Abstract: An exerciser for the upper body including a frame supporting a seat whose position can be adjusted in the vertical direction, a weight assembly slidably mounted on a vertical track, an overhead cam assembly coupled by a cable to the weight assembly and which is turned by a seated user forcibly contacting a lever arrangement adjustably secured to the cam assembly. By adjustably orienting the lever on the cam, different starting positions for the exercises are provided enabling the user to perform forward forearm presses or rearward forearm presses. A second cam system has a pair of double cams, one on the right side and one on the left side of the seated user. Each double cam is coupled to the weight stack by a cable having a pair of branches on each end. One branch cable member is attached to the periphery of one cam of the double cam and the other branch member is attached to the periphery of the second cam of the double cam providing that resistance is applied by turning the double cam in either direction.

Abstract: A simplified fluid flow resistance device and exercise equipment utilizing the same is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a rotating shaft is centered in a fluid filled sealed cylinder. A rotor is connected to the shaft and a baffle is connected to the internal wall of the cylinder. Rotation of the rotor in the cylinder drives fluid through bores in the baffle. Adjustable spring loaded ball valves are situated in at least two bores passing through the baffle so that resistance to fluid flow through the baffle in opposite directions can be controlled. The simplified design of the fluid flow resistance device of the present invention utilizes less materials so as to have minimal weight; thus the fluid resistance device is ideal for use in spacecrafts. Further, by use of spring loaded one way valves, the device can be used in any orientation, and a minimum resistance to motion of a lever arm connected to the fluid resistance device can be obtained.

Abstract: A stepper exercise machine has a pair of spaced apart levers pivotally secured to the upright portion of a frame for operation by the feet of a user. An upright handle is secured to each lever for movement therewith. The handles have upper portions for grasping by the user. The stepper also has structure to resist movement of the levers.

Abstract: An exercise device for performing both sit-up and hyperextension exercises has a frame with front and rear base members and front and rear inclined portions that extend downwardly from an apex toward the front and rear base members, respectively. A back pad is pivotally mounted to the rear inclined portion of the frame and is adjustable over a range of declination angles. The front inclined portion of the frame includes a slideable member that is telescopically adjustable. A cushioned pad is transversely disposed at the upper end of the slideable member and serve as both a knee support for performing abdominal exercises and an upper thigh support for performing hyperextensions. Below this cushioned pad, a similar cushioned pad is pivotally attached to the slideable member to serve as a foot restraint when performing abdominal exercises. This same cushioned pad may be rotated against the first such pad to provide additional support for the operator's upper thighs when performing hyperextensions.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a physical exercise apparatus including two barbell disc carrying carriages each of which is independently, freely moveable along a pair of vertical rails upon each of which it is mounted by a pair of widely spaced outboard bearings. Each carriage is provided with an inwardly projecting stub shaft to which one end of a lift bar may be affixed by means of a sliding collar, thereby adapting the apparatus for barbell exercises. A plurality of captive cables is provided whereby the respective carriages and their associated barbell disc weights may be used to provide the resistance for different physical exercises executed simultaneously by different persons employing the same apparatus.

Abstract: A novel assembly for aquatic exercise utilizing a rod of various lengths upon which foam rubber discs can be mounted which are water absorbent so as to weigh a predetermined amount when fully saturated, which come in various sizes, and which are held onto the rod by end caps. The rods may also be interchanged with floats for aquatic exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame having a seat mounted thereon and a pair of handlebars extending rearwardly from and pivotally attached to the frame at a point forward of the seat, each of the handlebars being individually moveable back and forth by the arms of a user of the device. A foot pedal is rigidly attached to and extends rearwardly from each of the handlebars, each foot pedal being individually moveable down and up by the legs of a user of the device. A weight platform is rigidly attached to each of the handlebars for supporting individual weights, the weight platform extending forwardly of the pivot point. The weight platform is raised and lowered in an arc around the pivot point upon back and forth movement of the handlebars.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a base frame with a seat adjustably connected thereto for longitudinal movement towards and away from a foot support on the base frame. A bent arm is pivotally mounted on the base frame adjacent the foot support, and has a pair of cushions adjustably mounted on the arm, so as to pivot through an arc with respect to the foot supports. Weights may be added to the bent arm so as to further bias the cushions against pivotal movement. A person seated on the machine exercises the tibialis anterior muscle by pivoting the cushions with the toes of the foot with respect to the foot support.

Abstract: An exercise machine is provided with a pair of vertically adjustable support posts having a rod extending thereacross. A support plate for receiving the upper back portion of a user is fixedly secured to the rod, while a lower support plate is interconnected with the upper support plate through a universal joint which may be selectively locked into position or released to allow the lower support plate to swivel with respect to the upper plate. An appropriate gear reducer is connected to the rod to allow the rod to be rotated to position the user in a desired orientation.

Abstract: An appliance used in exercising the arms and the legs, comprising a grip covered with a protective sleeve and fastened with an adjustable strap for use in exercising the arms, two sockets attached to said grip at two opposite ends to hold two counter weights, two caps covered on said caps to hold two electronic oscillators and two tapered weights, wherein said counter weights each has a bolt hole for fastening a screw rod at either end of said grip; said caps each has an annular groove for fastening a division plate to secure each electronic oscillator in place, and a tapered opening for fastening either tapered weight; said electronic oscillators are triggered to produce sounds by shock waves.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for exercising and/or testing the cervical muscles of the neck wherein a seated person is secured against a backrest to isolate movement of his head and neck from the remainder of his body. For exercising the cervical muscles between opposite positions of full extension and flexion, the muscles are used to move the head rearwardly against a pivotable movement arm to move the latter against a yieldable resistance weight connected to the movement arm to bias the movement arm in one direction. The head is then moved forwardly and the process is repeated until the movement arm can no longer be moved by said muscles. The number of repetitions is measured and recorded throughout the exercise.

Abstract: A bidirectional, synchronous, total body exercise machine. The machine includes bidirectional force-resistance mechanism in the form of a cylinder with a piston and piston rod. A lever is mounted to a framework which includes a vertical support member and a horizontal support member. The piston rod is attached to one end of the lever and the cylinder is attached to the vertical support member of the frame. Foot pedals are attached to one end of the lever and a seat is mounted on the other end of the lever so that a user may be seated on the lever. A stationary handle bar is also provided on the vertical support member so that the user, when seated on the lever, can grasp the stationary handle and then can pull forward with the arms and pushing down on the foot pedals, while at the same time rocking the torso forward, pulling the piston rod downwardly. The piston in then returned by straightening the arms and relaxing the force on the foot pedals, while rocking the torso back.

Abstract: A method of producing a bending device is disclosed. There are provided a plurality of elongated arcuate assemblies each formed by pivotally connecting a row of arcuate members to one another by connecting elements, the arcuate assembly extending in a direction of the widths of the arcuate members. Subsequently, the plurality of arcuate assemblies are connected together in such a manner that ends of corresponding ones of the arcuate members of the arcuate assemblies are fixed together to form the row of joint rings, thereby forming the ring assembly.

Abstract: An electronic puzzle game for one or more players that combines skill and chance. The device includes a memory for storing codes corresponding to a plurality of sets of alphanumeric symbols, each set comprising a puzzle. A display is provided for visibly indicating a selected puzzle to the user(s), and a keypad permits a user to select a game, a topic within that game, and a category within the topic. Further, the keypad permits a user to ascertain a correct solution to the selected puzzle category. While skill is of value in playing a game with the device, a timer generates a signal at random times that calls an end to a game, the particular user of the device at this time being declared a loser. In the preferred embodiment, there is a second timer to establish a time duration for providing an answer by the user. Although significant memory exists within the device, additional or replacement memory can be plugged into the device.

Abstract: Exercise systems are disclosed which are adapted for connection to at least one structural component of a building to provide a framework for kinestetic exercises. Structures are disclosed which define a plurality of fixable locations for the connection of various kinesthetic exercising apparatus in arrangements suitable for a variety of kinesthetic exercises. The system further include mechanisms for quick releasable and replaceable coupling of exercise apparatus in a freely rotatable manner to accommodate a wide range of body motions.

Abstract: An exercise device for enhanced aerobic walking that coordinates the motion of the arms and legs. The device is worn around the torso by means of a belt mounted yoke which has an extension pole extending downwardly and rearwardly. Both the length of the extension pole and the angle of the extension pole to the yoke can be adjusted. Exercise cords are threaded through guides and brake-lock devices located on the sides of the yoke and a guide loop at the end of the extension pole. At each end of the exercise cord are cuffs, which are attached to the exerciser's extremities. Several threading methods are available for coordinated exercise: left arm to right leg and right arm to left leg; left arm to left leg and right arm to right leg; the left and right arm; and the left and right leg. The brakes can be used to increase the resistance and the locks can be used to fix the exercise cord in a position and use the elasticity of the cord for maximum resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented in which a generally vertical force is applied to a person's lower spine in approximately a perpendicular direction to the axis of elongation of the spine. In particular, the person is placed on his back in a substantially supine position. A restraining belt is then placed about the person's pelvic area and a lifting force is applied in an upward direction. The person can then apply pressure to one of various footrests to adjust the amount and direction of the force applied to the spine for maximum relief from lower back discomfort. The method and apparatus may also be used to adjust other body areas, such as the shoulders or neck, by applying the belt to the pertinent body area.

Abstract: An improved orthopedic device and method for correcting spinal curvatures of a patient by specific stabilization of the patient's pelvis and spine and then exercising the spine through active range of motions. The inventive method of spinal curvature correction re-educates the patient's muscles, ligaments, and nervous system which collectively are responsible for maintaining spinal posture, to properly maintain the spinal column in a desired alignment.

Abstract: A chair has two parallel posts extending upward from the seat. A pair of housings slide up and down on the posts. Each housing supports a pair of padded arms pivoted on opposed ends of the housing to swing through a horizontal plane. Each arm on the lower housing may be locked against pivoting. Each housing may be locked at a vertical level by a housing locking mechanism. The user is seated on the seat with the posts behind the back. The lower housing is adjusted vertically so that the padded arms engage the upper margin of the pelvis and the arms and lower housing are locked in place. The upper housing is adjusted so that its padded arms engage the armpits and it is locked at that elevation. When the user's arms are forced down on the upper padded arms, the spine is stretched between the upper and lower housing pulling up on the shoulder girdle and holding the pelvic girdle down.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for exercising the lumbar muscles including a movement arm which is moved about either a vertical or a horizontal axis depending on how a support for the movement arm is oriented relative to a primary support. In one position of the support the movement arm is moveable about a horizontal axis with the person seated in a generally upright position while in another position of the support, the movement arm is moveable about a generally vertical axis with the person positioned on his/her side. During exercise, the position of the persons head is fixed relative to the movement arm, and the pelvis is also fixed against movement.