Abstract: Water is first caused to flow through a first passage and rotate a first impeller. Rotation of the first impeller is linked to rotation of a second impeller, which is in fluid communication with a second, discrete passage. Vanes on the second impeller are constrained to move faster than vanes on the first impeller. Water is subsequently caused to flow through the second passage and to be more aggressively advanced by the second impeller.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a back rest mounted on the frame; and a foot platform mounted on the frame. At least one of the foot platform and the back rest is movably mounted on the frame in such a manner that a person may rest his back against the back rest and exercise his quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chain fashion. A resistance device is preferably provided to resist an increase in distance between the user's hips and the user's feet due to straightening of the user's legs at the knees.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a back rest mounted on the frame; and a foot platform mounted on the frame. At least one of the foot platform and the back rest is pivotally mounted on the frame in such a manner that a person may rest his back against the back rest and exercise his quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chain fashion. A resistance device is preferably provided to resist movement of the back rest and/or the foot platform in a manner that opposes the user's efforts to straighten his legs at the knees.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of an adjustable length crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The linkage assembly includes a first link having a rearward end which is rotatably connected to the crank, and a forward end which is rotatably connected to a lower end of a suspended link. An upper portion of the suspended link is rotatably connected to the exercise apparatus frame.

Abstract: A torso exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a seat pivotally mounted on the frame; at least one handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame; and a link pivotally interconnected between the seat and the handlebar. The link constrains the seat and the handlebar to pivot in opposite directions relative to the frame. A resistance device may be interconnected between the handlebar and the frame to resist pivoting of the handlebar and the seat toward one another.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10-101) is provided having a platform (12-121) on which a user (14-141) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-101). A lever (20-201) is pivotally connected (30-321) to the platform (12-121) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-121) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-201) on the platform (1 2121). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13-16) include a base support (41 F, 41 G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes left and right arm driven members pivotally mounted on a frame. In a first mode of operation, the arm driven members are free to move in opposite directions relative to one another. In a second mode of operation, the arm driven members are constrained to move in a common direction relative to the frame. Leg driven members may be movably mounted on the frame and linked to the arm driven members.

Abstract: An exercise device for performing progressive resistance type exercises of the abdominal, leg, thigh and gluteal muscles includes a generally horizontal extending base frame having a seat support beam extending upwardly therefrom. Front and rear link members pivotally connected to the base frame support an upper back pad and lower back pad at the distal ends thereof. Handles are provided for the user to grasp while exercising. A foot plate is supported at one end of the base frame. One or more resistance straps provide variable exercise resistance.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has arm driven members and leg driven members which are movably mounted on a frame. In a first mode of operation, the arm driven members are movable relative to the frame and the leg driven members. In a second mode of operation, the arm driven members are linked to the leg driven members and movable together therewith relative to the frame. In a third mode of operation, the arm driven members are locked against movement relative to the frame in a manner which does not interfere with movement of the leg driven members. In a preferred embodiment, the leg driven members are movable in two generally orthogonal directions relative to the frame. The leg driven members may also be interconnected to move in reciprocal fashion in either and/or both of those directions, and/or supported in a manner that provides progressive resistance to downward movement as a function of downward travel.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame; left and right first cranks rotatably mounted on the frame; left and right second cranks rotatably mounted on the frame; left and right rails rotatably interconnected between respective first cranks and respective second cranks; left and right foot supports movably mounted on respective rails; left and right rocker links pivotally mounted on the frame and operatively connected to respective foot supports; and left and right drawbar links movably interconnected between respective cranks and respective rocker links. The resulting assembly constrains the rails to move through respective circular paths relative to the frame, and constrains the foot supports to move back and forth relative to the rails.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes left and right connector links having first portions rotatably connected to respective cranks, second portions constrained to move in reciprocating fashion, and third, lower end portions rotatably connected to respective foot supporting links. Rocker links are rotatably interconnected between the frame and discrete portions of respective foot supporting links, and rearward ends of the foot supporting links are configured to support a person's feet in cantilevered fashion. The resulting assembly links rotation of the cranks to movement of the cantilevered ends of the foot supports through generally elliptical paths.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, a leg driven member pivotally mounted on the frame, and a handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame and movably connected to the leg driven member. The point of interconnection between the handlebar and the leg driven member is adjustable relative to the pivot axis of the leg driven member. Adjustment toward the pivot axis causes the handlebar stroke to decrease, and conversely, adjustment away from the pivot axis causes the handlebar stroke to increase.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, left and right leg members pivotally mounted on the frame, and left and right handlebars pivotally mounted on the frame. Various arrangements are provided to facilitate switching, during leg exercise motion, between a first mode of operation involving commensurate arm exercise motion and leg exercise motion, and a second mode of operation involving leg exercise motion without commensurate arm exercise motion.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus alters the elevation of a person based on the person's level of exertion. The exercise itself may involve bodily motion and/or isometric exercise performed by the person's arms and/or legs. The elevating process may be directly linked to the exercise motion and/or controlled electronically.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a foot supporting member. The crank rotates about a crank axis relative to a frame, and a distal portion of a link moves relative to a connection point on the frame. An intermediate portion of the link is rotatably connected to the crank, and an opposite distal portion of the link is rotatably connected to a rearward end of the foot supporting member. An opposite, forward end of the foot supporting member is movably connected to the frame.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has left and right foot skates which are constrained to move back and forth in reciprocal fashion. Left and right foot platforms are movably mounted on respective foot skates and constrained to move up and down in reciprocal fashion. The apparatus may be operated in different modes of operation, including a first mode, wherein the foot skates are free to move back and forth and the foot platforms are free to move up and down; a second mode, wherein the foot platforms are free to move up and down, but the foot skates are locked (or biased) against movement; and a third mode, wherein the foot skates are free to move back and forth, but the foot platforms are locked (or biased) against movement. Resistance may be provided to back and forth movement of the foot skates and/or up and down movement of the foot platforms.

Abstract: A recumbent cycling apparatus includes a foot support which moves through a substantially elliptical path of motion relative to a frame. A seat is movably mounted on the frame to facilitate adjustment of the seat relative to the foot support.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a crank rotatably mounted on a frame, and a connector link rotatably interconnected between the crank and a foot supporting link. The entire connector link is constrained to pivot about a fixed point while a portion of the connector link rotates together with the crank. The location of the fixed point is selectively adjustable. A discrete portion of the foot supporting link is constrained to move in a reciprocal path relative to the frame. The reciprocal path is also selectively adjustable.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame; left and right first cranks rotatably mounted on the frame; left and right second cranks rotatably mounted on the frame; left and right foot supports movably supported on respective first cranks and respective second cranks; left and right rocker links pivotally mounted on the frame and operatively connected to respective foot supports; and left and right drawbar links movably interconnected between respective rocker links and respective cranks. The resulting assembly constrains the foot supports to move up and down together with respective cranks, and constrains the foot supports to move back and forth through a relatively greater range of motion.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has (a) a bi-modal seat that readily transforms between a first configuration, which is adapted for conventional cycling, and a second configuration, which is adapted for recumbent cycling; (b) a bi-modal flywheel assembly that readily switches between a direct drive configuration and a free-wheel configuration; and/or (c) a braking assembly which readily stops rotation of the flywheel at the discretion of a user.