초록 ▼

An exercise machine is described which is entirely self-contained without any source of outside power. A rechargeable battery is used to maintain the exercise system operative for a time-out period. At all other times the machine is powered by the user. The machine is compact, light, rigid and sized

An exercise machine is described which is entirely self-contained without any source of outside power. A rechargeable battery is used to maintain the exercise system operative for a time-out period. At all other times the machine is powered by the user. The machine is compact, light, rigid and sized to fit through a standard doorway. The entire exercise machine is provided with a wrap-around handrail into which a display input/output unit has been integrally provided. The exercise machine or stepper utilizes a dynamically controllable load or alternator which is controlled by a computer circuit to maintain the power input into the exercise machine or to maintain metabolically energy consumption rate within a user of the exercise machine at a predetermined, approximately constant level, regardless of the speed of stepping or the actual or effective weight of the user. The alternator is dynamically controlled by pulse width modulating its field coils. The power output by the generator is sensed by monitoring the alternator's output current and voltage. Additional load control is achieved by dissipating part of the alternator current in a dissipative load when the alternator voltage reaches a predetermined maximum set point.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An exercise machine for providing power controlled exercise for a user comprising:an exercise input unit to transform human exercise into a predetermined motive force;a controllable load driven by said predetermined motive force; said controllable load comprises a means for generat

[ We claim:] [1.] An exercise machine for providing power controlled exercise for a user comprising:an exercise input unit to transform human exercise into a predetermined motive force;a controllable load driven by said predetermined motive force; said controllable load comprises a means for generating electrical power and a variable dissipative electrical load coupled to said means for generating electrical power;a sensing circuit for sensing power coupled into said load through said exercise input unit; anda control circuit for controlling said controllable load to require a user selected amount of power to be provided to said exercise input unit by said user,whereby said exercise machine operates to provide a substantially constant and quantifiable energy rate of exercise.