Jan Edwin Miller

US Patent:

52306720, Jul 27, 1993

Filed:

Mar 13, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/668588

Inventors:

Michael L. Brown - Jeffersonville IN
Michael R. Starcher - Louisville KY
Jan W. Miller - Louisville KY
Dean M. Zigoris - Louisville KY

Assignee:

Motivator, Inc. - Louisville KY

International Classification:

A63B 2400

US Classification:

482 4

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.

US Patent:

53622987, Nov 8, 1994

Filed:

Jul 26, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/097762

Inventors:

Michael L. Brown - Jeffersonville IN
Jan W. Miller - Louisville KY
Wilbur W. Spatig - Sellersburg IN
Dean M. Zigoris - Louisville KY

Assignee:

Motivator, Inc. - Louisville KY

International Classification:

A63B 2100
A63B10300

US Classification:

482137

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a main support structure; securing assembly for securing the main support structure in an exercise position desired by a user; a shaft having a cable end and a handle end, the shaft being received by the main support structure and moveable therein, the cable end and the handle end extending from the main support structure; controlling assembly for controlling movement of the shaft within the main support structure; a handle detachably connected to shaft handle end; and detachably connecting assembly for detachably connecting the shaft cable end to the tension transmitting device of an exercise apparatus. Preferably, the user force application device of this second embodiment is attachable to the securable "U"-shaped push assembly of the apparatus. Handle grips of different size and shape can be provided which can easily be attached to the handle end of the shaft.

US Patent:

54074029, Apr 18, 1995

Filed:

Jul 26, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/097441

Inventors:

Michael L. Brown - Jeffersonville IN
Michael R. Starcher - Louisville KY
Jan W. Miller - Louisville KY
Dean M. Zigoris - Louisville KY

Assignee:

Motivator, Inc. - Louisville KY

International Classification:

A63B 2400

US Classification:

482 4

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.

US Patent:

49194186, Apr 24, 1990

Filed:

Apr 24, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/342015

Inventors:

Jan W. Miller - Louisville KY

International Classification:

A63B 2124

US Classification:

272129

Abstract:

Exercise equipment having a reciprocating extendible and retractible tension transmitting device is equipped with a control which restricts the extension to a constant velocity and impose a compulsory constant velocity retraction. The control may be hydraulic or electrical and may be a linear actuator. Transducers, and/or a load cell connected to the apparatus produce signals representing the performance of the user. These signals are processed by a control computer which produces control signals. The computer may also produce signals representing the user's previous performance for display and storage. The display may be an audiovisual display presenting animated graphics representing the user's present exercise performance as compared with the user's previous performance. The display also provides incentive, reinforcement, and motivation based upon the utilization of the comparative performance data. A sound generation system generates encouraging spoken remarks and provides background music.

US Patent:

52540669, Oct 19, 1993

Filed:

Sep 24, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/765026

Inventors:

Michael L. Brown - Jeffersonville IN
Jan W. Miller - Louisville KY
Wilbur W. Spatig - Sellersburg IN
Dean M. Zigoris - Louisville KY

Assignee:

Motivator, Inc. - Louisville KY

International Classification:

A63B 2100
A63B10300

US Classification:

482137

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a hollow outer cylinder, an inner cylinder inserted into the hollow outer cylinder and in co-axial alignment therewith, the inner cylinder being freely rotatable around its axis and freely slidable within the hollow outer cylinder along its axis. Grips of different size and shape can be provided which can easily be attached to the inner cylinder. The movement of the inner cylinder inside the hollow outer cylinder can be restricted. By attaching a larger cylinder to the inner cylinder and in co-axial alignment with it, rotational resistance can be provided. The user force application device can be secured to the exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus.