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.

Abstract: Fires in tanks storing combustible liquids are treated by introducing a fire extinguishing media comprising frozen projectiles onto the surface of the burning liquid. The media is applied across the surface of the burning fluid to extinguish the fire and prevent its re-ignition.

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 toy machine gun or a light-weight projectile launching device including a projectile conveying mechanism and a projectile shooting mechanism. The projectile shooting mechanism includes a projectile shooting pass which is formed by a first and a second opposing projectile engaging surfaces which are adapted to friction drag and compressively engage the projectile to be shot. At least one of the rotating surface is preferably driven by a motor. The projectile conveying mechanism conveys a projectile towards said shooting pass for launching.

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: The present invention is a method for training a player of a game in which an object is projected towards the player at a normal velocity range. Depending on the application of the training method, the normal range of velocity for the projected object in the game is determined. An apparatus is provided for projecting the object at a velocity greater than the normal velocity range. The object is projected towards the player at the velocity greater than the normal velocity range. This routine is repeated to improve ocular conditioning and physical objects of the game.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion on to the ball, a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly, and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration. The control system applies the signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. A ball feeder tube removably connects to the body, the ball feeder tube configured to hold the balls and a ball projection means connected to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball upward from the body.

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: An automated batting tee apparatus includes a housing having a top opening, a ball dispensing mechanism for feeding balls one at a time to above the top opening, a ball holder tube forming a batting tee disposed upright in the housing and aligned with the top opening thereof and having an upper end portion for receiving a ball and a lower end portion spaced below the upper end portion, and a drive mechanism arranged upright in the housing externally of and alongside the ball holder tube for vertically moving the ball holder tube and actuating the ball dispensing mechanism. The housing includes a base that rest on the ground and an enclosure having an inner shell on the base and an outer shell slidably mounted over the inner shell and adjustable to different vertical positions relative to the inner shell to adjust the height of the upper end portion of the ball holder tube above the ground.

Abstract: A mount for a ball pitching machine, where the mount automatically and randomly varies the trajectory and direction of the pitched ball, the mount having a pair of motors which rotate crank wheels to which are connected tie rods, the tie rods being connected to amounting post which tilts about a horizontal pivot axis and which rotates about a vertical pivot axis. The amount of tilt and rotation is adjustable within set parameters.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion on to the ball, a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly, and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration. The control circuit applies the signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. A magazine removably connects to the body, the magazine configured to hold the balls and a ball projection means connected to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball upward from the body.

Abstract: A member (e.g. baseball bat) including a switch manually operable to obtain the transmission of signals by a transmitter in the member to an apparatus for propelling an element (e.g. ball) toward an individual holding the member. The element is propelled by a propulsion mechanism in the apparatus toward the individual holding the member so that the individual can practice receiving the element (e.g. hitting the ball). The apparatus propels the element upon the receipt of the transmitted signals and prepares for the next element in the apparatus to be propelled upon a receipt of subsequent signals from the transmitter.

Abstract: A softball and hardball training machine comprising a single drive unit with an adjustable speed control rotating two pneumatic tires at different RPM's to propel a ball at different speeds for simulating “off-speed” or “change-up” pitches to a student.

Abstract: An electronic game includes a device that is held or worn by a player, and a housing. The device includes an emitter that emits a signal in response to player input. The housing includes a controller and a detector that detects the signal from the emitter and provides an electrical signal to the controller indicating the location of the emitter. The housing further includes a magazine for storing objects, and a fire mechanism coupled to the magazine and controlled by the controller to fire a stored object at the implement when the controller determines that the detector has detected an emitted signal from the emitter.

Abstract: A projectile machine for use in practicing various activities including the practice of basketball shots from various positions on a basketball court. The projectile machine when practicing basketball shots automatically returns the basketballs to the person practicing shots thereby eliminating the necessity for the practicing player or other players to retrieve the basketballs that have been shot and return them to the player practicing the shots. More specifically, the present invention enables basketballs that have been shot towards the basketball goal or hoop to be automatically collected and mechanically returned to a selected on-court location at varying elevations, trajectories and velocities. The projectile machine can also be used during various activities relating to the practice of various endeavors in which an article is projected in a desired trajectory. The projectile machine may be supported from a support post for the backboard and goal for use as a home unit.

Abstract: A portable basketball retrieval and return device includes a movable support platform having casters for allowing the positioning of the device on a playing surface adjacent a basketball backboard and rim, a slidable upright frame mounted to the platform and to which a plurality of telescoping arms are attached whereby both the frame and arms are selectively extensible and retractable for disposing netting material which collects shot basketballs from the basketball backboard and rim.

Abstract: A service machine mountable on a court for table tennis comprises a service machine body, wherein a micro-controller is used to control a ball-positioning mechanism built in the service machine body and a ball-projecting mechanism coupled with the ball-positioning mechanism. The ball-positioning mechanism further comprises an elevation control motor and a sway control motor, while the ball-projecting mechanism comprises a ball-conveying device and a ball-projecting device. A ball-collecting tray is arranged to collect plural balls, which will be delivered via a conveyer from the service machine body to the ball-projecting device sequentially through the ball-positioning mechanism and a spin. control motor for projection. The micro-controller can be set by a user or provided with a preset program to enable the service machine to shoot spun balls one after another at various angles or directions in continuous or intermittent mode automatically or manually.

Abstract: An automatic throwing machine (10) includes a throwing arm (18) rotated by a worm gear (78) driven by a worm (76) carried on a rod (42). The rod is driven by an electric motor (32). An extension spring (68) is extensible as the arm is moved to store energy in the spring and create a torque on the throwing arm. The arm is configured for objects such as clay pigeons (P), baseballs (B), and hockey pucks (H) and the like. When the spring reaches an over-center position, the throwing arm is rapidly rotated to launch the object along a desired trajectory. A control (112) controls operation of the motor. A passive infrared detector (110) identifies people (X) near the device and controls the direction of discharge of the object so the object is thrown toward, or away from, the person depending upon the object being thrown. The detector further provides an interlock to prevent object release if there is a person in the direction the object is thrown who should not be there.

Abstract: A portable baseball pitcher's practice target device having a target panel with sub-target areas representing the upper, lower, inside, outside and center of an imaginary strike zone of a baseball batter. The user of the target device practices pitching baseballs toward the target with the objective of concentrating on the sub-target areas to improve the user's pitching accuracy and skill. The target device has a frame that supports the target and a back panel for collecting pitched balls that enter through the sub-target areas. A powered apparatus is included for returning baseballs that have passed through the sub-target areas and resilient surfaces for returning balls that do not enter the sub-target areas.

Abstract: Disks formed from soft and light material are safely shot by a toy having a device for individually feeding disks stored in a cylinder to a motor-driven ratchet panel which rotates at a high speed for engaging and shooting the disks from the toy.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine which includes a tripod leg support is provided with the rearwardly positioned leg formed as a pair of telescopic sections. Rack and pinion components are mounted one on each leg section and the pinion is operated by a crank to effect lengthening or shortening the telescopic sections, to effect an incremental change in the trajectory of a ball thrown by the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for throwing balls with specific throwing parameters with the aid of a pendulum. The device consists of a pendulum having a free end which is suspended so as to be movable about an axis, characterized in that a holding device for the ball is located at the free end of the pendulum shaft and can release the ball in response to an electrical signal.

Abstract: The velocity of a mass is monotonically increased from an initial non-zero value at the time it enters a spiral track. A drive gyrates the track about an axis so the mass makes each turn around the track in about the same period of time. The drive includes plural rotary drive shafts eccentrically and fixedly connected to the track at several points. The drive shafts and track are arranged so points on a first side of a particular spiral turn where the mass is located are driven toward the axis and points on a second side of the particular spiral turn remote from where the mass is located are driven away from the axis.

Abstract: A disc discharging toy includes a body having a hand grip; a plurality of resilient discs; a magazine mounted on the body and containing the plurality of resilient discs in a stacked position; and a single drive roller driven by a motor and imparting a discharge force to each disc when fed into a discharge position wherein the drive roller has an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of each resilient disc.

Abstract: A mass located in a track defined by a closed, continuous path is gradually and smoothly accelerated or decelerated by controlling movement of the track so a portion of the track where the mass is sensed to be located is moved inwardly (for acceleration) or outwardly (for deceleration) along a local radius of curvature of the track.

Abstract: A ball control device for combination with a ball tossing machine of the type having a rotating throw arm for propelling a ball. The ball control device has a proximal end for mounting to the throw arm and a terminal end. Between the proximal and terminal ends lies a slightly arcuate, open, longitudinal channel or trough that receives and controls a ball as the throw arm rotates. The ball advances along the surface of the channel until, upon rotation to a break over point, the ball is propelled from the terminal end of the device. To impart a curve, spin or drop to the ball, a spin actuator is mounted at the terminal end of the device. A surface portion of the ball, as it reaches the terminal end of the device (at the break over point), is momentarily engaged by the spin actuator, which, when the ball is propelled, induces a spin upon the ball in a manner that mimics the action of a pitcher's grip upon the ball.

Abstract: A game apparatus offers a game played by a plurality of players. The game apparatus uses an object having means for determining a result of the game, the result of the game being dependent on a movement of the object, a moving process of the object being observed by the players. Magnitude information indicative of a magnitude determined by one of the players is generated and detected in the game apparatus. A driving force is applied to the object so that the object is thrown toward a field defined by the game apparatus. A magnitude of the driving force is controlled in accordance with the magnitude of the hitting force. The object is collected by a collecting member moving on the field from a rear side to a front side. A pair of attracting members are provided on the front side of the field and move in opposite directions. The object is sandwiched between the attracting members and, thus, the object is placed on a throwing plate positioned in the center of the front side of the field.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for launching spherical and disc-shaped objects (O) used in the practice or play of a sport. A launcher assembly (12) includes a constantly rotating arm (14) rotatable about a center pivot (P). An object to be launched is loaded into an inlet end (16) of the arm adjacent the pivot for the object to be drawn outwardly by centrifugal force toward an outer end (18) of the arm from which the object is released. The velocity of the object when it is launched is a function of the length of the arm and the speed at which the arm is rotating. A feed assembly (20) holds a number of homogeneous objects. A feed mechanism (100) of the feed assembly is selectively operable to feed the objects into the inlet end of the arm. A control panel (148) enables a user to remotely control operation of the apparatus, to control individual launches, or to preset an interval at which objects are automatically launched. A drive unit (24) includes a motor (26,26') for constantly rotating the arm.

Abstract: A ball pitching machine which uniquely embodies a single, specially configured ball engaging wheel which is rotatably mounted within a wheel housing that, along with a ball receiving barrel, is easily rotatable through an angle of 270 degrees. With this novel construction, the device can be used to accurately pitch a variety of fast balls, curve balls and sliders. The ball engaging wheel of the pitching head is of a novel vaned construction so that as the wheel is rotated within its housing a negative pressure will be generated within the housing and within the ball receiving barrel which is associated therewith so that the ball will be sucked into the barrel and into positive driving engagement with the periphery of the rotating wheel.

Abstract: A ball pitching and throwing apparatus that is readily adaptable to propelling a variety of balls, including softballs and baseballs. The apparatus provides a self-contained portable power source, portability and ease of maintenance. The ball pitching apparatus, which includes a portable body, has a stand alone power source that is engaged to a propelling wheel by way of an axle. A ball is loaded into a feeder chute which directs the ball toward a space between the outer periphery of the propelling wheel and an, optionally adjustable, propulsion alignment. Upon contact with the both the outer periphery of the propelling wheel and the propulsion alignment, the ball is propelled from the apparatus. The initial trajectory of the ball can be changed by altering the disposition of an axle mounted pivot arm upon which is mounted the propulsion alignment.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention comprises an acceleration barrel (29); a bullet supply apparatus (42) for supplying bullets (46) to the acceleration barrel (29); and a rotor (30) for shooting a bullet (46) in the acceleration barrel (29) from a bore placed at the end of the shooting barrel (18) by directly pushing the bullet (46). Therefore, the present invention provides a bullet shooting apparatus, a bullet supply apparatus, and a bullet shooting system comprising these apparatuses, wherein bullets can be shot consecutively at a high speed, and at a high initial shooting speed, without using compressed gas, and without causing energy loss.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for throwing balls. In particular, it is useful for throwing baseballs and softballs, and for lobbing tennis balls. The apparatus includes a number of components which cooperate to discharge balls at a relatively high velocity. A rotor member is provided. It is coupled to a motor shaft of a motor, preferably an electrical motor. A stator member is provided having an inlet for receiving balls and an outlet for discharging balls. The stator member completely encloses the rotor member and motor shaft thus enclosing all moving parts. Preferably, the rotor member includes a mounting member which couples to the shaft of the motor and which is positioned substantially orthogonal to the shaft of the motor. Additionally, the rotor member includes first and second parallel rails which are coupled to the mounting member and spaced apart a preselected distance which is sufficient to accommodate the balls.

Abstract: A toy flying disk and disk launcher system including a launching pad coupled to a handle, a disk feeder mounted in a vertical disk feed hole at the launching pad and holding a stack of flying disks, a disk launching control mechanism controlled to push the flying disks out of the disk feeder into the launching position one after another, a motor mounted on the launching pad, a ratchet wheel turned by the motor to send the flying disks one after another from the launching position into the air, a power switch for controlling power supply to the motor, and a safety control device mounted on the launching pad and adapted to switch on/off the power switch and to lock/unlock the disk launching control mechanism.

Abstract: A mass located in a track defined by a closed, continuous path is gradually and smoothly accelerated or decelerated by controlling movement of the track so a portion of the track where the mass is sensed to be located is moved inwardly (for acceleration) or outwardly (for deceleration) along a local radius of curvature of the track.

Abstract: A mechanical device for throwing projectiles is disclosed which is disposed on a ground surface to throw variously-sized balls to a practicing basketball shooter or a practicing baseball hitter. The device includes an elongated base disposed on the ground surface, a pivoting arm which is attached to the base and which throws the ball, and an electromechanical solenoid whose actuation causes the arm to pivot and throw the ball. When the device is used for basketball practice shooting, a frame is disposed on the ground and around the device, and the frame includes a pole, a backboard secured to the pole, and a rim extending perpendicular from the backboard. A plurality of support arms are attached to the frame, and the arms include an integrally attached net which is disposed around the backboard for collecting thrown basketballs and directing them to the device.

Abstract: A disc discharging toy for discharging discs is provided which comprises a plurality of resilient discs, a magazine for holding the discs in a stacked position, a forcibly feeding device for forcibly feeding the discs so held in the supply portion piece by piece toward a discharging position, and a discharging device for discharging the disc so fed. The discharging device includes two rollers and a motor for rotating at least one of the two rollers in a direction in which the disc is discharged.

Abstract: A device for launching soft foam balls includes a launcher body, a launching wheel having a circumferential gripping surface thereon and a restriction in the launcher body for urging a soft foam ball into compressed engagement with the launching wheel. The device further includes a manually operable rack gear assembly for rapidly rotating the launching wheel and a feed assembly for individually releasing foam balls so that they contact the launching wheel for launching them from the launcher body in rapid succession.

Abstract: A disc discharging toy for discharging discs is provided which comprises a plurality of resilient discs, a magazine for holding the discs in a stacked position, a forcibly feeding device for forcibly feeding the discs so held in the supply portion piece by piece toward a discharging position, and a discharging device for discharging the disc so fed. The discharging device includes two rollers and a motor for rotating at least one of the two rollers in a direction in which the disc is discharged.

Abstract: An automatic ball projection machine comprising a housing section that encloses a receiving section, a chute section, an ejection section, and a power section, while supporting a catching section, wherein a plurality of balls are loaded into the housing section through an inlet aperture, delayed in the receiving section, engaged and propelled by the ejection section, and adjustably directed out the chute section through an outlet aperture at a force sufficient for hitting or catching. Balls are thrown back at the apparatus into the catching section, which entraps and guides the balls into the inlet aperture for recycling.

Abstract: A system for projecting a hockey puck is provided which includes a hockey puck projector and an associated control system. The hockey puck projector includes a plurality of rollers for supporting the bottom surface of a hockey puck, a wheel for engaging the top surface of the hockey puck, a motor for rotating the wheel, and a ram for moving the hockey puck between the rollers and the rotating wheel. The control system includes servos for rotating the hockey puck projector in three dimensions and a computer control for driving the servos and providing set points which determine the projectory of a projected hockey puck. A hockey puck is projected by the projector when the wheel is rotated and the hockey puck is moved into engagement by the rotating wheel which imparts motion to the hockey puck. The rotating wheel engages the hockey puck above a plurality of rollers which support the puck.

Abstract: A hockey propulsion device that uses an infrared control unit to control speed of hockey ball ejection as well as starting and stopping. A single DC powered motor rolls a ball along a railed guideway using friction of the ball against a rubber ball propulsion drive wheel on the motor and two rails of the guideway providing three point ball stabilization and rolling ejection. At least two rolling speeds are provided. A two solenoid gate periodically releases balls into a propulsion tube that provides rotational inertia to each ball before it encounters the rotating wheel. Low battery and empty ball sensors indicate when the propulsion device is low on or is out of balls. A swivel ejection guideway allows the ball to be directed from side to side. A detachable hopper allows easy ball gathering and reloading.

Abstract: A pitching system will pitch either softballs or baseballs to a single station. At least one of the pitching machines in the system can have variable speed pitches. As the speed of the pitches changes, the angles at which the balls are thrown will be varied. In that manner, the strike zone at the batting station can be maintained. The pitching system includes a pitching machine with rotatable upper and lower wheels. Balls are fed to and thrown from these wheels. The speed at which the balls are thrown by the wheels can be adjusted. When the speed is adjusted, a control will actuate a tilting device for adjusting the angle at which the balls are thrown. This angle is decreased as the speed of the thrown balls is increased.

Abstract: A system for projecting a hockey puck is provided which includes a hockey puck projector and an associated control system. The hockey puck projector includes a plurality of rollers for supporting the bottom surface of a hockey puck, a wheel for engaging the top surface of the hockey puck, a motor for rotating the wheel, and a ram for moving the hockey puck between the rollers and the rotating wheel. The control system includes servos for rotating the hockey puck projector in three dimensions and a computer control for driving the servos and providing set points which determine the projectory of a projected hockey puck. A hockey puck is projected by the projector when the wheel is rotated and the hockey puck is moved into engagement by the rotating wheel which imparts motion to the hockey puck. The rotating wheel engages the hockey puck above a plurality of rollers which support the puck.

Abstract: A wheel for a ball throwing machine includes a tire-mounting wheel formed of two lateral halves of spun metal each having a central portion and an angularly extending rim portion, the central portions of the two halves being arranged in abutting relation with the rim portions diverging outwardly. A resilient solid polyurethane tire is molded integrally to the outer surfaces of the diverging rim portions, securing the two halves together. The tire is molded to a resilient hardness ranging between about 25A and 75A Durometer, preferably about 40A Durometer. Circumferentially spaced registering holes in the central portions of the two wheel halves removably receive bolts by which to secure the wheel to the hub of a power driven rotary shaft of a ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A target throwing apparatus mount is provided with a support post and a lateral member on which a seat may be mounted. For security of the apparatus a housing fits over the apparatus and has a bar that engages the post and an eye that engages a mooring eye on the lateral member. The arrangement pulls the housing into the support post and when the eyes are locked together, the housing may not be removed.

Abstract: A baseball practice mechanism defined by a tripod mounted framework supporting a baseball propelling arrangement and including a pivotal structure controlling a desired training need, as, for example, flyballs, batting practice, grounders, or the like. The tire speed is accomplish by use of an adjustment thread cooperatively engaging a pivotal plate which bears against the housing of a power source, serving, in end purposes, as a variable speed control for the rotation of the baseball propelling tire. Baseball feeding is accomplished through an entry opening into a V-shaped cup, providing safety to the user and, at the same time, the positive and repetitious squeezing, and propelling, of the baseball in a controlled direction through simple pivotal action. The mechanism is mobile through pulling movement of one or more of the tripod base legs combined with the rotating action afforded by the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus has a simple configuration using a drive circuit for outputting horizontal transfer clocks with a given frequency regardless of the number of picture elements of a solid state imaging device which constitutes an imaging means of an endoscope and the reading structure thereof so that it can be used for an endoscope having a different number of picture elements.

Abstract: A multi-purpose ball expelling apparatus which can be used with repeated operations for the training of baseball fielders, batters and pitchers comprising in combination a special netted frame in which a ball can be thrown, collected and pass into a special ball expelling machine which can be adjusted to expell the ball as a grounder, pop-fly or straight pitch. An inverted U-shaped frame is in a generally vertical plane and has a net stretched tightly across it. A brace is connected to each side leg of the U. A rectangular frame is supported in a generally horizontal plane by the U-shaped frame and braces. A second net is also stretched tightly across the rectangular frame. The rectangular frame downward somewhat toward its front edge to direct a ball into the expelling machine. A third net is attached to the top of the U-shaped frame and hangs loosely down to the net on the rectangular frame. This third net has a rectangular opening which serves as a baseball pitching target.

Abstract: An automatic tennis ball feeding and serving apparatus comprises a ball hopper, wheel-type tennis ball projector and conveyor for transporting tennis balls from the hopper to the ball projector. A frame is provided to which the hopper, ball projector and conveyor are fixed, with the ball projector elevated above the hopper. The conveyor includes an endless loop, motor driven conveyor chain which is inclined at a small angle from the vertical. A ball delivering chute is positioned between the conveyor and the ball projector to gravity feed balls from the conveyor to the ball projector. Connected to the conveyor chain are a plurality of spaced apart, tennis ball transporters, each having a shallow ball receiving recess. Associated with each ball transporter is a ball anti-stacking element which prevents the stacking of two or more tennis balls on the same ball transporter. Each anti-stacking element projects outwardly from the conveyor belt about 11/2 tennis ball diameters above each ball transporters.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine which includes a pair of rotary discs supported for rotation and angularly opposed relation so as to laterally engage a ball and effect propulsion thereof is disclosed. A pair of positioning disc disposed on the interior ball-contacting surfaces of the flat-faced rotary disc precisely locate the balls to be projected on the rotary discs to insure consistency between throws or pitches.