Abstract: A buried thin film resistor having end caps defined by a dielectric mask is disclosed. A thin film resistor is formed on an integrated circuit substrate. A resistor protect layer is formed over the thin film resistor. A layer of dielectric material is formed over the resistor protect layer. The dielectric material is masked and dry etched to leave a first portion of dielectric material over a first end of the thin film resistor and a second portion of dielectric material over a second end of the thin film resistor. The resistor protect layer is then wet etched using the first and second portions of the dielectric material as a hard mask. Then a second dielectric layer is deposited and vias are etched down to the underlying portions of the resistor protect layer.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as a treadmill, has a display arrangement that is configured for easily repair and replacement. The display arrangement comprises a sandwich of a keypad panel, a display panel and an electronics panel. The display arrangement is secured within a console by one or more fasteners and the display arrangement comprises one or more sockets that connect with wires to a power supply and a controller.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a weight measurement system which provides a signal representative of a user's weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes at least one load cell outputting a signal used by a microprocessor to determine an accurate value of the users weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes a plurality of load cells using a Wheatstone bridge configuration to output a signal representative of a user's weight regardless of whether the weight is evenly distributed across each load cell. A calibration process calibrates the load cells for each exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as a treadmill, has a user cooling system. The cooling system includes at least on fan that is mounted in a display console. The fan draws air through a duct and directs the air toward an upper portion of the user's body. In one arrangement, the fan and the duct are configured to reduce recirculation of air.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a number of features relating to ease of use. The machine has a widened step through design, improved foot straps, an adjustable reading display or a pivotal arm rest.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a universal holder that is adapted to facilitate communication between the machine and a variety of portable electronic device configurations. The universal holder can be formed of a material that is generally transparent to infrared signals, but that is generally optically opaque.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a weight measurement system which provides a signal representative of a user's weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes at least one load cell outputting a signal used by a microprocessor to determine an accurate value of the users weight. An embodiment of the weight measurement system includes a plurality of load cells using a Wheatstone bridge configuration to output a signal representative of a user's weight regardless of whether the weight is evenly distributed across each load cell. A calibration process calibrates the load cells for each exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as a treadmill, has a user cooling system. The cooling system includes at least on fan that is mounted in a display console. The fan draws air through a duct and directs the air toward an upper portion of the user's body. In one arrangement, the fan and the duct are configured to reduce recirculation of air.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as a treadmill, has a display arrangement that is configured for easily repair and replacement. The display arrangement comprises a sandwich of a keypad panel, a display panel and an electronics panel. The display arrangement is secured within a console by one or more fasteners and the display arrangement comprises one or more sockets that connect with wires to a power supply and a controller.