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A variable resistance exercise device provides a variable resisting force in response to a user applied force. The variable resistance exercise device includes at least one rotating force transmitting means for inputting a user applied force as a rotational force to be resisted, and at least one for

A variable resistance exercise device provides a variable resisting force in response to a user applied force. The variable resistance exercise device includes at least one rotating force transmitting means for inputting a user applied force as a rotational force to be resisted, and at least one force transmission member for transmitting the user applied force. The user applied force is resisted by varying the viscosity of a viscosity variable fluid which surround plates rotated by the user applied force. Thus a braking force is applied to actively resist the user applied force. In accordance with the invention, a multi-configurable multi-programmable exercise device is provided which may be used in a variety of exercise modes to provide a resistive force to a user-applied force during a range of motion of a particular exercise. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a variable resistance means resists a user-supplied force in one rotational direction only. A gear and clutch system translates a reciprocating user-supplied force, corresponding to a reciprocating range of motion, into the one rotational direction.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An exercise resistance device of a type that provides resistance to movement of an operator member subject to a user supplied force, comprising; a movable member mounted on a rotatable shaft and hearing a first electrode surface; a container bearing a second electrode surface, where

[ I claim:] [1.] An exercise resistance device of a type that provides resistance to movement of an operator member subject to a user supplied force, comprising; a movable member mounted on a rotatable shaft and hearing a first electrode surface; a container bearing a second electrode surface, wherein said movable member is disposed within said containers, and said first electrode surface and said second electrode surface define a gap therebetween, and movement of the operator member causes rotational movement of said first electrode surface relative to said second electrode surface; an electrorheological fluid disposed within said gap and having a viscosity that varies as a function of electrical potential applied across said fluid, wherein said fluid provides resistance to rotational movement of said first electrode surface relative to said second electrode surface as a function of said viscosity; an applying means for applying an electric potential to said first electrode surface and said second electrode surface; said exercise resistance device further comprising an electrical generator connected to said applying means and said rotatable shaft in such a manner that movement of the operator member generates an electric potential that is available for application to said first electrode surface and said second electrode surface.