Abstract: A torsion pivot device including an elastic element having an axis in a longitudinal direction is described. Two or more pivot structures may be engaged with separate portions of the elastic element along the axis to allow the pivot structures to exert torque force to the separate portions of the elastic element. An axial guide mechanism may be defined through the elastic element substantially along the axis. The pivot structures may be rotatably coupled with the elastic element via the axial guide mechanism to allow the pivot structures to pivot or rotate relative to each other around the axis. The elastic element may be deformed by the torque force via the pivoting or rotation of the pivot structures. Twisting tension may be induced by the deformed elastic element to counter the torque force.

Abstract: Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.

Abstract: A gait perturbation system and a method for testing and/or training using the gait perturbation system is disclosed herein. The gait perturbation system includes a gait perturbation device and a data processing device. The gait perturbation device includes one or more displaceable components configured to be displaced at a plurality of different speeds, and having one or more respective surfaces for receiving one or more respective limbs of a person; and one or more speed adjustment mechanisms coupled to the one or more displaceable components to adjust the speed set point at which the one or more displaceable components are displaced. The data processing device is configured to generate a signal for introducing a perturbation to the one or more displaceable components, and to control the speed set point of the one or more displaceable components such that the one or more displaceable components perturb a gait of the person.

Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention, there is provided a strike measurement system (44) for a punching bag (14). The measurement system (44) includes an accessory (10) for being installed on the punching bag (14). The accessory (10) has a number of sensors (16) for receiving strike data, and a communications facility (42) for use in transmitting strike information to a computing device (50); wherein the system (44) is adapted for utilising an intermediate computing device (46) between the computing device (50) and the communications facility (42). In the system (44) the intermediate computing device (46) configured for assisting with the transmission of the strike information to the computing device (50).

Abstract: An exercise swing comprising: a seat; an axle; at least one swingable member having a first end attached to said seat and a second end connected via a pivot to said axle; and a resistance adjuster for varying the resistance of said pivot to back-and-forth swinging motion of the swingable member about the pivot, and the exercise swing arranged so as to allow the entire body of a user, with the user seated on the seat, to swing back-and-forth through an arcuate path.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly has a main body that is hollow. A hose connection is formed on the main body to receive a fluid. A stem extends away from the main body, and the stem is hollow. A tip is formed on an end of the stem, and the tip has a fluid outlet. An extension member extends away from the main body. A balloon retainer is connected to the extension member. The balloon retainer has an opening facing the fluid outlet. The balloon retainer is shaped so that inflation of a balloon to a greater inflation pulls a neck of the balloon off the stem to a released position so that the balloon flies off the stem.

Abstract: A computer-aided physiotherapeutic stair & gait system has a set of at least three horizontal tread surfaces and an associated drive system for adjusting a rise height between adjacent of the tread surfaces to form a set of stairs with uniform pitch for a range of different rise heights. A sensor set measures parameters related to physiotherapy performed using the set of stairs and provides an output to a computer system. The sensors include one or more of: a rise height sensor for sensing the pitch of the stairs, a heart rate sensor, a handrail grip position sensor, and load cells for analyzing the distribution of the weight of a patient during use of the system.

Abstract: A device for encouraging and exercising limb movement of patients who have been affected by a stroke, brain injury, or other orthopedic conditions is provided. The device is preferably designed to encourage the slightest movement present in the limbs so that the limbs are initially encouraged and practiced. Preferably, the device is designed to displace the weight of the limb (upper extremity or lower extremity) allowing the patient the opportunity to practice using the slightest amount of available active range of motion (ROM). In one implementation, the device includes a teeter-totter balancing beam, a shaft and a base. The balancing beam is pivotably connected to the shaft via joint member and is designed to pivot laterally about the joint member.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a single-piece first cushion ring defining an airflow channel and having a front cover-engaging end portion and a rear abutment end portion adapted to abut against a user's face below the forehead, a cover shell having a cover plate engaged to the front cover-engaging end portion and provided with a connecting hole that is adapted to be connected to an air supply source, a resilient forehead support connected to a top end of the front cover-engaging end portion and bendable toward the rear abutment end portion, a resilient forehead abutment body connected to a top end of and supported by the resilient forehead support and including a second cushion ring adapted to abut against the forehead of the user, and an adjustable head strap unit connected to the first cover shell and the resilient forehead abutment body.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in connection with a fitness routine and/or an exercise apparatus. In one such method, fitness information is stored in a fitness analysis system and operative communication is established with an exercise apparatus and/or a wireless communication device. A fitness information request is received at the fitness analysis system, and the system sends a setting associated with the exercise apparatus to facilitate a workout using an exercise apparatus. The system receives exercise information corresponding to the workout, and updates fitness information during the workout. The updated fitness information is analyzed to generate associated with the exercise apparatus to facilitate a subsequent workout.

Abstract: A trampoline has a trampoline bed with a bounding surface, and a trampoline bed bounding surface. A trampoline frame holds the bounding surface substantially horizontally to provide an area for a user. A balloon coupler is attached to the trampoline. A bounce module is mounted underneath the trampoline bed bounding surface. The bounce module is placed to receive motion from a user. The user activates a mode of the bounce module during jumping. A conduit hose is attached to the balloon coupler. A one-way valve is configured to regulate flow only to the balloon, and blocking any flow away from the balloon. A pump may pump water or air to the balloon. A balloon is attached to the balloon coupler so that the balloon is in fluid communication with the conduit hose.

Abstract: A training method in which training coordinator device is in communication with a training transducer integrated in an exercise article. The training coordinator device receives training schedule data, for example, via an internet link, and uses this schedule to prompt and encourage a user in performing training activities in a real time and persistent manner defined in the training schedule by means of a user interface which may take the form of an LED array. The training coordinator device monitors training activities by signals from a suitably adapted training transducer, which may be integrated in an exercise article such as a bicycle etc. Information concerning the user's training activities may be published via an internet link for access by both the user and medical professionals, who may also be the source of the training schedule.

Abstract: A dual action weightlifting machine has a stationary frame including a racking portion and spaced vertical guides slidably mounted on opposite sides of the frame for horizontal movement relative to the frame. A horizontally extending exercise bar assembly has spaced first and second vertical slides slidably mounted on the vertical guides, at least one rotatable user engaging portion for gripping by a user, at least one rack engaging portion comprising a rotatable wear sleeve which rotates independently from the user engaging portion, and opposite first and second end portions for receiving one or more selected weights. The user engaging portion is located between the opposite sides of the frame and has a central longitudinal axis which is coaxial with the cylindrical surfaces of the wear sleeves.

Abstract: A description is given of an endonasal filter including two essentially planar filtering components joined at their respective ends by a flexible element mounted, similar to a spring, across the cartilage between the two nostrils. The shape of the filtering components is that of a lunette as is the shape of the section at entry to the channel communicating with the nasal cavities. The filtering components are joined by a thin piece of plastic shaped to form a U-bend, the two parallel sides of which extend towards the filtering components on whose surfaces they assume the form of an oval that supports the component and to which it is made to adhere by application of heat.

Abstract: A system for predicting athletic ability is disclosed. The system includes at least one device for measuring at least a first athletic parameter and a second athletic parameter, and a computer for calculating a performance score based upon the first athletic parameter and the second athletic parameter. The performance score is predictive of athletic ability. Methods of predicting athletic ability based upon a plurality of athletic parameters are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping device that removably attaches onto a user's wrist to enable the user to grip onto a handle. The gripping device comprises a wrist-wrapping, elongated belt portion having opposite ends, and a gripping structure that extends outward from the plane of the belt portion.

Abstract: The invention is a medicament magazine having at least one medicament chamber for use in a powder inhaler, wherein the magazine is formed from two foil strips applied to one another and the at least one medicament chamber is formed between the foil strips as depicted in exemplary FIGS. 1a and 1b. The medicament chambers have an internal structure (3) which comprises in its interior a space for receiving a powdered medicament and stabilizes this inner space against external mechanical influences. In another embodiment in which the internal structure preferably also has a stabilizing function, the structure has means for opening one foil strip. In addition, the medicament chamber contains a retaining device which holds the internal structure on the medicament magazine after the medicament chamber has been opened.

Abstract: An air management system that allows safe and convenient forms of interval training exercise to be performed on pneumatically elevating rebound exercise equipment. The system includes at least one air intake valve and bleed valve. By providing repeatable degrees of difficulty for both air intake and air release from the extendable air springs employed for the exercise, competitive athletes and their coaches can design, employ, repeat, and compare individualized medium- or high-intensity interval protocols for optimal cardiovascular training programs.

Abstract: A training device isolates muscular force direction from force magnitude to provide improved feedback to a user over conventional exercise equipment which implicitly conflates magnitude and force direction in producing purely kinematic feedback.