Computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitating apparatus with improved features
First Claim
1. In combination with an exercise apparatus having a linearly extendable and retractable tension transmitting device having a first end connected to one of a plurality of user preselected force application devices and a second end connected to a movement control means which regulates the extension and retraction of the tension transmitting device, said control means being operably connected to a force measuring device which determines the tension applied to said tension transmitting device and provides an electronic signal representing a determined tension to a control computer, the improvement comprises:
- means for initially calibrating said force measuring device before a user starts an exercise;
wherein said force measuring device is a load cell;
wherein said electronic signal is a load cell voltage output signal; and
wherein said initially calibrating means performing an initial calibration by taking at least two samples of said load cell voltage output signal before said user applies any force to said one user preselected force application device, said initially calibrating means comparing said samples of said load cell voltage output signal with the changing factor of said plurality of user preselected force application devices and the environmental factors to determine if said samples of said load cell voltage output signal are within a preselected error range, said initially calibrating means repeating said initial calibration if said samples of said load cell voltage output signal is outside said preselected error range.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus with improved features. The computerized exercise apparatus permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user where apparatus calibration is accurately determined before exercise to compensate for the user selected force application device, the push assembly, if used, and environmental factors; where hydraulic flow can be accurately controlled by use of an alternating current dither circuit; where multiple user force application devices, a push assembly, and a detachably connectable operator support are available for a myriad of exercises; and where the instantaneous forces measured during user exercise are displayed to the user in such a novel way so as to motivate the user to maximize their exercise efforts and thereby obtain increased personal benefit.
89 Citations
6 Claims
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1. In combination with an exercise apparatus having a linearly extendable and retractable tension transmitting device having a first end connected to one of a plurality of user preselected force application devices and a second end connected to a movement control means which regulates the extension and retraction of the tension transmitting device, said control means being operably connected to a force measuring device which determines the tension applied to said tension transmitting device and provides an electronic signal representing a determined tension to a control computer, the improvement comprises:
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means for initially calibrating said force measuring device before a user starts an exercise; wherein said force measuring device is a load cell; wherein said electronic signal is a load cell voltage output signal; and wherein said initially calibrating means performing an initial calibration by taking at least two samples of said load cell voltage output signal before said user applies any force to said one user preselected force application device, said initially calibrating means comparing said samples of said load cell voltage output signal with the changing factor of said plurality of user preselected force application devices and the environmental factors to determine if said samples of said load cell voltage output signal are within a preselected error range, said initially calibrating means repeating said initial calibration if said samples of said load cell voltage output signal is outside said preselected error range.
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2. In combination with an exercise apparatus having a linearly extendable and retractable tension transmitting device having a first end connected to a push assembly means which is connected to at least one of a plurality of user preselected force application devices and a second end connected to a movement control means which regulates the extension and retraction of the tension transmitting device, said control means being operably connected to a force measuring device which determines the tension applied to said tension transmitting device and provides an electronic signal representing a determined tension to a control computer, the improvement comprises:
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means for initially calibrating said force measuring device before a user starts an exercise; wherein said force measuring device is a load cell, wherein said electronic signal is a load cell voltage output signal, and wherein said initially calibrating means performing a initial calibration by taking at least two samples of said load cell voltage output signal before said user applies any force to said one user preselected force application device, said initially calibrating means comparing said samples of said load cell voltage output signal with the changing factor of said plurality of user preselected force application devices and the environmental factors to determine if said samples of said load cell voltage output signal are within a preselected error range, said initially calibrating means repeating said initial calibration if said samples of said load cell voltage output signal is outside said preselected error range.
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3. In combination with an exercise apparatus having a supporting structure and a linearly extendable and retractable tension transmitting device supported by said supporting structure, said linearly extendable and retractable tension transmitting device having a first end and a second end, said second end connected to a movement control means which regulates the extension and retraction of the tension transmitting device, said control means being operably connected to a force measuring device which determines the tension applied to said tension transmitting device and provides an electronic signal representing a determined tension to a control computer, the improvement comprises:
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(a.) means for initially calibrating said force measuring device before a user starts an exercise; and (b.) a push assembly, one end of said push assembly being pivotally connected to said supporting structure, the other end of said push assembly being connected to at least one of a plurality of user preselected force application device and said first end of said tension transmitting device; wherein said initially calibrating means performing a initial calibration by taking at least two samples of said electronic signal before said user applies any force to said one user preselected force application device, said initially calibrating means comparing said samples of said electronic signal with the changing factor of said plurality of user preselected force application devices and the environmental factors to determine if said samples of said electronic signal are within a preselected error range, said initially calibrating means repeating said initial calibration if said samples of said electronic signal is outside said preselected error range. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6)
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Specification