Abstract: A ring airfoil launcher comprises a main support on which is movably mounted a ring airfoil accepting conical chuck and a retractor. A stop mounted on the main support for limiting forward movement of the chuck. A spring biases the chuck towards the stop. The retractor is mounted distal of the chuck and includes a latch for connecting it to the chuck. Rearward movement of the retractor causes rearward movement of the chuck, extending said spring. Twisting of the retractor rotates the chuck, winding the spring. A release disengages the latch from the chuck, allowing the spring to pull the chuck forward along the main support towards the stop, and rotating the chuck as it unwinds, causing the ring airfoil mounted on said chuck to be released from the launcher with forward velocity and stabilizing spin.

Abstract: A game projectile dispensing device with a dispensing housing, a game projectile retaining member for retaining a plurality of game projectiles in a stack, first and second game projectile emission chutes, an actuating lever with a first arm for being engaged by a player and a second arm for engaging a game projectile whereby a player can press on the first arm of the actuating lever to induce the actuating lever to drive the lower-most projectile from the stack of game projectiles. A game projectile supply ramp can enable a player to select between emitting the game projectile from the first and second game projectile emission chutes. The game projectile supply ramp can be disposed below the game projectile retaining member whereby, when driven from the stack of game projectiles, a game projectile will drop onto the game projectile supply ramp for being dispensed.

Abstract: A baseball is provided for repeated use with a pitching machine. The baseball has a smooth surface upon which a plurality of dimples or indentations are provided, said indentations being spaced in a regular pattern. These indentations serve to induce turbulent airflow over the surface of the baseball, thereby reducing the drag on the ball and serving to stabilize the flight of the ball. The ball further includes a plurality of slot-shaped depressions formed in a pattern similar to the stitch pattern of an actual baseball and wherein the inner surfaces of said slot-shaped depressions are colored with a dye or paint such that the rotational velocity of the baseball may be observed when the ball is in flight.

Abstract: A launcher for a flying object, such as a boomerang, is provided having a body that includes a plurality of wings. The launcher includes a stop against which the object rests at a point on its body. A moving member engages one of the wings of the object so as to impart forward motion thereto, such that the object is propelled forward from the launcher with a rotational moment about the stop. The boomerang is preferably made from a sheet of material which is cut to form the plurality of wings, joined at a vertex, wherein one or more of the wings are folded to produce lift flaps.

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 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: A gun having a slightly curved bore for discharging a frangible generally spherical projectile creating an improvement in trajectory of the projectile. The slightly curved bore applies a spin onto the spherical projectile without causing the projectile to rupture.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for increasing distance traversed by a projectile. The device includes a main body comprising a tubular component wherein the tubular component defines an orifice. The main body also comprises a collar component positionable about the tubular component. The collar component enclosed a second orifice for receipt of a screw. A tab is positioned adjacent to the orifice which is defined by the tubular component. The tab includes an oblique section. A screw is positionable in the collar component and extends through the orifice defined by the tubular component. The screw is in moveable contact with the oblique segment of the tab.

Abstract: A shaped bolt with the same outside appearance as a standard bolt for a paint ball gun has a torpedo shape or flanged end adjacent to the air supply, and a trifurcated flow end or cross-flow end oppositely disposed from flanged end.

Abstract: A ring airfoil launcher has a first barrel and a second barrel coupled to a stock and a launching mechanism disposed within each of the first barrel and the second barrel and within the stock. A chuck for the ring airfoil launcher has a hub having an inner diameter sized to be received over either the first barrel or the second barrel and to be axially slidable along the respective barrel. The hub is arranged to be coupled to the respective launch mechanism. The chuck has a first ring airfoil engaging surface formed on the hub, the first ring airfoil engaging surface adapted to receive a first ring airfoil, and a second ring airfoil engaging surface formed on the hub, the second ring airfoil engaging surface adapted to receive a second ring airfoil.

Abstract: A toy includes a ring airfoil and a launcher to launch the ring airfoil. The ring air foil is formed with a rigid body portion and an energy absorbing material disposed on a leading edge. The launcher is adapted to substantially simultaneously impart rotational launching energy and translational launching energy to the ring airfoil.

Abstract: A launcher for a ring airfoil includes a magazine assembly holding a plurality of ring airfoils. The magazine assembly is coupled to a launching mechanism, and the launching mechanism provides an indexing motion to the magazine assembly. In use, the setting action of the launching mechanism indexes the magazine assembly allowing a ring airfoil to engage with the launching mechanism for subsequent launching. Additional ring airfoils may be launched by repeated actuation of the launching mechanism without reloading the magazine assembly with ring airfoils.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for increasing distance traversed by a projectile. The device includes a main body comprising a tubular component wherein the tubular component defines an orifice. The main body also comprises a collar component positionable about the tubular component. The collar component enclosed a second orifice for receipt of a screw. A tab is positioned adjacent to the orifice which is defined by the tubular component. The tab includes an oblique section. A screw is positionable in the collar component and extends through the orifice defined by the tubular component. The screw is in moveable contact with the oblique segment of the tab.

Abstract: Toys and methods for safely and reproducibly launching ring airfoils in a flying orientation. The toys generally comprise a member, a ring airfoil support mounted on the member, and a propelling element configured to move the ring airfoil support along the member from a first to a second position. Contact between the ring airfoil and the ring airfoil support causes the ring airfoil to move with the ring airfoil support as the ring airfoil support moves; this contact is overcome as the ring airfoil support decelerates at the second position, causing the ring airfoil to be launched with forward or both forward and spinning motion. The toys further may comprise a housing to protect the toy and user, a return element to place the toy in an engaged, launch-ready configuration, and a trigger to hold the toy in the engaged configuration until launching.

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: An improved paintball gun having significantly improved range and accuracy. The barrel of the paintball gun is formed so that the compressed gas expelling the ball from the barrel exerts differential aerodynamic forces on upper and lower hemispheres of the ball, imparting significant backspin to the paintball. Accordingly, the paintball experiences lift in flight, substantially increasing its range and accuracy. The interaction of the ball with the barrel may be wholly aerodynamic. The interior of the paintball is preferably baffled so that paint therein rotates with the shell, preventing the backspin from being damped out rapidly. The surface of the paintball may be contoured to control its aerodynamic characteristics.

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 portable ball launching device is disclosed which includes a support stand positionable on a ground surface and an elongated launching tube mounted to the support stand in a generally horizontal disposition and from which projectiles are ejected. The launching tube has an ingress end and an opposite egress end, and disposed within and concentric with the launching tube is a slidable, linearly reciprocable rod. The rod has an inner end to which a piston is secured for movement concomitant with the rod, and the piston compresses air within the tube in order to forcibly eject projectiles from the egress end. The ball launching device also includes a plurality of interchangeable shooting heads with each shooting head selectively removably securable to the egress end of the tube and each shooting head includes a strip secured to an inner annular gasket which causes deflection of the projectiles as the projectiles are ejected from the launching tube.

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: A model gun with trajectory control function, which comprises a barrel structure including an outer barrel member and an inner barrel member, a tubular member provided in a rear end portion of the outer barrel member for forming a bullet holding portion by which a spherical sham bullet is temporarily held to be shot with gas pressure and a bullet guiding portion by which the spherical sham bullet shot from the bullet holding portion is guided into the inner barrel member, and a slippery member having a bullet contacting surface lower in friction coefficient than an inner surface of the bullet guiding portion and provided on an inner surface of a lower part of the bullet guiding portion in such a manner that the bullet contacting surface is variable in position to move in a direction of diameter of the bullet guiding portion, wherein a trajectory of the spherical sham bullet shot off through the barrel structure is controlled in response to the position of the bullet contacting surface of the slippery member i

Abstract: An improved paintball and gun therefor cooperate so that the range of the paintball and its accuracy are significantly improved. The external surface of the paintball is contoured so as to increase frictional interaction with air, and the barrel of the paintball gun interacts differentially with the upper and lower hemispheres of the ball so that significant backspin is imparted to the paintball. Accordingly, the paintball experiences lift in flight which substantially increases its range and accuracy. The interaction of the ball with the barrel may be wholly aerodynamic. The interior of the paintball is preferably baffled so that paint therein rotates with the shell, preventing the backspin from being damped out rapidly.

Abstract: Apparatus for launching a disk-like projectile from a catapult with an aperture formed adjacent one end to receive structure of the catapult to configure the catapult to propel the apparatus forward. A channel in an opposite end is configured to receive the projectile with inner edges formed along internal sides and bottom thereof to engage the projectile. Structure of the apparatus offset from a central rotational axis of the received and engaged projectile holds the projectile in the apparatus during forward movement of the apparatus within the catapult and causes the projectile to rotate as the apparatus reaches the end of it's forward travel and releases the projectile.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for controlling a ball-shaped projectile's trajectory by propelling the projectile at an angle to the gravitational force upon discharge from a barrel including an O-ring. The barrel has a center axis directly and fully offset relative to and above the shared center axis of a chamber and O-ring located at one end of the barrel. Upon firing, the projectile spins directly up a small bevel on the lower inner edge of the chamber-end of the barrel, thus being projected diagonally into the barrel, the bore large enough to provide clearance between it and the projectile. The projectile has consistent and unimpeded rotational acceleration through the upper portion of the barrel which is ensured by air pressure escaping around the projectile and, via the bevel, along the lower surface of the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for propelling projectiles and particularly suited to throwing footballs. The apparatus includes (a) a structural frame having elongate bearing surfaces and a forward end from which the projectiles are ejected; (b) a ball carriage adapted to contain the projectile, the carriage being slidingly mounted on the bearing surfaces; (c) at least one resilient member for so urging the carriage along the bearing surfaces towards the forward end that the projectile is propelled from the carriage at the forward end of the frame; and (d) a ball rotating assembly mounted on the ball carriage for applying rotation to the projectile as the projectile is propelled from the apparatus. A locking apparatus may also be provided for releasably locking the ball carriage relative to the structural frame. The propelling apparatus, when used in conjunction with a supporting pole, can be accurately aimed and operated by one person.

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: An apparatus and method to direct and control propelled balls by attachment or placement of a guide chute in front of existing or newly manufactured ball pitching machines. If a curve ball is desired, a cantilevered resilient strap is inserted inside the guide chute and positioned to engage the propelled ball, conform to the ball surface shape and induce a ball spin resulting in a curve ball trajectory.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic ball control apparatus readily connectable to a ball ejector barrel on a ball ejector machine to impart top spin to ejected tennis ball members. The automatic ball control apparatus includes a ball top spin actuator assembly in one embodiment which includes 1) a fixed extension sleeve assembly secured to an outer end of the ball ejector barrel; 2) a sliding actuator sleeve assembly mounted about the fixed extension sleeve assembly; and 3) a spin actuator paddle assembly pivotally connected to the sliding actuator sleeve assembly. The spin actuator paddle assembly includes a main support lever member which is periodically pivotable to contact and impart top spin motion to a contacting tennis ball member. A second embodiment includes a ball top spin actuator assembly including 1) a fixed extension sleeve assembly secured to an outer end of the ball ejector barrel; and 2) a spin actuator paddle assembly connected to the fixed extension sleeve assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for projecting a soccer ball includes a generally horizontal base and a frame extending upwardly from the base including a pair of spaced apart vertical memebers. Each vertical member has a plurality of vertically spaced attachment locations. A sling including a pouch for receiving a ball is attached to a selected set of the attachment locations. A set of elongated elastomeric members are attached to a selected set of the attachment locations for supporting the pouch in the frame. The pouch is constructed of a flacid conformable sheet bounded by a perimeter and has an inner surface including frictionally engaging ribs for engaging the ball sufficiently to impart a spin on the ball upon the ball's projection therefrom. An H-shaped handle is fixed to the pouch perimeter at a plurality of points for imparting a ball-projecting pull on the sling.

Abstract: An improved barrel for guns which do not have standard internal rifling is disclosed. The barrel has a plurality of apertures which extend a first longitudinal distance along the barrel from the muzzle end toward the breech end. The apertures may define a pair of parallel helixes. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of all apertures in the barrel exceeds the cross-sectional area of the barrel itself. Additionally, each aperture is bored at an angle so that its longitudinal axis defines an acute angle with a plane which is tangent to the barrel and which intersects the aperture. The apertures expel ambient air from the barrel and allow for expansion of compressed gas to stabilize a projectile, such as a paintball, thereby improving the accuracy of the gun. The barrel may also include two-staged honing, as well as a removable choke adjacent the breech end of the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for launching a football on a predetermined trajectory comprises a receptacle for holding a football in an axial alignment such that each end of the football is substantially aligned on an initial arc of a predetermined trajectory. The receptacle is coupled to a piston of a pneumatic cylinder for rapidly accelerating the receptacle along the predetermined trajectory for a preselected relatively small distance from a loading point to a release point. A threaded shaft is positioned between the piston and receptacle and driven through a nut for effecting a relatively rapid spin of the receptacle about an axis coincidental with the initial arc of the trajectory during acceleration over the relatively small distance. The football is released from the receptacle at the release point by suddenly stopping movement of the receptacle.

Abstract: A device for launching a plastic, saucer-shaped game disc is disclosed which spins such a saucer-shaped game disc up to a high rotational rate, and then discharges the rotating saucer-shaped game disc from the apparatus in a generally upward direction. The device uses a drive wheel and a spring-biased idler wheel to retain the inner rim of a saucer-shaped game disc thereon, whereby the saucer-shaped game disc may be accelerated to a desired rotational speed. The device then uses a foot pedal-actuated rod bearing on the bottom of the center of the saucer-shaped game disc to propel it upwardly, from which launching the disc may be used to perform various free-style maneuvers.

Abstract: A direction-control device for a tennis-ball shooter having a mount plate on which two motors are mounted for driving two wheels which together control a speed and a spinning extent of a tennis ball to be served. The direction-control device includes a first bar extending along a Z-axis and drivable by a first motor to allow a pivotal movement of the mount plate on a Y-Z plane about an X-axis upon a restricted rotational movement of the first motor, thereby controlling the served tennis ball to fall in front of or behind the practicer. The device-control device further includes a second bar having a first end attached to the mount plate and a second end drivably attached to a second motor to allow a pivotal movement of the mount plate on a Z-X plane about a Y-axis upon a restricted rotational movement of the second motor, thereby controlling the spinning axis of the tennis ball to be served.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately and adjustably throwing a ball to a specific location with variable speed while causing the flight characteristics of the thrown ball to simulate those of a pitched or batted ball. The apparatus includes an elongated planar deck, a flexible pouch for receiving the ball to be thrown, and elastic straps connecting the ends of the pouch to rigid members attached to the planar deck. The entire apparatus is mounted on a support structure which may be anchored to the ground to provide stability. The ball to be thrown is placed in the pouch and rests on the deck. The pouch is drawn to the rear of the deck thereby tensioning the elastics and causing the pouch to form a flared U-shape around the ball. Upon release, the pouch propels the ball down the deck which imparts rotation to the ball to its point of release from the pouch.

Abstract: A ball delivery apparatus, in particular for tennis balls, includes a ball magazine, a ball firing system, and a feed system that moves balls from the ball magazine one by one to the ball firing system. The ball firing system fires each ball in accordance with a preprogrammed firing setting that in each instance determines the speed, spin, and/or direction of each ball. A variable feed sequence frequency of the feed system is controlled as a function of the firing settings of the ball firing system. A time interval scale for establishing the movement of the next ball through the feed system is associated with each firing setting accepted by the ball firing system for firing a ball. The intervals between the balls can be matched to the particular ball characteristics.

Abstract: A disk launcher includes a generally cylindrical housing having a handle depending downwardly therefrom. The housing further defines an interior cavity within which a launching shuttle is pivotally movable under the urging of an internal power spring. An opening in the housing is provided through which a disk may be inserted. A trigger mechanism permits the swept launching member to be locked in a launching position in which the inserted disk is positioned for launch. As the trigger mechanism is released, the launcher sweeps through a pivotal motion and hurls the disk outwardly through an exit slot in the housing. A magazine apparatus is provided which provides for the serially launching of a succession of disk objects.

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: 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: A portable, automatic serving device for table tennis is provided which includes a robot server and ball capture net. The robot includes a serving head which is mounted for rotation with respect to the body along a plurality of axes. The head is provided with balls from a passageway in the robot operatively connected between the head and the base of the robot. A collapsible net is provided for capturing balls returned by a player. The robot is positioned within and cooperates with the net so that return balls are fed automatically to the head. The robot is operated by three motors, which may be controlled individually to serve sequentially a plurality of balls to a player for practice or for sport. The robot construction provides for a variety of ball delivery techniques, all of which are controlled simply during operation.

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.

Abstract: A table tennis robot with right and left servers, oscillatory motion, top spin and bottom spin, right and left side spin, combination of spins, or no-spin modes, variable ball speeds, and continuous recycling of balls, to provide a human player with challenging practice serves.A ball catching net is located at one end of the tennis table. Balls caught by the net fall into a pan located below the table and are then fed upward by suction of a fan into a chamber. The chamber distributes balls one at a time into a vertical tube. At its bottom, the tube has right and left branches. A ball deflecting vane is adjustable to selectively direct a ball into either the right or left branch. The branches lead, respectively, to a right server and a left server. Each server has a rotating ball drive wheel. The output port of the right server has adjustable guide rails to impart high top spin to a ball. The output port of the left server has adjustable guide plates to impart various types of spin to a ball.

Abstract: A projectile for use in an electromagnetic projectile launcher is provided with a conductive open loop which is mechanically attached to the body of the projectile. Means are provided for electrically connecting the open loop between a pair of generally parallel projectile launching rails when the open loop is in a predetermined angular orientation with respect to the rails. Current flowing in the loop then interacts with magnetic flux produced by current flowing within the rails to place a torque on the loop which can be used to spin-stabilize the projectile or to prevent rotation of the projectile depending upon the particular application.

Abstract: A ball projecting machine comprises a ball striker in the form of a bar secured to a shaft rotatably mounted by bearings in a part of a machine frame. The striker carries a pin on the same side of the shaft as the end of the striker which strikes the balls. A tension spring is connected between a fixed part of the machine frame and the pin to bias the striker. The striker shaft is arranged to be rotated by a manually operated lever so that during a cycle of rotation of the striker in the striking direction, the tension spring is stressed during a first part of the cycle and during a second part of the cycle urges the striker to rotate in the striking direction. The lever is connected to the shaft through a first one-way clutch including a coil spring and drums fixed respectively to the lever and to the shaft. The shaft is connected to the machine frame part through a further one-way clutch including a coil spring and drums fixed respectively to the frame part and to the shaft.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for propelling balls such as softballs and baseballs with accurate and predetermined spins, speeds and placements, which includes a spinning wheel opposed by a guide having an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the ball to be thrown. The guide positions the ball properly against the wheel and continues such until the ball is released from the wheel. The speed of the wheel is controlled by a constant speed motor which drives the wheel through use of a belt, a fixed pulley connected to the wheel and variable diameter pulley connected to the motor. The motor is controllably pivoted for movement toward and away from the wheel which changes the tension in the belt and causes the variable diameter pulley to change diameters and drive the wheel at the different controlled speeds.

Abstract: An arrangement for propelling liquids over long distances involves enclosing liquid in a plurality of thin plastic spheres having a dimpled surface. The liquid containing spheres are propelled over substantial distances by shooting them from a pipe by means of compressed air.

Abstract: A fire arm has a firing element provided with a muzzle and a mechanism to strike a boomerang, and a support attachable to the muzzle of the firing element and arranged to support the boomerang before firing. The strikes of different magnitudes are delivered to two legs of the boomerang by different length striker arms or different fluid pressures, and that provides spin to the boomerang.

Abstract: A tennis ball throwing machine pneumatically expels tennis balls through a barrel having on one side of its inner wall a Velcro strip for spinning the ball. The barrel is rotated about its lengthwise axis so that the sense of the spin, topspin, backspin, or right or left hand spin, varies in dependence upon the angular disposition of the Velcro strip as of the moment the ball passes it. The output end of the barrel is bent at an angle to its lengthwise axis resulting in an orbital motion.

Abstract: Balls such as table tennis balls or tennis balls are continuously fed to two pairs of adjacent flanged rollers of a ball-throwing head by a blower and two transfer ducts. Balls hit by the player are collected by a net and a trough, then fed back to the head. The rollers have separately variable speeds of rotation, a gap being provided between each pair of rollers and adapted to the diameter of the balls. The balls are directed alternately into each transfer duct, the opening of which is located opposite to each gap.

Abstract: A baseball dispensing device for practicing batting that includes a three tubular chute for retaining and delivering baseballs to a hitter. The center tube contains an electric driven motor which rotates a pair of discs which dispense baseballs at timed intervals releasing them to a central tube established at an incline to allow the dispensed ball to roll and strike a spring. The weight of the ball causes the spring to flex and upon reflex propels the ball upward vertically allowing a batter to swing into the ball. The center motor driven discs are equipped with a hole which when completing a rotation dispenses balls alternately to the delivery chute.

Abstract: The apparatus has a striking mass which strikes a ball and a support for the ball to be struck. The ball is held to the support by a frame or by a suction apparatus. The ball may be given a curved trajectory by either rotating the ball support and ball or by rotating the striking mass at the time of impact.

Abstract: A launcher for target pigeons of the kind having propellor type wings and which includes a drive unit having a rotating shaft to which a target pigeon is releasably connected. The target pigeon is releasably secured by a retainer head mounted on the rotating shaft and which is actuated by a control rod that is remotely actuated. The drive unit is mounted on a pivot to swivel during a launching operation. In one form, the drive unit is operatively associated with a vane which allows the launcher to oscillate when in operation to launch a target. In another embodiment, the oscillation of the launcher is effected by an eccentric mechanical drive which is connected to the drive unit.