Virginia A Ross

US Patent:

62349392, May 22, 2001

Filed:

Jan 25, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/591801

Inventors:

Thomas V. Moser - Bedford NH
Nicholas James Vailas - Bedford NH
Virginia L. Ross - Greenland NH
Andrew John Bolduc - Methuen MA

International Classification:

A63B 2206
A63B 2100

US Classification:

482 63

Abstract:

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.