Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a frame with a predetermined reference position, an engagement assembly for use by an operator during exercise, a system for resisting movement of the engagement assembly by the operator during exercise and a mechanism mounting the engagement assembly for selective movement along a path of travel relative to the reference position for purposes of controlling the exercise of the operator positioned relative to the reference position.

Abstract: A sensor having a housing enclosing a passage adapted to be connected to a source of fluid in fluid receiving relation; a member mounted in the housing communicating with the passage in position to be moved upon the application of a fluid pressure differential thereacross; and a system for registering the movement of the member to detect the fluid pressure differential.

Abstract: An apparatus having a movable load bearing surface, the apparatus having a frame having a pair of laterally spaced conveying assemblies generally extending along a course of movement; a conveying member defining the load bearing surface supported on said conveying assemblies for movement substantially along said course of movement; a multiplicity of structural elements mounted on the conveying assemblies to impart support to the load bearing surface; and a drive system connected in driving relation to the conveying member operable to drive said conveying member over the conveying assemblies in said course of movement.

Abstract: An exercising device having a frame, a member borne by the frame for movement relative to the frame, a source of compressed gas, a reservoir having an internal chamber of adjustable capacity connecting in receiving relation to gas from the source, and an assembly interconnecting the member and the frame and connected to the reservoir for compression of a selected volume of gas in the internal chamber upon movement of the member relative to the frame.

Abstract: An improved exercising device for exercising the legs of a user includes a frame member with a lever arm having one end pivotably attached thereto. The lever arm extends downwardly from the portion of the frame member to which it is pivotably connected, and a pair of foot-engaging force transfering members are mounted on the lower end of the lever arm. A cable has one end pivotably connected near the lower end of the lever arm, passes around an eccentrically mounted pulley and has its other end connected to weights. As the user lifts the lower portions of his legs, the lever arm is pivoted to pull the cable and the weights attached thereto, thereby strengthening the knee muscles of the user. The eccentrically mounted pulley varies the resistance to movement of the user's lower legs initially increasing the resistance and then decreasing the resistance in a sinusoidal manner as the lower legs are lifted to pivot the lever arm and lift the weights.

Abstract: An exercising device having an exercising member, an assembly mounting the member for movement along a curved path of travel, a pneumatic system operable to provide a force resisting movement of the member, a linkage interconnecting the pneumatic system and the member and having a pair of pivot points adjacent to said member, and a stop borne by the member and engageable with the linkage during movement of the member discriminately to control the pivot point about which relative movement between the linkage and member is accommodated to control the force required to operate said pneumatic system.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus having a member adapted to receive the application of muscular force thereagainst, a frame mounting the member for movement along a path of travel, a mechanism for resisting movement of the member along the path of travel, and a recording device connected to the mechanism for recording the force applied to the member in relation to the position of the member along the path.