Powered machine and control method

Abstract

An exercise system includes a motor, a chain having a first end connected to the motor, and a handle or seat connected to a second end of the chain, and a control system to obtain variable mechanical resistance with continuous variation. The system may enable unrestricted type of resistance, including adjustable ratios of concentric/eccentric power.

1 . An exercise system comprising:
 a motor;   a sprocket;   a belt transmission connecting the motor and the sprocket;   a control system for controlling the motor;   a chain having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the sprocket; and   a handle attached to the second end of the chain.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the control system comprises a controller and at least one of: a first sensor configured to measure handle force and a second sensor configured to measure sprocket velocity. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a foot pad;   a rail; and   a seat slidably engaged with the rail.   
     
     
         4 . The exercise system of  claim 3 , wherein the handle is releasably attached to the second end of the chain; and wherein the seat is configured to receive the second end of the chain. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover, wherein the cover at least partially encloses the motor, sprocket, and belt transmission. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to switch between a concentric phase and an eccentric phase. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to provide dynamic variable resistance. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , further comprising a display unit comprising a processor, a display, and a user interface. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the resistance depending on a probability of injury at different handle positions. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the control system comprises an impedance controller. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise system comprising:
 a motor;   a sprocket;   a belt transmission connecting the motor and the sprocket;   a control system for controlling the motor;   a chain having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the sprocket;   a seat attached to the second end of the chain;   a rail; and   a foot pad;   wherein the seat is slidably engaged with the rail.   
     
     
         12 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 at least one roller between the seat and the rail.   
     
     
         13 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a handle;   wherein the seat is releasably attached to the second end of the chain; and   wherein the handle is configured to receive the second end of the chain.   
     
     
         14 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , further comprising a cover, wherein the cover at least partially encloses the motor, sprocket, and belt transmission. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the control system is configured to switch between a concentric phase and an eccentric phase. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the control system is configured to provide dynamic variable resistance. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , further comprising a display unit comprising a processor, a display, and a user interface. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the resistance depending on a probability of injury at different handle positions. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the control system comprises an impedance controller. 
     
     
         20 . A method for retrofitting an exercise machine, the method comprising:
 removing a flywheel; and   providing a motor and a control system.