Abstract: An apparatus and method operably coupled a movable member of an exercise apparatus to a carriage such a movement of the movable member moves the carriage along a rail. A magnetic portion carried by the carriage induces eddy currents in the rail to resist movement of the carriage along the rail to resist movement of the movable member.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing therapeutic rehabilitation exercise to bedridden individuals and patients, including comatose individuals. A vertical support column extends upwards from a base, with one or more arms extend from the vertical support column, each providing a rotary mechanism at the distal end, with pedals or handles attached thereto. The individual's feet or hands are secured to the pedals or handles, respectively. Straps, brackets, or other fastening means may be used to secure the feet and hands. An electric motor causes the rotary mechanism to move the pedals or handles in a rotary fashion, thereby providing movement and exercise for the individual's legs and arms.

Abstract: A wearable device and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable device includes at least one sensor and at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The wearable device also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the at least one processor. The at least one processor causes the device to allow for customization of at least one output message to be delivered via the operator interface device.

Abstract: A robot includes a yielding element for mechanically coupling first and second arm segments of a robot arm. A motor moves the second arm segment relative to the first arm segment. A sensor determines a relative position of the first arm segment in relation to the second arm segment and outputs a position sensor signal representing the relative position. A control unit controls the motor in accordance with the position sensor signal such that the first arm segment is moved into a desired relative position in relation to the second arm segment, when no external force is applied to the robot arm, and when an external force is applied to the robot arm, the motor generates a counterforce which depends on the deviation between the actual and desired positions. The control unit has a predetermined time constant so that changes in the external force are substantially absorbed by damping elements.

Abstract: A method and system for applying therapeutic stimulation to a patient stricken with paralysis or other condition. The inventive method includes the steps of: inserting an acupuncture needle against the spine of the patient and applying an electrical potential to the needle with a signal that mimics natural neural impulses in the body. The needle is located depending on the nature of the patient's condition. In the illustrative application, the needle is inserted against the ligamentum flavum of the patient's spine at L3. In the best mode, the patient's legs are moved during the application of the electrical potential. The inventive system is adapted to minimize a notch reaction and includes an electrode inserted into a tissue of the patient and a circuit for applying an electrical potential to the electrodes with a signal that mimics natural neural impulses in the body.

Abstract: Provided are a method for strengthening blood vessels with extreme ease and a compression and decompression control system used for performing the method. A compression and decompression control system 1 includes a band adapted to be placed around a particular part of a limb of a user and to apply a compression force to the particular part and a controller for controlling the compression force applied to the particular part with the band. The controller controls the compression force applied with the band in a manner that a compression operation applying a predetermined compression force to the particular part and a decompression operation completely removing the compression force applied to the particular part by the compression operation are alternately repeated. Repetition of the compression operation and the decompression operation allows the vascular endothelial cells of blood vessels of the user to generate a larger amount of nitric oxide, thereby strengthening the blood vessels.

Abstract: A resistance exercise system having, in certain embodiments, a DC power supply system, a DC motor connected to the DC power supply system, a drive section connected to a drive element, a resistance delivery element connected to the drive element, and an extractable exercise resistance delivery section, a predetermined variable resistance section intermediate the DC power supply system and DC motor, an electrical condition sensor, and a variable resistance section control in communication with the electrical condition sensor and the predetermined variable resistance section. In some embodiments, the resistance exercise system includes a computing facility providing the ability to configure the exercise system to provide predetermined static or variable exercise resistance during exercise, and for example, during a positive or negative exercise stroke. Some embodiments allow users to create and, if desired, display varying and complex resistance exercise routines with or without use of resistance weights.

Abstract: A frame storage stores an image obtained by imaging a region of at least part of the body of a user. A vital sign signal detector detects a signal sequence of a vital sign that cyclically varies from plural imaged regions of the body of the user by using captured images of a predetermined number of frames stored in the frame storage. A correlation calculator obtains the correlation between the signal sequences of the vital sign detected from the respective imaged regions of the body. An identity determining section determines whether or not the respective imaged regions of the body belong to the same user based on the correlation between the signal sequences of the vital sign detected from the respective imaged regions of the body.

Abstract: A system and method for mechanically coupling an energy harvester to strength training type exercise equipment is disclosed. An energy harvester with unwanted vibration forces is mechanically isolated from exercise equipment by a system comprising a plurality of mechanically compliant vibration isolators and a ballast mass; a flexible cord, pre-loaded with a near constant force spring is used to transmit motion from the weight stack to the energy harvester; the flexible cord has a force limiting feature to pre-excessive force from being transmitted from the energy harvester to the weight stack during an exercise motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing therapeutic rehabilitation exercise to bedridden individuals and patients, including comatose individuals. A vertical support column extends upwards from a base, with one or more arms extend from the vertical support column, each providing a rotary mechanism at the distal end, with pedals or handles attached thereto. The individual's feet or hands are secured to the pedals or handles, respectively. Straps, brackets, or other fastening means may be used to secure the feet and hands. An electric motor causes the rotary mechanism to move the pedals or handles in a rotary fashion, thereby providing movement and exercise for the individual's legs and arms.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and/or an apparatus using a computer configured exercise system equipped with an electric motor to provide physical resistance to user motion in conjunction with means for sharing exercise system related data and/or user performance data with a secondary user, such as a medical professional, a physical therapist, a trainer, a computer generated competitor, and/or a human competitor. For example, the exercise system is used with a remote trainer to enhance exercise performance, with a remote medical professional for rehabilitation, and/or with a competitor in a competition, such as in a power/weightlifting competition or in a video game. The exercise system is optionally configured with an intelligent software assistant and knowledge navigator functioning as a personal assistant application.

Abstract: A wearable device and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable device includes at least one sensor and at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The wearable device also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the at least one processor. The at least one processor causes the device to allow for customization of at least one output message to be delivered via the operator interface device.

Abstract: A method for determining a viewing configuration of a rendered figure of a rehab-patient or a sports trainee, aiming to deliver a suitable view on the rendered figure, the method comprising the steps of capturing motion data in the 3D space of one or more body parts of the rehab-patientor the sports trainee and providing them to a computer; and further the step of performing on the computer measurements of deviation of the captured motion data from a reference list of motion data and/or measurements of main motion direction; and based on the results of the above measurements, determining the viewing configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment for enabling a user to vary the effective muscle tension during the course of the performance of an exercise and, more particularly, to an exercise system for shifting an optimum length of peak muscle tension. In some embodiments, the system is an apparatus which comprises a force-generating element, e.g. a fluid cylinder, a user-input element which a user forcibly moves during the course of performance of an exercise, and also a coupling means, which is preferably a cable-pulley system, which transfers forces between the force-generating element and the user-input element. Finally, the apparatus comprises a control unit which controls and varies the level of force generated by the force-generating element during the course of performance of the exercise. The apparatus effectively varies the effective muscle tension through the generation of forces.

Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus comprising a mechanism for allowing the machine to inhibit in intervals along a range of motion for an amount of time, movement in a direction caused by an external force applied to a movable surface on the machine, while allowing movement of the surface in the opposite direction to the external force, wherein said movable surface is linked to a resistance source.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and/or an apparatus using a computer configured exercise system equipped with an electric motor to provide physical resistance to user motion in conjunction with means for sharing exercise system related data and/or user performance data with a secondary user, such as a medical professional, a physical therapist, a trainer, a computer generated competitor, and/or a human competitor. For example, the exercise system is used with a remote trainer to enhance exercise performance, with a remote medical professional for rehabilitation, and/or with a competitor in a competition, such as in a power/weightlifting competition or in a video game. The exercise system is optionally configured with an intelligent software assistant and knowledge navigator functioning as a personal assistant application.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus is provided, which includes pedals on which a user can exert loads in a first direction, and a motor that is configured to drive the pedals in the opposite direction and that is controlled to run at a predetermined speed, so that the loads from the user are exerted by using muscles eccentrically. The apparatus is configured such that the user's body is in a generally upright orientation when using the apparatus—preferably in a standing orientation, without using a seat.

Abstract: A dual treadle treadmill. The dual treadle treadmill includes a frame, a first treadle, a second treadle, and a generator. The first treadle and the second treadle are each pivotally coupled with the frame and each have a moving surface. The generator is operably associated with the first treadle such that the generator is driven in response to the first treadle pivoting relative to the frame. Other embodiments of dual treadle treadmills are also described.

Abstract: A portable physical therapy/rehabilitation/exercise device is provided for evaluating the condition of a patient and for evaluating and tracking the progress made by a patient over time. The device is hand held and has an evaluation mode to determine the current condition of the patient. The device also has a manual exercise mode and a preset exercise mode. During exercises in each mode all of the data pertaining to the forces (compression, tension, torque, and the like) are all stored in the device along with other kinds of quantitative and qualitative data. The stored data may be uploaded to the internet or external computer system in order to be further analyzed. The device is suitable for use by doctors, health care providers, insurance companies and other entities having an interest in the medical condition of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing muscle development are disclosed. A method includes identifying one or more parameters of a user and force data associated with the user. The force data corresponds to an exercise to be performed by the user. The method further includes generating an exercise program to be executed using an exercise device, and determining a resistance to be applied by the exercise device during execution of the exercise program. The resistance is determined based at least partially on the force data and the one or more parameters of the user.

Abstract: A system and process that selectively provides lifting assistance during the concentric phase and possibly during the eccentric phase during lifting of weights for rehabilitation or training, the system being programmable to provide a variety of exercise programs dedicated to a particular user, and the system monitoring the progress of the user during the exercise to selectively respond to certain trigger conditions.

Abstract: A walking-trainer device for persons with a walking disorder to relearn walking has a movable tread surface and a display unit for displaying target indications of the corresponding and consecutive foot positions for movements made by a person walking on the tread surface. The target indications have the form of a number of consecutive patterns located above a target surface at the height of and in the longitudinal direction of the tread surface moving in the direction of the person, which visibly move from a distance of between 0.5 m and 0.5 m, preferably between 15 m and 5 m and more preferably between 0.7 m and 2.5 m, from the target surface in the direction of and over the tread surface up to the feet of the person. The speed of movement of the patterns is substantially equal to the speed of movement of the tread surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing resistance to movement of a wearer. The system includes a plurality of wearable actuators, a plurality of wearable sensors, and a processor. Each of the wearable sensors measures an indication of an orientation of a corresponding one of the wearable actuators with respect to a vertical direction. Each of the sensors also measures an indication of a motion experienced by the corresponding one of the wearable actuators. The processor receives data from each sensor indicating the orientation and the motion of the sensor. The processor determines an amount of resistance to apply using each of the actuators based on the vertical direction and sends instructions to the actuators. The instructions cause the actuators to apply a resistance to the wearer.

Abstract: A resistance exercise system having, in certain embodiments, a DC power supply system, a DC motor connected to the DC power supply system, a drive section connected to a drive element, a resistance delivery element connected to the drive element, and an extractable exercise resistance delivery section, a predetermined variable resistance section intermediate the DC power supply system and DC motor, an electrical condition sensor, and a variable resistance section control in communication with the electrical condition sensor and the predetermined variable resistance section. In some embodiments, the resistance exercise system includes a computing facility providing the ability to configure the exercise system to provide predetermined static or variable exercise resistance during exercise, and for example, during a positive or negative exercise stroke. Some embodiments allow users to create and, if desired, display varying and complex resistance exercise routines with or without use of resistance weights.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to recumbent exercise machines and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a recumbent exercise apparatus can include a seat, two linear guide tracks forward of the seat, and two pedal assemblies movably coupled to corresponding linear guide tracks positioned forward of the seat. The pedal assemblies can be configured to move back and forth along the linear guide tracks. The recumbent exercise apparatus can further include linear actuators operably coupled to each of the linear guide tracks and configured to move the linear guide tracks up and down in a vertical direction. The pedal assemblies can be configured to move in elliptical patterns when the pedal assemblies move back and forth along the linear guide tracks and the linear actuators move the linear guide tracks up and down.

Abstract: A system for monitoring performance of a physical exercise routine comprises a Pilates exercise device enabling a user to perform the physical exercise routine, a plurality of motion and position sensors for generating sensory information that includes at least position and movements of a user performing the physical exercise routine; a database containing routine information representing at least an optimal execution of the physical exercise routine; a training module configured to separate from sensory information at least appearance of the Pilates exercise device, compare the separated sensory information to the routine information to detect at least dissimilarities between the sensory information and the routine information, wherein the dissimilarities indicate an incorrect execution of the physical exercise routine, the training module is further configured to feedback the user with instructions related to correcting the execution of the physical exercise routine by the user; and a display for displaying

Abstract: Training system including: a training machine including: a Magnet Rheological fluid (MR-fluid) load generating unit generating a load to be exerted on the trainee, by using an MR-fluid having a variable viscosity depending on a magnetic field strength; mechanical arrangements; a displacement detection sensor; a power-assisting motor; a storage unit configure to store MR-fluid load characteristic information on a relationship between a current through the MR-fluid load generating unit and the load generated by the MR-fluid load generating unit; and chain and sprocket arrangements.

Abstract: Machines, apparatuses, systems and methods for providing adjustable tension to a cable system using a pivotally mounted leverage mechanism that employs an adjustably positionable weight. Embodiments are used in exercise and other muscle strengthening devices, and may include an electronic control system for monitoring, recording a user's progress, and for altering or releasing tension to the cable system based on feedback from the user. Embodiments include a user interface for inputting information for particular exercises or workouts, as well as outputting/downloading information following exercises or workouts.

Abstract: An electromechanical system for selecting weights in fitness station weight towers, wherein a vertical hollow rod, fixed to the cursor which fastens to the steel cable, which lifts the plates of unit weight, extends traversing central holes of these plates, traversing the upper wall of the base of the tower, which is hollow, this rod having a rotating shaft or screw that moves the weight selector upwards and downwards, mounted on the rod by bearings, and projecting below this bearing where it has at the end radial teeth that incase between protrusions existing in a circular low relief of a pulley, which is mounted on a bearing whose shaft is collinear to the rod and fixed to the lower face of the base, this pulley having a channel for a belt, driven by an electric motor fixed to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stair exercise device for simulating stair climbing, the device having a plurality of steps which are activated by the weight of a person walking up them. A stationary platform at the base of the stair exercise device sends a signal to a controller to bring the exercise device to a controlled stop when an operator steps onto the platform. The steps of the exercise device stop in a predetermined location when the exercise device comes to a controlled stop, ensuring proper step location to allow the operator to easily enter and exit the exercise device. Steps have a step platform of a different color than the risers between steps to aid in foot placement.

Abstract: A resistance exercise system having, in certain embodiments, a DC power supply system, a DC motor connected to the DC power supply system, a drive section connected to a drive element, a resistance delivery element connected to the drive element, and an extractable exercise resistance delivery section, a predetermined variable resistance section intermediate the DC power supply system and DC motor, an electrical condition sensor, and a variable resistance section control in communication with the electrical condition sensor and the predetermined variable resistance section. In some embodiments, the resistance exercise system includes a computing facility providing the ability to configure the exercise system to provide predetermined static or variable exercise resistance during exercise, and for example, during a positive or negative exercise stroke. Some embodiments allow users to create and, if desired, display varying and complex resistance exercise routines with or without use of resistance weights.

Abstract: A hybrid electric weight device applying to exercise equipment, comprising: a frame body, a load mechanism having a main shaft, a motor torque member and a spring member, a force mechanism having at least a set of rods, load cells and handles, an acceleration processing board having an acceleration sensor and a microprocessor, a digital watch arranged on the frame body for users inputting an exercise set value; and a servo controller. When operating the force mechanism, the users feel the load generated by both motor torque member and spring member of the load mechanism; the servo controller continues to compare differences in the value of the load cell, digital watch and acceleration processing board and then corrects the current value to drive the motor torque member for the users feeling smooth while operating the force mechanism.

Abstract: A brake device with built-in power generation mechanism and permanent magnetism eddy current comprises: an external rotator including a flywheel and a permanent magnet fixed at an inner periphery of the flywheel; an internal stator including a fixing bracket and a tile-shaped armature mounted at an outer periphery of the fixing bracket; a brake mechanism including a magnetic-conductive plate; when the external rotator is rotated the tile-shaped armature generates a three-phase alternating current, and the arc-shaped metal plate generates eddy current and braking torque of magnetic resistant; a cooling fan mounted on the flywheel to produce a cooling effect; an adjustment mechanism provided for adjusting a gap between the arc-shaped metal plate and the permanent magnet to adjust magnetic flux, and thus change the braking resistant load; a controller transferring the three-phase alternating current into direct current for required power of the control panel and server.

Abstract: A training system for training of part of a trainee's body includes a training machine, a control device controlling the training machine, and a display unit displaying a game screen. The training machine imposes a load on the trainee, with an MR-fluid load generating unit using MR fluid, which has viscosity varying with a magnetic field strength. The load is calculated on the basis of a target load and a relationship between the current in the MR-fluid load generating unit and the load generated by the MR-fluid load generating unit. The control device produces the game screen in correspondence with the trainee's training motion detected by a displacement detection sensor, and makes the display unit display the game screen, while controlling the load in the training machine.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a user's arms and upper body includes an endless belt of hingedly connected articulating panels guided in channels of a supporting frame. A pair of hand grip assemblies are slidably attached to the endless belt through a ratcheting mechanism that allows relative movement of the hand grip assemblies in a first direction while preventing said relative movement in a second direction. Movement of the endless belt may be retarded by a tensioning mechanism and completely ceased by a braking mechanism actuated by signals provided from first and second sensors provided on the supporting frame.

Abstract: An apparatus providing an assist force to user moved weights of a existing weight exercise or rehab machine or stand can be supplied as a kit including servo motor/transmission/reel assembly. A cable has a first end securable to the reel and a second end configured to be coupled directly or indirectly with the user moved weights of the existing machine/stand. A control interface accepts input of variable parameters for assist control including entry of at least a user selected assist force. The kit also has a servo drive and a main digital controller connected with at least the servo motor, motor drive and control interface, the controller programmed to provide a user selected non-zero assist force essentially only during part of an exercise.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing muscle development are disclosed. A method includes identifying a plurality of parameters of a user, and generating an exercise program based at least partially on the plurality of parameters. The exercise program includes a plurality of exercises. The method further includes, for each of the plurality of exercises, identifying one-rep maximum data associated with the exercise, and determining, for the exercise, a resistance to be applied by the exercise device during execution of the exercise program, in which the resistance is determined based at least partially on the one-rep maximum data associated with the exercise.

Abstract: A training machine for enabling the exerciser to exercise under a load appropriate for the individual exercise capability and physical function of the exerciser. The exerciser (E) enters a desired velocity-load characteristic into a load characteristic input device (7), and the velocity-load characteristic is stored in the load characteristic memory device (8). A load instruction value is determined according to the velocity-load characteristic and to the velocity inputted from a velocity calculation means (6) into the load characteristic memory device (8) and transmitted to a control means (1). The control means (1) rotates a servomotor (2) with a torque instruction value corresponding to the load instruction value. A movement mechanism (3) converts the rotation into linear movement to move a movable unit (4). With this, the exerciser can carry out training of reciprocal movement.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to exercise systems, and more particularly to exercise cycles and systems for generating exercise programs simulating real-world terrain. In accordance with at least some aspects, a stationary exercise cycle includes an incline mechanism adjusting the vertical and/or lateral incline of the stationary exercise cycle. The incline mechanism may respond to control signals that change vertical incline to simulate an ascent or descent of a hill, or a lateral incline to simulate a turn. A communication system may provide exercise programs to the exercise cycle by operating in connection with third party providers of topographical, map, or other information. Such information can be used to automatically determine corresponding incline or resistance changes, as well as visual information for an exercise program.

Abstract: An exercise system adapted to provide a truly interactive level of exercise with timed exercise intervals that are shown to be optimal in various physiological studies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a systems devices and methods for an exercise gaming platform particularly suited for multiple users. The exercise gaming platform has a variable resistance exercise device operatively coupled to a virtual reality environment rendered by a computer such that user exercise motion on the variable resistance exercise device translates to movement of an avatar representing the user in the virtual reality environment and wherein the virtual reality environment has collision objects capable of a collision with the avatar representing the user in the virtual environment, and wherein the collision of a collision object with the avatar representing the user in the virtual environment causes the resistance level of the user's variable resistance exercise device to change. Also disclosed are methods for providing power to virtual machines and methods for procedurally generating virtual terrain changes in response to changes of resistance on a variable resistance exercise device.

Abstract: A traction apparatus which impresses a desired traction force to a body to be pulled is provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a training machine, in particular a muscular strength machine, with automatic control of a gravitational load, including a gravitational load (10, 10?) coupled to force transmission means (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70), by means of which the gravitational load (10, 10?) is movable by a user exerting a force on said force transmission means (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70), the training machine being characterised in that it further comprises a first shaft (80), rotatably coupled to said transmission means (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) and to a first end of a torsion spring (90), and an electric motor (110) having a rotatable second shaft (100) coupled to a second end of the torsion spring (90), the training machine also comprising first rotation angle sensing means (120) sensing a rotation angle (B) of the first shaft (80) and second rotation angle sensing means (130) sensing a rotation angle (A) of the second shaft (100), the training machine also comprising processing means (200) receiving sense

Abstract: Machines, apparatuses, systems and methods for providing adjustable tension to a cable system using a pivotally mounted leverage mechanism that employs an adjustably positionable weight. Embodiments are used in exercise and other muscle strengthening devices, and may include an electronic control system for monitoring, recording a user's progress, and for altering or releasing tension to the cable system based on feedback from the user. Embodiments include a user interface for inputting information for particular exercises or workouts, as well as outputting/downloading information following exercises or workouts. Other embodiments allow adjustment to the starting point of the lifting bar so that such machines may be used for bench presses, squats, cleans or curls.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that provides multiple different exercises for a User, including both resistance movements and isometrics. The User interacts with the apparatus by grasping a bar. A resistance mechanism is symmetrically mounted on a second bar and provides infinitely variable resistance to the User, as well as soundproof operation. There is a vertical column that allows infinite positioning of the bars for different bodily exercises, and a bench for support. The User can change the exercise resistance by verbal commands, or the apparatus can vary the exercise resistance in response to the force applied by the User. The apparatus can be operated at locations where electric service is permanently unavailable, or in zero gravity; and the apparatus can be mounted inside a shallow closet and hidden from view. To verify accuracy, the resistance can be calibrated against a known quantity of weight.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and/or an apparatus using a computer configured exercise system equipped with an electric motor to provide physical resistance to user motion in conjunction with means for sharing exercise system related data and/or user performance data with a secondary user, such as a medical professional, a physical therapist, a trainer, a computer generated competitor, and/or a human competitor. For example, the exercise system is used with a remote trainer to enhance exercise performance, with a remote medical professional for rehabilitation, and/or with a competitor in a competition, such as in a power/weightlifting competition or in a video game. The exercise system is optionally configured with an intelligent software assistant and knowledge navigator functioning as a personal assistant application.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, an adjustable seat assembly, a means for slidably adjusting the seat assembly axially along the frame, a means for pivotally adjusting the seat assembly between a generally upright position and a recumbent position, an adjustable resistance assembly which includes rotatable pedals, and a display panel with means for providing omnidirectional positionability of the display panel. The exercise machine allows a user thereof to simultaneously perform crunching exercises and actively engage the adjustable resistance assembly in order to allow the user to reach the highest, optimized levels of cardiovascular fitness and calorie burning during a physical exercise interval.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an exercise device are provided herein. The system includes a memory having computer-executable instructions and at least one processor to execute the computer-executable instructions to wirelessly connect the exercise device, receive a training mode, receive at least one variable for determining a power set point, determine the power set point responsive to the training mode and the at least one variable and control a magnetic brake assembly in the exercise device responsive to the power set point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semi-passive resistance force control system with active augmentation, which is suitable for a sport equipment with a pulling part. This semi-passive resistance force control system with active augmentation comprises a resistance force module, an energy neutral apparatus, and a control module. The energy neutral apparatus can not only provide an output resistance force to the pulling part when the pulling part is pulled by a user, but also reduce the variation of the output resistance force. The control module is able to accept the sensing data delivered by the internal sensors of the semi-passive resistance force control system with active augmentation to passively compensate the output resistance force and make it fixed. Furthermore, the control module can also provide an active adjustment to the output resistance force based on a preset control mode such that the user can experience a desired resistance force.

Abstract: A spotting device for use during exercise routines is provided where a linear motor includes a forcer that travels along a magnetic shaft to provide a resistance force in response to a force generated by a weight in order to provide assistance and safety to a user performing the exercise routine.