Abstract: Spheres are sequentially released into a pipeline from a sphere storage barrel in response to the opening and closing of a valve closure member by means of a sphere launching apparatus. The apparatus has a releasing means, pivotable about a first axis, for engaging the valve closure member and a catcher, pivotable about a second axis, for releasably engaging the spheres as well as an actuating link connecting the releasing means with the catcher.In response to the opening and closing of the valve closure member, the catcher is angularly pivoted into and out of engagement with successive spheres at a first rate, upon angular pivoting of the releasing means at a second rate less than the first rate, to sequentially release spheres and to allow the valve closure member to substantially close before releasing the next sphere.

Abstract: A sphere launching apparatus for use with a valve closure member for sequentially ejecting spheres in a pipeline, said apparatus having a releasing means pivotable about a first axis for engaging a valve closure member and a sphere catcher means pivotally secured about a second axis spaced from the first axis for releasably engaging spheres and having an adjustable actuating link connecting the releasing means and catching means for causing angular movement of the same to angularly pivot the catcher means into and out of engagement with successive spheres at a first rate upon angular pivoting of the releasing means at a second rate less than the first rate through opening and closing of the valve closure member to sequentially release spheres and to allow the valve closure member to substantially close before releasing the next sphere.