Apparatus and System for a Resistance Training System

Abstract

An apparatus and a system include an electrically controlled motor comprising an output shaft, at least one winding and a rotor for exerting torque on the output shaft. An encoder senses and outputs a rotational position of the output shaft. A pulley is joined to the output shaft for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion. A cable is joined to the pulley where at least a portion of the cable is wound about the pulley. The cable is configured for joining to a resistance training system to provide a force element. A controller is in communication with the electrically controlled motor and the encoder for controlling the electrically controlled motor to exert a predetermined torque during motion of the cable in conjunction with operation of the resistance training system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 an output shaft;   means for exerting torque on said output shaft;   means for sensing and for outputting a rotational position of said output shaft;   means for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion;   means for joining to a resistance training system to provide a force element; and   means, in communication with said exerting means and said sensing means, for controlling said exerting means to exert a predetermined torque during motion of said joining means in conjunction with operation of the resistance training system.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for enabling user setting of at least a value corresponding to said predetermined torque. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for mitigating vibration. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for supporting said output shaft. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for enabling said joining means to be pulled in a plurality of directions relative to said converting means. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus comprising:
 an electrically controlled motor comprising an output shaft, at least one winding and a rotor for exerting torque on said output shaft;   an encoder for sensing and for outputting a rotational position of said output shaft;   a pulley joined to said output shaft for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion;   a cable joined to said pulley where at least a portion of said cable is wound about said pulley, said cable being configured for joining to a resistance training system to provide a force element; and   a controller in communication with said electrically controlled motor and said encoder for controlling said electrically controlled motor to exert a predetermined torque during motion of said cable in conjunction with operation of the resistance training system.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising a user interface for enabling user setting of at least a value corresponding to said predetermined torque. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising a flex coupling joining said pulley to said output shaft for mitigating vibration. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising at least one grounded bearing for supporting said output shaft. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising a first pair of parallel rollers having a first space between said rollers, and a second pair of parallel rollers having a second space between the rollers, said second pair of parallel rollers being positioned perpendicular to said first pair of parallel rollers where an intersection of said first space and said second space produces a third space through which said cable passes for enabling said cable to be pulled in a plurality of directions relative to said pulley. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the controller communicates an electrical current profile to said electrically controlled motor for electrically controlled motor to exert said predetermined torque. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said electrical current profile is at least, in part, determined by said rotor position relative to said winding and a level of current applied to said electrically controlled motor. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said current profile represents a type of said force element. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 13 , wherein types of said force element comprise linear and non-linear forces. 
     
     
         15 . A system comprising:
 an output shaft;   means for exerting torque on said output shaft;   means for sensing and for outputting a rotational position of said output shaft;   means for transferring a force element to a user engaging in resistance training using the system; and   means, in communication with said exerting means and said sensing means, for controlling exerting means to exert a predetermined torque during user operation of the system for resistance training.   
     
     
         16 . The system as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising:
 means for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion; and   means for joining said transferring means to said output shaft.   
     
     
         17 . The system as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising means for enabling user setting of at least a value corresponding to said predetermined torque. 
     
     
         18 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising means for mitigating vibration. 
     
     
         19 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising means for enabling said joining means to be pulled in a plurality of directions. 
     
     
         20 . A system comprising:
 an output shaft;   an electrically controlled motor for exerting torque on said output shaft;   an encoder for sensing and for outputting a rotational position of said output shaft;   a handle joined to said output shaft for transferring a force element to a user engaging in resistance training using the system; and   a controller in communication with said electrically controlled motor and said encoder for controlling said electrically controlled motor to exert a predetermined torque during user operation of the system for resistance training.   
     
     
         21 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising:
 a pulley joined to said output shaft for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion; and   a cable joined to said pulley, said pulley and said cable being configured for joining said handle to said output shaft.   
     
     
         22 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , further comprising a user interface for enabling user setting of at least a value corresponding to said predetermined torque. 
     
     
         23 . The system as recited in  claim 21 , further comprising a flex coupling joining said pulley to said output shaft for mitigating vibration. 
     
     
         24 . The system as recited in  claim 21 , further comprising a first pair of parallel rollers having a first space between said rollers, and a second pair of parallel rollers having a second space between the rollers, said second pair of parallel rollers being positioned perpendicular to said first pair of parallel rollers where an intersection of said first space and said second space produces a third space through which said cable passes for enabling said cable to be pulled in a plurality of directions relative to said pulley. 
     
     
         25 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the controller communicates an electrical current profile to said electrically controlled motor for said predetermined torque. 
     
     
         26 . The system as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said electrical current profile represents a type of said force element. 
     
     
         27 . The system as recited in  claim 26 , wherein types of said force element comprise linear and non-linear forces. 
     
     
         28 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said user interface displays to said user an amount of calories burned by said user. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 20 , wherein absent a user applied force to said handle, said controller stops said electrically controlled motor. 
     
     
         30 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , wherein a rotational speed of said electrically controlled motor above a predetermined level initiates a modification of said electrical current profile to mitigate user injury.