Patents by Inventor Harold F. Krings

Harold F. Krings has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5681230
    Abstract: An automatic ball return apparatus includes a ball retrieval net with a chute at the lower end for receiving an directing a ball to a ball return mechanism. The ball return mechanism includes a frame with guide rails for directing a ball forwardly out of the mechanism, and an ejector mechanism for launching the ball. The ejector mechanism includes an ejector arm connected to a motor which cycles the arm between a cocked position and a launch position, to selectively launch a ball received from the ball retrieval apparatus. A switch located between the guide rails is activated by a ball dropping onto the ball return mechanism, which operates the motor to eject the ball from the mechanism. The ball return mechanism is supported on a stand, and a motor with a drive shaft is mounted to a platform on the stand to selectively rotate the ball return mechanism on the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Harold F. Krings