Abstract: A ball projecting machine is provided with ball deflector for controlling the direction in which balls are projected from the machine. The deflector is movable from one position to another and is actuated by a ball being projected so that the direction of travel of successive balls discharged from the machine may be varied. The deflector has a mechanism for holding the deflector in a predetermined position until engaged by a discharged ball.

Abstract: The tennis racket has a strung surface which is larger than the strung surface of a conventional racket, particularly in regard to its dimension in a longitudinal direction from the frame tip toward the handle shaft of the racket. The conventional length, weight, and balance which have proven necessary for good playing characteristics for all tennis rackets of the past have been maintained. The racket has unexpectedly achieved increased strength and a combination of advantages in playing characteristics without resort to weights, springs, or other complications previously proposed. The racket has a zone of high coefficient of restitution, much larger than that of conventional rackets, extending in a longitudinal direction from the region of the center of percussion to a point 11/4 inch from the throat of the racket, thereby taking maximum advantage of the location of the center of percussion of the racket.