Programmable exercise system
OwnerKent B. Fulksinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A physical training apparatus having at least one load member for engagement with and movement by an individual throughout a predetermined range of movement. A variable clutch device selectively applies torque from a motor to the load member. A load, having a magnitude which corresponds with the magnitude of torque applied to the load member, is applied to the individual by the load member. A sensor detects the position and direction of movement of the load member. A digital processor, connected to the sensor, controls the magnitude of torque applied to the load member by the clutch as a function of the location and direction of movement of the load member relative to the predetermined range of movement.
Claims16
An exerciser comprising:
- at least one load member having a predetermined range of movement through a positive stroke and a negative stroke for producing a load throughout the predetermined range of movement in response to the application of torque thereto;
- an electromechanical meter for providing a torque throughout the period during which the exerciser is in use;
- variable torque means for selectively applying the torque provided by said motor to said load member, said variable torque means including an adjustable clutch for receiving the torque from said motor and for selectively varying the magnitude of the torque applied to said load member throughout the positive stroke and the negative stroke of the load member;
- sensor means for detecting the location and direction of movement of said load member relative to the predetermined range of movement;
- and
- programmable means operatively connected to said clutch and said sensing means for controlling the magnitude of the torque applied to said load member by said clutch as a function of the location and direction of movement of said load members.
A physical training apparatus comprising:
- an electromechanical motor for providing torque throughout the period during which the apparatus is in use;
- a plurality of load members, each such load member for producing a load throughout a positive stroke and a negative stroke of a predetermined range of movement in response to the application of torque thereto;
- a transmission for transmitting and appJying the torque from said motor to said load member, said transmission including an adjustable clutch for receiving torque from said motor and selectively varying the torque transmitted to said load member by said transmission throughout the positive stroke and the negative stroke of the load member;
- a sensor for detecting the location and direction of movement of said load member relative to said predetermined range of movement;
- and
- a programmable digital processor operatively connected to said clutch and said sensor for varying the torque transmitted to said load member by said transmission as a function of the location and direction of movement of said load member relative to the predetermined range of movement.
A method for controlling the load applied by an exercising apparatus comprising:
- providing an electromechanical motor for supplying a torque throughout the period during which the exercising apparatus is in use;
- providing an adjustable clutch for receiving and selectively transmitting said torque from said motor within a predetermined range;
- transmitting said torque in the form of a load to a portion of an individual throughout a predetermined range of movement including a positive stroke and a negative stroke;
- detecting the location and direction of movement of the portion of the individual relative to the predetermined range of movement;
- producing an electrical signal representing the location and direction of movement of the portion of the individual relative to the predetermined range of movement;
- processing said electrical signal in accordance with an algorithm to formulate an electrical output signal, said output signal representing the degree of variance of the load which is necessary to substantially compensate for changes in muscle leverage of the individual throughout the predetermined range of movement;
- and
- adjusting said clutch in response to said output signal to vary the load applied to the individual throughout the positive stroke and negative stroke of movement in response to said output signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.