Abstract: The present invention relates to resiliency in photovoltaically produced power generation and utilization. This invention comprises a system of elements that combine to minimize the cost and complexity of a backup-capable solar power system. An element of this system is a prior-art balancer-based photovoltaic panel power optimizer whose power electronics are time-shared to allow an array of battery modules to power or provide supplemental or surge power to an inverter. Further elements of the system provide for rapid and low-cost installation, reliability, and easy and safe maintenance.

Abstract: A adjustable resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The adjustable resistance band assembly includes a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. First and second resilient members are provided. An adjustment assembly enables a user to selectively engage the first or first and second resilient members to adjust the resistive force provided for performance of an exercise.

Abstract: A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

Abstract: A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

Abstract: A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

Abstract: A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

Abstract: A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device including a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a disc member is located within the bore. The disc member includes a side surface extending between first and second surfaces, said side surface being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. An aperture is defined in the disc member and extends between the first and second surfaces. The aperture is bounded and defined by a face that extends between the first and second surfaces of the disc member. A friction-reducing material is provided on the face. A first resilient member extends between the first and second ends of the housing and passes through the aperture. An aperture adjustment member may be engaged with an enlarged end of the resilient member to retain the same in the aperture in the disc member.

Abstract: A variable resistance band assembly may include a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. Additionally, a first disc is proximate the first end defining a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern extending through the first disc, and a second disc is stacked adjacent the first disc along an assembly axis, the second disc defining a plurality of holes arranged in a similar pattern to that of the first disc and axially aligned therewith. A connector is proximate the second end and a first resilient member is releasably attached to the connector and extending through one aligned hole in the first and second discs and releasably attached to the first disc.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for an exercise device and a method of using the same. The device includes a first end and a second end; a first J-hook defining a portion of the second end; and a second J-hook defining a portion of the second end; wherein the first and second J-hooks are releasably attach the device to a separate exercise structure. The method includes providing a ring on the exercise structure, wherein the ring defines an aperture; affecting relative movement of the ring relative to an exercise assembly, defining a gap between two inverted J-hooks; positioning the ring in the gap beneath two ends of the J-hooks; affecting a relative rotation of the ring relative to the two J-hooks such that the ring is beneath a J-hook passageway defined by a downwardly facing concave surface on each J-hook; and engaging the ring with the concave surface on each J-hook.

Abstract: A fitness station and resistance band assembly and a method of using the same. The station includes a base; a support extending upwardly from the base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support; and a plurality of attachment members provided on one or more of the base, the support or the first arm. The assembly is selectively engageable with one of the attachment members and is operable to apply a resistive force during a performance of an exercise. The assembly includes a housing that is at least partially rigid and a first resilient member for providing the resistive force located within the housing. The assembly is attached to one of the attachment members on the fitness station. A pulling motion is applied to the assembly during the performance of an exercise. A resistive force is generated within the assembly in response to the applied pulling motion.

Abstract: A strength training and stretching system may include a primary arcuated member extending from a lower portion of the strength training and stretching system to an upper portion of the strength training and stretching system, and a plurality of cleats disposed on the primary arcuated member at a plurality of different positions. Each cleat is configured to receive an exercise band.

Abstract: A fitness station and resistance band assembly and a method of using the same. The station includes a base; a support extending upwardly from the base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support; and a plurality of attachment members provided on one or more of the base, the support or the first arm. The assembly is selectively engageable with one of the attachment members and is operable to apply a resistive force during a performance of an exercise. The assembly includes a housing that is at least partially rigid and a first resilient member for providing the resistive force located within the housing. The assembly is attached to one of the attachment members on the fitness station. A pulling motion is applied to the assembly during the performance of an exercise. A resistive force is generated within the assembly in response to the applied pulling motion.

Abstract: A variable resistance band assembly may include a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. Additionally, a first disc is proximate the first end defining a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern extending through the first disc, and a second disc is stacked adjacent the first disc along an assembly axis, the second disc defining a plurality of holes arranged in a similar pattern to that of the first disc and axially aligned therewith. A connector is proximate the second end and a first resilient member is releasably attached to the connector and extending through one aligned hole in the first and second discs and releasably attached to the first disc.

Abstract: A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

Abstract: A fitness station for performing exercises using resistance devices; The station includes a base anchorable to a horizontal surface; a support extending upwardly from the base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the base; a second arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the first arm; a third arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the second arm; a fourth arm and fifth arm extending outwardly from the support in a different direction to the first and second arms; wherein the fifth arm is located a distance vertically beneath the fourth arm. A plurality of attachment members are provided on one or more of the base, the support, the first, second or third arms, each attachment members being configured to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for an exercise device and a method of using the same. The device includes a first end and a second end; a first J-hook defining a portion of the second end; and a second J-hook defining a portion of the second end; wherein the first and second J-hooks are releasably attach the device to a separate exercise structure. The method includes providing a ring on the exercise structure, wherein the ring defines an aperture; affecting relative movement of the ring relative to an exercise assembly, defining a gap between two inverted J-hooks; positioning the ring in the gap beneath two ends of the J-hooks; affecting a relative rotation of the ring relative to the two J-hooks such that the ring is beneath a J-hook passageway defined by a downwardly facing concave surface on each J-hook; and engaging the ring with the concave surface on each J-hook.