Abstract: An automatic magnetic controller is linked with a computer to process a formula for the relationship between the wattage and the expended calories. Then the desired numbered of calories will be accurately exhausted based on a relative arrangement between a magnetic member and a flywheel by means of a motor controller and a position controller. By this arrangement, the tension can be accurately calculated based on the rotations per minute of the flywheel. The tension is continuously arranged and adjusted to make the wattage remain at a constant value. Additionally, the number of calories remaining to be exhausted is displayed on the computer. In this manner, the exhausted calories can be accurately controlled. The magnetic controller controls the tension on the flywheel such that at high flywheel speeds, the tension is smaller, and on the contrary, the lower the flywheel speed, the higher the tension.

Abstract: Exercise treadmill with motor driven tread belt and means for varying the tread belt speed by a speed control system which makes available to the treadmill user a plurality of nominal speeds and also a plurality of rates of restoration of the tread belt speed upon the occurrence of a change in load on the moving tread belt resulting from the user's foot plant impact on the tread belt. By selection by the user of one of the plurality of available rates of restoration of tread belt speed, the user through the user operated speed control can select a desired "stiffness" or "softness", otherwise known as "feel", to reduce user foot plant induced stress or trauma. The preferred speed control system involves a variable speed DC motor with a microprocessor controlled SCR phase control power module, the microprocessor including program memory with plural sets of program values, each with respective delta gain, loop gain and maximum power values.

Abstract: An interactive exercise apparatus engages a user's mind and body. The apparatus comprises an exercise mechanism and a steering mechanism for manipulation by the user to achieve exercise and to indicate a direction of motion. A simulated environment is generated by a computer and displayed on a display system for the user. The user manipulates the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to freely navigate through the simulated environment. The computer monitors the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to determine user position in the simulated environment. The display is periodically updated by the computer to provide a continuous visual display of the user's position as the user travels through the simulated environment. A plurality of the interactive exercise apparatus can be networked together to allow group participation in the simulated environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the heart rate of a user of a fitness apparatus at a scheduled target rate by varying the resistance of a first resistance mechanism with respect to a second resistance mechanism. To increase the heart rate, the resistance of the first resistance mechanism is increased to a maximum level before an adjustment is made to the second resistance mechanism. To decrease the heart rate, the resistance of the second resistance mechanism is decreased to a minimum level before an adjustment is made to the first resistance mechanism. The invention may be incorporated into a treadmill having resistance mechanisms including a mechanism to vary the speed of the treadmill belt and a mechanism to vary the grade of the treadmill.

Abstract: A fitness device (22, 37, 41) is provided with a display type readout which can be viewed by a user, and a user's heart rate is determined to lie within a range so that the user could be required to work the equipment within that range. That range may vary with age of the user, and the "mode" of training which is itself determined by the user's general fitness. The device (22, 37, 41) comprises a movement resistance device (25), a digital encoder (28) attached to the device which provides digital pulses, and a microprocessor (30) which is programmed to readout (14) an output as a "distance" which is proportional to the number of pulses over the time taken to travel a "distance" which is preset into the machine.

Abstract: A speed servo-control apparatus is provided for use in combination with a walking-running exercise machine including a moving belt on which a user may walk or run and a direct current drive input for controlling the speed of the moving belt. The apparatus has a frame bracket and a control unit rotatably mounted to the frame bracket, and is provided with an assembly for mounting the frame bracket at a predetermined position with respect to the machine. The apparatus is also provided with a cord assembly having two opposite extremities, one of the extremities being operatively connected to the control unit and the other of the extremities being attachable to the user of the apparatus so as to rotate the control unit in a given direction when the cord assembly is pulled forward.

Abstract: A device which promotes concentric muscle development by automatically rendering assistance to a weightlifter who is experiencing muscle fatigue. The device contains a motor driven cable which can be connected to either a barbell or dumbbells. The device does not affect the weightlifter when not activated, and is activated when the weightlifter lifts the weight slower than a pre-programmed velocity limit. In addition the device functions as a safety apparatus in that it slows the downward travel of a weight which has exceeded a pre-programmed velocity limit.

Abstract: An instructional, training, and assessment apparatus is provided for use in the activity of swimming. The apparatus includes a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and a harness for coupling the distal end of the cable to a swimmer. A mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the cable for winding and unwinding the cable to apply positive and negative forces to the swimmer as the swimmer swims laps in a pool. The apparatus of the present invention can also be used with a mechanism that applies only positive forces to the swimmer. A sensor is provided for generating an output signal responsive to a parameter measured by the sensor. The apparatus also includes a programmable controller responsive to the output signal from the sensor and to preprogrammed control parameters for controlling the forces applied by the winding and unwinding mechanism.

Abstract: To improve tracking, an exercise treadmill is provided with a frame including molded plastic pulleys, having an integral gear belt sprocket, an endless belt extending around the pulleys and a motor operatively connected to the rear pulley to drive the belt. The pulleys are molded out of plastic and have a diameter of approximately nine inches. A mold and method for producing large diameter treadmill pulleys having an integrally molded sprocket are also disclosed. A deck underneath the running surface of the belt is supported by resilient members. A positive lateral belt tracking mechanism is used to correct the lateral position of the belt. A belt position sensor mechanism is used in combination with a front pulley pivoting mechanism to maintain the belt in the desired lateral position on the pulleys. The exercise treadmill also includes a lift mechanism with an internally threaded sleeve engaged to vertically aligned nonrotating screws. A user display of foot impact force on the belt is also provided.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a vertically movable weight, and an input pedal mechanism engaged by the user to input an input power with a unidirectional exercise force at a user-selected velocity for moving the weight upward. Also included is a brake applying a negative braking power with a unidirectional braking force opposing the exercise force. The braking power has a braking velocity for permitting downward movement of the weight. A brake controller controls the application of the brake to maintain the braking velocity at a selected constant velocity for at least a selected portion of the user's exercise time. A differential member is coupled to the weight and receives the input power and the braking power. The differential member determines a differential between the user-selected velocity and the selected constant braking velocity, and applies the resultant to movement of the weight.

Abstract: A horizontal support arm is mounted for upward and downward movement on a vertical support column. An interface unit having an actual mass value is disposed on a free end of the horizontal support arm and is adapted to be grasped and lifted by a human subject. A simulated mass value independent of said actual mass value may be set for the interface unit, and the amount of vertical force exerted by the human subject upon the interface unit is measured. An exercise control unit provides for controlled vertical movement of the interface unit as a function of the simulated mass value such that the interface unit responds to a lifting force by the human subject in a manner that simulates the inertia of an object having a mass value equal to the simulated mass value in a gravitational field.

Abstract: A programmable limb exerciser wherein pedal motion is linear and the user may select isotonic, isokinetic or isoacceleration modes. The limbs may be exercised individually, reciprocally or in tandem. The exerciser can be readily re-oriented from a horizontal to vertical position for exercise of upper or lower body. A combination display and control panel provides information of the force exerted by each hand or foot, as well as number of repetitions and elapsed time, and provides a printout at the end of the exercise session.

Abstract: A step-type training machine in which the exerciser trains using a predetermined load while detecting the pulse of the exerciser, and in accordance with data (e.g. the age, sex and weight) inputted before the training and various data (e.g. the exerciser's pulse) during the training, the step load is varied and controlled during the training so as to impart the optimum exercise load to the exerciser.

Abstract: A training machine comprising a frame on which is mounted an element freely rotating about a horizontal axis, and an inertial flywheel coupled to said rotating element. A strap is tightened about the flywheel. The rotating element is mechanically coupled to said flywheel and a microprocessor is mounted on the frame to provide a control signal for the adjustable traction device. Said control signal corresponds to an adjustable and predefined simulated difficulty to be encountered. The microprocessor is designed to store the torques theoretically needed for several predefined simulated runs and, in response to a signal corresponding to the actual torque, to generate a second signal corresponding to the variation in the torque required to attain the torque theoretically needed for the corresponding simulated run, the second signal controlling the adjustable traction device.

Abstract: A drive assembly for an exercise device is provided. The drive assembly is made up of a base with side supports and an electric motor drive mechanism. The electric motor drive mechanism is an electric motor with a worm gear attached to two driving pulleys via one way clutches. The drive mechanism is supported with outboard bearing mounts located in the side supports. A torque arm and spring assembly restricts rotation of the mechanism, but allows limited rotational movement. This limited movement attenuates shock torsional loads and as a result reduces the structural and electrical size requirements for the overall device.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the instantaneous power generated by a leg extension, which includes a seat provided above a drive system unit on which a subject is seated. A slide rail extends forwardly from the drive system unit, and a foot plate slides along the slide rail in forward and backward directions. A rope connected to the foot plate is provided in the drive system unit in order to be paid out in response to the forward sliding movement of the foot plate. This apparatus also includes a transmission device, which rotates in response to the rope paying-out and a powder brake, which is rotated by the transmission device. A foot load sensor is also mounted on the foot plate in order to detect the foot load developed when the subject extends his/her legs, and a rotation frequency sensor is provided at a predetermined position within the drive system unit in order to detect the rotation frequency of the powder brake.

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: 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 stair climbing exercise machine comprises an upright frame and a pair of reciprocating left and right pedals pivotally mounted on the frame for independent movement between raised and lowered positions. A hydraulic control system is connected to the pedals to provide resistance to downward movement and to return each lowered pedal to a raised position independent of operation of the other pedal. In a preferred embodiment, a TV screen is mounted on the frame and is controlled by a computer to display certain information during an exercise routine, which may be overlaid on a TV program. The computer may also control the duration and difficulty of each exercise routine.

Abstract: Muscle exercise and diagnostic apparatus with an output shaft, a servo motor coupled in driving relation to the output shaft, and a support mechanism for mounting the output shaft and the servo motor in a selectable stationary position. A plurality of work simulation tools and coupling arrangements are provided, including coupling arrangements on the output shaft and each of the tools for removably coupling one of the tools to the output shaft. A composite output shaft with a larger diameter, high torque section and a smaller diameter, low torque section, each with its own separate torque measuring strain gauge arrangement is provided. A shaft position sensor senses the angular position of the output shaft and produces an output shaft position signal. A servo control circuit responds to a preselected command signal measuring device for measuring a preselected servo control signal parameter associated with the servo motor and shaft and operatively related to the command signal.

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 simulated stair climbing exercise apparatus having variable sensory feedback is provided. Sensory feedback, in the form of a lifting force acting on a lifting foot of the operator, varies with the operator's location in the stepping stroke. Maximum sensory feedback is provided at a lower portion of the stroke, minimum sensory feedback is provided at an upper portion of the stroke and maximum feedback at the lower portions. Sensory feedback is effected by means of direct interconnection of left and right foot mechanisms in combination with a spring. Direct interconnection is achieved by a cable routed around a series of pulleys such that a downward force on one foot mechanism results in an equal and opposite lifting force on the other foot mechanism. One of the pulleys is a floating pulley that is free to move and its positioned based upon the operating position of the stepping stroke.

Abstract: A step type exercise apparatus is disclosed in which two pedal members are connected for reciprocating movement by a chain which, in turn, operates through a transmission providing a resistive force to the pedals. The resistive force is supplied by an alternator which is controlled by a computer. Means are provided to lubricate the chain thereby prolonging the life of the chain.

Abstract: For the training, exercise, scientific study, and monitoring of quadrupeds in general, and for particular utilization with thoroughbred racehorses, a movable physical exercise treadmill having a tripartite frame including a first elongated main frame for disposition on a floor surface; a second intermediate inclinable frame positioned on the main frame; and a third conveyor belt supporting frame contained within and supported by the second frame. A system is provided for inclining the second frame, and also for pivoting, along a longitudinal axis, the third frame with respect to the second frame. A generally longitudinal endless belt is slidably supported within the third frame and moves about transversely-extending rollers, and the quadruped's exercise occurs on a topmost movable belt surface.

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.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that simulates stair-climbing for a user. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, and a plate on the frame perpendicular to the base. A right pedal and a left pedal are on opposite sides of the plate. A drive system assembly on the plate has a right pedal sprocket, a left pedal sprocket, and a drive sprocket, wherein the right sprocket or left sprocket turn the drive sprocket in one direction only and the right and left sprockets are free to overrun in the opposite direction. The right pedal oscillates between an upper position at rest and a lower, rearward position under the weight of the user and drivingly engages the right pedal sprocket. The left pedal, operating independently of the right pedal, oscillates between an upper position at rest and a lower, rearward position under the weight of the user and drivingly engages the left pedal sprocket. A speed increasing transmission has an input and an output.