Abstract: A resistance system for a rowing machine has a mounting bracket, a housing assembly, a paddle wheel, a driving assembly and a restoring assembly. The housing assembly is mounted on the mounting bracket and includes a liquid tank for storing liquid. The driving assembly is connected to the paddle wheel and drives the paddle wheel to rotate in a direction only. The restoring assembly is connected to a strip hub of the driving assembly and is able to drive the strip hub to rotate in a reverse direction. The resistance system for the rowing machine has simplified structure. Therefore, it is easy to assemble to the resistance system, and manufacturing cost of the resistance system can be decreased. In addition, a service life of the resistance system as well as the rowing machine can be increased.

Abstract: A bicycle handle with a resistance mechanism is provided such that the combination of the force that the user provides and that the resistance mechanism provides is a zero force directed towards steering the bicycle. The user provides a force on the bicycle handle which in turn overcomes the resistance mechanism to provide linear movement. A repetition of this movement provides a means of strengthening or maintaining the muscle tone of the user's upper body while they are riding the bicycle, thus providing a means of simultaneous exercise for the user's upper and lower body and back.

Abstract: A stationary exercise bicycle includes a base, and right and left pedals mounted to the base. The pedals are configured to rotate in operation about an axis of rotation. A frame has a rear end pivotally mounted to the base, and a forward end spaced apart from the rear end. A saddle is coupled to the rear end of the frame, and a handlebar is coupled to the forward end of the frame. The stationary exercise bicycle includes an actuator coupling the frame to the base. The actuator is configured to pivot the frame relative to the base about the axis of rotation, which can enable the rider to maintain the same general position as the frame is pivoted between normal and inclined positions.

Abstract: The invention is a bicycle trainer to which a standard bicycle temporarily attaches for exercise and simulated rides. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the front tire, and in preferred embodiments, a frame engages the rear tire to hold the rear tire in an elevated position against a resistance cylinder. The resistance cylinder provides a force against rear tire revolution and varies the resistance to pedaling. The resistance cylinder can vary resistance against back tire revolution by pumping a resistance fluid into and out of the cylinder, by changing the position of the resistance cylinder in relation to the back tire, or by translation of the bicycle back and forth. In other embodiments, the trainer is electronically controlled to simulate real-world geographical courses programmed into a readable format for electronically maneuvering front tire and back tire positions as necessary to provide resistance to pedaling.

Abstract: A rotor with variable hydrodynamic resistance for a stationary water bicycle comprises a central body (12) provided on its perimeter with a plurality of blades (13) of the marine type comprising an inlet edge (13?), an outlet edge (13?) and a convex helical surface, as well as provided on opposite outer faces with axles (14) per pedals (15), wherein each blade (13), at the outlet edge (13?), is connected to the rotor (10) with elastic fixing means (20) adapted to allow the automatic orientation of the blade (13) as a function of the rotation speed imparted to the rotor (10) through the pedals (15), wherein the central body (12) houses means for adjusting the maximum possible opening (30) comprising a mechanical end stop element (31) movable for modifying the maximum possible opening of each blade (13), such means for adjusting the maximum possible opening (30) of the blades being able to be actuated by control means (40) connected at one end to the means for adjusting the maximum possible opening (30).

Abstract: A bicycle trainer is disclosed. The bicycle trainer includes a supporting frame, a roller, a runner and at least one vane. The supporting frame suspends at least one bicycle wheel. The roller is connected to the supporting frame via a shaft member. The roller is driven by the bicycle wheel. A runner is coaxially connected to the roller via the shaft. The vane is pivotally connected to an edge of the runner.

Abstract: A variable resistance device is adapted to be incorporated in an exercise machine to provide variable resistance. The device has a primary fluid chamber. A rotating mechanism rotates within the primary chamber. The rotation mechanism upon rotation encounters a degree of resistance dependent on the amount of fluid in the primary chamber. A secondary chamber is positioned within or proximate the primary chamber. The secondary chamber achieves and maintains an appropriate amount of the fluid in the primary chamber to provide a selected degree of resistance for the exercise machine. Fluid flows through the primary chamber into the secondary chamber and then back into the primary chamber. Variable control of the flow of fluid serves to establish and maintain the appropriate amount of fluid in the primary chamber required for a certain degree of resistance; and can provide differing degrees of resistance for the exercise machine.

Abstract: A variable resistance aquatic exercise apparatus which provides a platform for removable fit to each of a user's hands and arms is disclosed. Each platform provides a plurality of one-way valves of two sizes. Each platform further provides a dialable disc which varies with orifice size, from a larger orifice to smaller orifices, or a user may choose to close orifices, thereby providing varied resistance to movement through water. Multiple embodiments of the platform are provided.

Abstract: APPARATUS FOR IN-WATER EXERCISES, comprising; —a structure to be submerged in a body of water; an actuator mechanism movable through the user's effort; a pump comprising a housing fixed to the structure and journalling a shaft on to which at least one first rotor is mounted coupled to the shaft, at a first housing portion, said shaft being coupled to the actuator mechanism, whereby to be rotationally driven, to pump water; a water collector coupled to the first portion of the housing to receive part of the water pumped by the first rotor; and a metering means comprising at least one first display fixed onto the structure and coupled to the water collector, whereby to indicate at least on of the outflow and volume of water pumped through the pump and, thus, the respective operation speed and/or the amount of exercise being practiced.

Abstract: APPARATUS FOR IN-WATER EXERCISES, comprising; —a structure to be submerged in a body of water; an actuator mechanisms movable through the user's effort; a pump comprising a housing fixed to the structure and journalling a shaft on to which at least one first rotor is mounted coupled to the shaft, at a first housing portion, said shaft being coupled to the actuator mechanism, whereby to be rotationally driven, to pump water; a water collector coupled to the first portion of the housing to receive part of the water pumped by the first rotor; and a metering means comprising at least one first display fixed onto the structure and coupled to the water collectors, whereby to indicate at least on of the outflow and volume of water pumped through the pump and, thus, the respective operation speed and/or the amount of exercise being practiced.

Abstract: A wind resistance mechanism for an exercise apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of bendable blades for changing the form of the wind-facing side thereof or adjusting the wind-facing angle. A movable clamping device includes a hub supported on an output shaft of an exercise apparatus. A first and a second disc are mounted on the hub. At least one of both discs performs a reciprocating movement in axial direction. An external force is applied to the discs for changing the form of the wind-facing side of the blades or adjusting the wind-facing angle, thereby adjusting the wind resistance.

Abstract: An exercise device includes pedals, a belt and a hydro-kinetic brake. A user applies muscular force to the pedals and the pedal belt transfers the motion of the pedals to a flywheel shaft of the fluid brake. The pedals may be configured to accept force from a hand, foot, arm, leg and/or neck of the user. The amount of work performed by the user is derived by measuring the relative rotational speeds of two radial-blade impellers of the fluid brake. The wattage exhibited by the fluid brake during the exercise session may be recorded and associated with an identified user, whereby records of the exercise performance of an individual may be updated.

Abstract: An exercise resistance device for use in an exercise apparatus includes a rotatable shaft and an impeller rotatable within a fluid filled sealed chamber. A rotating member is joined for rotation with the rotatable shaft. The rotating member is external to the sealed chamber and is magnetically coupled to the impeller.

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 resistance device for use in an exercise apparatus includes a rotatable shaft and an impeller rotatable within a fluid filled sealed chamber. A rotating member is joined for rotation with the rotatable shaft. The rotating member is external to the sealed chamber and is magnetically coupled to the impeller.

Abstract: A resistance applying device for use with an exercise apparatus includes a rotatable shaft, a rotatable impeller coupled to the rotatable shaft, a sealed housing surround the rotatable impeller, the sealed housing containing a fluid that provides resistance against the rotation of the impeller, and a barrier located between the rotatable impeller and the housing, the barrier and the rotatable impeller being configured to provide for relative movement between the barrier and the rotatable impeller.

Abstract: An underwater exercise apparatus consisting of a pair of fastening vices amenable to being held together by screws and bolts and serving to removably hold an elongated support arm to which a seat for sitting is attached and further serving to hold together a pair of oppositely positioned three-sided support units each of which rests upon a pair of adjustable foot pods and atop each elongated middle side of each of which support units there is affixed a housing unit containing a wheel and pedal mechanism in turn connected to a pair of pedals; each connected to one end of an elastic cord with each cord being affixed at a second end of each to a support block, one support block being affixed atop a posterior side of one support unit and one support block being affixed atop a posterior side of the other support unit and with there being affixed atop an anterior side of each support unit, an adjustable upright handlebar.

Abstract: A detachable main frame for an exercise machine includes a casing containing a support column of the exercise machine therein and having a closed side, an open side, and a cover removably attached to the open side of the casing and having a configuration conforming to that of the open side of the casing. In such a manner, the cover can be removed from the casing so as to expose the open side of the casing, thereby allowing a tool to be inserted into the casing of the main frame to facilitate maintenance inside the casing.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device which is to be used within a body of water such as a pool has an element which can be engaged by the foot or hand of an individual, which element is linked to a piston-cylinder combination so that as the user engagement element is moved by the user the piston rides in the cylinder. At the head end of the cylinder there is an opening which provides communication between the cylinder chamber and the water environment. As the piston moves back and forth water is either pushed out of the chamber through that opening or drawn into the chamber through that opening. The size of the opening, which may be selected by the user, determines the degree of resistance to the user's movement against the user engagement element.

Abstract: The present invention is an aquatic exercise and therapeutic system comprising a plurality of aquatic exercise devices arranged about a central controller which permits adjustment of the water level and water temperature within each exercise device. Sensors which detect water level and temperature may be disposed in each exercise device to electrically communicate with the central controller. Individual controllers may also be provided on each exercise device so that the water level and temperature may be controlled by the user. The exercise devices are preferably arranged so that the longitudinal axis of each device extends radially outwardly from a center point where the water source, the central controller, and the means for heating the water are positioned. Each exercise device comprises a tank having an inner chamber. At the rearward end of the inner chamber, the wall is configured to form a seat suitable for positioning a user within the tank.

Abstract: An underwater apparatus for exercising muscles associated with a person's legs and feet which has an adjustable seat and a U-shaped configuration which allows it to be reoriented within a body of water for use in alternatively exercising muscles associated with a person's shoulders and upper extremities. Paddles are removably attached to a pair of spaced-apart wheels mounted laterally on one end of the U-shaped frame, while a vertically adjustable seat is connected to the other end of the U-shaped frame. A weight anchors the frame securely into a fixed position against the bottom of the body of water in which the apparatus is used. Paddles are each attached to the perimeter of one or both of the wheels by a casing so that each paddle extends radially beyond the perimeter of the wheel to which it is attached.

Abstract: An exercise bike includes a support structure with a seat, a handle, a pedal assembly and a resistance mechanism that permits regulation of the effort required to actuate the pedals. The resistance mechanism is housed inside a sealed box that defines a chamber. An inertia counterweight disk is disposed inside the sealed chamber, which also contains a liquid or semi-liquid substance. The level of the semi-liquid substance in the chamber may be varied at will to vary the friction force between the disk and the liquid inside the chamber. Thus, the effort required to pedal the exercise bike is correspondingly variable, based on the liquid level in the sealed chamber.

Abstract: An exercise or therapy apparatus for use in a pool of water utilizes a stationary frame and an impeller section including a user-operable impeller wheel rotatably attached to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation. Pedals are connected to the impeller wheel enabling the turbine wheel to rotate about its axis of rotation in conjunction with the movement of the user's feet as a cycle-type exercise or therapy device. The impeller section includes an inlet positionable within the water of the pool, and the impeller wheel is adapted to draw a stream of water into the inlet of the impeller wheel as the impeller wheel is rotated about its axis of rotation. A valve is associated with the impeller section for controlling the quantity of the stream of water which is permitted to flow into the impeller section by way of the inlet when the impeller wheel is rotated to thereby alter the resistance to the rotation of the impeller wheel.

Abstract: A rotary viscous damper having a disc surrounded by a housing and cover, the disc rotatable with a shaft which penetrates the housing, a gap provided between opposite sides of the disc and the inside surfaces of the housing and cover for receiving viscous fluid, and triangularly shaped indentations formed on opposing surfaces of the disc and the housing and cover, the indentations on the housing and the cover arranged at selective rotational positions. Rotation of the disc aligning opposing indentations on the discs and the housing and cover to create a rotary position of minimum torque and when misaligned, a rotary position of maximum torque. The oscillating torque value creates a nominal torque associated with the damper, but can be selectively installed to present a minimum torque at a particular rotational position. The invention is particularly adapted to rotary devices where rotational position can effect the available torque for driving the shaft, such as an exercise bicycle.

Abstract: A variable resistance exercise device provides a variable resisting force in response to a user applied force. The variable resistance exercise device includes at least one rotating force transmitting means for inputting a user applied force as a rotational force to be resisted, and at least one force transmission member for transmitting the user applied force. The user applied force is resisted by varying the viscosity of a viscosity variable fluid which surround plates rotated by the user applied force. Thus a braking force is applied to actively resist the user applied force. In accordance with the invention, a multi-configurable multi-programmable exercise device is provided which may be used in a variety of exercise modes to provide a resistive force to a user-applied force during a range of motion of a particular exercise. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a variable resistor resists a user-supplied force in one rotational direction only.

Abstract: A multi-functional sporting equipment comprises a front housing, a rear housing which can be folded up to the front housing while not in use. A slidable housing is slidable on the front housing. A pair of parallel rail disposed at the front and rear housing. A storage box disposed at sides of front housing and a pedal stored at the rear housing. A plurality of training equipments are disposed and stored in a proper position of the housing. Thereby, no interference will occur between equipment pieces during exercise. This is a multi-functional sporting equipment. The rear housing can be folded to a box. On the other hand, a cast and handle 191 are provided and the sporting equipment can be easily moved to proper position.

Abstract: A water fitness, exercise and therapy device (10) designed with adjustability to accommodate children, women and men with a variety of sizes and strengths, including a water inertial fan (31) that provides the resistance to motion used in a workout. The fan is adjustable to provide a range of high to low resistances to movement and further comprising attachments that are adjustably mounted to accommodate a variety of exercises.

Abstract: Exercising machine having a vaned fanwheel rotatably mounted on a frame in open air and arranged to absorb energy by rotating the vane blades against ambient air. The fanwheel comprises a hub with a plurality of air vanes which are movable in an orbit around the axis of the hub. Each vane comprises a blade having leading and trailing surfaces. In the preferred example shown, each blade is a semi-cylindrical plate mounted with the hollow, concave side comprising the leading surface, and the streamlined, convex side comprising the trailing surface. The vanes are circumferentially spaced apart to substantially eliminate drafting and stagnant wake regions between blades. The coefficient of drag for the concavo/convex vane blades of this invention are substantially twice that obtained by flat plate vane blades conventionally used. Alternative forms of the invention are illustrated with semi-spherical concavo/convex and semi-cylindrical plano/convex blades. All have in common trailing streamlined convex surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy absorbing device for gymnastic exercisers, which utilizes a vaned wheel for swirling fluid so as to apply resisting forces on the exerciser. A load adjusting device is used for adjusting the resisting force by adjusting the amount of fluid. The resisting force increases with the rotational speed of the vaned wheel. Two vaned side plates enclose the vaned wheel and fluid.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus wherein subject constraints such as supine position or joint stress can be accommodated to permit the maximum achievable exercise level. Provision for simulating limb muscle contraction for postural upright support is made through the use of elastic actuating members while in a non-standing position. Joint stress limitation can be accomplished by selection of the elasticity of these members. Apparatus materials and configuration can be selected to minimize interference in a magnetically sensitive enviornment to permit diagnositc biomagnetic imaging during exercise stress testing.

Abstract: Exercise machines include a hydraulic torque resistance device having a rotor which is connected to a pair of vertically movable pedals. In one disclosed embodiment of the invention a vertically adjustable seat is provided in conjunction with a pair of handle bars respectively connected to the pedals in a manner such that downward movement of one of the pedals is accompanied by rearward movement of the associated handle bar. Simultaneously with the downward movement of one pedal the other pedal moves up and the other handle bar which is associated therewith the other pedal moves in the forward direction.

Abstract: Underwater exercise apparatus includes at least one paddle, which is coupled to an axle causing the paddle to rotate in response to rotation of the axle. When under water, the paddle produces resistance to the rotation of the axle. In a preferred embodiment, the paddle may be made part of a treadmill for underwater use for varying the resistance to movement of the treadmill belt. In a treadmill embodying the invention, the axle of one of the rollers supporting the belt, which roller is tightly coupled to the belt, extends beyond the side edge of the belt. Directly connected to the extending end of the axle, for rotation therewith, is a paddle. In use, movement of the belt causes rotation of the paddle through the water. The water resists the movement of the paddle which, in turn, resists movement of the belt. The amount of resistance to belt movement is a function of the speed of movement of the belt and the size of the paddle which is designed to be readily changed as desired.