Abstract: The combination of a toy and launcher member for use in providing chase activities for pets, the toy being toroidally shaped and propelled by a whipping stroke of an elongated launch member having a gripper at one end which is engaged with a segment of the perimeter of the toy. A whipping stroke of the launcher causes release of the toy from the gripper which propels the toy away at high speed, with a top spin imparted thereto which causes the toy to roll and bounce for a great distances along the ground.

Abstract: A system for delivering objects, such as soccer balls, the system including a delivery device and a methodology for training individuals that can be used with the delivery device, the delivery device including an accelerator that accepts, accelerates, and launches the object with motion characteristics, such as linear acceleration, angular acceleration, or a combination of both, and an assembly that adjusts the position of the accelerator to adjust an exit trajectory of the object that includes adjustment about a yaw axis, an elevation axis, and a spin axis of the object. Highly and accurate and consistent delivery of the object facilitates single and multi-player use for training, such as in the sport of soccer.

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and products effective for ocular enhancement conditioning of users attempting to successfully hit or otherwise make contact with objects projected towards, away from or at angles by the users, and increasing efficacy in hitting and contact.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine includes a frame and a ball-throwing mechanism pivotally connected with the frame. The ball-throwing machine further includes a circuit unit. Via a first servomotor and a first linkage, the circuit unit serves to move the ball-throwing mechanism to a ball-throwing angle and drive the ball-throwing mechanism to continuously swing up and down. The frame can be pivotally mounted on a base. Via a second motor and a second linkage, the circuit unit serves to drive the frame to horizontally swing back and forth. In addition, the ball-throwing machine has a safety switch. When setting the functions of the ball-throwing machine, a user can press the safety switch to stop the operation of ball throwing so as to protect a person from being incautiously hit and injured. The circuit unit further has a malfunction detection function for detecting whether the ball-throwing machine works normally.

Abstract: A pitching machine contains a pitching arm that vertically rotates at a speed of about 5 to 15 rpm, picks up a ball from the ball cradle at a pick-up point in its rotation, and then releases the ball at a release point in its rotation to provide a first velocity component to the ball. The pitching machine also contains a wheel that vertically rotates at a speed of about 300 to 3000 rpm. The wheel is positioned at the release point of the pitching arm to provide a second velocity component to the ball and to pitch the ball at an initial launch angle.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, kits and methods for an automated ball feeding device for a ball throwing machine. The present invention provides an automatic ball feeding and throwing apparatus having a ball holding container with one or more sides and a bottom in communication with a propeller. The propeller is positioned to communicate with a rotatable support mast that has a ball channel and supports a ball ejection mechanism. The ball channel extends from the ball holding container to the ball ejection mechanism. The ball is fed by the propeller through the ball channel to the ball throwing apparatus regardless of the pivot angle or rotational angle of the ball ejection mechanism.

Abstract: A helical field device that accelerates an object to high velocity by converting rotational kinetic energy in the device into linear kinetic energy in the object, and alternatively, that decelerates objects from high velocity by converting the linear kinetic energy in the object into rotational kinetic energy in the device. The device transfers kinetic energy between the device and an object through the use of a localized high pressure field in the form of a helix having a variable pitch along the length of the device, which couples the object to the device without the pressure field itself significantly contributing energy into the system. Instead, the energy that is used to accelerate the object comes from the kinetic energy imparted to the device by an outside source, such as an engine, or a potential energy storage device.

Abstract: A combination for performing a variety of functions includes (a) apparatus for moving a projectile or other mass along an arcuate path and moving the path substantially radially along a local radius of curvature and (b) a tool, vehicle or other article for receiving such projectile and being moved thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a projectile expelling apparatus having at least one fixed channel for allowing projectiles to enter at a constant entry point and a rotational expelling housing rotationally connected to at least one fixed channel for projecting projectiles at various trajectories.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a mass, the apparatus having an arcuate track, a clamping member attached to a section of the arcuate track, an arm assembly pivotably connected to the clamping member, and a counterweight connected to the arm assembly. A projectile for use in a mass accelerator having an arcuate track, the projectile having a core and at least one of a low-friction layer, a propellant layer, and a polycarbonate layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a projectile expelling apparatus having at least one fixed channel for allowing projectiles to enter at a constant entry point and a rotational expelling housing rotationally connected to at least one fixed channel for projecting projectiles at various trajectories.

Abstract: A combination for performing a variety of functions includes (a) apparatus for moving a projectile or other mass along an arcuate path and moving the path substantially radially along a local radius of curvature and (b) a tool, vehicle or other article for receiving such projectile and being moved thereby.

Abstract: A weapon 1 peripherally discharging projectiles 2a-2n, normally ball bearings, at sustained high rates under centrifugal force has at least one member 11 rotating within a housing, or guide track, 10. Each rotating member 11 has at least one channel, or track, 16 with a radial component within which projectiles 2a-2n received near the center of rotation progress radially outwards until first escaping at 19, and then being ejected at X, under centrifugal force at the periphery of the at least one rotating member 11. A projectile release mechanism controls the timing, locations, and numbers of projectiles released per rotation of the at least one rotating member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for launching and resetting a projectile are disclosed. The apparatus may include a launcher, projectile and, in some embodiments, packaging. The launcher configured to impart a rotation to the projectile and to launch the projectile from the launcher. The launcher is configured to automatically reset the projectile on a spindle after launch. The packaging may permit the visualization of the flight of the projectile after it is launched from the launcher.

Abstract: An artificial pitcher for practicing the hitting skill of baseball includes an artificial pitcher on a support and having a ball holder on top, a main spring biased a stroke which are held by a hook on a hollow interior cylindrical main body, and a control device positioned remote from the pitcher having a rope to control the hook to release the stroke to hit a baseball from the ball holder flying to a batter. In order to pitch a transforming ball, an angular adjustment plate is positioned beside the main body to help the main body to adjust its angle of elevation.

Abstract: A baseball and softball practicing apparatus includes a stand, a housing mounted on the stand, a ball throwing wheel mounted in the housing, and a feeding member mounted on the housing. Thus, the hooks of the feeding member are hooked onto the transverse stubs of the housing, the movable plate of the feeding member is inserted into the slideway of the housing, and the threaded rod is screwed into the housing and extended through the movable plate of the feeding member to secure the feeding member to the housing, so that the feeding member is mounted on and detached from the housing easily and quickly by rotation of the threaded rod, thereby facilitating the user assembling and disassembling the feeding member.

Abstract: A weapon 1 peripherally discharging projectiles 2a-2n, normally ball bearings, at sustained high rates under centrifugal force preferably has two opposed members 11 each rotating within a housing, or guide track, 10. Each rotating member 11 preferably has at least two channels, or track, 16 with a radial component within which projectiles 2a-2n received near the center of rotation progress radially outwards until first escaping at 19, and then being ejected at X, under centrifugal force at the periphery of the at least one rotating member 11. A projectile release mechanism controls the timing, locations, and numbers of projectiles released per rotation of the at least one rotating member.

Abstract: The invention is a combination of an actual person simulating the pitching motion and a pitching machine to throw the ball. A person when simulating pitching trips a switch and the ball is thrown by the pitching machine. The invention is a cylinder that fits within the inlet to the pitching machine. At the end of the cylinder is a ball stop which prevents the ball placed in the cylinder from entering the in pitching machine. A latch engages the spring loaded push bolt from pushing the ball out of the cylinder. A release arm extending from the latch is tripped allowing the push bolt to push the ball into the pitching machine by the operator during the release position of the wind up. In another embodiment the spring loaded push bolt is replaced with a solenoid and the release arm is replaced with an electric eye.

Abstract: An existing pitching machine is retrofitted to realize the capability to deliver a variety of pitches, including change-up pitches. A retrofit kit includes an add-on plate that is bolted to a casting that is attached to a stand. A ball screw actuator is connected on one end to a compression plate assembly on the existing pitching machine and on the other end to the add-on plate. A control box has a plurality of speed and potentiometers. These potentiometers are used to move the pitching machine to a preset speed and angle combination. In some embodiments, a handheld control unit has buttons associated with preset speed and angle combinations.

Abstract: A weapon 1 peripherally discharging projectiles 2a-2n, normally ball bearings, at sustained high rates under centrifugal force has at least one member 11 rotating within a housing, or guide track, 10. Each rotating member 11 has at least one channel, or track, 16 with a radial component within which projectiles 2a-2n received near the center of rotation progress radially outwards until first escaping at 19, and then being ejected at X, under centrifugal force at the periphery of the at least one rotating member 11. A projectile release mechanism controls the timing, locations, and numbers of projectiles released per rotation of the at least one rotating member.

Abstract: A baseball and softball practicing apparatus includes a stand, a housing mounted on the stand, a ball throwing wheel mounted in the housing, and a feeding member mounted on the housing. Thus, the hooks of the feeding member are hooked onto the transverse stubs of the housing, the movable plate of the feeding member is inserted into the slideway of the housing, and the threaded rod is screwed into the housing and extended through the movable plate of the feeding member to secure the feeding member to the housing, so that the feeding member is mounted on and detached from the housing easily and quickly by rotation of the threaded rod, thereby facilitating the user assembling and disassembling the feeding member.

Abstract: A baseball and softball practicing apparatus includes a housing, a first feeding member mounted on the housing and having a first entrance, a second feeding member detachably mounted in the first feeding member and having a second entrance, and a locking device mounted on the first feeding member and detachably engaged with the second feeding member to lock the second feeding member in the first feeding member. Thus, the second feeding member is mounted on and removed from the first feeding member, so that the practicing apparatus can be used to select and change the baseball and the softball rapidly, thereby facilitating a user practicing the baseball or the softball.

Abstract: A ball pitching device that, prior to release and delivery of the ball to a receiver, propels the ball through a circular loop or semi-circular arc in a manner that is visible to the receiver to simulate the path of a person's hand in the act of throwing. The invention enable a more realistic simulation of an overhand or side arm throwing motion as are commonly used for pitching baseballs and to also simulate the underhand throwing motion used in softball.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a shooting mechanism of a shot repeater toy, such as an L-shape gun body, comprising a target platform disposed on one side, a trigger disposed on another side of a handle and a magazine disposed at the bottom of the target platform for shooting bullets in succession. Pulling the trigger can start a poking unit in the target platform to successively shoot bullets, and thus constituting a toy gun for shooting bullets in succession.

Abstract: A spiral mass launcher for moving a mass including a spindle support assembly; connected to a swing-arm pair module. The spindle support assembly rotates on a motor shaft, allowing the swing-arm pair module to swing on a parallel bearing shaft. A spiral track passes through a radial opening in the bearing shaft. Thus, the swinging motion of the swing-arm pair modules allows the spiral track to move in a gyrating motion. The spiral track has a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to receive a mass or projectile and a second end adapted to launch the mass. A mass can be fed into the spiral mass launcher by either a feed mechanism that feeds the mass into the first end of the spiral. Such feed mechanisms include a feed mechanism that linearly oscillates and picks up the mass at a first amplitude of oscillation and feeds the mass into the first end of the spiral track at a second amplitude of oscillation; or a feed mechanism that includes a continuous tube and “crank arm” feed.

Abstract: An adjustable pitching machine is disclosed which generates a rise ball, or a drop ball, or a curve, or a slider, or a forkball, or a fastball, or other suitable pitches, or to produce a ground ball with or without topspin or side spin, or a fly ball with or without topspin, or side spin for fielding and fly ball practice. The pitching machine may also pitch tennis balls without topspin or sidespin to a tennis player during practice. The pitching machine may include a shield to prevent the hitter, or fielder or tennis player from observing the settings of the pitching machine and preparing for the next pitch prior to pitch delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pitch dynamics device, the pitch dynamics device being interconnected with a pitching machine for causing the pitching machine to vary the pitch dynamics of pitched balls. Optimally, variances in pitch dynamics can include varying pitch speed, pinch plate angle, and the pitch release point. The pitch dynamics device can vary the pitch dynamics of pitched balls by adjusting a pinch plate position and angle to control the location of a pitch release point, trajectory angle, and ball release speed. The resultant is that the pitch dynamics device can allow a single-wheel pitching machine to throw different speed pitches with similar accuracy, in a batter's strike zone area, without changing the pitching machine setup which may include recalibrating the pitching machine, throwing a series of test pitches to verify pitch accuracy, changing pitching machine wheel speed, or adjust pitching machine tilt angle.

Abstract: A catapult device for hurling objects towards a target includes a support structure and a pivot bracket pivotally mounted on the support structure and provided with a bearing arrangement. A lever arm is pivotally connected to the support structure and is engageable with the pivot bracket. A spring-biased motion translation arrangement is coupled to the lever arm and is engageable with the bearing arrangement on the pivot bracket. A pivot arm is pivotally secured to the support structure and the motion translation arrangement. The pivot arm is provided with a receiver for holding an object to be hurled. Pivotal movement of the lever arm develops a spring force in the motion translation arrangement and enables the pivot bracket to pivot such that the motion translation arrangement moves along the bearing arrangement, and releases the spring force causing the pivot arm to swing and hurl the object.

Abstract: A three-axis adjustment ball pitching machine includes an azimuth adjustment device, an elevation adjustment device, a strut, an angle adjustment device and a pitching assembly. The azimuth adjustment device includes a base on which the elevation adjustment device is rotatably mounted. The elevation adjustment device includes a body rotatably mounted on the base and an elevation adjustment assembly. The elevation adjustment assembly includes a pivot seat pivotally mounted in the body, a transitional cylinder movably mounted in the pivot seat to pivot the pivot seat, and a threaded leading rod rotatably mounted in the body and held in the transitional cylinder. The strut is attached to pivot seat. The angle adjustment device includes a mounting housing rotatably mounted on the strut. The pitching assembly is attached to the mounting housing of the angle adjustment device. Consequently, the pitching machine can throw balls in various desired trajectories.

Abstract: Adjustable pitching platform allows for users such as coaches to automatically and selectively adjust trajectories of balls being pitched by ball dispensing machines. The platform can be positioned beneath a stand for supporting machines for dispensing balls, such as softballs, baseballs, and tennis balls. The platform can have two sandwiched layers with the top layer have a rearward extending tab. The top layer can pivot up and down relative to the bottom layer, and the top layer can also swivel relative to the bottom layer, so that depressing the tab raises the front of the pitching machine, and moving the tab side-to-side rotates the pitching machine for changing the pitched ball trajectories over the vertical and horizontal axes. The platform allows for the machine to continuously pitch balls along different trajectories between each of the pitches without having to physically handle and move the machine, and without causing delay times between the pitched balls.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a conversion quick pitch system and method for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The quick pitch system and method includes a projection screen; a projector; a clutch motor unit and a first and a second cam switch; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen.

Abstract: A ball launching device for children that has an outer housing, an inner bowl and a launch assembly. The inner bowl has an inner surface with an outwardly curved cone shaped wall and a vertical linear wall. The launch assembly is connected to the bowl. When the bowl rotates at high speeds, the curved cone shaped wall enables balls to ascend up the inner surface and eventually propel out of the ball launching device.

Abstract: A spiral mass launcher for moving a mass including a spindle support assembly; connected to a swing-arm pair module. The spindle support assembly rotates on a motor shaft, allowing the swing-arm pair module to swing on a parallel bearing shaft. A spiral track passes through a radial opening in the bearing shaft. Thus, the swinging motion of the swing-arm pair modules allows the spiral track to move in a gyrating motion. The spiral track has a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to receive a mass or projectile and a second end adapted to launch the mass. A mass can be fed into the spiral mass launcher by either a feed mechanism that feeds the mass into the first end of the spiral. Such feed mechanisms include a feed mechanism that linearly oscillates and picks up the mass at a first amplitude of oscillation and feeds the mass into the first end of the spiral track at a second amplitude of oscillation; or a feed mechanism that includes a continuous tube and “crank arm” feed.

Abstract: A compact ball launching activity device has an upper and lower member. The upper member having multiple funnel shaped openings that are positioned on the sides of the upper member. The upper member also has one funnel shaped opening positioned at the top of the upper member. The device includes a launch system having an angled feeder tray and flywheel. The balls enter the side funnels of the upper member and are collected on the angled feeder tray. The balls fall through a hole in the feeder tray to a launch channel. The flywheel propels the balls through the launch channel, up and out of the funnel positioned at the top of the ball launching activity device.

Abstract: An automatic and consecutive clay target firing structure includes two driving sources to drive respectively a rotary mechanism and clay targets to rotate, a target feeding unit located on the rotary mechanism having two target barrels located on two sides for housing a plurality of the clay targets, a lifting unit located in the center of the rotary mechanism movable upwards to enable one of the driving sources to couple with the clay target, and a control unit located outside the target feeding unit and transversely connected to the target feeding unit to control flying of the clay targets, and connected through a trigger unit through a circuit so that the clay targets may be fed consecutively into the target feeding unit to be driven by the driving source for rotation, and may be activated to achieve rapid firing and flying to be used in shooting game.

Abstract: The ball throwing apparatus of this invention is formed of a flat main frame plate which mounts a rotary ball throwing wheel and a confronting pad spaced from the wheel slightly less than the diameter of a ball to be thrown. The pad is mounted for adjusting said space for alternatively engaging and throwing baseballs and softballs. The main frame plate is mounted on the upper end of a vertical post by a first pivot for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis for adjusting the curvature of flight of a thrown ball. The lower end of the post is mounted on a second pivot for rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the first pivot for adjusting the trajectory of flight of a thrown ball, the bearing for the second pivot is mounted on a leg supporting cup for rotation about a vertical axis for adjusting the horizontal direction of a thrown ball.

Abstract: The ball throwing apparatus of this invention is formed of a flat main frame plate which mounts a rotary ball throwing wheel and a confronting pad spaced from the wheel slightly less than the diameter of a ball to be thrown. The pad is mounted for adjusting said space for alternatively engaging and throwing baseballs and softballs. The main frame plate is mounted on the upper end of a vertical post by a first pivot for adjustable rotation about a horizontal axis for adjusting the curvature of flight of a thrown ball. The lower end of the post is mounted on a second pivot for rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the first pivot for adjusting the trajectory of flight of a thrown ball, the bearing for the second pivot is mounted on a leg supporting cup for rotation about a vertical axis for adjusting the horizontal direction of a thrown ball.

Abstract: A spiral mass launcher is disclosed. The spiral mass launcher includes provisions that permit greater packing density and permit better support of a track. Some of these provisions include the use of specially designed angled swing arms. The spiral mass launcher also includes provisions to assist the spiral in achieving faster gyration speeds. Some of these provisions include improved arm designs and vacuum enclosures. A feed mechanism for a spiral mass launcher is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ball launching device for children that has an outer housing, an inner bowl and a launch assembly. The inner bowl has an inner surface with an outwardly curved cone shaped wall and a vertical linear wall. The launch assembly is connected to the bowl. When the bowl rotates at high speeds, the curved cone shaped wall enables balls to ascend up the inner surface and eventually propel out of the ball launching device.

Abstract: A baseball pitching machine includes a support portion on which a case is mounted for accommodating a friction wheel operatively coupled to a motor. A tube is mounted to the case and defines a ball passage in communication with the case. The tube includes a straight shooting section and an angled feeding section having an inlet opening to which a cap is connected. The cap is normally closed to prevent foreign objects from entering the pitching machine. A detection member is mounted in the inlet opening of the feeding section and is actuateable by opening the cap to give off an audio warning via a speaker. The cap has stop plates for prevents the ball from directly traveling to the shooting section before the cap is closed.

Abstract: A mechanism for deploying cylindrical objects from a spinning container includes a dispenser that uses rotation around the axis of symmetry of the dispenser to eject several cylindrical objects in any of many regular, predictable patterns. The dispenser rigidly holds the cylinders within a carrier vehicle as the vehicle accelerates to high velocity. The dispenser is spinning about the axis of the dispenser at a high rate. Then on signal, the dispenser releases all of the cylinders simultaneously. Each one of the cylinders leaves the vehicle with the cylinder's axis parallel to that of the dispenser and at each cylinder's own tangential velocity.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a conversion kit for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The kit includes a projection screen; a projector; a clutch motor unit; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The clutch motor is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position within the spring-actuated pitching machine and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in synchronization with the video image.

Abstract: An improved pitching machine is provided. The invented pitching machine may be capable of consecutively throwing balls that each have a different predetermined trajectory, rotational velocity, and velocity, without resetting the machine. The machine may be capable of simulating a pitch sequence, as thrown by a pitcher in a game situation, which may effectively train batters. The machine includes a pair of rotating belts that are vertically spaced and extend parallel to each other and generally horizontally. Once a ball is seized between the belts, the ball is rapidly conveyed by the belts and thrown in a predetermined direction and at a selected velocity. The velocity of the belts may be independently adjusted for imparting a predetermined rotational velocity on balls conveyed by the belts, for throwing balls of different predetermined trajectories. A control system is provided for selecting a pitch type for each ball thrown by the machine.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine includes a camera connected to a computer vision unit and a microphone connected to a speech-processing unit. The computer vision unit processes images from the camera to determine a user's position, and to detect user gestures from a predetermined repertoire of gestures. The speech-processing unit recognizes user vocal commands from a predetermined repertoire of commands. A computer receives information from a control panel, from the computer vision unit, from the speech-processing unit, and from a file describing the ballistic properties of the ball to be thrown. The computer accordingly determines a ball trajectory according to the user's position and parameters indicated by a combination of control-panel settings, user gestures, and user vocal commands. The computer then adjusts the direction, elevation, ball speed, and ball spin to conform to the determined trajectory, and initiates throwing of a ball accordingly.

Abstract: A high precision ball launch system includes a major link, minor link, drive device, ball release mechanism, and support base. The major link is pivotally attached to the support base and rotated about a major axis by the drive device. A minor axis of the minor link is pivotally attached to one end of the major link. The ball release mechanism is attached to one end of the minor link. The ball release mechanism is preferably positioned on the minor link such that a center of the ball passes through the major axis. The major link is rotated in one direction and the minor link is rotated in the opposite direction. A second embodiment of the high precision ball launch system includes a pair of linear translating drive surfaces, at least one drive device, and a carriage. Each linear translating drive surface includes a linear drive surface, a drive wheel, and an idler wheel.

Abstract: A weapon for centrifugally discharging projectiles at a rapid rate comprising a housing in which is rotatably mounted a disc having a multiplicity of feed channels extending radially therein. Each of the feed channels receives a multiplicity of projectiles and is configured to orient the projectiles in a single file adjacent the disc periphery of the disc projectile locking means. Each of the channels has located adjacent the periphery disc a multiplicity of stops movable between a first position within the channel to preclude movement of the outermost projectile outwardly of the channel and a second position removed from the channel to permit movement of a projectile thereby.

Abstract: A weapon for centrifugally discharging projectiles at a rapid rate comprising a housing in which is rotatably mounted a disc having a multiplicity of feed channels extending radially therein and opening at the periphery of the disc. Each of the feed channels receives a multiplicity of projectiles and is configured to orient the projectiles in a single file adjacent the disc periphery of the disc projectile locking means. Each of the channels has located adjacent the periphery disc a multiplicity of stops movable between a first position within the channel to preclude movement of the outermost projectile outwardly of the channel and a second position removed from the channel to permit movement of a projectile thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hockey training device. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a hollow vertical housing with both a loading end and a discharge end. The intermediate extend of the housing is adapted to store a number of hockey pucks. A discharge device, such as a solenoid actuated plunger or spring urged driving bar, is employed in forcing pucks out through the discharge end of the housing. In this manner, the device can be used in driving pucks, one at a time, vertically and flat across the ice.

Abstract: Pitching apparatus delivers a sequence of different kinds of pitches to a batter and prevents a batter from ascertaining from the position of the pitching apparatus the kind of pitch which the apparatus will deliver.