Abstract: A ball striking practice device is described in which a ball tethered to a pole can be struck by a player with a bat or racquet and will wrap around the pole and resile outwardly where it can be struck again. The device's service life is improved by providing a flat triangular ball positioner while aligns the tether cord in straight lines to pole attachment points, forming the cord from a flexible metal strand, preferably sheathed, constructing the positioner from an elastomeric or fabric web material, and seating the cord in a recess or insert in the ball. The device is excellent for batting or kicking practice in sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, squash and handball.

Abstract: An electric engine starting system includes a permanent magnet motor that is used to start the engine and then to generate power for powering a load while the engine is running. A disclosed system includes a first phase controlled rectifier in series with a power converter and a second phase controlled rectifier. During an engine starting operation, the first phase controlled rectifier is switched to couple the permanent magnet motor to a power source for starting the engine. Once the engine is running, the first phase controlled rectifier is switched off and the second phase controlled rectifier is switched on. The second phase control rectifier converts variable AC power from the motor into DC power. The power converter converts the DC power into an appropriate power for driving the load. One disclosed example includes a filter between the power converter and the load to ensure that the load receives a selected quality of power.

Abstract: A ball striking practice device is described in which a ball tethered to a pole can be struck by a player with a bat or racquet and will wrap around the pole and resile outwardly where it can be struck again. The device's service life is improved by providing a flat triangular ball positioner while aligns the tether cord in straight lines to pole attachment points, forming the cord from a flexible metal strand, preferably sheathed, constructing the positioner from an elastomeric or fabric web material, and seating the cord in a recess or insert in the ball. The device is excellent for batting or kicking practice in sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, squash and handball.

Abstract: A support device for ball striking practice is disclosed, which includes a pole to which a ball for striking practice can be tethered. The device is sufficiently stable to withstand the torque and other forces produced in the pole by such striking, but is also completely portable and can be easily transported from place to place and readily set up for use and taken down following such use. The pole of this invention folds easily into a compact package which can be stored, transported in a car or other vehicle, and subsequently can easily be unfolded and rapidly set up and locked into position for use.

Abstract: A sports ball striking practice device holds a variety of sports balls for striking practice purposes. The sports ball striking practice device includes a threadable tether, a rigid sleeve, a ball insert, and a sports ball. The ball insert is placed through the sports ball to form a channel having a sufficient diameter to accept the tether. The tether has a first end piece that is threadable through the rigid sleeve and the ball insert. The first end piece is attachable to a first strap. The tether has a second end piece with a permanent attachment to a second strap. The first and second straps are attachable to a pole or other similar upright object. The sports ball may be struck repeatedly by a striking device as the tether wraps and unwraps around a pole or other similar object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) by incubating PHA producing microorganisms in a medium containing starch, starch extracts, or derivatives as sources of carbon. The process comprises also the synthesis of derived compounds belonging to the chemical family of PHA.