# US 4,927,136 A · Braking system for exercise apparatus

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 4,927,136 A
- Document ID: US4927136A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 07/294,478
- Filed: 1989-01-06
- Granted: 1990-05-22
- Earliest claimed: 1989-01-06
- Assignees: Engineering Dynamics Corporation
- Inventors: John W. Leask
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4927136A

## CPC

- A63B 22/04: with movable {multiple} steps {, i.e. more than one step per limb, e.g. steps mounted on endless loops, endless ladders (steppers with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0048)}
- A63B 21/0056: {using electromagnetically-controlled friction, e.g. magnetic particle brakes}
- A63B 21/225: {with flywheels}
- Y10S 482/901: having computer circuitry
- Y10S 482/903: Utilizing electromagnetic force resistance
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)
- Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

## Abstract

An electromechanical and more particularly an electromagnetic brake is utilized in the control of exercise equipment including escalator type stair-climbing apparatus, in which electronically controllable torque, including a clamping torque, is applied to a rotary shaft to load the exercise equipment, thereby giving complete electronic control to the operation of the exercise apparatus including a safety locking function.

## Claims

### Claim 1

In combination with escalator type exercise apparatus including an inclined and hinged set of stairs, means for guiding movement of said stair down an incline, and means coupled to said stairs for limiting the movement thereof in a downward direction when an individual is standing on one of said stairs, said limiting means including electromagnetic braking means for controlling the movement of said stairs down said incline, said electromagnetic braking means including a shaft connected to said stairs, means for substantially locking said shaft and means actuatable by said individual for deactivating said locking means.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic braking means further includes means for applying electric power to said electromagnetic braking means in accordance with a predetermined exercise program.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic braking means includes magnetic particle brake means.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic braking means includes a hysteresis brake means.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic braking means includes alternator brake means.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic braking means includes eddy current brake means.

### Claim 7 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic braking means includes a speed-controlled motor.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic locking means is activated upon removal of power to said apparatus.

### Claim 9 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 and further including means associated with said means for applying electric power for smoothing changes in power to said electromagnetic braking means, thereby to cushion exercise changes for the individual using said exercise apparatus.

### Claim 10 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 and further including means for applying a predetermined amount of power to said electromagnetic braking means sufficient to provide a threshold braking torque to said stairs so as to limit the downward movement of said stairs for preventing a runaway condition.

### Claim 11 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic braking means further includes an output shaft, means for varying the electric power applied to said electromagnetic braking means to regulate the speed of movement of said stairs, a tachometer coupled to said shaft, and means for coupling the output of said tachometer as a feedback signal to said electric power varying means so as to establish a uniform speed of stair movement.

### Claim 12 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic braking means further includes means for ascertaining the speed of descent of said stairs, and wherein said means for immobilizing said stairs from movement is activated when the speed of said stairs exceeds a predetermined threshold.

### Claim 13 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said deactivating means further includes switch means located at said exercise apparatus at a position reachable only when said individual is standing on said stairs for defeating the immobilization of said stairs, whereby said deactivating means releases said immobilized stairs only when said individual is already positioned on said stairs.