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US 10,369,449 B2Granted
Braking systems for exercise machines
AssigneeTrue Fitness Technology, Inc.
InventorTom Russo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for using an active braking mechanism to halt the motion of a treadmill belt, or other exercise machine system, when the engine ceases driving it and to hold the belt, or system, after the brake is engaged. The types of braking systems will generally utilize at least one but often two or more forms of electrical braking. Frictional braking systems may also be present, but the electrical braking systems will generally be primarily responsible for braking the belt at high inclines.
Claims20
A method for braking moving components of an exercise machine, the method comprising:
- providing a treadmill including:
- a treadbase including an endless belt thereon;
- an alternating current (AC) motor for rotating said endless belt about said treadbase;
- and
- a direct current (DC) charger, electrically connected to said AC motor;
- supplying said treadmill with alternating current (AC) electricity;
- operating said AC motor with said AC electricity;
- charging said DC charger with said AC electricity;
- and
- removing said AC electricity from said treadmill;
- wherein said removing causes said motor to stop operating and said DC charger to inject direct current (DC) electricity into said AC motor.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.