Projectile Impelled By Coacting Wheels Patents (Class 124/78)
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Publication number: 20140261363Abstract: A ball pitching machine of the present invention includes a tripod, a mounting base, two rotary wheel devices, and a ball holder. The mounting base includes an engaging member rotatably mounted to a pillar of the tripod and a mounting plate pivotably coupled to the engaging member. The rotary wheel devices are mounted on two sides of the mounting plate and each includes a rotary wheel. The ball holder is mounted to the mounting plate and located between the rotary wheel devices. The ball holder of the ball pitching machine is applicable to different-sized rugby balls or soccer balls and can be easily adjusted to any elevation angle. The ball pitching machine allows elevation angles of the mounting base to be adjusted, and also allows elevation angles of the rotary wheels to be adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Sheng-Hsiao Lu
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Publication number: 20140261364Abstract: A method and apparatus for launching shuttlecocks at different frequencies, trajectories, speeds, spins, and shot types, thereby providing simulated shots for use in practice for badminton players. The shuttlecock launching apparatus having a dual pivoting launch assembly for providing various launch paths and trajectories, first and second launching wheels for imparting a forward motion to a shuttlecock, and a shuttlecock holding and transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from a holding area to a launch point near the first and second launching wheels in a controlled and consistent manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Mahesh Wijegunawardana
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Patent number: 8833355Abstract: Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, articles, methods, and tires for throwing machines are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Jugs Sports, Inc.Inventor: Kerry K. Paulson
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Patent number: 8747259Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: William Coleman Lay
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Publication number: 20140121038Abstract: 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 balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Seattle Sport Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey H. Alger
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Patent number: 8707942Abstract: A rotary wheel for a ball pitching machine includes a wheel body and a resilient member engaged on an outer periphery of the wheel body. A shaft hole is provided in the wheel body for receiving a shaft of a motor of the ball pitching machine. The wheel body includes a spring portion arranged between the shaft hole and the outer periphery of the wheel body in a radial direction and including first and second bending portions both of which protrude from two sides of the wheel body respectively. When the rotary wheel is driven to turn by the motor, a frictional force of contact of the resilient member with a ball makes the ball shot outwardly, and the rotary wheel is not broken or damaged due to the spring portion compressed in the radial direction to absorb the impact energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Sheng-Hsiao Lu
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Publication number: 20140109887Abstract: A tennis ball throwing machine includes a support frame for carrying the machine, a pair of round pitching wheels, and a hopper mounted on the frame and above the pitching wheels. A ball chute connects the bottom of the hopper and a launch point that is proximate the point where the pitching wheels are closest together. The ball chute includes a plurality of guide rails that are spaced apart and open between them such that the guide rails are separated but are close enough together that they may support and carry a ball down the chute. The open rails allow for dirt and other debris to fall through the machine and away from the ball chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: LUCK STONE CORPORATIONInventor: Hurst H. Edson
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Patent number: 8695579Abstract: A toy launcher that can house a substantially large amount (e.g., 40, 60, 100, 200, etc.) of projectiles along the length of a rotatable projectile feed assembly. During use, a user can cause rotatable projectile feed assembly to rotate about it own axis and can cause projectiles to advance from the rotatable projectile feed assembly to a projectile launch assembly. At the projectile launch assembly, projectiles interact with at least one accelerator launching the projectile out of the toy launcher. The accelerator can be at least one rotating body.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Easebon Services LimitedInventor: Steven J. Huebl
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Patent number: 8613275Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf ball launcher, the golf ball launcher comprising: a frame, a firing barrel, a firing slot, an air compressor, an accelerator housing and an acceleration mechanism comprising an upper belt mechanism and a lower belt mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Steve Ogg, Benjamin J. Karpen, Dana N. Mecke, Elissa T. Morris
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Publication number: 20130312726Abstract: A toy launcher apparatus with a rotatable clip connector mounted to a lower portion of a housing. The housing also includes an upper portion, a barrel portion and a grip portion. Pivotally mounted to the upper portion of the housing is a handle and mounted to the grip portion is a trigger and a switch. Attached to the clip connector may be eight projectile clips and the clip connector is rotatable 45° every time the handle is pivoted forward. Mounted within the housing are a battery compartment, and a wheel and motor assembly. Batteries in the battery compartment may power the wheel and motor assembly after the switch is activated by a user. Pulling the trigger causes a projectile, such as a foam dart, to be pushed from a clip aligned with the barrel portion toward spinning wheels of the wheel and motor assembly, and the wheels cause discharge the dart.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventors: Raymond Aaron Mead, Brian C. Jablonski, John Michael Flakowski, II
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Patent number: 8550063Abstract: 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 balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Seattle Sport Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey H. Alger
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Publication number: 20130228138Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: Hamill Partners LLCInventors: Dennis W. Hamill, Deborah Lynn Hamill, Lee Elizabeth Hamill, Grant Patrick Hamill, Katie Marcella Hamill, Lucy Rejahl Hamill
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Patent number: 8496545Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventor: William Coleman Lay
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Patent number: 8485174Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Laurent Bissonnette, Michael McNamara
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Publication number: 20130125870Abstract: A toy launcher that can house a substantially large amount (e.g., 40, 60, 100, 200, etc.) of projectiles along the length of a rotatable projectile feed assembly. During use, a user can cause rotatable projectile feed assembly to rotate about it own axis and can cause projectiles to advance from the rotatable projectile feed assembly to a projectile launch assembly. At the projectile launch assembly, projectiles interact with at least one accelerator launching the projectile out of the toy launcher. The accelerator can be at least one rotating body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: EASEBON SERVICES LIMITEDInventor: Easebon Services Limited
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Publication number: 20130112184Abstract: A toy projectile launcher includes a body having a magazine for storing at least one cylindrical projectile. The body has an elongate barrel in communication with the magazine. The barrel is shaped for travel of the projectile from the magazine to an exit end. The barrel has an intermediate opening between the magazine and the exit end. A drive wheel is powered by a motor to spin about an axis of rotation. The drive wheel can be coupled to the body by a drive wheel biasing member. The drive wheel intrudes into the barrel though the intermediate opening to contact and propel the projectile down the barrel. The drive wheel can include a resilient part. The axis of rotation of the drive wheel can deviate from being perpendicular to the length of the barrel by a predetermined angle selected to impart spin to the projectile.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Spin Master Ltd.Inventors: Jeffrey James Corsiglia, Anne Pitrone, Rodney B. Schmelter
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Publication number: 20130104869Abstract: A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: TOCA, LLCInventors: Edward J. Lewis, Steven Joseph Barberi
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Publication number: 20130104870Abstract: Method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for projecting a sports object onto a playing surface based upon player position. The method and system includes monitoring player position and projecting the sports object onto a playing surface using a sports object projection apparatus based upon the monitored player position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Vincent Rizzo, Richard Robert Correll
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Publication number: 20130087131Abstract: Embodiments provide a ball throwing machine including a motor coupled to a rotary wheel and configured to rotate the rotary wheel at a rotational speed to throw a ball forward toward an athlete. A speed control module may be coupled to the motor and configured to rotate the rotary wheel, via the motor, at a first rotational speed during a fastball setting and a second rotational speed during a changeup setting. The speed control module may determine the second rotational speed based on the first rotational speed so that a ball thrown by the ball throwing machine will arrive in a target zone when the ball throwing machine is in the fastball setting and the changeup setting. In some embodiments, the speed control module may utilize resistive braking to transition the rotary wheel from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: Jugs Sports, Inc.Inventors: Kerry K. Paulson, Robert F. Harder
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Patent number: 8353277Abstract: A toy launcher that can house a substantially large amount (e.g., 40, 60, 100, 200, etc.) of projectiles along the length of a rotatable projectile feed assembly. During use, a user can cause rotatable projectile feed assembly to rotate about it own axis and can cause projectiles to advance from the rotatable projectile feed assembly to a projectile launch assembly. At the projectile launch assembly, projectiles interact with at least one accelerator launching the projectile out of the toy launcher. The accelerator can be at least one rotating body.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Easebon Services LimitedInventor: Steven J. Huebl
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Patent number: 8342162Abstract: 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 balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Seattle Sport Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey H. Alger
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Publication number: 20120325193Abstract: A ball throwing apparatus includes a ball magazine attached to a first end of a ball tube. A ball propelling or throwing assembly is attached to a second end of the ball tube. A retaining element, such as a spring finger, extends into the ball tube from a first side of the ball tube. A holder which may be pivotally mounted on the ball tube extends into the ball tube from a second side of the ball tube. An arm moves through an arm slot in the second side of the ball tube in a reciprocating motion, feeding balls one at a time from the ball magazine into the throwing assembly, in a uniform time sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Jose E. Leal, John Barletta
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Publication number: 20120312290Abstract: Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, articles, methods, and tires for throwing machines are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: JUGS SPORTS, INC.Inventor: Kerry K. Paulson
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Patent number: 8287404Abstract: The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: PrecisionSports Robotics, LLCInventors: Romulo J. Cucjen, Dennis Randall Duron
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Patent number: 8261729Abstract: A shuttlecock launching apparatus which comprises a storage for shuttlecocks, first and second launching wheels, a transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from the storage to the launching wheels, the transfer assembly being controlled by a cam wheel and cam follower which causes and guides the horizontal movement of the transfer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventors: Ivan Laszlo, Herman Fischer
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Patent number: 8172703Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: William Coleman Lay
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Publication number: 20120097145Abstract: A pitching machine includes a stand unit, a direction adjusting device swivelably mounted on the stand unit, a base unit pivotally mounted on the direction adjusting device, two pitch adjusting devices mounted on the base unit, and an angle adjusting device pivotally mounted between the base unit and the direction adjusting device. The base unit includes a base frame, two side brackets, two screwed sockets, two rotation wheels, two drive motors, a guide track, and a push member. Thus, the inclined angle of each of the rotation wheels can be adjusted individually by each of the pitch adjusting devices so that the rotation wheels can be adapted to have different inclined angles. In addition, the angle adjusting device can move the base frame relative to the support arm to change the inclined angle of the base frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventor: Sheng-Hsiao Lu
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Patent number: 8133137Abstract: A pitching machine configured for adjustment by a user, and including a pitching head, a first macro-adjustment device and a first micro-adjustment device. The pitching head is situated atop a stand. The pitching head includes a first wheel spaced apart from an opposing surface and a first motor for driving the first wheel. The first macro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head and includes a first locking assembly that, when loosened, allows manual rotation of the pitching head about a first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head, and includes a first adjusting element that, when repositioned, incrementally rotates the pitching head about the first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device configured for operation by a single hand of a user, and the first macro-adjustment device retaining the pitching head in a secure position during adjustment of the first micro-adjustment device.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Eugene Grant, William R. Woessner, Ian Fettes
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Publication number: 20120037138Abstract: A toy launcher that can house a substantially large amount (e.g., 40, 60, 100, 200, etc.) of projectiles along the length of a rotatable projectile feed assembly. During use, a user can cause rotatable projectile feed assembly to rotate about it own axis and can cause projectiles to advance from the rotatable projectile feed assembly to a projectile launch assembly. At the projectile launch assembly, projectiles interact with at least one accelerator launching the projectile out of the toy launcher. The accelerator can be at least one rotating body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: EASEBON SERVICES LIMITEDInventor: Steven J. Huebl
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Patent number: 8074633Abstract: A ball projecting machine having a C-shaped arm that provides the ability to adjust the length or elevation of pitched balls. The C-shaped arm connects a ball projecting head to a stand, with the ball projecting head affixed to one end of the C-shaped arm, and the C-shaped arm is slidably engaged through a frame atop the stand to allow rotation of the ball projecting head about a horizontal axis. A center of gravity of the ball projecting head in combination with the C-shaped arm facilitates stability of the ball projecting machine when the C-shaped arm is slid up or down. A locking device, when loosened, allows the C-shaped arm to slide up or down through the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Eugene Grant, William R. Woessner, Ian Fettes
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Patent number: 8001954Abstract: Practice balls may be presented to a person in need of hitting practice by using an apparatus for pitching practice balls that includes a support for a ball propelling head, high enough to raise the head to the approximate height of a pitcher's arm when he releases a pitched ball, three variable speed motor powered wheels forming a ball propelling chute to propel a ball dropped through the chute attached to the ball propelling head, the three wheels forming a chute through which the ball to be thrown is visible, and the three variable speed motor powered wheels attached to a motor plate held within and attached to a pivotable frame; a control panel attached to the support providing access to one speed control for each motor driving a ball propelling head; and at least one front wheel guard plate in front of at least one ball propelling head of sufficient strength to provide protection from pieces of the wheels if the at least one wheels should disintegrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Sports Attack, LLCInventor: Douglas L. Boehner
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Publication number: 20110168149Abstract: A toy gun assembly has at least two, first and second independently operable toy guns. Each of those guns has a body and a shooting mechanism in the body. The toy guns are connectable with each other by means of a connector. The shooting mechanisms of the toy guns are independently operable when the toy guns are connected by the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: Craig P. Nadel
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Patent number: 7958876Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: William Coleman Lay
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Patent number: 7882831Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Seattle Sport Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey H. Alger
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Patent number: 7823574Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Xpider Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsiao Hsi Chu
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Publication number: 20100252015Abstract: The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: FUNGOMAN, INC.Inventors: Romulo J. Cucjen, Dennis Randall Duron
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Patent number: 7806788Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Daniel R. Neuman
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Patent number: 7766770Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Precision Sports Robotics, LLCInventors: Romulo J. Cucjen, Dennis Randall Duron, Brad Tilton
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Patent number: 7736249Abstract: A table tennis robot system characterized in that all the motion control mechanisms of the robot are digitally controlled and fully user programmable and the robot can be positioned in a wide space range of the machine side of the playing field using a unique design of ball catching and recycling net (MB).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: He Zhang
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Patent number: 7708003Abstract: A football throwing system for propelling a football down field to be caught and receiving the football when the football is thrown back includes at least one receiver assembly being positioned on a support surface. The receiver assembly receives footballs. A housing is positioned on the support surface. The housing is coupled to the at least one receiver assembly to receive the footballs from the at least one receiver assembly. A pair of conveyor drives is positioned in the housing. Each of the conveyor drives is orientated along a height of the housing. Each of the conveyor drives engages one of the footballs in the housing and lifts the football towards a top end of the housing. A plurality of wheel assemblies is mounted to the housing. The wheel assemblies receive one of the footballs from the conveyor drives and propel the football down field to be caught.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Inventor: Gino G. Gavieres
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Patent number: 7691012Abstract: The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Precision Sports Robotics, LLCInventors: Romulo J. Cucjen, Dennis Randall Duron
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Patent number: 7686002Abstract: The present invention is a toy launcher which is transfigurable from a compacted state to an operative state for launching projectiles. In one embodiment, the launcher utilizes a hand-pressurized air pump for providing the launching power, and may accommodate multiple types of projectiles to be loaded in the gun at the same time. Projectiles may include, for example, a bolo bullet, grapnel, or miniature missiles. Auxiliary retractable features such as targeting components and a flashlight with a logo projector may be added to enhance the play value of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Michael Andrews
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Publication number: 20100032904Abstract: An information processing system includes an input section that inputs movement information of an object on which a user performed an operation in an operation environment, and an output section that holds another object in a remote site remote from the operation environment and reproduces a movement of the object on which the user performed the operation on the basis of the movement information received from the input section.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Tomohiro YASUOKA, Tetsujiro Kondo, Ryuhei Sakanoue
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Publication number: 20090283088Abstract: A shuttlecock launching apparatus which comprises a storage for shuttlecocks, first and second launching wheels, a transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from the storage to the launching wheels, the transfer assembly being controlled by a cam wheel and cam follower which causes and guides the horizontal movement of the transfer assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Ivan Laszlo, Herman Fischer
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Patent number: 7610909Abstract: A system and method for controlling a sports object throwing machine is disclosed that utilizes preprogrammed parameters of shot distribution pattern, throwing speed, feed rate, elevation, spin rate and direction to permit operation of the sports object throwing machine by simply selecting a skill level. Adjustment keys are provided to allow user customization of the operating parameters as desired. In addition, the preprogrammed parameter of shot distribution pattern includes instrumentality to reduce repetitive shots to the same location by reducing the comparative probability of subsequent shots to the same location.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Sports Tutor, Inc.Inventor: William James Greene, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090260611Abstract: A pitching machine configured for adjustment by a user, and including a pitching head, a first macro-adjustment device and a first micro-adjustment device. The pitching head is situated atop a stand. The pitching head includes a first wheel spaced apart from an opposing surface and a first motor for driving the first wheel. The first macro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head and includes a first locking assembly that, when loosened, allows manual rotation of the pitching head about a first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head, and includes a first adjusting element that, when repositioned, incrementally rotates the pitching head about the first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device configured for operation by a single hand of a user, and the first macro-adjustment device retaining the pitching head in a secure position during adjustment of the first micro-adjustment device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Eugene Grant, William R. Woessner, Ian Fettes
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Publication number: 20090260612Abstract: A ball projecting machine having a C-shaped arm that provides the ability to adjust the length or elevation of pitched balls. The C-shaped arm connects a ball projecting head to a stand, with the ball projecting head affixed to one end of the C-shaped arm, and the C-shaped arm is slidably engaged through a frame atop the stand to allow rotation of the ball projecting head about a horizontal axis. A center of gravity of the ball projecting head in combination with the C-shaped arm facilitates stability of the ball projecting machine when the C-shaped arm is slid up or down. A locking device, when loosened, allows the C-shaped arm to slide up or down through the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Eugene Grant, William R. Woessner, Ian Fettes
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Publication number: 20090217918Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for projecting articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for projecting balls and like articles for interaction with a player where a player may, for example, be considered a human training for or playing a ball sport or, an animal such as a dog exercising by retrieving the projected article.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2007Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: JUST INNOVATIONS PTY LTDInventors: Justin Dean McKenzie, Winifred Mary Smith, Christopher John Roberts
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Patent number: 7553244Abstract: Disclosed herein is a football receiving and launching machine that receives thrown footballs into a ball collector, orients the football and transfers the football into a ball accelerator that launches the football into the air automatically, enabling the user to practice catching and throwing footballs without the assistance of another player.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Inventor: Michael Timothy York
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Patent number: 7549415Abstract: A wheeled cart like ball dispensing device for storing, transporting, and dispensing soccer balls by delivering soccer balls to a player in a variety of delivery modes for simulating game conditions for a player to practice responding to a variety of different shots.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventor: John J. Karellas