Abstract:
An improved drive and control system for an exercise treadmill is provided which incorporates safety features for the prevention of a start-up at high belt speed after the treadmill has been turned off, or upon the resumption of power after a power failure, and to prevent rapid acceleration of the belt to a high speed condition in the case of certain control circuit failures. Circuitry, or other means, has been included in the drive system as an interlock whereby the manual on-off switch which activates the drive motor will not be effective until the motor speed control has been reset to the zero speed position. In addition, circuitry is included to provide for shutting down the drive motor in the event of a failure or malfunction in its control circuitry which could cause an unscheduled rapid increase in the treadmill belt speed to a high speed condition.