Abstract: The present invention is a portable structure used for exhibition or sports (batting cage) applications including an expansion section with a plurality of expansion segments, each of which is self-contained. Each expansion segment is bounded by an upright member onto which an articulating arm is attached adjacent the tope and bottom. Each articulating arm bends at an elbow and folds flat against the upright members when each expansion segment is extended, the articulating arms straighten at the elbow and pivot in a scissor-type motion with respect to the upright members until the articulating arms are fully extended substantially straight. The expansion segments roll on rollers removably affixed to the upright members. The portable structure includes three positions, a transport position wherein large wheels or skids are suppled for easy manipulation of the device, an expansion segment wherein the expansion segments are extended or collapsed using smaller wheels.

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 apparatus for use in practicing the fundamentals of baseball is provided. The apparatus includes an opening for accepting and capturing baseballs thrown at the apparatus. The opening is covered by a number of vertical flaps, behind which is a padded backstop. The flaps are colored appropriately to designate a typical strike zone. A pitchback machine is provided to propel baseballs from the apparatus. A ball holding tray is positioned beneath the opening and backstop to accumulate thrown balls or to retain a reservoir of balls. A motor-driven spinner plate is situated integral to the holding tray for circulating the balls resting therein and for facilitating the movement of the balls to an outlet path. The holding tray outlet path leads to a motor-driven helical auger. The auger conveys the balls from the outlet path to the pitchback machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in practicing the fundamentals of basketball is provided. The apparatus includes a retrieving bowl adapted to connect to a basketball goal to recover a basketball, an adjustable, swivelable chute having upper and lower ends, the upper end being connected to the retrieving bowl, and a base unit. The base unit houses an ejection box connected to the lower end of the chute and a passing box. The ejection box has motor-driven speed control wheels adjacent thereto for ejecting a basketball. The passing box has a target area covered by a one-way flap. A gravity channel extends from the passing box to the ejection box.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure indicating ball for training baseball or softball pitchers. The ball contains a mass/weight control material to give the ball the proper heft. The ball has a perimeter envelope fillable by means of a valve located on a flexible exterior surface of the ball. The envelope is filled with a pressure indicating substance that allows an imprint of the pitcher's fingers to be created in the ball's flexible exterior surface. The ball is provided with a number of pressure transducers for sensing pressure exerted on the ball and translating pressure into electrical impulses. The electrical impulses are then transmitted to means for processing electrical impulses, such as a summation circuit, via a battery powered electrical circuit. The summation circuit is, in turn, electrically connected to a digital readout screen located on the ball's exterior surface where pressure data is displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in practicing pitching of baseballs to enable the user to improve pitching accuracy and to indicate pitched balls delivered within a strike zone having a vertical backboard with a rectangular opening therethrough, four trapezoidal shaped wings secured to the backboard and serving to form an opening defining a strike zone, each of the wings being pivotal when engaged by a baseball, electrical contacts activated as each trapezoidal wing is pivoted when struck by a baseball and electrical indicators for signaling when a baseball strikes one of the trapezoidal wings to indicate that the baseball has been pitched high, low, inside or outside of the strike zone.

Abstract: This is a portable loader for cattle, sheep and so forth and is to be pulled behind a truck. It include a loading chute having a ramp and sides and two trailing fence sides, each divided into two or more panel sections. The ramp and each section is provided with wheels so that they can be pulled down the highway with the two side fences parallel and close together. When it is desired to use the portable loader the pulling truck stops and backs up. This backing up causes the two fence sides to extend or bulge outwardly forming a pen. The end sections of each side can flare outwardly to form a chute for driving the cattle through and into the enclosure and these end sections can be folded together to form a closed gate for the enclosure.

Abstract: A branding iron, especially for cattle, is provided with a vacuum pump having a vacuum hose with its open end in the vicinity of the hot iron to remove smoke and pollutants.