Calibration of load indicator for ergometric exerciser

The method of calibration for effecting precise adjustment of the indicator pointer of a load indicator relative to the initial scale index thereof in an ergometric exerciser having support means for said load indicator, a pedal-actuated wheel freely rotatably mounted on said support means, brake means mounted on a frame resiliently biased on said support means for variable frictional engagement with said wheel for movement of said frame by forward rotation of the wheel to actuate said load indicator, including adjustable resistance control means for frictionally engaging said brake means with said wheel, and adjustable calibration means interposed between said frame and said support means, including a calibration screw, comprising the following steps:

• (1) suspending a weight by a cord from the forwardly disposed periphery of said wheel;
• (2) raising said weight until the same hangs freely by manually rotating said wheel backwards;
• (3) adjusting said resistance control means to just prevent said weight from turning said wheel;
• (4) manually rotating said wheel slightly forward, allowing slight slippage past said brake means;
• (5) rapping the side of said wheel briskly several times just behind said brake means, as with the handle of a screwdriver, and noting the reading of said load indicator;
• (6) slightly rotating said wheel backwards, without slippage of said brake means, and repeating step 5;
• (7) adjusting said calibration screw clockwise against the resilient biasing of the frame if the average reading of steps 5 and 6 is greater than the initial scale index 1, and counterclockwise if the average reading of steps 5 and 6 is less than said 1 on the scale index;
• and
• (8) repeating steps 4-7 until said pointer coincides precisely with said 1 on said scale index.