Abstract: A microprocessor based exercise treadmill control system is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation. These features include programs operative to: permit a set of user controls to cause the treadmill to initially operate at predetermined speeds; permit the user to design custom workouts; permit the user to switch between workout programs while the treadmill is in operation; and perform an automatic cooldown program where the duration of the cooldown is a function of the duration of the workout or the user's heart rate. The features also include a stop program responsive to a detector for automatically stopping the treadmill when a user is no longer on the treadmill and a frame tag module attached to the treadmill frame having a non-volatile memory for storing treadmill configuration, and operational and maintenance data. Another included feature is the ability to display the amount of time a user spends in a heart rate zone.

Abstract: A microprocessor based exercise treadmill control system is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation. These features include programs operative to: permit a set of user controls to cause the treadmill to initially operate at predetermined speeds; permit the user to design custom workouts; permit the user to switch between workout programs while the treadmill is in operation; and perform an automatic cooldown program where the duration of the cooldown is a function of the duration of the workout or the user's heart rate. The features also include a stop program responsive to a detector for automatically stopping the treadmill when a user is no longer on the treadmill and a frame tag module attached to the treadmill frame having a non-volatile memory for storing treadmill configuration, and operational and maintenance data. Another included feature is the ability to display the amount of time a user spends in a heart rate zone.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation and to reduce maintenance costs. These features include handlebars with an upwardly curved center section and outwardly flared side portions along with pivoting rear legs for the treadmill frame. The control panel features include snap-in user trays and an overlay covering the numerical key pad along with an auxiliary control panel having a subset of user controls that are larger and more easy to use than the same controls on the main control panel. Maintenance enhancing features include the provision for access panels in the treadmill housing and a belt lubrication system that uses a priming pulse to clear the wax spraying nozzle along with using treadmill operating criteria for scheduling and operating the lubrication system. For injection molded parts such as the control panel, structural strength is enhanced by utilizing gas-assist injection molding to form structural ribs.

Abstract: In an elliptical step exercise apparatus a dynamic link mechanism can be used to vary the stride length of the machine. A control system can also be used to vary stride length as a function of various exercise and operating parameters such as speed and direction as well as varying stride length as a part of a preprogrammed exercise routine such as a hill or interval training program. In addition the control system can use measurements of stride length to optimize operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A microprocessor based exercise treadmill control system is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation. These features include programs operative to: permit a set of user controls to cause the treadmill to initially operate at predetermined speeds; permit the user to design custom workouts; permit the user to switch between workout programs while the treadmill is in operation; and perform an automatic cooldown program where the duration of the cooldown is a function of the duration of the workout or the user's heart rate. The features also include a stop program responsive to a detector for automatically stopping the treadmill when a user is no longer on the treadmill and a frame tag module attached to the treadmill frame having a non-volatile memory for storing treadmill configuration, and operational and maintenance data. Another included feature is the ability to display the amount of time a user spends in a heart rate zone.

Abstract: A diagnostic testing system for an exercise machine having a computer control. The computer control of the machine is responsive to the actuation of a test button to enter a diagnostic test mode in which various components of the machine may be checked for maintenance. Tests are provided to check the machine's display, keypad, sound generation system, opposition force providing system and speed sensing system. Another test is used to display accounting data which reflects the usage of the machine. The accounting data may be monitored by the computer control to automatically provide an indication to an operator when the data indicates that the machine should have a service check performed.

Abstract: An improved rowing exercising machine is disclosed. The machine has a mechanical apparatus for accepting user stroke movements; each stroke has a power portion and a return portion. The mechanical apparatus converts the energy from the user stroke movements into rotation of a flywheel. In order to closely simulate the feel of momentum in actual rowing activity, electronic circuitry is used to control a brake to apply a force to slow the motion of the flywheel. The amount of force supplied by the brake is independent of the speed at which the user is rowing the machine and is under software control. The brake force can be varied to additionally slow down the rotation of the flywheel during the return portion of a stroke. The rowing machine includes a video display which gives the user the sense of competitive scull racing. The display shows an animated rowing figure having stroke movement synchronized with the user stroke movements. A pacer rowing figure is also displayed.