An exercising device comprising a computer associated with a plurality of actuating arms pivotally mounted on a chair frame, movement of each actuating arm being resisted by a double acting hydraulic cylinder. Position and pressure sensors associated with each of the hydraulic cylinders, and each of the actuating arms deliver signals through the microprocessor of a computer for indicating power or work exerted by the user for moving each actuating arm. A selector valve is connected to each double acting cylinder and is connected to a control valve to permit independent adjustment of the resistance to movement of the piston of a selected cylinder in opposite directions. The cylinders which are not selected on the selector valve are locked to prevent movement of the actuating arm associated therewith.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending U.S. application Ser. No. 06/495,806, filed May 18, 1983, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,691, entitled COMPUTERIZED EXERCISING DEVICE which was a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 285,287, filed Jul. 20, 1981, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,412 which issued May 15, 1984, which was a division of Ser. No. 12,874, filed Feb. 16, 1979, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,787 which issued Sept. 29, 1981.
An exercise apparatus is used for leg exercises, and particularly for exercising the muscles used in ice skating. The apparatus has a frame with two four bar linkages arranged side by side. Each linkage carries a foot pad. A resistance unit is attached to each linkage to resist movement of the linkage in both directions. The resistance unit is preferably a double acting hydraulic cylinder connected to variable flow control valves to vary the resistance to linkage movement.
A kinesthetic diagnostic and rehabilitation device enables the user to measure the extent of kinesthetic impairment resulting from a bodily injury, particularly an injury to the lower limbs, and also enables the user to rehabilitate the injury. The device is provided with a rigid platform resting atop an unstable support. The ability of the patient to maintain a fixed position on the platform as a function of the instability of the support enables quantification of the patient's kinesthetic impairment. The device further provides rehabilitative exercise.
The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a main support structure; securing assembly for securing the main support structure in an exercise position desired by a user; a shaft having a cable end and a handle end, the shaft being received by the main support structure and moveable therein, the cable end and the handle end extending from the main support structure; controlling assembly for controlling movement of the shaft within the main support structure; a handle detachably connected to shaft handle end; and detachably connecting assembly for detachably connecting the shaft cable end to the tension transmitting device of an exercise apparatus. Preferably, the user force application device of this second embodiment is attachable to the securable "U"-shaped push assembly of the apparatus. Handle grips of different size and shape can be provided which can easily be attached to the handle end of the shaft. A cam follower in a helix are employed to restrict the push/pull and rotational movement of the shaft. The user force application device allows a user to perform various combinations of multiplaner movements of the joints from the shoulder to the fingers.
Exercise equipment having a reciprocating extendible and retractible tension transmitting device is equipped with a control which restricts the extension to a constant velocity and impose a compulsory constant velocity retraction. The control may be hydraulic or electrical and may be a linear actuator. Transducers, and/or a load cell connected to the apparatus produce signals representing the performance of the user. These signals are processed by a control computer which produces control signals. The computer may also produce signals representing the user's previous performance for display and storage. The display may be an audiovisual display presenting animated graphics representing the user's present exercise performance as compared with the user's previous performance. The display also provides incentive, reinforcement, and motivation based upon the utilization of the comparative performance data. A sound generation system generates encouraging spoken remarks and provides background music.
An abdomen exerciser includes two three-end links respectively pivoted to two curved supports on a base frame at opposite sides to hold two leg presses, two sets of weights, and a back cushion. The sets of weights automatically turn the three-end links on the curved supports in lifting the back cushion from a horizontal position to a vertical position as the player bends the trunk upwards, or give a pressure to the player's back as the player lies down. Either leg press can be turned into the operative position for hanging the respective leg in raising the player's center of gravity.
