Abstract: An eddy current brake for use with exercise training devices, such as bicycle, ski and rowing exercise devices. The eddy current brake includes a nonmagnetic, electrically conductive disk that is rotatably mounted between one or more electromagnets. The electromagnets introduce eddy currents within the rotating disk. The disk is formed of a copper alloy having between approximately 5.0% to 15.0% zinc by weight. In one embodiment of the invention, the disk is formed of copper alloy 220, comprising 90.0% copper and 10.0% zinc.

Abstract: A stationary exercise cycle is disclosed having a drive wheel which receives both user driving force and automatically controlled friction brake resistance, i.e., it is a single-stage device. Free-wheeling is provided between a user-driven shaft and the periphery of the drive wheel, which is braked by a friction belt. Automatic resistance control is provided by an electronic system, which receives actual load information from a load cell, and RPM information from a speed sensor. The friction belt is tightened or loosened by a motor-driven pulley, in response to signals indicating an "error" between load command and actual load. The load information is accurately obtained by a pivoted member to which both ends of the friction belt are attached.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus provide ornaments such as colored balls housed in rotatable cylindrical or circular enclosures, with the cylindrical or circular enclosures being rotated by use of the exercise apparatus. The rotation of the cylindrical or circular enclosures cause the ornaments to bounce around inside the enclosures, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and significant amusement to the user.

Abstract: A fly wheel brake device is provided for use in the load adjustment of a permeation fly wheel of an exercise bicycle and other exercising recovery devices. One end of a rotary handle is connected to a brake cable and the other end thereof is connected to a rotary disk so that the rotary disk is driven by the brake cable. The upper side of a plurality of sector sliding blocks each have attached thereto a convex column positioned along a cambered slot in the rotary disk, the lower side of the sector sliding blocks are each provided with an integral disk and permanent magnets. A plurality of aluminum sheets are provided on the bevelled inner circle of the permeation fly wheel and sustain a gap with the permeation magnets. The rotary handle drives the rotary disk to rotate forward or backward under the operation of the cable, thus causing the sector sliding blocks to slide forward or backward, respectively.

Abstract: A power generating exerciser comprises an exerciser and a power generating device. The exerciser has two longitudinal posts, a crossbar connecting the upper portions of the longitudinal posts, a shaft connecting the lower ends of the longitudinal posts, a transverse bar connecting a seat post and the crossbar, a lower end of the seat post connecting a transverse post. A U-shaped plate has two parallel arm plates to connect the corresponding longitudinal posts. Two opposite lobes are disposed on the corresponding arms. The power generating device has a generator, and a follower wheel passed through by a shaft, a driven wheel disposed between two lobes, a crank axle passing through two lobes and the driven wheel, and a belt surrounding the follower wheel and the driven wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foot operated therapeutic exercise device comprising a saddle, a load and drive means to propel the load; the drive means further including a pair of pedal mechanisms, each of the pedal mechanisms including a pedal and a pedal support, the pedal support being mounted for rotation about a pedal axis; a pair of coupling means, each to independently couple a corresponding one of the pedals to the support in a manner to allow the position of the pedal to be adjusted relative to the pedal axis, according to the range of motion of a corresponding knee of a patient; adjustment means to independently adjust the pedal axis of each of the pedal mechanisms relative to the saddle, according to the corresponding leg of the patient, thereby allowing the exercise regimen for each leg to be adjusted according to its individual limitations.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing recumbent pedalling exercises including pedals slidably mounted on a substantially horizontal track, a belt having one end secured to each pedal extending back toward the user over an idler then to a drive shaft so that the belt unwinds from the drive shaft as the pedals are pressed along the track. Each drive shaft (one for each pedal) is coupled to a resistance wheel assembly through a one way clutch. The drive shaft is spring loaded so that each pedal returns to a starting position after being extend. Each pedal operates independent of the other pedal. In one embodiment, the resistance wheel assembly includes a fan in which resistance to turning can be controlled by controlling the width of expandable blades, by partially covering up the fan blades or by a variable transmission coupling the fan to the drive shaft. In another embodiment, the resistance wheel assembly includes a rubber wheel in contact with a roller.

Abstract: Physical conditioning apparatus which includes a left foot pedal, a right foot pedal, a binder for binding the user's left foot onto the left foot pedal, a binder for binding the user's right foot onto the right foot pedal, support means for supporting the user, and resistance producing means for resisting upward movement of the foot pedals but producing little or no resistance to downward movement of the foot pedals.

Abstract: A centrifugal resistance device for stationary exercise apparatus that is operatively associated with a rotatable shaft; the centrifugal resistance device comprises a slotted ring, braking material and a fixed cover means; the slots of the slotted ring house friction material that is free to move radially and act frictionally against the fixed cover means positioned about the slotted ring, the fixed cover means is fashioned by those skilled in the art as to act also as a heat dissipating means; tension is varied by increasing or decreasing the RPMs of the rotatable axle.

Abstract: The loading apparatus includes a rotary disk that is rotated by a pair of pedals, in order to generate a desired resistive load. A rotary shaft is connected to the rotary disk, and applied the resistive load to the bicycle wheel. A pair of eddy current generating members generate a user controlled, variable eddy current on the rotary disk. Each eddy current generating member includes one set of magnets, such that these magnets are generally oppositely disposed with respect to the rotary disk. Each set of magnets includes a plurality of magnets of alternating polarities, there are concentrically continuously arranged around the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A magnetically controlled load-adjusting device of a gymnastic apparatus comprises a frame provided with a load wheel having a thin metal piece, and a base frame having one end provided pivotally with a swivel seat. The base frame has another end provided with a decelerating mechanism. The base frame is provided in the middle thereof with an arresting member which is connected at one end thereof with the swivel seat and is capable of being acted on by an elastic element to become attached intimately to the circumferential surface of an eccentric wheel of the decelerating mechanism. The distance between the arresting member and the axial center of the eccentric wheel is changed by the decelerating mechanism, so as to cause the swivel seat to swivel at an appropriate angle. The magnitude of the magnetic flux of the load wheel is therefore altered by the magnets mounted on the swivel seat, thereby bringing about an adjustment of the magnitude of the magnetic damping of the gymnastic apparatus.

Abstract: A rotatable exercise apparatus for rotating a user in such a manner that the user's center of gravity is offset with respect to the user's center of rotation, while simultaneously exercising the user's arms, legs, stomach, back, side and neck. The rotatable exercise apparatus generally comprises a rotatable frame having an outwardly facing user support for offsetting the user's center of gravity from the user's center of rotation, a frame support structure, and a means for rotating the frame. The rotatable exercise apparatus provides a strenuous, low impact, complete physical work out which simulates the exercise and exertion which may be experienced by the human body, while participating in sailing-type activities.

Abstract: An elliptical path pedaling system uses two mutually perpendicular intersecting guideways with a circular drive member pivotally attached at its center to a follower, mounted for reciprocal movement within the first guideway. A second follower is pivotally attached to the circular drive member at a predetermined radial distance from the center of said drive member for reciprocal movement in the second guideway. A pedal crank is attached to the drive member to rotate it about the center. As the drive member rotates, the reciprocating movements of the two followers in the perpendicular guideways cause the drive member to move back and forth in the path of the first guideway. A pedal crank attached to the reciprocating drive member follows an elliptical path. A chain or other suitable drive transfer device is coupled between the drive member and a circular driven member, which is rotated about its center and is mounted in a fixed position relative to the guideways.

Abstract: A device for disposing toe clips on bicycle pedals in upright positions when the toe clips are not engaged by the cyclist's shoes comprises a pivot member suspended from the crossbar of the frame of the bicycle centrally above the sprocket wheel connected to the bicycle pedals, a pulley mechanism swivelly connected to the pivot member, and an elastic line which is carried by the pulley mechanism and which has ends detachably connected to the tops of the toe clips at the open ends of the toe clips. The pulley mechanism pivots about the pivot member in response to the movements of the toe clips to substantially prevent the elastic line from becoming entangled with the bicycle or with the user and also anchors the elastic line which urges the toe clips in upright operative positions so that the user can quickly and conveniently put his/her shoes in the toe clips.

Abstract: An adjustable pressurized air in a wheel box for exerciser includes a wheel being rotatably sealed in a box which is filled with air to a predetermined pressure through a check valve. The pressure is measured by a pressure gauge which will release extra pressure through another check valve to maintain a constant and most ,appropriate pressure in the box which will produce resistance to rotate the wheel by stepping on a pair of pedals of a training bicycle to rotate the wheel.

Abstract: A magnetic-resistance control device for an exercise bicycle includes a platform connected with a base. A flywheel axle is rotatably mounted above the platform and is engaged with a rear wheel of the bicycle to rotate in an opposite direction thereof. A flywheel is made of magnetism-conducting material and is mounted to the flywheel axle for rotating therewith. A bracket is mounted on the platform. A U-shaped permanent magnet is slidably engaged on the bracket and defines an opening in which the flywheel is partly enclosed. The flywheel interacts with magnetic flux generated by the magnet when rotated such that a magnetic force is exerted on the flywheel, thereby generating a resistance to the flywheel. A driving device is provided for driving the magnet to reciprocate relative to the flywheel.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus especially suitable for simulating skiing conditions. The apparatus comprises a base which supports a rotatable component which, in turn, supports a platform for supporting a user. The rotational component includes a unidirectional element limiting the direction of rotation of the component. A biasing assembly assists and resists the movement and varies the speed of the rotational component in response to a displacement of the same.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame assembly, a flywheel unit mounted rotatably on the frame assembly, a manually operated driving unit for driving rotatably the flywheel unit, and a magnet-type resistance generator to provide resistance to rotation of the flywheel unit. The resistance generator includes a central shaft mounted on the frame assembly and formed with an intermediate worm section, and a rotary plate mounted rotatably on the central shaft on one side of the worm section and driven rotatably by the flywheel unit. The rotary plate has a circular plate portion and a peripheral ring which extends from a front side of the circular plate portion. A movable slide seat is mounted movably on the central shaft and is provided with a worm shaft unit which meshes with the worm section. The slide seat has an outer periphery which is provided with a plurality of angularly spaced magnets that are disposed adjacent to the peripheral ring of the rotary plate.

Abstract: A magnet-type resistance generator is to be used with an exercise apparatus which has a flywheel and includes a magnet unit with a curved housing which confines a groove and which has opposite inner wall surfaces that are respectively provided with a plurality of permanent magnets which extend into the groove. A tubular sleeve extends from a rear side of the curved housing and has a distal end which is formed with an internally threaded portion. The tubular sleeve is received slidably in a tubular slide seat. A guide bolt extends axially into the slide seat and has a threaded portion that engages the internally threaded portion of the tubular sleeve. A slide potentiometer has a slider connected to the curved housing of the magnet unit.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus which provides a variable load torque that substantially equals and opposes any possible input torque. A set of pedals is used to provide an input torque which is transmitted to the load. A speed reference command generator compares the input torque to a load torque setting and generates an electronic speed reference command signal. This signal is communicated to a speed servo to force the input speed to equal the speed reference command signal.

Abstract: An improved eddy current braking system for fly wheel braked exercise equipment includes the use of a flat aluminum disc and electromagnets to either side of the disc adjacent to the periphery thereof, with the electromagnets containing multiple pole pieces to multiply the torque so as to reduce heating and power consumption. The utilization of aluminum achieves a flat torque versus speed characteristic vis-a-vis copper discs over the normal operating speed range. Additionally, the utilization of aluminum prevents the warpage associated with copper.

Abstract: A flywheel for a stationary exercise machine having a frictional resistance strap is formed of heat-sensitive plastic, and includes a band of heat-dissipating material disposed about the periphery or rim of the flywheel for frictional contact with the resistance strap. The strap extends around the flywheel rim over the band to provide an adjustable resistance to the flywheel's rotation. The band dissipates the frictionally generated heat arising from movement of the flywheel within the strap.

Abstract: A fly wheel device for a bicycle exerciser having a fixing hub unit rotatively mounted on an exerciser frame for supporting a fly wheel made of inductive material. The fixing hub unit is integrally formed with an impeller for cooling the fly wheel device to maintain rotation resistance exerted on the fly wheel in a normal standard.

Abstract: A method for training or exercising muscles with the aid of training or exercising equipment and, when appropriate, for determining training conditions.The method is mainly characterized by loading relevant muscles of the training person by increasing or decreasing the rotational energy (E(kin)), kinetic energy, or a rotatably mounted flywheel (1).The invention also relates to equipment for carrying out the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a braking device for indoor exercise bicycles. In particular, this device is composed of a rotor, multiple rubber magnets, a wheel for the transmission belt, a stator, a coil, two pivot bearings, and an axle; when all of these components are assembled in place, the transmission belt can start the wheel for the transmission belt which drives the rotor in spin, producing relative motion between the rubber magnets of the rotor and the coil of the stator. There are magnetic flux loops between the rubber magnets and the stators. Hence, as the rotor spins, the coil crossed by the magnetic force lines will induce a potential, which by shorting the two ends of the coil starts a current and produces an inverse magnetic field, thus exerting a braking force upon the rotor or, in effect, achieving the end of consuming user energy.

Abstract: A training device for teaching children to ride a bicycle comprising a handle, a loop portion for selectively engaging the child's waist, and means for adjusting the size of the loop portion. The loop portion is placed over the head and shoulders of the child and placed around the child's waist. The adjusting means is adjusted so that the loop portion snugly and firmly engages the child's waist so that when the parent holds the handle, the parent can support and control the balance of the child as the child rides the bicycle. In one embodiment, the training device has an elongated member having first and second ends. The first and second ends are coupled together to form the handle and the loop portion therebetween. The first and second ends can be coupled together using any conventional means including, for example, Velcro hook and loop devices, extrusion or molding techniques, glue, or sturdy tape.

Abstract: Parachute for providing an impedance to a or other rapidly moving person, animal or vehicle comprising a sheet having an edge or edges, peripheral cords tied to the edge or edges and distributed uniformly about the center of the sheet, such sheet being formed with a hole at its center, and a disk near the proximal ends of the cords, the peripheral cords being attached to and passing beyond the disk, the proximal ends of the cords being gathered together and fastened to the torso of a person.

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: An exercise system including an exercise device having a user actuatable pedal mechanism coupled to a permanent magnet, DC motor operated as a generator and a load control arrangement for controlling a braking effect exerted by the DC motor on the pedal mechanism. The output of the DC motor is connected to a power dissipation circuit including plurality of power MOSFETs. The system can be operated in a constant power or a constant force mode. In the constant power mode, the load control monitors the output of the DC generator and compares it with a selected power level and in response to detected errors between the signals, adjusts the conductivity of the power MOSFETs to maintain the power output independent of actuation speed. Current flow through the power MOSFETs is monitored and the relative conductivity between the MOSFETs is adjusted in order to maintain substantially equal current flows through each MOSFET.

Abstract: A flywheel has a hub with a plurality of blades secured to said hub and extending away therefrom. A plurality of ribs are secured to the blades to form a protective enclosure which rotates with the blades. The ribs are spaced apart a distance selected to inhibit insertion of the user's fingers thereinbetween.

Abstract: A brake adjuster for a pedaling training machine comprises a base, a position plate and a U-shaped magnetic arm combined together. The position plate is combined on the base with a pivotal shaft to be tilted up at the front and tilted down at the rear and can recover its horizontal position by elasticity of a spring pinched between the position plate and the base. The U-shaped magnetic arm is combined on and moves together with the position plate, having two permanent magnets on both sides of an intermediate opening. An iron turning disc fixed on a shaft of a pedal in the pedaling training machine is positioned to have its circumferential edge and its two sides extending for a preset distance in the opening to face the permanent magnets so as to stop the turning disc by a hand brake controlling a main shaft combined with the base.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism, especially for exercise devices. The resistance mechanism comprises operating structure by which the user loads the resistance mechanism; a part rotating with the movement created by the operating structure; and a counterpart positioned at a distance from the rotating part, one of said parts being provided with magnets to create eddy currents resisting the movement of the operating structure. To achieve a mechanism suitable for exercise devices of different types, the counterpart comprises an element acting on the rotating part, said element being arranged to be rotated at a speed independent of the speed of rotation of the rotating part produced by the operating structure.

Abstract: A work control apparatus in a bicycle exerciser having a driven member made of inductive material and rotatively mounted on an exerciser frame. The work control apparatus includes a fixing shaft pivotally connected to the exerciser frame and fixedly carrying a pulley member and a box-shaped support portion, a U-shaped permanent magnet secured to the support portion and a rotatively mounted knob connected to the pulley member by an endless belt for selectively locating the permanent magnet in one of a plurality of angular positions. Part of the driven member is interposed between two spaced legs of the permanent magnet to generate an eddy current in the driven member for exerting a rotation resistance on the driven member.

Abstract: A magnetic retarding device for an exerciser including a pair of links each having a lower end to the frame of the exercise, a bracket pivotally coupled pivotally coupled between the upper ends of the links which are arranged such that the bracket moves radially inward and outward of the wheel of the exerciser, a support fixed to the bracket and including one or more magnets disposed in two end walls, the magnets are caused to move radially inward and outward of the wheel when the bracket moves.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable exercise device having a leg pedal exercise producing member that does not have its own user seat and is operated by the user from an independent seat free of any mechanical connection between the exercise device and the independent seat. The device has a base, an arm pivotally connected thereto, and a pin passage through holes in brackets to support the arm at selected positions. A shaft is rotatably mounted across the arm near the end remote from the pivotally connected end thereof, and pedal shanks are secured to each end of the shaft on either side of the arm, each with a rotatable pedal mounted on the end thereof. The device is collapsible for transportation or storage. A flywheel mounted adjacent the arm may be provided. Preferably, the bottom surface of the base has at least a portion thereof of Sorbothane (trademark).

Abstract: A control system includes an adjustment knob to regulate the resistance of the exercise machine such as a treadmill, rowing machine, or stationary exercise cycle. Various indicia are positioned proximate the knob so the user may specifically select an exercise program and real time feedback of exercise performance through the use an ear clip supplying pulse information or other biological data which is converted and displayed for observation by the user.

Abstract: A resistance applying mechanism for use in an exercising apparatus having a support frame on which a bicycle provided with at least a saddle and foot pedals is supported includes a rotary shaft rotatably supported by the support frame and driven by operating the foot pedals; a rotating disk made of metal and fixed to the rotary shaft; and at least a pair of permanent magnets for generating an eddy current placed opposite each other with the rotating disk interposed therebetween.