Other

Nicholas James Vailas

Virginia L Ross

Thomas V Moser

Andrew John Bolduc

The present invention utilizes a split hub assembly that provides the user two modes of operation, unipedal or bipedal. Unipedal mode is when each crank is functioning independent of the other thus forcing the user to work each leg differently yet simultaneously. Bipedal simulates the normal operation of a bicycle. In the preferred embodiment, each side of the invention (left and right side for left and right legs) has its own drive system. The split hub assembly is housed between each drive system, and by using an actuator, the drive systems can be connected to provide bipedal operation, or disconnected to provide unipedal operation. This allows each side, in unipedal mode, to vary its resistance without affecting the other side in order for a patient to exercise both legs separately and favor one with a different resistance to account for an injury or recovery from surgery. The friction brakes for each drive system are controlled by a microprocessor that turns the motors in the required direction for either increasing or decreasing the tension on the brake belt. The microprocessor monitors power and performance and regulates the resistance levels to deliver either isotonic or isokinetic resistance. The resistance in bipedal mode is varied in the same manner, but the resistance is equal on each leg.

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Bedford, NH, United States of America

Nicholas James Vailas