Abstract: An aerobic exercise machine is disclosed in which aerobic exercise may be conducted using the trunk and hip flexor and extensor muscles. The exercise machine does not require dynamic use of the extremities. The exercise machine provides a uniform level of resistance to contact means adapted to contact both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the trunk of the person exercising. The exercise machine enables exercise by flexion and extension of the trunk muscles and flexion and extension of muscles controlling the hip joint. An energy storage device is utilized to provide uniform resistance to movement in both directions and during the reversal of directions. A counter is provided and various levels of resistance may be selected by switching selected amounts of resistance across the output of a generator driven by the motion of the exerciser.

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: It is critical to prevent muscular damage to an athlete in a machine that produces a restraining force that must be overcome in the initial part of an exercise stroke. This is achieved by a precise and accurate type of control system by which the athlete safely and surely control the initial restraining force magnitude. With a reliable vernier type control device the athlete then may "inch-by-inch" increase the restraining force as the muscles become able to overcome greater forces in the manner the proverbial strong man lifts a calf each day so that he can lift a full grown cow eventually. In a preferred embodiment of this vernier type control the restraining device comprises an electromagnet with a retained magnetic member coupled to the athlete by an intermediate muscular operated linkage.

Abstract: An exercise machine which can independently vary the force and the speed at the user end is developed. The exercise machine includes a constant torque, variable speed reversible motor, a temperature controlled magnetic particle clutch, a gear reducer, a controller, and a suitable lever mechanism. The motor, clutch and gear reducer are chosen in a combination in order to achieve a predetermined output so that any combination of isotonic, isokinetic, isometric, isotonic/isokinetic, constant, variable, active, passive, uni-directional or bi-directional exercise routines can be performed with the exercise machine. With suitable lever modifications, the resistance providing unit can be successfully modified to emulate a shoulder press, bench press, leg exercise machine, arm exercise machine, etc. The output parameters, user force and user speed, are controlled in real time to maintain accuracy. This is made possible by the use of a PC-based controller interfaced to off-the-shelf motor and clutch control boards.

Abstract: A loading apparatus is mounted on a frame which supports a rear wheel of a bicycle. The loading apparatus includes a resistive force generator which has a rotary shaft connected to a drive drum which is pressed against the tire of the rear wheel. The drive drum has a surface which contacts a plurality of circumferentially adjacent block patterns of a tire at each moment. The drive drum is also used as a flywheel for providing the rear wheel of the bicycle with inertial force.

Abstract: A control console for exercise machines such as treadmills having a microprocessor to generate signals to control the exercise. The console is operable to control an exercise program comprising a series of time segments for which the difficulty levels are individually specified, and to provide a display of the program time segments. The console is further operable to display and store user-designed programs of the type described. Optionally, the console is operable to control two difficulty parameters of an exercise machine. The console may also include preset programs selectable by a user. The preset programs may include a fitness test comprising a series of exercise time segments of increasing difficulty, in which a user's fitness level is based on the user's inability to continue exercising beyond a particular time segment.

Abstract: Each of a pair of pedal units of a stepper includes a hollow swing arm which has a front end portion formed with a through-hole and an elongated inclined slot, and a rear end portion mounted pivotally on a base frame. A connecting rod extends into the swing arm and has a front end portion formed with a transverse shaft that extends slidably into the inclined slot, and a rear end portion mounted pivotally on the base frame. A pedal body is provided with a spaced pair of downwardly extending connecting plates that confine the swing arm therebetween and that are connected pivotally to the swing arm at the through-hole of the latter. The connecting plates are further connected to the transverse shaft of the connecting rod.

Abstract: A damping control device includes a flywheel unit mounted on an exercising machine and linked to a main wheel thereof being turned by the player, a solenoid damping unit having a shoe holder mounted on a magnetic reciprocating rod and controlled by a solenoid body to press a friction shoe against the peripheral friction surface of the flywheel in producing a damping friction force, and a power control unit controlled by the setting made by the player through an exercising amount setting control and the speed signal to regulate DC power supply to the solenoid damping unit in controlling the damping force.

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: 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 force development system for controlling and generating variable shear forces in an exercise machine is disclosed for strengthening and developing body muscles during weight training or physical rehabilitation therapy. In the force development system, first and second members are movable with respect to one another and define an interspacial chamber therebetween. The interspacial chamber is filled with an electro-rheological magnetic fluid for selectively changing the shear stress characteristics in response to an applied magnetic field and for requiring a corresponding amount of force to move one of the first and second members with respect to the other of the first and second members. A magnetic field inducing mechanism is provided for selectively exposing the electro-rheological magnetic fluid means to a magnetic field of controlled intensity to selectively change the shear stress characteristics of the electro-rheological magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus employs a suspended weight as the primary source of resistance. A variable torque drive system is coupled to the suspended weight to selectively alter the amount of resistance experienced by the user. In one embodiment, the suspended weight is a single mass corresponding to the maximum resistance of the system. During the forward or "positive" stroke of an exercise, the drive system assists the user in lifting the mass, the amount of assistance being determined by a user selectable resistance value. During the return or "negative" stroke of the exercise, a reduced level of assistance may be provided so that increased negative resistance is experienced.

Abstract: A loading apparatus is mounted on a frame which supports a rear wheel of a bicycle. The loading apparatus includes a resistive force generator which has a rotary shaft connected to a drive drum which is pressed against the tire of the rear wheel. The drive drum has a surface which contacts a plurality of circumferentially adjacent block patterns of a tire at each moment. The drive drum is also used as a flywheel for providing the rear wheel of the bicycle with inertial force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device that uses the linear relationship between the electric current and the torque of the D.C. motor to simulate the effect of a weight stack of exercise machines. The motor produces a stable clockwise torque through the output shaft when a constant current is passing through it. When the user exerts a counterclockwise force which causes the motor to turn in a counterclockwise direction so that the electric current to the motor is controlled and maintained to deliver a stable torque from the motor against the counterclockwise force. Thus, the invention can replace conventional weight stacks used in exercise machines. The improvements and modifications made to the design have been focused on the problems of the system's inertia and friction during the cable rewinding on light loads.

Abstract: An electronically controlled exercise device which will allow a user engaged in weight lifting to continue to exercise past the point of muscle failure. The disclosed device utilizes and electromagnetically simulated resistance in the form of a DC motor. The user is able to set an initial desired weight (resistance), while a feedback network automatically adjusts and decreases the resistance as the user progresses through a set of exercises and gradually begins to approach muscle failure.

Abstract: A climbing exercise apparatus is provided having a frame on which two pedals are pivotally mounted to provide a user with a vertically reciprocating exercise movement, and a control panel for user input and output. A dynamic break, alternator or the like applies a variable level of resistance (via a suitable transmission) against the user's movement. The resistance varies over time in accordance with a control signal generated by a computer. The value of the control signal is independent of the rate at which the user steps. A display successively displays images of hills. Each hill is associated with one of the series of values, and that value is graphically represented as part of or in visual association with the hill image.

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 apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated stair climbing exercise includes left and right foot platforms pivotally connected to a frame by respective unequal-length four-bar linkages. The linkages maintain the foot platforms generally perpendicular to the user's lower leg during the exercise as the foot platforms are alternately depressed by the user. An eddy current brake provides the desired resistance to the user's simulated stair climbing. A display with a touch-sensitive screen is mounted on the frame and allows the user to input information to a processor which controls the resistance of the eddy current brake and other functions. The display also includes an integral television tuner that allows the user to view either a simulated image of the user performing the stair climbing exercise or a standard television program on the display during the exercise.

Abstract: This novel invention employs state of the art technology together with a powerful D.C. motor to simulate the effect of the weight stack in an exercise machine. In order to reduce the friction loss and response time, a D.C. motor with a unique transmission mechanism is specially designed to accommodate the requirements of our system. A torque that simulates the weight stack is generated when a current is fed to the coils of the motor. To minimize the power disspation of the controller, an ingenious technique, termed VARIABLE CURRENT SOURCE METHOD, based on switching power supply is used to produce enough current without much power loss. As a result, the `weight` that the user experiences can be varied according to the amount of current the controller produces.

Abstract: Generators attached to bright lights on exercise clothing are turned by recoiling pull-cords attached to hand grips pulled during the normal arm movement of the exercise to light the path of the exerciser. Bright white front lights may pivot to adjust for the body angle of the exerciser. Colored back lights may also be lighted to make the exerciser more visible from the rear. A vest or belt and shoulder straps both attached adjustably by VELCRO (hooks and loops fastener) are used to support the generators and lights on the body of the exerciser. Wires run under the material of the belt or vest to the lights. Alternately, a single generator in the center of the back with two separate cord reels, on at each side, may be used to turn the generator. The generators and reels are covered by water-proof material. A one-way drive in the cord reel turns the generator only in one direction to create power. Weights may be added to the hand grips to enhance the exercise effect of moving the arms.

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 improved mechanism of a stepping device includes a pedal mechanism constructed by a parallelogram which facilitates the pedal remains at a horizontal position at all levels. A trasnaxle is rotated as the pedal is stepped down and a gear and an actuating gear are used to connect a load adjusting device. Then a predetermined load can be applied to the pedal as it moves down. A one-way bearing is disposed inside the bushing of the transaxle, hence the pulley disposed thereof can rotate bi-directionally. A pulling rope and a spring are used to pull up the pedal which moves to a lower dead point. While the inertia of the gear and actuating wheel will make it moves continuously. By this arrangement, a smooth and continuous stepping device is provided.

Abstract: An exercise dynamometer permits a patient to exercise against isodynamic, isokinetic, or isometric resistance to evaluate various musculoskeletal conditions of the patient's human spine. Sensing means are provided to determine the positioning of the patient, and to determine the angular position, velocity, and torque of the exercise movements. In a first embodiment, the patient's head, trunk, upper legs, knees, and feet are secured to a lumbar dynamometer to isolate lumbar and lower thoracic spinal rotation, flexion-extension, and/or lateral bending. During rotational exercise, the axis of movement of the dynamometer is coincident with the patient's spine. In a second embodiment, a patient's trunk and hips are secured to a neck dynamometer to restrict exercise to the cervical spine. The invention facilitates forward flexion-extension, or alternatively lateral bending of the cervical spine, about a first axis aligned with the patient's C1-C2 vertebrae and a second axis aligned with the patient's C7 vertebra.

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: 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 weight load generating apparatus for variably outputting a weight load exerted on a load. A load is connected to, for example, an electromagnetic clutch which is driven by a drive source such as a motor to develop a weight load on the load. A physical quantity detector, for example, a torque sensor is connected to the load, and outputs a torque signal indicative of a torque exerted on the load and an angle signal indicative of an angle through which the load is displaced. A signal producing circuit produces a weight signal, a resiliency signal, a viscosity signal, and an inertia signal on the basis of the torque signal and angle signal. A driver circuit controls the magnetic clutch in accordance with the signals produced by the signal producing circuit.

Abstract: A dynamic resistance device for an exerciser, comprises a bracket; an actuating device which is mounted within said bracket, which includes a motor and an output shaft; a winch which includes a winding drum and a cable, the winding drum is extended coaxially with a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, as the winding drum rotates, the first and second rotating shaft will rotate consequently, one end of the cable is fixed on the winding drum, and the cable is wound within a spiral slot of the winding drum; a reduction device includes a first timing wheel and a second timing wheel, the first and second timing wheel are connected with a timing belt, the timing wheel is fixed on the output shaft of the motor, and the second timing wheel is fixed on the first rotating shaft which is connected to winding drum; a fairleader includes a stopping plate and a rubber ball, stopping plate is bridged on the top of bracket and has a slot thereof, the cable can pass through the slot freely, the diameter of the ru

Abstract: A control system controls a D.C. speed-change motor to change the transmission configurations on a treadmill transmission powered by an A.C. drive motor. The control system may be either microprocessor based or a system of discrete logical pieces. The control system responds to both the current speed of the treadmill belt and the electrical current drawn by the speed-change motor. The control system uses this information to modulate the duty cycle of voltage pulses sent to the D.C. speed-change motor to power the speed-change motor in response to a determination by the control system that the speed-change motor needs to rotate faster or slower to produce a constant rate of speed change for the treadmill belt. The control system also includes a rapid deceleration system. In response to the user's direction or in response to the condition of the treadmill, the control system sends a high voltage to the D.C.

Abstract: An exercise machine utilizes a mechanical brake to provide the principal resistance. A dynamoelectric machine has its rotor connected to the flywheel of the exercise machine and its stator rotatably mounted to the apparatus frame and connected to the actuation input of the mechanical brake. The torque applied between the rotor and stator of the dynamoelectric machine tends to turn the stator and thus actuates the mechanical brake. A control system is arranged to control the current flow through the dynamoelectric machine and thereby control actuation of the brake. This allows a small dynamoelectric machine to effectively control a very large resistance. The dynamoelectric machine may also be used as a motor to drive the apparatus. Thus, the control system can actuate the dynamoelectric machine either to apply drag or to drive the apparatus thereby provided through constant speed operation.

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: 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: An exerciser in accordance with the present invention includes a load apparatus for applying load to pedaling of a user, pulse data detecting apparatus for detecting pulse data of the user, a card for storing optically readable individual data such as age and physical strength of the user, optical reading means for optically reading the individual data stored in the data card, and control means for controlling the magnitude of load applied by the load apparatus based on the read individual data and the detected pulse data.

Abstract: A load adjusting device for the ski stimulator, particularly to the magnetic load adjusting device which is mounted in the rear housing of the ski stimulator, commprises two guiding rollers installed on the front housing in front of the guiding track respectively, three timing wheels mounted in the same plane interconnected with a timing belt, a magnetic braking mechanism, a spindle, a hub member, a bearing and a one-way bearing. Wherein the guiding roller can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, and the timing wheels can only rotate one-way. The strap has at least one winding on the guiding roller to prevent any skip thereof.

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: An exerciser for exercising arms includes a frame assembly and an input mechanism which has a pull rope. The pull rope has a fixed end and a movable end connected to an arm exercising mechanism. A suspended pulley set includes a pulley seat on which an upper pulley and a lower pulley are mounted. The pull rope extends around the upper portion of the lower pulley, while a guide rope extends around the lower portion of the upper pulley. The guide rope is fixed on the frame assemby at an end thereof. When the pull rope is pulled, the suspended pulley set moves downward so as to rotate an intermediate drive wheel. An endless flexible driving element is trained between the intermediate drive wheel and a driven wheel so as to rotate the driven wheel. A resistance setting unit is disposed on the frame assembly and can be adjusted so that a generator unit creates a predetermined amount of electric current, thereby activating a magnetic controller to change magnetic resistance to the rotation of the driven wheel.

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 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: Muscular development of an athlete is achieved for increasing the starting acceleration and stroke speed when an athlete initiates a movement stroke such as a punch from a boxer's arm, throwing a baseball pitch or kicking a football, etc. by the means and method of this invention. Thus, the initial movement of the athlete is restrained with an external force of predetermined magnitude which is released in response to the athlete's movement overcoming the restraining force. Thus, those muscles are developed which are used in initiating motion so that they deliver greater initial acceleration to attain higher stroking speed which is converted to an impact blow of greater force. An exercise machine for such muscular training provides the initial but releasable restraining force by means of two separable magnetically attracted members having the predetermined initial force adjustably varied by introducing a variable air gap distance between the magnetically attracted members.

Abstract: An improved bicycle ergometer system is disclosed which reduces the limitation on the work input necessary to operate the device and, at the same time, accomplishes an increase in the relative amount of isotonic exercise provided by operation of the system. The system provides real-time auxiliary energy input control based on the instantaneous difference between the actual operator work rate and the intended work rate. The preferred embodiment includes a stationary bicycle frame having a pedal and crank assembly mechanically coupled to an output shaft. A clutch-connected, double-ended electric motor can be used to provide the rotational torque necessary to bring the output shaft up to a desired speed, if desired, prior to the onset of a physical output test. It can also control the intended work rate to a level of zero operator work rate input. In one embodiment, a flywheel is also mounted on the motor output shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a progressive accommodating resistance exercise device including a retractable cable, resistance means for providing a resistance force opposing extension of the cable such that the resistance force is a function of the speed of cable extension for all resistance forces having a magnitude greater than the fixed cable retraction force, and adjustment means for varying the relationship between the resistance force and the speed of cable extension for all resistance forces greater in magnitude that the fixed cable retraction force. Means are also disclosed for minimizing the likelihood of joint hyperextension during use.

Abstract: The present invention is an ergometer for isometrically exercising one or more leg muscles of a patient undergoing rehabilitation of the knee joint following knee ligament surgery. The ergometer has an upper leg restraint and a lower leg restraint which are positioned on the leg above and below the knee respectively. The leg restrains are maintained in a fixed position relative to the leg by a rigid crossbar and a bolster positioned behind the knee. Exercise of the hamstring or quadriceps muscles is performed by isometrically contracting the desired muscles while the knee is at an extension angle which does not stress the ligament under repair. Muscle contraction can be artifically induced by an electrical stimulator, which in concert with a closed-loop control system, effectively regulates the exercise level.

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.