Eccentrically loaded computerized positive/negative exercise machine

An eccentrically loaded computerized exercise apparatus for providing a variable powering and resistive forces to provide positive and negative exercises in exercising a specific body part of a user for muscular development, comprising:

• a moveable user interface device (UID) for engaging the specific body part of the user, said UID including a rigid frame to provide isolation of a user specific muscle;
• a motor for generating a motor torque;
• a torque coupler coupled to said motor for regulating an amount of said motor torque coupled as an output torque from said torque coupler, and for selectively providing the resistive force to said UID in opposition to a contracting muscle of said body part of the user and selectively applying the powering force to said contracted muscle of said body part of the user;
• mechanical coupling means coupled to said torque coupler and to said UID for mechanically transferring said resistive and powering forces between said UID and said torque coupler;
• a processor for controlling operation of said motor, said processor coupled to provide a torque control signal for controlling a motor current supplied to said motor, wherein said motor torque generated by said motor is a function of said motor current;
• said processor also coupled to provide a torque coupler control signal for controlling a coil current supplied to said torque coupler, wherein said coil current regulates said amount of motor torque coupled through said torque coupler to said mechanical coupling means;
• a memory coupled to said processor for storing information used by said processor to control the operation of said driving means and said torque coupling means;
• user interface means coupled to said UID for coupling information between said processor and said UID;
• a position sensor coupled to said UID and said processor for providing said processor with UID direction and position information throughout said UID's range of motion;
• a force sensor coupled to said UID for determining amount of force applied between said UID and said user and providing said force information to said processor.