Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is provided for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like, which machine includes a power head having three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a variety of pitches at different speeds and different locations. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. The pitches are established by providing a table of five separate data elements for each of said pitches, three of said data elements corresponding to the rotational speed of each of said wheels, and the remaining two data elements corresponding to the horizontal and vertical angular position of the power head.

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: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toy projectile launcher that launches projectiles. The launcher includes a housing having an entrance and an exit in communication therewith to define a channel, a pair of flywheels supported by said housing and positioned about and in communication with the channel, and a means for rotating the flywheels such that a projectile entering the channel may be engaged by the rotating flywheels and impelled through the channel and out through the exit.

Abstract: A ball feeding device is disclosed that includes a trigger and feeder disposed at least partially inside a housing. The trigger may be actuated by simulating the athletic motion required to propel an athletic projectile such as a baseball, tennis ball or hockey puck by striking a wand or disrupting a beam. The feeder is actuated by the trigger to introduce an athletic projectile into a propelling device. A control member assists in reducing premature or multiple projection of projectiles for each trigger activation.

Abstract: An accurate-automated-multi-axis machine for projecting objects. Multiple axes are employed to impart predetermined velocities and rotational components to the projected object. Projection of the object may be synchronized with a displayed video image to simulate the throwing of an object.

Abstract: A method of visually changing the release points of pitches from a video pitching machine ball-throwing machine, which comprises the steps of (a) providing a pitching machine which is mounted in close proximity to a projection screen having a fixed opening through which a ball can be thrown from the machine toward a batter; (b) providing a video projector for projecting the video image of a pitcher on the screen; (c) providing a programmable controller for synchronizing the release of the ball from the machine with the video image; and changing the visual release point of the pitcher by adjusting the position of the video image relative to the fixed release point in order to simulate the pitcher throwing from a different release point.

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: Tennis balls are propelled to a person practicing the game. The balls are propelled by a head that is vertically repositionable and horizontally aimable.

Abstract: An improved ball pitching apparatus for a ball pitching machine of the type having an upper and lower wheel, said wheels rotating on substantially parallel shafts and having generally aligned and spaced rims carrying peripheral ball gripping bands; independent speed controlled drive motors; a ball feeder for feeding the ball between the spaced rims so that the ball will be gripped and accelerated in a trajectory tangential to the rims; a head frame carrying the wheels, drive motors, and ball feeder; and, a stand carrying the head frame.

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: An automatic table tennis ball serving device is disclosed as having a generally vertically extending enclosure with a table tennis ball feeding passageway including a lower ball entrance and an upper ball dispensing outlet. Ball feeding arms are mounted to the enclosure adjacent the lower ball entrance for feeding table tennis balls upwardly in the ball feeding passageway against the force of gravity. A ball dispensing head is mounted to the enclosure adjacent the upper ball dispensing outlet for serving table tennis balls to a player at selected rates and trajectories. The ball dispensing head includes a ball size adjustment mechanism to enable table tennis balls of at least two diameters to selectively pass through the ball dispensing head when one or another diameter of the at least two different ball diameters is selected by the player.

Abstract: An improved ball pitching apparatus for a ball pitching machine of the type having an upper and lower wheel, said wheels rotating on substantially parallel shafts and having generally aligned and spaced rims carrying peripheral ball gripping bands; independent speed controlled drive motors; a ball feeder for feeding the ball between the spaced rims so that the ball will be gripped and accelerated in a trajectory tangential to the rims; a head frame carrying the wheels, drive motors, and ball feeder; and, a stand carrying the head frame.

Abstract: A table tennis apparatus includes a ball projecting section disposed rearward of one playing surface of a table for projecting balls towards the other playing surface, a moving mechanism for allowing ball projecting section to be moved laterally, a detecting unit for detecting which side the balls have dropped on one playing surface in the lateral direction, and a driving and controlling unit for driving the moving mechanism according to the drop positions of the balls detected by the detecting unit, and for moving the ball projecting section towards the drop positions of the balls. The moving mechanism includes a guide rail disposed along a lateral direction, and a base having the ball projecting section mounted thereon, and slidably disposed on the guide rail.

Abstract: An improved ball pitching apparatus for a ball pitching machine of the type having an upper and lower wheel, said wheels rotating on substantially parallel shafts and having generally aligned and spaced rims carrying peripheral ball gripping bands; independent speed controlled drive motors; a ball feeder for feeding the ball between the spaced rims so that the ball will be gripped and accelerated in a trajectory tangential to the rims; a head frame carrying the wheels, drive motors, and ball feeder; and, a stand carrying the head frame.

Abstract: An improved ball pitching apparatus for a ball pitching machine of the type having an upper and lower wheel, said wheels rotating on substantially parallel shafts and having generally aligned and spaced rims carrying peripheral ball gripping bands; independent speed controlled drive motors; a ball feeder for feeding the ball between the spaced rims so that the ball will be gripped and accelerated in a trajectory tangential to the rims; a head frame carrying the wheels, drive motors, and ball feeder; and, a stand carrying the head frame.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is provided which may be used for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like. The machine includes a power head having at least two and preferably three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a pitch. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. A programmable controller is included for individually controlling the rotational speed of each individual wheel, the horizontal position of the power head and the vertical position of the power head. A smart card reader may be employed for programming of the controller and the machine is adapted to be used in conjunction with a video display to simulate the actual pitching of a baseball by a pitcher.

Abstract: A pitching system is provided for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like, which machine is synchronized to work in conjunction with a video display means to permit a batter to visually view a pitcher prior to and during delivery of the pitch. The machine includes a power head having at least two and preferably three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a pitch. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. A programmable controller is included for individually controlling the rotational speed of each individual wheel, the horizontal position of the power head and the vertical position of the power head.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is provided for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like, which machine includes a power head having three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a variety of pitches at different speeds and different locations. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. The pitches are established by providing a table of five separate data elements for each of said pitches, three of said data elements corresponding to the rotational speed of each of said wheels, and the remaining two data elements corresponding to the horizontal and vertical angular position of the power head.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device useful for delivering spherical projectiles to a desired location. The projectiles may comprise baseballs, tennis balls, or the like, and may be conferred with various degrees of linear velocities, spin, and rotational characteristics for their flight. A device according to the invention is especially well suited for use in providing batters with a source of various pre-selected or random pitches of balls, to enhance batting practice in the absence of a human pitcher. A device according to the invention is readily compactable, portable, and efficient with regard to the amount of space it occupies.

Abstract: A table tennis apparatus includes a ball projecting section disposed rearward of one playing surface of a table for projecting balls towards the other playing surface, a moving mechanism for allowing ball projecting section to be moved laterally, a detecting unit for detecting which side the balls have dropped on one playing surface in the lateral direction, and a driving and controlling unit for driving the moving mechanism according to the drop positions of the balls detected by the detecting unit, and for moving the ball projecting section towards the drop positions of the balls. The moving mechanism includes a guide rail disposed along a lateral direction, and a base having the ball projecting section mounted thereon, and slidably disposed on the guide rail.

Abstract: The invention is a user control panel for a pitching system with a pitching mechanism. The control panel allows a user to separately control ball speed and tilt angle. The control panel also displays an estimated height at which the ball will cross the plate for the selected ball speed and tilt angle. In the preferred embodiment, a vertical row of lamps shows the estimated ball height. The control panel can include symbology to indicate strike zones for batters of different heights.

Abstract: A member (e.g. baseball bat) includes 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 apparatus includes a receiver for receiving the transmitted signals and includes a housing with a hollow passage. A ramp supported on the housing holds a plurality of the elements for sequential movement into the passage. The element in the passage is supported on one of the fingers of a rotary detainer. The detainer is normally prevented from rotating by a release mechanism coupled to the detainer. The detainer is rotated by the weight of the element when the release mechanism is decoupled from the detainer upon the reception of the transmitted signals. The element then moves downwardly in the passage to a propulsion mechanism which may comprise a pair of rollers for gripping the opposite ends of the element.

Abstract: A pitching system is provided for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like, which machine is synchronized to work in conjunction with a video display means to permit a batter to visually view a pitcher prior to and during delivery of the pitch. The machine includes a power head having at least two and preferably three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a pitch. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. A programmable controller is included for individually controlling the rotational speed of each individual wheel, the horizontal position of the power head and the vertical position of the power head.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is provided for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like, which machine includes a power head having three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a variety of pitches at different speeds and different locations. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. The pitches are established by providing a table of five separate data elements for each of said pitches, three of said data elements corresponding to the rotational speed of each of said wheels, and the remaining two data elements corresponding to the horizontal and vertical angular position of the power head.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is provided which may be used for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like. The machine includes a power head having at least two and preferably three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a pitch. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. A programmable controller is included for individually controlling the rotational speed of each individual wheel, the horizontal position of the power head and the vertical position of the power head. A smart card reader may be employed for programming of the controller and the machine is adapted to be used in conjunction with a video display to simulate the actual pitching of a baseball by a pitcher.

Abstract: The ball throwing machine of this invention includes a vertical base plate mounting a wheel support plate for pivotal movement about a pivot axis which defines an arcuate slot in the base plate through which a clamp bolt extends from the wheel support plate. The wheel support plate mounts top and bottom pneumatic tired wheels for rotation to grip a ball between them and project it forward. An electrical control circuit affords adjustment of wheel rotational speed by a single rotary switch and also allows selection of a variety of types of pitches by a single rotary switch. The electrical circuit also provides for the setting of a differential rotational speed between the top and bottom wheels, for optimum quality of pitching control, and also provides for limiting the minimum and maximum wheel rotating speeds to achieve realistic pitching speed range.

Abstract: The invention is a pitching system with a pitching mechanism. A control panel allows a user to separately control ball speed and tilt angle. The control panel also displays an estimated height at which the ball will cross the plate for the selected ball speed and tilt angle. In the preferred embodiment, a vertical row of lamps shows the estimated ball height. The control panel can include symbology to indicate strike zones for batters of different heights. To operate the batting cage, the batter selects the desired ball speed. The control panel displays an estimated ball height based on the selected ball speed and current tilt angle. The batter then adjusts the tilt angle of the pitching mechanism until a desired ball height is reached. The batter then starts the machine. In this manner, the batter avoids wasting balls selecting a preferred choice of ball speed and height. The batter can also change ball speed and tilt angle during a pitching sequence, to alter the strike zone through which balls are pitched.

Abstract: A baseball pitching machine is disclosed preferably employing a counterrotating wheel type baseball launch subsystem pitching a series of baseballs and a computer controlled system for selecting the type and percentage of pitches, pitcher and batter characteristics, strike zone areas and other parameters to provide a meaningful batting training session. The pitching machine includes a ball transport subsystem including a carousel for receiving and transporting baseballs in sequence to a position adjacent the counter rotating wheels. While being transported, each baseball stops at seam orienting stations where seam rotators rotate the baseball to provide a commanded seam orientation for the particular pitch selected. The baseball is oriented by the ball orienter for insertion in the launch subsystem. A computer allows the selection by the operator of a variety of pitches, random or selected order.

Abstract: A ball pitching machine includes a head assembly for ejecting a ball therefrom, operably mounted on a vertically extensible piston to permit selective vertical adjustment of the head assembly on a base assembly. The base assembly includes an upright tubular mast within which the piston is slidably journaled, the mast having a plurality of legs supporting the mast above the ground. A lock mechanism on the mast permits selective securement of the piston within the mast. The head assembly has a mounting bracket rotatably connected to the forward end of an elongated handle to permit selective rotation of the head assembly about the axis of the handle. The handle has a shaft rotatably mounted in a bracket on the upper end of the piston, permitting selective rotational movement of the handle about the shaft on the piston.

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: An accurate-automated-multi-axis machine for projecting objects. Multiple axes are employed to impart predetermined velocities and rotational components to the projected object. Projection of the object may be synchronized with a displayed video image to simulate the throwing of an object.

Abstract: A baseball pitching machine is disclosed preferably employing a counterrotating wheel type baseball launch subsystem pitching a series of baseballs and a computer controlled system for selecting the type and percentage of pitches, pitcher and batter characteristics, strike zone areas and other parameters to provide a meaningful batting training session. The pitching machine includes a ball transport subsystem including a carousel for receiving and transporting baseballs in sequence to a position adjacent the counter rotating wheels. While being transported, each baseball stops at seam orienting stations where seam rotators rotate the baseball to provide a commanded seam orientation for the particular pitch selected. The baseball is oriented by the ball orienter for insertion in the launch subsystem. A computer allows the selection by the operator of a variety of pitches, random or selected order.

Abstract: A disk-shaped projectile can be launched in a variety of orientations incing face-on and edge-on orientations. The launcher includes two spinning disks for receiving the projectile between them and imparting a force to the projectile. The angle between the axes of the disks can be set to zero or a non-zero value. The angle and the spin rates of the disks control the linear velocity and the spin rate of the projectile.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine includes a ball throwing mechanism that is mounted on a frame that rotates about a vertical axis so that balls are ejected at preset positions along an arc. In a preferred embodiment, the ball throwing mechanism is mounted on a base plate that rotates back and forth through a 90-degree arc. A timing plate controls the rotation of the throwing mechanism and includes projections that trigger the ejection of the balls at preselected angular positions.

Abstract: The volleyball service device of this invention includes; a base member for supporting the structure; a support member attached to the base member extending upwardly from the base member and forming an angle with the base member to extend increasingly over the center of gravity of the base member; a server head for propelling volleyballs forward; and a trolley attached to the server head to vertically reposition the server head relative to the support member. In a preferred embodiment the volleyballs are propelled forward by a plurality of rotating wheels.

Abstract: A skeet throwing device includes a frame mounting a pair of rotary wheels spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of a skeet member which is delivered to the wheels by a carriage movable toward and away from the wheels; either manually or by an extensible fluid pressure cylinder. In a powered arrangement, a skeet support adjacent the carriage supports a vertical stack of skeet members, and a skeet pusher on the carriage is disposed to engage the bottommost skeet member of the stack and move it forwardly from under the stack. A skeet guide on the skeet support guides the bottommost skeet member forwardly and laterally from the skeet support onto the carriage for delivery to the rotary wheels.

Abstract: The present invention can be described as a ball pitching machine having an integral pitching barrel and motor mount and three spaced drive wheels partially projecting into the barrel to grip and propel a ball placed in one end of the pitching barrel. The barrel has three longitudinally aligned slots or windows in the surface of the barrel to provide clearance for secant portions of each of the three wheels. The planes formed by each drive wheel extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Each radial plane is equally spaced from each other at 120 degrees relative to each other. Each domed drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the end of a rotatable drive shaft of an electric motor. The three electric motors are mounted on the integral pitching barrel and mount by C-shaped clamps.

Abstract: A new Multi-Directional Ball Throwing System for propelling a ball in three selective directions at various velocities without the user discontinuing play. The inventive device includes a housing, a plurality of storage tubes secured to said housing which store a plurality of balls, a propelling means connected to the storage tubes, and a corresponding plurality of delivery tubes with an arcuate lumen which are rotatably secured to the housing and connected to the propelling means opposite of the storage tubes.

Abstract: The invention comprises a ball throwing device having a main frame, a wheel support frame within said main frame, said wheel support frame having at least three projecting and spin imparting wheels rotatably mounted to said wheel frame at even intervals about a common axis. A motor is mounted adjacent each wheel and connected to their respective wheel for driving said wheels at selective rates of speed for each wheel. The wheels are adapted to receive the balls along a common axis between them and engage and project the ball forward along the common axis with the speed of each wheel being selectively determined to impart a selective spin to the ball at the engagement points of the three wheels with the ball-about the common axis, with the three wheels lying in the same plane perpendicular to the common axis to engage the ball simultaneously with one another for the projection and imparting of the spin to the ball.

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 table tennis ball projecting apparatus which can be used as the ball propelling mechanism of a table tennis robot. Its construction is such that balls entering its entrance port sequentially, will be ejected by a motor rotated rubber-rimmed thrust wheel. Two smaller rubber-rimmed wheels each on its own smaller motor, provide clockwise or counterclockwise spin on the ejected ball. The lighter spin-producing wheels and motors facilitate the production of rapid spin direction and magnitude changes on consecutively ejected balls thereby closely simulating practice between two humans.

Abstract: A machine for delivering balls, especially tennis balls, has a ball feeder (6) to feed individual balls (5) from a ball magazine (2) to a ball ejector (3) and a machine intrinsic feed controller (30) for sending internal control signals, controlling the ball feed and thus the ejection time, to the ball feeder (6). To enable external synchronization of the ball ejection time of several machines that the machine for delivering balls has a device (33, 35) to deactivate the machine's own feed controller (30) and a control input (34) connected electrically to the ball feeder (6) in order to attach an external control cable (39), by way of which, instead of the internal control signals external control signals, controlling the ball feed, and thus the ejection time, can be fed to the ball feeder (6).

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: The invention relates to a ball pitching machine having a ball feed means for feeding balls to a feeding point where they will be acted upon by rotating drive wheels, a plurality of at least two drive wheels having planes and axes of rotation, said axes of rotation being perpendicular to said planes, said wheels being disposed about said feeding point so as to simultaneously act on a fed ball imparting to the fed ball spin and a forward velocity and trajectory, outwardly away from the feeding point in a direction initially perpendicular to the axes of rotation and in the plane of the wheels. The rotating means is constructed for rotating each drive wheel independent of other drive wheels at a plurality of preselected rotational speeds thereby effecting a type of pitched ball having a predetermined trajectory. A tilting means is provided for altering the trajectory, upwardly or downwardly, in a vertical plane, coplaner with the plane of the drive wheels.

Abstract: A ball pitching device includes a ball feed tube mounted on support components which are adjustable about vertical and horizontal pivot axes to vary the horizontal and vertical positions of delivery of pitched balls relative to a practicing batter standing at the position of home plate. The device also includes a pair of ball projecting wheels rotated by electric motors the speeds of which are adjusted by controlling potentiometers. Eccentric cams are included in the support components for enabling incremental adjustments about the vertical and horizontal pivot axes, preferably without recognition by the practicing batter, to make incremental changes in the horizontal and vertical positions of delivery of pitched balls. The electric circuit of the drive motors also includes adjustable electric signal generators operatively connected to the support components providing for elevation adjustments, for effecting changes in motor speed in accordance with changes in elevation of the ball feed tube.

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: In a tennis-ball throwing device, tennis balls are conveyed by a feed device into a cavity between two rollers mounted so that their axes are parallel, the balls being subsequently ejected by rotation of the rollers. One roller is mounted on a rocking lever that can be pivoted against the restoring force of a spring. A spindle or axis of the rocking lever is mounted parallel to the axes of the rollers on a pivoting carrier for the rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in collecting and distributing the balls of pitching machines includes a collection box having a plurality of outlet openings, and an agitator supported for rotation within the box. The agitator includes a radially extending, generally horizontally disposed flap positioned above the floor by a distance less than about the diameter of the balls, and the agitator is rotated to move the flap along a circular path extending directly over the openings. The flap is flexible vertically relative to the balls so that the balls roll beneath the flap as it moves over them.