Abstract: The improved voting machine includes a housing upon which a plurality of voting canisters are disposed. Each of the plurality of voting canisters housing a plurality of voting balls placed along a track. A voting ball dispenser is mounted to the housing to store and dispense the plurality of voting balls. A selector incorporating a movable ball insertion device to receive one of the plurality of voting balls from the voting ball dispenser moves along the track to dispense the one of the plurality of voting balls into one of the plurality of voting canisters.

Abstract: An autonomous robot that collects tennis balls on a tennis court surface and transfers them into a tennis ball shooter.

Abstract: A collection apparatus including an autonomous power supply means and an image acquisition means for acquiring image sequences of at least one area of surveillance is disclosed. The collection apparatus may further include control means connected to the image acquisition means for receiving and processing the acquired sequences of images, to detect the presence and position of said game elements, and to send a control command to move the collection apparatus to collect a detected spherical game element. The collection apparatus also includes interaction means for interacting with a player to deliver a previously collected spherical game element to the player and a delivery device controlled by the control means to perform the delivery. An automatic collection system is also disclosed that uses two collection apparatuses, operating in a complementary and/or synchronized way to collect and deliver a spherical element to a player, on request by the player.

Abstract: An automatic collection method for collecting one or more spherical game elements that may be struck by a striking element is disclosed.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of apparatus and methods for retaining (e.g., controlling, funneling, redirecting, gathering, and/or capturing, etc.) tennis balls hit into tennis nets, to inhibit or prevent the tennis balls from bouncing off or rolling away from a tennis net back onto the main playing surface of a tennis court.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of apparatus and methods for retaining (e.g., controlling, funneling, redirecting, gathering, and/or capturing, etc.) tennis balls hit into tennis nets, to inhibit or prevent the tennis balls from bouncing off or rolling away from a tennis net back onto the main playing surface of a tennis court.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a net, a set of lines, and a support system. The set of lines is associated with the net. The support system is configured to be connected to posts on a tennis court. The support system is further configured to be connected to the set of lines. The support system is further configured to change a tension in the set of lines. The net is configured to catch a tennis ball striking a tennis net on the tennis court when a desired amount of tension in the set of lines is present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a net, a set of lines, and a support system. The set of lines is associated with the net. The support system is configured to be connected to posts on a tennis court. The support system is further configured to be connected to the set of lines. The support system is further configured to change a tension in the set of lines. The net is configured to catch a tennis ball striking a tennis net on the tennis court when a desired amount of tension in the set of lines is present.

Abstract: A device for quickly picking up numerous tennis balls on a tennis court having a vacuum unit with angled collection members to funnel tennis balls into a location where suction from the vacuum unit draws the balls through tubing and a port into a basket within a chamber of the vacuum unit.

Abstract: The automatic ball collection system contains a blower sub-system and a collection device. The blower sub-system drives the balls on the ground towards the collection device, and the balls are then automatically collected by the collection device. The blower sub-system contains a number of blowing devices configured at the corners capable of producing air flow substantially along ground surface so as to push the balls to roll towards the collection device. As such, the players' time and effort in constant bending and picking up balls, and the possible injury resulted as such are avoided.

Abstract: A tennis ball retrieval, storage, and dispensing device is disclosed having a hollow tube with a diameter that may be larger than balls that are to be picked up and stored within the tube. With the larger diameter tube the balls are staggered therein so more balls may be held in a given length of tube. Positioned at the top of the hollow tube is a closed end cap that is opened to remove balls stored inside the tube. Attached to the bottom of the hollow tube is an entrance end cap that has an opening that may be of different shapes but a round tennis ball entering the device tube through the entrance end cap opening must be squeezed to a non-round shape to get past the opening and enter the device tube. A retainer is mounted inside the entrance end cap past the opening that also squeezes tennis balls entering therein. The retainer assures that tennis balls that have been retrieved with the device do not hang out below the entrance cap opening.

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

Abstract: A ball hopper which allows for the easy retrieval and transportation of tennis balls. The ball hopper includes a basket includes a base and a side wall defining a cavity for storing the tennis ball. Balls are retrieved through ball retrieval channels provided in the base of the basket. The hopper is tipped to position the base of the hopper over the tennis bail. When the hopper is tipped upright the base of the hopper engages the tennis ball and slightly deforms the tennis ball allowing the tennis ball to bass through the retrieval channel. A side wall of the basket includes a door which provides a passageway through which the balls can be dispensed without requiring inversion of the basket. A latch member is provided to secure the door in a closed position. Wheels allow for easy transportation of the basket between locations.

Abstract: A robot for collecting table tennis balls on the ground includes a body, a rotor mounted at a front of the body, a driving module mounted on the body, and a control device. The body is configured for receiving the picked table tennis balls therein. The driving module drives the body to travel and drives the rotor to rotate for picking up the table tennis balls. The control device is configured for controlling the driving module to drive the robot to travel on the ground along a predetermined route.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ball collecting device comprising a drum and a control element. A first cover and a second cover are installed at both ends of the drum respectively to form a containing space in the drum. The first cover and the second cover are hollow and connected to at least one ring-shaped body with an interval apart. Each ring-shaped body comprises at least one elastic element installed around the ring-shaped body. The first cover, the second cover and the ring-shaped bodies are connected by at least one rod. The control element is connected to the drum and provided for a user to hold and push the drum to roll. An elastic element installed around the second cover is provided for pushing at least one ball to shift and enter into the containing space for storage, so as to provide a convenient way of collecting balls.

Abstract: A tennis ball holder, including a frame having legs joined with at least one upper rail; a carriage having at least one support and a bin, the at least one support joined to the legs and being rotatably joined to the bin, the bin being rotatable within approximately a range of rotation, engaging the at least one upper rail at the extreme points of the range; and tennis balls disposed within the bin.

Abstract: A driveway safety net. The safety net includes two stakes and a net that attaches between the two stakes. When the two stakes are placed on both sides of a driveway and the net is attached between the two stakes, the net hinders balls and other toys from rolling past the net. In one embodiment, each stake includes at least two prongs that are pushed into the ground when placing the stake. Preferably, at least one prong of each stake is wider in one dimension than in another dimension so that the stake is more resistant to being pulled over in at least one direction than in at least one other direction. Each prong is curved in an arc across its wider dimension.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a tennis ball retrieving apparatus wherein the tennis balls 16 roll into the gutter portion 18 of the device and an electronically controlled and powered paddle 24 moves them into a ball conveyor system 26 that dispenses the balls into a ball hopper 20. The gutter portion consists of three sections and are connected to each other by pins. A front ball stationary plate 30 which does not rotate with the conveyor wheel 54 prevents the tennis balls 16 from falling out the front side of the conveyor wheel 54 until the wheel rotates clockwise and brings the ball upward to an opening within the rear stationary plate 31 where the ball is free to fall into the ball hopper chute 32 and into the hopper 20. A digital sensor triggers the digital ball counter 34 to count the balls as they pass through the opening. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the balls 16 move through the gutter 18 via gravity.

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a generally rectangular first flexible panel supported from a pair of vertical supports, and at least one connector of adjustable length extending from at least one of the lower opposing corners of the first flexible panel. A second flexible panel that is smaller than the first flexible panel is supported in a generally parallel fashion from the first flexible panel. The first flexible panel extends below the second flexible panel, so that a trough area is created below the lower edge of the volleyball net when at least one of the lower opposing corners is suppported from the vertical supports.

Abstract: A jam free device for a table tennis serving machine includes a body provided with a through hole adapted to be defined to correspond to and coincide with the entrance of the table tennis serving machine, and a stirring extension movably extending into the through hole. Therefore, ping pong balls falling into the entrance of the table tennis serving machine are stirred by the stirring extension and will not jam the entrance.

Abstract: An apparatus for sweeping and collecting ball-like objects from a horizontal surface. The surface bears much if not all of the weight of the collected objects. An essential feature of this invention is a flexible strap connected across the opening of an object-collection space. The strap serves to facilitate collection and retention of the ball-like objects. The object-collection space is defined by a sweeping frame in a concave shape with an opening in the direction of the sweeping motion. The flexible strap is connected in tension across the opening in order to facilitate the collection and retention of the objects.

Abstract: Picking up tennis balls is and always has been irritating. Although inventions such as the ball tube and ball basket have been invented, the ball player still has to search the court for the balls. The present invention will dramatically reduce the extra work by trapping the ball, and requiring the player to turn to only one place to find the balls.

Abstract: A device for picking up, storing and controllably releasing tennis balls includes a straight hollow tube of adjustable length extending between an upper end equipped with a closure feature, and a lower end having a flexible sphincter mechanism. The closure feature is slideably adjustable to positions which either seal the tube or permit removal of balls. The sphincter mechanism includes a circular array of protrusions interiorly directed toward the center axis of the tube.

Abstract: A table tennis practice system comprised of a robot and an enclosure or recycle net which catches balls returned by a player. The robot propels balls fed to it at a set rate so that a player on the other end of the table can receive practice similar to that between humans. The robot and recycle net are constructed so that the robot may be placed anywhere between the sides of one end of the table while simultaneously retrieving and recycling balls returned by a player. This lateral mobility of the robot permits serves from the corners of the table or any point between. Its recycle system does not rely on air movement for ball transportation, hence there is improved reliability. The timing system eliminates jamming when it can be caused by balls falling into the holes of perforated platters or notched wheels of timing devices at an in appropriate time.

Abstract: This invention comprises a ball-capturing tennis net assembly designed to be used in combination with existing court structures for catching balls which strike the standard tennis net. The catch-net extends under or is attached to the bottom of the standard tennis net forming two sides. Each side protrudes upwards at an angle near 45 degrees and is held in place by brackets. At least one end bracket is mounted to each of the standard net posts and functions to hold the top of the two sides of the catch-net parallel to and at a desired width from the standard tennis net. The end brackets hold the bottom of the catch net tightly around the bottom of the standard tennis net. At least two middle brackets, which when assembled form a center spacer unit, are located between the two net posts to help hold the catch-net open in a v-shaped position under and onto each side of the court divided by the standard tennis net. The catch-net is also designed to receive and hold the middle brackets in position.

Abstract: A portable backstop device for enabling an individual to practice throwing and pitching baseballs without a catcher. The backstop device includes a front panel and a back panel which are attached to each other to form a backstop member. A portion of the back panel extends beyond a bottom edge of the front panel, so that the portion can be folded such that a bottom edge of the portion of the back panel can be detachably connected to the bottom edge of the front panel to define a pocket for collecting thrown and pitched baseballs. A rectangular shaped aperture formed in the front panel of the portable backstop member enables an individual to practice throwing balls and strikes without an umpire. Balls entering the aperture are collected in the pocket thus, saving time and energy spent in retrieving the thrown baseballs and also substantially prevents the baseballs from getting scuffed from hitting backfences and the like.

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

Abstract: The amusement exercise system of the present invention, features a new physical workout system and a new ball-shooter. The workout system emulates a fighting (combat) environment where the player (the person who workouts) fights against the ball shooter. The player throws balls at the ball-shooter while the ball-shooter shoots at the player with a plurality of different-colored balls (to signal different defensive actions by the player) and with pseudo-random striking positions. A ball-collecting net is erected behind the player to collect balls shooting from the ball-shooter. Similarly, a ball-collecting target is erected at the shooter to collect balls thrown by the player. Scores are kept by counting balls inside the net and the target after each fighting run.

Abstract: A ball retrieval, storage, and dispensing system having a hollow tube with a diameter slightly larger than a ball that is to be placed within the tube. Positioned at the top of the hollow tube is an upper cap having a hollow center portion and at least two hook members. Integrally molded about a ridge on the annular ring is a flange member having an upper diameter and a lower diameter. The lower diameter is slightly larger than the circumference of a ball to be placed with the tube and the upper diameter is slightly smaller than the circumference of the same ball. The flange member is made from a resilient flexible material which enables the upper diameter of the flange member to bend inwardly when a ball is "squeezed" through the annular ring and return to its original position after the ball has completely passed through the upper cap. An elastic retaining band, in conjunction with the resilient flexible flange member, permits the balls to be securely stored within the hollow tube.