Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing variable resistance in connection with exercise equipment uses vertically oriented weight plates that rare in a side-by-side arrangement and are selected by selectors in a selector assembly. A set of actuators are controlled by a computer processor and force the selectors into positions that engage and disengage with a corresponding set of weights. The computer is connected to a user interface that accepts input from a user and instructs the computer to adjust the amount of weight using the actuators and the corresponding selectors. The computer is also in communication with sensors that indicate whether the weights have been lifted successfully and automatically select a lower weight when the weights are not lifted successfully.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/856,880 filed on Sep. 18, 2007, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,725, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/688,251 which was filed on Oct. 17, 2003. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to variable resistance systems, and more particularly, to an automatically adjustable system that is useful in providing variable resistance in exercise equipment. 
         [0006]    2. Related Art 
         [0007]    It is known that, for maximum benefit, an athlete in training must push himself to his maximum strength limits. This is difficult to achieve with conventional weight training equipment such as a bench press machine or other general purpose or special purpose machines since generally the athlete has heretofore stopped exercising when he reaches his first point of momentary muscular failure (MMF). At that point, the athlete must either personally change the weight on the machine he is using, or a second person must change the weight for him so that the athlete can continue using the machine. This either unnecessarily interrupts the exercise, or requires the continual presence of a second, non-exercising partner. If the athlete were able to experience multiple MMF&#39;s during any one set of specific exercise, he would eventually reach his absolute fatigue point (AFP). However, with conventional exercise equipment, the AFP is extremely difficult or impossible to reach due to the drawbacks described above. 
         [0008]    Consider the case of an athlete lifting 120 pounds while doing bench presses. In this exercise, direct resistance is placed upon pectoral major and anterior deltoids. Soon, for example after only ten complete repetitions, this athlete is no longer able to complete another repetition. As a direct result, he stops exercising, even though he would be able to continue exercising at a lower weight amount, and ultimately reach his AFP. 
         [0009]    Weight stacks of conventional exercise machines generally include a number of identical weight plates, or optionally include some smaller weights of a second value at the top of a stack, or which can be manually connected to the weight stack. Changing the weight resistance automatically in such a system can be complicated and expensive. For example, one possible approach is to provide individual automatically actuable selector pins for each plate that can be chosen as needed to choose the desired weight for the stack at that point in the exercise. Alternatively, a movable pin or pins can travel along the weight stack to the desired position for selecting the proper resistance. An exercise machine described in coassigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/688,251, the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference, utilizes actuators to select vertically oriented weight plates by pressing a tang into a recess. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention provides a variable resistance system for an exercise machine that permits and controls the automated changing of weight resistance without interrupting the exercise of the machine&#39;s user. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanism that selects the weights to be lifted is not in physical contact with the mechanism that actuates the selector mechanism. A system for providing variable resistance to exercise equipment has hooks that engage various weight plates. The hooks are actuated to engage or disengage such weight plates by using magnets, thereby avoiding direct physical contact between the selecting mechanism, which moves with the selected weight plates, and the actuating mechanism, which is electrically connected to a controller. In one embodiment a user interface console provides multiple options to a user and directs the controller to automatically cause the weight lifted to increase or decrease based on multiple factors. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, in furtherance of the above advantages and goals, the invention is, briefly a variable resistance system comprising a resistance providing member, an actuator, and a selector assembly, wherein the actuator actuates the selector assembly to selectively engage or disengage the resistance providing member by applying a force on the selector assembly or by removing a force from the selector assembly. According to the invention, movement of the selector assembly is dissociated from the position of actuator. 
         [0012]    Furthermore the invention provides for a method of providing variable resistance comprising the steps of providing a plurality of resistance providing members, defining a successful repetition as characterized by satisfying a criteria, selecting a first set of resistance providing members having a first total resistance, and selecting a second set of resistance providing members having a second total resistance after a repetition that does not satisfying the criteria, wherein the second total resistance is less than the first total resistance. 
         [0013]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a back perspective view of an exercise machine having a variable resistance system constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the exercise machine of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of a weight stack for a variable resistance system constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of one type of weight from the weight stack of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of another type of weight from the weight stack of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a weight hook of the variable resistance system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the weight hook of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of a weight selector hook assembly constructed in accordance with the system of  FIG. 1 , for engaging and lifting a weight of the system via a weight hook of the type illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7B  is an enlarged view of the magnet portion of the weight selector hook assembly of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the weight selector assembly of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a partial, enlarged perspective view of a portion of the weight selector hook assembly of  FIG. 8  in position within the housing of the system and showing a portion of the lift plate and actuators. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is another partial, enlarged perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 8  at a different position within the housing of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective view of the optical sensor and slotted disk assembly of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the machine of  FIG. 1  with the rear plate of the housing removed to illustrate the weight stack with some weights selected and in the raised position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13A  is an exploded schematic view of the hook actuator assembly of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 13B  is plan view of the hook actuator assembly of  FIG. 13A  in assembled position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13C  is a sectional view of the hook actuator assembly of  FIG. 13B . 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the electronic control panel of the system of  FIG. 1 , with the protective panel removed. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the user interface console of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating logic at the introduction screen of a user interface console. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating logic used by a user interface console when reading a memory card. 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating logic used by a user interface console when configuring exercise parameters, particularly starting weight. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a flowchart illustrating logic used by a user interface console when configuring exercise parameters, particularly intensity level. 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart illustrating logic used by a user interface console during exercise under an automatic weight change setting. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating logic used by a user interface console during exercise under a manual weight change setting. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  is a diagram illustrating the connection of a user interface console with a computer and a database. 
       
    
    
       [0041]    Throughout the figures like parts are indicated by like element numbers. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0043]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exercise machine, generally designated  10 , is provided with a variable resistance system  12 . Variable resistance system  12  of the present invention is designed for use in connection with numerous types of exercise machines  10 , both known and those that may yet be developed. For example,  FIGS. 1 and 2  show a conventional exercise machine  10  for a bicep curl having a manually operable member  14  that a user grasps and moves against resistance. Although the variable resistance system  12  of the present invention is only shown as used with an exercise machine  10  for “bicep curl” exercises, variable resistance system  12  can be used to provide resistance for many types of exercise machines  10 , which are utilized for many different types of exercises, including, for example, bench press, butterfly, cable cross over, lateral pull down, pull-up/dip assist, abdominal crunch, leg press, leg extension and squat type machines. These examples are provided for illustration purposes and are not intended to be limiting; variable resistance system  12  of the present invention can be used to provide resistance for virtually any type of exercise. Furthermore, variable resistance system  12  can be used to retrofit exercise machines  10  that originally used other sources of resistance, or can alternatively be built directly into new exercise machines  10 . 
         [0044]    According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, variable resistance system  12  includes a series of vertically oriented weight plates  16  (illustrated individually in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ), which are best shown in  FIG. 3  as being disposed in variable resistance system  12  side-by-side, as if “stacked” horizontally relative to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to vertically oriented weights, and may be used with other forms of resistance providing members such as, by way of example, horizontally oriented weights, springs and elastic bands. Preferably, weight plates  16  have a weight hook  18  fixed to an upper portion of each weight plate  16 . Weight hooks  18  may be fixed to weight plates  16  by various means such as, for example, screws.  FIGS. 5 and 6  show a weight hook  18  detached from a weight plate  16  and in detail. Each weight hook  18  preferably has a downward facing hook portion  20  on each end. 
         [0045]    Weight hooks  18  are selectively engaged by selector hook assemblies  22 ; one such selector hook assembly  22  is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Selector hook assembly  22  preferably comprises a first selector hook  24 , a crossbar  28  and a second selector hook  26 . Each selector hook  24 ,  26  preferably has a bearing  30  passing through it, where a bearing  30  is above the relevant connection with the crossbar  28  in the first selector hook  24  and below the connection with the crossbar  28  in the second selector hook  26 . First selector hook  24  preferably has a selector magnet  32  fixed to its outer edge below the connection to crossbar  28 . 
         [0046]    Multiple selector hook assemblies  22  are preferably attached to a lift plate  34 , as best shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . Pairs of brackets  36  are preferably mounted on the lift plate  34  and have two shafts fixed between them, which respectively pass through the bearings  30  on the first and second selector hooks  24 ,  26  of each selector hook assembly  22 . According to the preferred embodiment, each pair of brackets  36  may support only one selector hook assembly  22 , or may support multiple selector hook assemblies  22 . If a single pair of brackets  36  supports multiple selector hook assemblies  22 , spacers  38  may be necessary to properly position the respective selector hook assemblies  22 , horizontally, relative to adjacent assemblies  22 . 
         [0047]    In operation of the preferred embodiment, one selector hook assembly  22  is provided for each weight plate  16 , and the selector hook assemblies  22  selectively engage weight hooks  18 . One actuator magnet  40  is preferably provided for each selector hook assembly  22 , and each selector hook assembly  22  is preferably actuated by its respective actuator magnet  40 . Actuator magnets  40  are preferably physically separate from lift plate  34  selector hook assemblies  22 , and are discussed in greater detail below. The use of magnetic forces to actuate selector hook assembly  22  permits movement of selector hook assembly  22  to be dissociated from the position of an actuator assembly  80 , which is discussed in detail below, which means that selector hook assembly  22  can freely move up and down without actuator assembly  80  moving with it, and without the need for physical components linking actuator assembly  80  with selector hook assembly  22 . 
         [0048]    Considering a single selector hook assembly  22  formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment, when an actuator magnet  40  does not exert an attractive force on its respective selector magnet  24 , or alternatively when an actuator magnet  40  exerts a repulsive force on its respective selector magnet  24 , the first and second selector hooks  24 ,  26  are drawn towards their respective weight hook  18  by gravity and/or the repulsive force of the actuator magnet  40 , such that when selector hook assembly  22  is drawn upward by lift plate  34 , selector hooks  24 ,  26  will engage their respective weight hook  18 , pulling it upward as well, together with their respective weight plate  16 . 
         [0049]    Conversely, when actuator magnet  40  exerts an attractive force on selector magnet  32  the bottom portion of the first selector hook  24  is preferably drawn away from its respective weight hook  18 . Considering the configuration and orientation of selector assembly  22  presented in  FIGS. 7 and 7A , and considering that both selector hooks  24 ,  26  rotate about their respective bearing  30 , when the bottom portion of first selector hook  24  is pulled away from the respective weight hook  18 , which is towards the left in  FIG. 7 , the crossbar  28  is also pulled towards the left, which results in a counterclockwise rotation of the second selector hook  26  about its bearing  30 , thereby drawing the bottom portion of the second selector hook  26  away from the respective weight hook  28  as well. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown, when actuator magnet  40  exerts an attractive force on selector magnet  32 , both selector hooks  24 ,  26  are preferably drawn away from their respective weight hook  18 , such that when selector hook assembly  22  is drawn upward, together with lift plate  34 , selector hooks  24 ,  26  will not engage their respective weight hook  18 , and the respective weight plate  16  will not be pulled upward (as a portion of the weight resistance) with lift plate  34 . In this manner, the mechanism for selecting weight plates to be lifted in the preferred embodiment requires neither springs nor pins. 
         [0050]    According to the preferred embodiment, when lift plate  34  is lowered and nears its lowest position (the “home” position discussed below), the outer surface of each selector hook  24 ,  26  will tend to slide over the outer surface of each weight hook  18  because both surfaces are provided at an angle tending to press the selector hooks  24 ,  26  outward. However, once the tip of the selector hook  24   b ,  26   b  passes below the tip of the weight hook  18   b , the selector hooks  24 ,  26  will fall back inward, unless acted on by an attractive force between selector magnet  32  and actuator magnet  40  so as to prevent engagement of weight hook  18  by selector hooks  24 ,  26 , as discussed above. Once selector hooks  24 ,  26  have fallen back inward, when lift plate  34  is raised the inner surface of selector hooks  24 ,  26  will engage inner surface of weight hooks. 
         [0051]    Thus, the inner angle α of selector hooks  24 ,  26  (shown in  FIG. 7A ) and the inner angle γ of weight hooks  18  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) are preferably selected such that the engagement of selector hooks  24 ,  26  and weight hooks  18  is secured by the weight of weight plate  16 . That is to say, when selector hooks  24 ,  26  are engaged with weight hooks  18 , the inner angles α, γ are small enough that the weight of weight plate  16  causes an inner surface of selector hooks  24   a ,  26   a  at angle α to interact with an inner surface of weight hooks  18   a  at angle γ, such that selector hooks  24 ,  26  have a tendency to rotate towards weight hooks  18 , thereby securing the engagement while weight plate  16  is being lifted. The inner angles α and γ must also be large enough such that, when actuated to do so, selector hooks  24 ,  26  will disengage from weight hooks  18 ; that is to say the outer tip of selector hooks  24   b ,  26   b  must clear the outer tip of weight hooks  18   b  when the lift plate is in home position and selector hooks  24 ,  26  are rotated away from weight hooks  18 . The outer angle β of selector hooks  24 ,  26  (shown in  FIG. 7A ) and the outer angle δ of weight hooks  18  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) are preferably selected such that selector hooks  24 ,  26  traveling downward towards a stationary weight hook  18  are forced open to allow selector hooks  24 ,  26  to slide over weight hooks  18 . According to the preferred embodiment, α is approximately 72°, β is approximately 55°, γ is approximately 60°, and δ is approximately 45°. 
         [0052]    Lift plate  34  is preferably pulled upward by a cable  46  or other lifting member, such as a belt, that is ultimately driven by manually operable member(s)  14  being moved by a user. According to the preferred embodiment, and as best shown in  FIG. 10 , lift plate  34  is guided by a set of guide wheels  48  on two opposing sides of the lift plate  34 . Guide wheels  48  preferably act against a housing  50  so that lift plate  34  is substantially restrained from shifting in the horizontal plane during movement and thus facilitates extremely quiet operation of system  12 . 
         [0053]    In the depicted embodiment, when the lift plate  34  is in its lowest position the selector hooks  24 ,  26  are able to engage or disengage their respective weight hooks  18 . Lift plate  34  is preferably able to travel a small distance above its lowest position and still allow selector hooks  24 ,  26  to engage or disengage their respective weight hooks  18 . This vertical distance is very limited to prevent injury to the user and damage to variable resistance system  12 ; in a preferred embodiment, this vertical distance is approximately 0.125 inches. The limited vertical range of lift plate  34  in which selector hooks  24 ,  26  are able to engage or disengage their respective weight hooks  18 , including the lowest position of lift plate  34 , is considered the “home” position of the lift plate  34 . 
         [0054]    A sensor is preferably incorporated into the variable resistance system  12  that facilitates monitoring of the vertical movement of the lift plate  34 . According to the preferred embodiment, lift plate  34  is connected to a timing belt  52 , which can be seen within the system housing in  FIG. 1 . Timing belt  52  is preferably connected to and between two pulleys  54 ,  56 , an upper pulley  54  near the top of the potential of vertical travel of lift plate  34 , and a lower pulley  56  near the bottom of the potential vertical travel of lift plate  34 . In the preferred embodiment, one of pulleys  54 ,  56  is connected to a slotted disk  58  that works in conjunction with an optical sensor  60 , in known manner, to determine the vertical movement of the lift plate  34 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Slotted disk  58  preferably has seventy-two slots  62  disposed at five degree increments near its circumference. Optical sensor  60  preferably senses each time a slot  62  passes, and sends a signal corresponding to each passing slot to controller  64 , which is discussed in greater detail below. In this manner, the rotation of pulley  54 ,  56  to which slotted disk  58  is attached can be sensed, and thus the vertical movement of lift plate  34  can be derived. 
         [0055]    As best seen in  FIG. 12 , weight plates  16  that are not engaged by the selector hook assemblies  22  and, therefore, not pulled upward with the lift plate  34 , are preferably seated in positioning grooves  66  in the base of the variable resistance system  12  so that such weight plates  16  remain appropriately positioned during movement of the lift plate  34 . Preferably, the uppermost portion of these positioning grooves  66  are tapered such that relatively minor shifts in the weight plates  16  that may occur while being lifted are automatically corrected when the weight plates  16  are returned to a resting position. 
         [0056]    According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the series of weight plates  16  is selected to allow one pound increments of weight resistance increase or decrease. This embodiment incorporates one one-pound-plate  68 , two two-pound-plates  70 , one five-pound-plate  72 , two ten-pound-plates  74 , one twenty-seven-pound-plate  76 , and two fifty-four-pound-plates  78 . It should be appreciated that numerous combinations of weight plates  16  may be used to provide desired minimum increments and maximum weight. Of course, other combinations of weights for the multiple weight plates in the system may be utilized successfully. 
         [0057]    Thus, according to the preferred embodiment, by selectively applying an attractive force between actuator magnets  40  and selector magnets  32 , variable resistance system  12  can selectively cause desired weight plates  16  to be pulled upward with lift plate  34 , while leaving the other weight plates  16  in place. 
         [0058]    According to the preferred embodiment, actuator magnets  40  have two poles. When a first pole faces selector magnet  32  a repulsive force acts on selector magnet  32 , and when a second pole faces selector magnet  32  an attractive force acts on selector magnet  32 . The actuator magnets  40  are preferably controlled by actuator assemblies  80 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C. Actuator assemblies  80  preferably include a motor  82 , a gear box  84 , a magnet sleeve  86  containing actuator magnet  40 , an orientation disk  88  and an optical sensor  90 . Motor  82  is preferably controlled by a controller  64 , which is discussed in detail below. In operation of the preferred embodiment, when actuation of the actuator magnet  40  is desired, controller  64  causes a current to pass through the armature of motor  82 , causing shaft  92  of motor  82  to rotate. Gear box  84  preferably reduces the rotation speed of motor shaft  92  and transmits the rotation to magnet sleeve  86  containing actuator magnet  40 . 
         [0059]    Actuator magnet  40  is preferably rotated between an attractive orientation, in which actuator magnet  40  exerts an attractive force on selector magnet  32 , and a repulsive orientation, in which actuator magnet  40  exerts a repulsive force on selector magnet  32 . To switch between the attractive orientation and the repulsive orientation, actuator magnet  40  is rotated approximately one hundred and eighty degrees. Orientation disk  88  rotates with magnet sleeve  86  and has two slots. One slot is aligned with the attractive orientation, and the other slot is aligned with the repulsive orientation. In the preferred embodiment, optical sensor  90  senses the slots of the orientation disk  88  and provides a signal to the controller  64  corresponding to the presence or absence of a slot. In this manner controller  64  is able to more precisely control the orientation of actuator magnet  40 , based on the signal provided by optical sensor  90 . That is to say optical sensor  90  and the orientation disk  88  help controller  64  to more precisely rotate the actuator magnet  40  in order to switch from a repulsive orientation to an attractive orientation and vice versa. 
         [0060]    Controller  64  and actuator assemblies  80  of the preferred embodiment are illustrated in  FIG. 14 ; however, in a commercial embodiment of the present invention, this portion of the apparatus would be covered from view and access by the consumer or user (for example by a solid metal plate), for safety. Controller  64  preferably receives input signals from both the optical sensors  90  on actuator assemblies  80  and optical sensor  60  on upper or lower pulley  54 ,  56 , and transmits this data to a user interface console  94 , which is discussed in greater detail below. Controller  64  also preferably receives command instructions from user interface console  94  and aligns the individual actuator magnets  40  to repulsive or attractive orientations according to such command instructions. 
         [0061]    User interface console  94  of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 15  and preferably has four buttons  96 , an LCD display  98  and four LED&#39;s  100 , although other arrangements on the console can be imagined that will suffice. User interface console  94  is preferably attached to exercise machine  10  at a location providing convenient access to a user without requiring the user to move from use position in order to see and readily access the console. 
         [0062]    According to the preferred embodiment, prior to exercising a user inputs various values into the user interface to customize his or her exercise. A given variable resistance system  12  may incorporate any number of different types of inputs. 
         [0063]    Variable resistance system  12  of the preferred embodiment has two user inputs: intensity level and starting weight. According to this embodiment, the user selects a starting weight and an intensity level ranging from one to ten, or alternatively the user may select manual. Once the user enters a starting weight, the variable resistance system selects among weight plates  16  such that the total resistance is equal to the selected starting weight. If no starting weight is entered, a default starting weight is preferably automatically selected. 
         [0064]    According to the preferred embodiment, variable resistance system  12  selects a given weight by user interface console  94  communicating to the controller  64  which weight plates  16  are to be selected, and controller  64  causes actuating magnets  40  to rotate into the orientation appropriate to cause selector hooks  24 ,  26  to engage weight hooks  18  for each weight plate  16  that is to be lifted. Conversely, controller  64  causes actuating magnets  40  to rotate into the orientation that causes selector hooks  24 ,  26  to not engage weight hooks  18  for each weight plate  16  that is not to be lifted. 
         [0065]    According to the preferred embodiment, when the user begins exercising, controller  64  monitors the vertical travel of lift plate  34 , as described above. On the first repetition, the maximum vertical travel of lift plate  34  is preferably recorded as the user&#39;s maximum range. If lift plate  34  is lifted higher on a subsequent repetition, the user&#39;s maximum range is preferably reset to the new, higher value. In the preferred embodiment, each repetition in which lift plate  34  is lifted to or above a given percentage of the maximum range is considered a successful repetition. The percentage of the maximum range necessary to constitute a successful repetition can be set at any reasonable value; however, the percentage is preferably in the range of eighty to ninety-five percent. 
         [0066]    According to the preferred embodiment, when a successful repetition is achieved, the uppermost LED  100  on user interface console  94  automatically turns on and user interface console  94  preferably makes an audible beep. The illuminated uppermost LED  100  and the audible beep indicate to a user that he or she has achieved a successful repetition. Clearly, the system will operate successfully without the presence of the audible beep, and even without any visual indication that the presence or absence of an audible beep or other indicator of a successful repetition, as the automatic adjustment in resistance level will be altered regardless of any indicator of the required criteria. 
         [0067]    After each successful repetition, the total weight (resistance) lifted is incrementally increased, preferably at any preselected reasonable value. In the preferred embodiment the incremental increase in weight is approximately five percent. That is to say, after each successful repetition, a new weight is calculated that is approximately five percent greater than the weight lifted in the last successful repetition. The weight that is actually lifted can be rounded down to the nearest available value. 
         [0068]    According to the preferred embodiment, on a given repetition when a user does not raise lift plate  34  to the percentage of the maximum range necessary to constitute a successful repetition, such repetition is considered a “failed” repetition. After a failed repetition, the weight lifted is incrementally decreased, as determined on the basis of the intensity level pre-selected by the user. The incremental decrease and increase in weight utilized in the preferred embodiment are set forth in Table 1 below. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Incremental Decrease &amp; Increase of Resistance 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Intensity 
                 Weight 
                 Weight 
               
               
                 Level 
                 Decrement (%) 
                 Increment (%) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Manual 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 1 
                 60 
                 5 
               
               
                 2 
                 55 
                 5 
               
               
                 3 
                 50 
                 5 
               
               
                 4 
                 45 
                 5 
               
               
                 5 
                 40 
                 5 
               
               
                 6 
                 35 
                 5 
               
               
                 7 
                 30 
                 5 
               
               
                 8 
                 25 
                 5 
               
               
                 9 
                 20 
                 5 
               
               
                 10 
                 15 
                 5 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0069]    As shown in Table 1, if a user selects manual mode, the weight lifted with the lift plate is neither automatically increased nor decreased, regardless of the status of the repetition. If manual mode is chosen, a user must manually select a different weight value on the user interface console  94  if he or she desires a different amount of weight. 
         [0070]    According to the preferred embodiment, variable resistance system  12  is able to determine whether a repetition is a success or a failure once the vertical travel of lift plate  34  reaches a peak, that is to say when the vertical travel of the lift plate changes from upward to downward. At this point variable resistance system  12  is preferably able to calculate the amount of weight to be lifted on the next repetition almost instantaneously. Thus, at the point in time directly after the vertical travel of lift plate  34  has peaked, user interface console  94  preferably communicates which weight plates  16  are to be lifted and which weight plates  16  are not to be lifted to controller  64 , and controller  64  causes the appropriate actuating magnets to rotate  40  accordingly. Thus, all actuating magnets  40  are preferably each properly oriented for the next repetition well before lift plate  34  returns to a home position. In this manner as soon as lift plate  34  is in the home position, the appropriate selector hooks will engage or disengage their respective weight hooks  18 . 
         [0071]    According to the preferred embodiment an optional memory card  102  is available for users to store information related to prior exercise. User interface console  94  preferably has an interface in which a user may insert memory card  102 . According to this embodiment, memory card  102  automatically provides all applicable user input values to the user interface, so that the user only needs to insert his or her card, and does not need to remember or manually input any values, unless he or she wishes to deviate from the information stored on memory card  102 . Such memory cards  102  can also be designed so that they are capable of interfacing with a personal computer, on which information related to a user&#39;s exercise history and/or routine may be viewed and/or manipulated. In this manner the exercise history of a user can be tracked and/or compared with various indicia of personal fitness such as, for example, the user&#39;s waist to hip ratio. 
         [0072]    According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, a user can use either a memory card  102  having eight kilobytes of memory or a memory card  102  having thirty-two kilobytes of memory. The memory on the eight kilobyte memory card  102  and the thirty-two kilobyte memory card  102  are preferably organized as shown in Tables 2 and 3 below. For both types of memory cards  102 , a small portion of the memory reserved for machines and exercises is left available for further categories of data that a user may desire to store. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Preferable Organization of Eight Kilobyte Memory Card 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Area 
                 Quantity Detail 
                 Bytes 
                 Total 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Card ID 
                 1 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 ID 
                 16 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 Personal 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Type 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 User ID 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Name 
                 59 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                   
                 64 
               
               
                   
                 Machines 
                 64 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Date 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Starting 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Intensity 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Machine 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Mode 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Available 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                   
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 Exercises 
                 280 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Date 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Machine 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Serial 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Starting 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Maximum 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Lifts 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Trainer ID 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Available 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                   
                 26 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total Used 
                   
                 8128 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Preferable Organization of Thirty-Two Kilobyte Memory Card 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Area 
                 Quantity Detail 
                 Bytes 
                 Total 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Card ID 
                 1 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 ID 
                 16 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 Personal 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Type 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 User ID 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Name 
                 59 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                   
                 64 
               
               
                   
                 Machines 
                 64 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Date 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Starting 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Intensity 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Machine 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Mode 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Available 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                   
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 Exercises 
                 1200 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Date 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Machine 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Serial 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Starting 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Maximum 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Lifts 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Trainer ID 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Available 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Total 
                   
                 26 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total Used 
                   
                 31984 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0073]    As shown in Tables 2, the eight kilobyte memory card  102  preferably stores data related to sixty-four machines and two hundred and eighty exercises. As shown in Table 3, the thirty-two kilobyte memory card  102  preferably stores data related to sixty-four machines and one thousand two hundred exercises. In both cases, the information related to individual exercises is preferably stored in a manner such that the first exercise to be recorded will be the first exercise to be recorded over, once the exercise portion of the memory is full. It should be realized that the amount of memory, the medium in which information is stored, and the organization of the memory may all be modified to suit numerous exercise related purposes. 
         [0074]    A more detailed explanation of the operation of user interface console  94  and memory card  102  before and during exercise according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is set forth in flow charts provided in  FIGS. 16-21 . 
         [0075]    In an alternative embodiment depicted in  FIG. 22  of the present invention, the user interface console  94  is networked with a kiosk having a centralized personal computer and database, which may be networked with user interface consoles from other exercise equipment in the area. Such networking may be accomplished through the use of such data transmission mediums as Ethernet, serial ports, or other mediums of information transfer. The networking of the user interfaces of multiple pieces of equipment could be used in many different manners. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, a gym can maintain a centralized database containing extensive workout information of its members. This information may be used by members, personal trainers, therapists or others to optimize exercise routines. Alternatively, algorithms can also be developed to automatically provide useful information to members or personal trainers related to a user&#39;s exercise routine. User interface consoles  94  may also be connected to printers, either directly or through a networking personal computer, to provide users with a printed copy of their exercise results. 
         [0076]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention variable resistance system  12  is self powered, for example, by converting energy expended by a user into electrical energy used to power variable resistance system  12 . 
         [0077]    As will now be understood, the present two-part selector-lift mechanism which separates the lift plate and selectors from the actuator switches provides increased reliability by eliminating the condition in which the body of an actuator pin gets stuck or sheared in the opening of a lifting bar, as is common in the prior art. This shear condition has prevented the known mechanisms in automatically adjustable exercise machines from being reliable enough to be successfully commercialized. With the pin-less condition of the selector lift mechanism separated from actuator switches made possible through adjacently opposed magnets, the present invention represents a truly reliable and viable method by which to finally commercialize automatically adjustable exercise machines and control systems therefor. 
         [0078]    As various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiments, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents. For example, it is foreseen that the presently described and claimed resistance system will also be useful as a part of other machines, besides exercise equipment, such as may be desired in a wide variety of industries.