obtained either by changing the initial resistance of the second device or by changing the degree of interconnection between the first and second resistance devices.

Abstract: A wheeled platform to be attached to the feet of an exerciser and rolled back and forth along the ground in front of the exerciser while he or she pulls on handles against resistance. The handles are attached to cords which wind around pulleys which are rotatably attached to a resistance mechanism mounted on the wheeled platform. Simultaneously pulling the handles away from the platform and pushing the wheeled platform away from the handles as in a rowing motion operates the resistance mechanism to provide a resisting force for exercise, and operates an energy dissipating device to shed the energy created by the resistance mechanism. After the handles have been pulled the desired distance from the platform the resistance is disengaged and a rewinding mechanism rewinds the cord as the wheeled platform is pulled back towards the user.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus with a pedestal (24) abutted onto a base (20) on one end and a recess (22) near the other. A biforcated arm (30) is rotatably attached to a main shaft (28) in the pedestal (24). The arm (30) contains angular grips (32) and a removable bar (36) near the extended end. Resistance is afforded by a hydraulic system comprising a manual actuated cylinder (44) connected to a caliper brake (42) gripping the sides of a geared disk (40). Adjustable control of the holding force is provided by mechanical linkage rotatably connected to a hand wheel (52) located on top of the arm applying pressure to the cylinder (44). The direction of resistance either up or down in the stroke of the arm is governed by another linkage utilizing a pawl (68) having teeth intermeshing with the teeth of the geared disk (40).

Abstract: A device for exercising an articulated limb such as a finger includes an elastomeric element for biasing the finger to a flexed position and a motorcontrolled cable is provided to oppose the flexion bias. The elastomeric element, motor, and cable are carried on the arm by a splint. A feed mechanism is provided for regulating the length of cable, which in turn regulates the degree of flexion and extension. The feed mechanism includes a motor having an automatic mode which continuously reverses motor operation when programmed flexion and extension limits are reached. An overtravel is provided to maintain a constant tension on the cable should a sudden extension of the finger prevent proper cable feed or take-up.

Abstract: The invention is a safety bench press apparatus which prevents injuries as a consequence of a dropping or otherwise uncontrolled impact of the bar bell upon a weight lifter. The apparatus can be installed as an accessory to the weight lifting bench or as an integrated component of the bench. The apparatus comprises two vertical side support members which are disposed on each side of and parallel to the bench press. The upper surface of the support members are configured to provide an inclined portion which inclines upwardly away from the shoulders of the weight lifter (anterior portion of the bench) towards the foot (posterior portion of the bench) and terminates in a holding portion which is provided with a retainer member which functions to hold the bar bell in fixed position when placed in the holding portion. In one embodiment of the invention the vertical support members are provided with retainer members which prevent the bar bell from rolling or sliding off the inclined surfaces.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a frame and a T-bar unit and a vertical resistance unit pivotally mounted to the frame for performance of variable resistance exercises. The vertical resistance unit is provided with uprights and a horizontal bar. Springs are provided to resist the extension of the vertical resistance unit by pushing or pulling the horizontal bar in the vertical direction and to resist the pivoting of the T-bar unit, thereby providing the benefit of the maximum resistance to the movement of the muscle group to the user.

Abstract: A ball throwing apparatus has two opposed drive wheels, one on each side of an open-ended barrel. The peripheries of both drive wheels extend into the barrel in opposing fashion, the wheels being slightly offset so that the second periphery frictionally engages the ball before the first periphery does. This directs the ball initially on a path divergent from the barrel axis. The drive wheels are rotated at dissimilar speeds and/or the diameters of the wheels are not the same so that the peripheral speeds of the two drive wheels are different. This imparts a spin to the ball and gives it a curved flight path. The barrel is rotatably mounted to allow the barrel to be rotated about its longitudinal axis to any angular position.The barrel mounting is attached to a tripod, and the mounting can be adjusted to alter the attitude of the barrel to change the trajectory of the ball.

Abstract: An alternative health care machine is disclosed for exercising a patient's arms and legs in which one arm and an opposite leg are alternatively raised and lowered, the apparatus being useful in the treatment of strokes, emotional stress, paraplegics, quadriplegics, motor control problems, slow learners, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, hypertension, for relaxing the diaphragm muscles, for using both sides of the brain at the same time, relaxation, balancing blood pressure, and after a chiropractic adjustment for retaining the adjustment.

Abstract: A resistance-type exerciser has pivotally interconnected arms with a more closely spaced pair of handle forming ends and a less closely spaced pair of handle forming ends. A caliper-type spring unit is replaceably fitted to the arms to urge the less closely spaced pair of ends apart. The spring unit can be readily replaced with another unit of different spring pressure so as to vary the resistance of the exerciser. The exerciser is used by pushing the less closely spaced ends toward one another against the spring pressure or by pulling the more closely spaced ends apart.

Abstract: A play device having a pair of longitudinal members. Cross members join the longitudinal members to form a ladder-like structure. A first member is attached to one longitudinal member by different length limbs and includes a support section joining the limbs. A second member is attached to the other longitudinal member by different length limbs and also includes a support section joining the limbs. The first support member has its longer limb at that end of the play device where the second member has its shorter limb. There are locating means for the play device.

Abstract: An exercise device for use by two individuals wherein they can work out against one another rather than working alone against weights. The device includes a frame and pulley system through which a flexible cable is run. Handlebars are attached to each end of the cable and in operation, the individuals position themselves on opposing sides of the symmetrical frame and grip one of the bars. In performing exercises, the individuals preferably assume mirror-image positions and then continuously apply an upward force on their bar with each individual alternately applying a greater upward force than the other. In this manner, each individual alternately draws the cable through the frame toward him while the other person resists such movement.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a base member, a pair of resiliently flexible exercise elements attached to the base member and a mounting assembly for mounting the apparatus on a supporting structure, such as an exercise cycle. The apparatus is operable by an operator by resiliently bending the exercise elements with the hands and arms to obtain exercise in the upper portions of the body and when it is mounted on an exercise cycle it is operable simultaneously therewith to provide enhanced cardiovascular exercise.

Abstract: A weight guide for an exercising machine includes a base with a hollow vertical column having elongated vertical slots, a plurality of weights embracing the hollow column and each having a horizontal aperture, a plug having horizontal apertures being movable within the hollow column, a cable having one end extending down in the hollow column and being connected to the plug and an arrangement for connecting a selected one of the weights to the plug by a connector extending through aligned apertures of the plug and selected weight and through one of the vertical slots in the column.