Abstract: A laparoscope is constructed with a plug-in module containing video processing circuitry and coupled through a flexible umbilical to a rigid or partly rigid insertion tube that contains a miniature video camera. A fiber optic bundle for illumination has a bifurcated proximal end with two portions each terminating in respective sleeves that project from the module. The sleeve projects from the module. The sleeves position the illumination bundle portions at the focussed spot of light produced by respective low-power metal halide discharge lamps. A rotary vane shutter is servo controlled to limit the amount of light entering the fiber optic bundle so that the monitor video picture is kept at a constant level. The metal sleeve for the fiber optic bundle ends serve as grounding elements, and are coupled by a grounding pigtail within the module to a ground conductor in the umbilical. A test opening with a threaded plug serves as a pressure test port.

Abstract: A new resistance, weight loss garment worn by user will elevate the heart rate of a user so that the user can expend more calories over an extended period. The garment would contain at least one article of clothing worn on the body of the user, said article of clothing incorporating elastic resistance structures that tend to oppose normal directions of motion thereby causing extra exertion by the user that results in burning more calories over a period of time.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises an elongate hollow post formed from three interconnectable tube sections. A carriage is mounted slidably to the post, and a pair of handlebars extend transversely from the carriage. A pair of footrests is arranged to be selectably mounted at either end of the post for providing support against movement of the carriage, and a plurality of resistance elements such as rubber bands extend between the carriage and an anchor formation within one of the tube sections. The rubber bands pass around a pulley formation at one end of the post, and selector means are provided on the carriage for allowing a preselected number of the elastic bands to be engaged for varying the overall resistance of the carriage as it is displaced along the post. In use, the footrests are pivotably mounted to a selected end of the post so as to allow the post to pivot freely in a vertical plane when supported on the footrests.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises an elongate strut on which a pair of limb engaging members are located. At least one of the limb engaging members is slidable along the length of the strut towards and away from the other member. A resistive force means such as one or more elastomeric bands links the movable limb engaging member to a reaction point on the strut or the other limb engaging member. The arrangement is such that movement of the movable limb engaging member along the strut in at least one direction requires work to be done against the action of the resistive force means. Preferably both limb engaging members are movable along the length of the strut towards and away from each other. The strut may be formed in more than one section with the different ends of the sections engageable with each other to provide for different modes of operation of the device.

Abstract: A collapsible push up exercise device having hinged flared sides which, when opened for use, form an inverted V-shape. A plurality of spaced holes are provided on the front sides of the hinged framework for the reception at selective heights of hook-like extensions of two partially closed rings which rings encircle and support a push up bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for training muscles of the back, abdomen, arms, neck and shoulders, consisting of two equally dimensioned parallely disposed and coaxial rings (1) which are fixedly connected with a support frame (2) and a U-shaped swing (4) with a foot rest (7) and a locking device (23, 24) to support the feet of the user. A fixing device (15-21, 25-28) for the waist of the user is arranged close to the axis of rotation of the swing. In use, the rings (1) serve as a handrail. The swing is adjustable in length. The fixing device for the waist of the user consists of a back support (16) and a front support (15) on each side of the rotational axis of the swing. The distance of the back support and front support to the axis of rotation is adjustable, so that the user may be strapped in such a way that his center of gravity will be kept near the axis of rotation of the swing.

Abstract: An audiovisual device for displaying a visual image while simultaneously sounding out a corresponding audio message. The device includes base unit and a number of cartridges which fit into the base unit. Each of the cartridges includes a housing featuring a window, a pair of substantially parallel rods which are rotatably mounted within the housing, and a printed substrate, such as paper or plastic, mounted on the rods so that the substrate can be scrolled for the purpose of displaying portions of the substrate through the window in the housing. The base unit includes a driving mechanism for engaging and rotating the rods of the cartridge and a frame locator system for accurately locating a selected portion of the substrate in the window. Finally, the base unit includes a suitable speaker for producing sounds corresponding to the displayed portion of the substrate.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10-10l) is provided having a platform (12-12l) on which a user (14-14l) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-10l). A lever (20-20l) is pivotally connected (30-32l) to the platform (12-12l) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-12l) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-20l) on the platform (12-12l). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13-16) include a base support (41F, 41G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for holding in the hand of an individual and for imparting heat or cold to the hand during manipulation of the exercise apparatus by the individual includes a flexible outer container defining an interior and a gel mixture located in the interior for retaining heat or cold applied to the exercise apparatus prior to placement of the exercise apparatus in the hand, the gel mixture including water, a gelling agent, and a freeze suppressant.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a running deck in a running area and rollers. An endless transportation belt is stretched over and guided around the rollers for moving the transportation belt in a certain direction in the running area. A cushioning layer is disposed on the running deck and a glide layer with segments covers the cushioning layer. Both of these layers are underneath the transportation belt. Another embodiment of the invention is a treadmill including rollers and an endless transportation belt stretched over and guided around the rollers. A control unit is connected to a belt drive which drives the rollers for controlling the speed of the transportation belt. A position sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the transportation belt to recognize the position of a person on the transportation belt. The position sensor is also connected to the control unit which automatically adjusts the speed of the transportation belt by sending a position signal to the control unit.

Abstract: An exercise device to be used while walking for exercising the back, abdominal, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, buttocks and leg muscles while walking. A first preferred embodiment of the device includes a elastic neoprene rubber belt having a first and second pair of metal O-rings sewn onto the left and right sides respectively of the belt and approximately 16 long latex hoses attached to each pair. The opposite loose ends of hoses have third and fourth pairs of metal O-rings sewn thereon attached to cylindrical neoprene rubber covers that house a pair of coaxial weights therein. The second embodiment of the device has a T-cross-sectional shaped weight formed by a cylindrical plastic body and an enlarged end cap for fitting within a user's hands and through-holes for tieing. A third embodiment uses alternating hollow cylindrical weights of 1 and 2 lbs each, where each weight has identical outside dimensions. The lengths of the elastic hoses can be varied depending upon the arm swinging of the user.

Abstract: A skiing simulation device includes a pair of horizontal beams and a pair of guiding rails mounted between the horizontal beams. Each guiding rail includes two roller seats having rollers attached thereto so as to slidable along the associated guiding rail. Each of two pedals is mounted to two of the roller seats, the rollers of which are in the same guiding rail to allow skiing simulation practice. Each of the pedals may be mounted to two of the roller seats, the rollers of which are in different guiding rails to allow leg-splay exercises.

Abstract: An upper body exercise apparatus which is effective for developing a variety of muscle groups of the upper body. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises two V-shaped members which are pivotally attached at a central joint. One end of each member forms a grip for a user's hand. The opposite ends of the members form heads to which a desired number of force-resisting elements, either of the same or different types, are removably secured.

Abstract: A motorless treadmill for exercising the upper body and lower body of a user. Displacement of an upper-body exercise mechanism such as a pair of reciprocating arm members rotates a drive roller. The drive roller is coupled to an endless belt, and a transmission system links the drive roller to the upper body exercise mechanism such that arm movements are translated into belt rotation. In one embodiment, pulleys are used as the transmission system to transmit the energy from the movement of the arm members to the belt. A flywheel may be added to store energy to smooth the belt rotation.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus of the invention has a stirrup and an anklet. The stirrup has a lateral strap that extends laterally from the stirrup. The anklet has ankle straps that cross in back of the foot and removably attach in the front of the leg above the ankle. The apparatus has an elastic cord connected to the lateral strap and a handle. The handle can have a rotatable grip which allows the user to change hand positions and vary the type of exercise performed.

Abstract: A sprint training machine including a pair of backward and forward movable pedestals respectively provided with a pedal, an arm and a crank and operable independently from each other; a power engine for shifting the movable pedestals by a predetermined distance; a power transmitting portion; and a load controlling means for controlling a resistive load during a pedaling exercise such that a resistive load is applied to the operator when the pedal is located lower than a horizontal position of the pedal arm while no resistive load is applied to the operator when the pedal is located higher than the horizontal position of the pedal arm.

Abstract: An exercise device to be worn on the user's body. The exercise device includes a resistance arm connected by pivot means at the ends thereof to mechanisms for mounting the resistance arm at spaced apart locations on the human body. The mechanisms for mounting include an arm harness at one end and a body harness at the other end, or a pair of straps for mounting around either an arm or a leg of the user's body spaced above and below an elbow or a knee, respectively.

Abstract: A cabinet has a tread base rotatably connected to be oriented in an exercise position extending outwardly and in a stored position extending inwardly secured within the enclosure of the cabinet. The underside of the tread base may be configured to provide a suitable aesthetic exterior surface. A latching arrangement is provided to secure the tread base within the enclosure in the second or stored position. Elevation structure and motor structure are provided to elevate the tread base when in the first position and to power the endless belt of the tread base when in the first position. The elevation structure may be operated to vary the inclination of the tread base when in the first position. The underside of the tread base has a decorative panel and functions as a door for the cabinet. The elevation structure may include an electrically driven rack and pinion as well as a gas cylinder system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination chair and exercise apparatus. The combination chair and exercise apparatus is preferably comprised of a collapsible chair frame, mounted on a collapsible base, with rotation and pivoting points located on the frame and base so as to permit a user of the combination chair and exercise apparatus to bend the spine in either direction with respect to a lower portion of the user's body. In an alternative embodiment, the combination chair and exercise apparatus is non-collapsible. When not used for exercising, the combination chair and exercise apparatus may be used as a chair.

Abstract: Portable multi-purpose exercise device has an elongated generally tubular, and preferably cylindrical, cushion or pillow portion which is adapted to be placed behind a user's head and neck or other body portion while handle members attached to the outer ends of a stretchable cord-like tension member extending from each end of the pillow portion are engaged and pulled by the user's hands. The pillow portion preferably comprises one or more layers of resilient foam surrounding rigid sleeve members through which the tension member passes. The device is very lightweight and compact, and yet permits many exercise routines to be performed to strengthen a wide range of muscle groups. The device is especially helpful in providing head and neck support while doing ab crunches, for example.