Motor control for an exercise machine simulating a weight stack
US5020794A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S482/903
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In an exercise machine where an electric motor is used to simulate a weight stack a more realistic feel plus stability of operation is achieved by compensating the torque output of the motor for the mechanical characteristics of the machine including inertia, friction and gravitational effects on the user interface. Also by controlling the motor so as to increase its output torque as a function of the displacement of the user interface, it is possible to produce a measure of the user's strength. A heavy negative feature which may be selected by the user is provided as well. The exercise machine additionally includes a computer control which allows a pyramid type exercise program to be implemented. The pyramid exercise program has a progressive phase in which the force opposing the user is increased from a starting level to a plateau level over a first group of repetitions; a plateau phase in which the force opposing the user is maintained constant over a second group of repetitions; and a regressive phase in which the force opposing the user is decreased from the plateau level to the starting level over a second group of repetitions. The exercise machine is capable of measuring the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.