Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses vertically oriented weight plates that rare in a side-by-side arrangement and are selected by selectors in a selector assembly. A set of actuators are controlled by a computer processor and force the selectors into positions that engage and disengage with a corresponding set of weights. The computer is connected to a user interface that accepts input from a user and instructs the computer to adjust the amount of weight using the actuators and the corresponding selectors. The computer is also in communication with sensors that indicate whether the weights have been lifted successfully and automatically select a lower weight when the weights are not lifted successfully.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses vertically oriented weight plates that rare in a side-by-side arrangement and are selected by selectors in a selector assembly. A set of actuators are controlled by a computer processor and force the selectors into positions that engage and disengage with a corresponding set of weights. The computer is connected to a user interface that accepts input from a user and instructs the computer to adjust the amount of weight using the actuators and the corresponding selectors. The computer is also in communication with sensors that indicate whether the weights have been lifted successfully and automatically select a lower weight when the weights are not lifted successfully.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses multiple weight plates that are selected by selector assemblies. A series of actuators that are not directly connected to the selector assemblies actuate the selector assemblies to engage and disengage the weight plates. The actuators are in communication with a controller, which is connected to a user interface console. The user interface console accepts input from a user and instructs the controller to adjust the amount of weight engaged by the selector assemblies based on input from the user and various sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses multiple weight plates that are selected by selector assemblies. A series of actuators that are not directly connected to the selector assemblies actuate the selector assemblies to engage and disengage the weight plates. The actuators are in communication with a controller, which is connected to a user interface console. The user interface console accepts input from a user and instructs the controller to adjust the amount of weight engaged by the selector assemblies based on input from the user and various sensors.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a weight stack with a plurality of separate weights and a lift bar for vertical movement with the stack. A pin assembly removably secures a desired portion of the weight stack to the lift bar for vertical movement therewith so that the total weight carried by the lift bar is determined by the portion of the weight stack removably secured to the lift bar by the pin assembly. The pin assembly includes at least one pin operated by a two-position or double action actuator, each pin being movable by its actuator over a predetermined stroke. Each actuator includes a first device for positively moving the pin to an extended position to removably secure a portion of the weight stack to the lift bar and a second device for positively moving the pin to a retracted position in which the corresponding of the weight stack is free of the lift bar.

Abstract: A weight changing system includes a body carrying a plurality of pins which body is fixedly aligned with respect to the top of a weight stack so that the pins carried by the body are aligned with corresponding openings in the weights. The pins are selectively driven from a retracted position in which the pin is not inserted in its corresponding weight opening to an extended position in which the pin is inserted in the corresponding opening. Upon receipt of a signal representative of momentary muscular failure of the user, the pin controllers retract the pin supporting the stack of weights being lifted and insert a higher pin in the opening in its weight to automatically decrease the weight being lifted. Multiple momentary muscular failure points are achievable with this system.