The Toro Company

Wetsled Enterprises, Inc.

Robert B Carlson

Fredrick D Wucherpfennig

Darrell W Hinklin

Fredrick D Wucherpfenning

Frederic D Wucherpfennig

Ronald J Olson

Frederick D Wucherpfennig

Internal combustion engine

Water sports board

Shoulder and arm exercise machine

Leg exercise machine

An improved electronic control system for an exercise machine of the type having electrically actuated brakes as the resistance force for the exercise. The accuracy of the system in terms of actual resistance force delivered by the machine compared with the user-selected value is improved through techniques for compensating for hysteresis effects in the brakes. When changing the output of the brakes on each half cycle of the exercise in accordance with user-selected values, the system compensates for hysteresis effects in the brake in responding to increased current, decreased current, or steady-state current conditions. A simple but effective system is provided to let the user select 'soft' limits for a particular range of motion of the exercise apparatus. The limits are in the form of an audible beep rather than a hard mechanical limit, and they are set as the system learns the desired range of motion from the user on a first cycle through the exercise.

Electronic control of resistance force for exercise machine

A leg exercise machine (10) for bilateral and unilateral leg exercising. Machine (10) preferably includes an electromagnetic brake unit (44) coupled to a side-mounted exercise arm (68) through a planetary drive assembly (51). A longitudinally-adjustable leg pad support (70) is slidably mounted on exercise arm (68). Leg pad support (70) can carry a long rod (78) suitable for supporting a pair of leg pad assemblies (84) or a short rod (93) suitable for carrying a single leg pad assembly (84), depending on whether bilateral or unilateral exercising, respectively, is desired. Rods (78, 93) are sufficiently long to allow for lateral play in the leg pad assemblies (84) relative to the exercise arm (68) so as to accommodate various hip widths and so as not to create a side load on the knees during flexion and extension.

An arm and shoulder exercise machine (20) including a base (22), a vertical rack (32) and resistance means (38) is disclosed herein. Resistance means (38) can be adjusted vertically and pivotally with respect to rack (32) using a unique rack-and-pinion system. A preferred machine (20) also includes an exercise arm (130) which carries a sliding or floating hand grip assembly (142). A preferred machine (20) further includes a pair of pivoting caster assemblies (50), each including a pair of casters (66) and a handle (54). In their raised positions, caster assemblies (50) are above feet (29); when the caster assemblies (50) are in their lowered positions casters (66) are below feet (29), thereby rendering machine (20) transportable.

An exercise machine (2) includes side frame members (6). Electromagnetic brakes (62) supported on movable carriages (66) slide along side frame members (6). Carriage (66) includes a hinge (100) for allowing each brake (62) to pivot between multiple positions. Both types of motion allow the output shafts (64) on brakes (62) to be reoriented relative to a support bench (20) on which a user of machine (2) is located. Various exercise attachments may be coupled to brake shafts (64) for contacting various body members to perform different exercises. A controller (200) regulates the force levels of brakes (62).

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Bloomington, MN, United States of America

Robert B Carlson