The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 01, 1997
Filed:
Mar. 06, 1996
Duane P Stark, Dana Point, CA (US);
Michael T Sweeney, Laguna Beach, CA (US);
James S Sweeney, Jr, Laguna Beach, CA (US);
Tectrix Fitness Equipment, Irvine, CA (US);
Abstract
A stationary exercise cycle is disclosed having a drive wheel which receives both user driving force and automatically controlled friction brake resistance, i.e., it is a single-stage device. Free-wheeling is provided between a user-driven shaft and the periphery of the drive wheel, which is braked by a friction belt. Automatic resistance control is provided by an electronic system, which receives actual load information from a load cell, and RPM information from a speed sensor. The friction belt is tightened or loosened by a motor-driven pulley, in response to signals indicating an 'error' between load command and actual load. The load information is accurately obtained by a pivoted member to which both ends of the friction belt are attached.