Patents by Inventor John H. Cheek, Jr.

John H. Cheek, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6085735
    Abstract: A computerized device for propelling tennis balls by pneumatic pressure. The device contains a support pad to protect the tennis court. There is a by-pass valve which, when open, allows the blower for the pneumatic system to blow continuously, thereby avoiding carbon deposits. There is a pressure tank for the build-up of pressure for the pneumatic system when the by-pass valve is closed. Course and fine pressure valves are used to control the pressure in the pressure tank within narrow limits. A hopper contains pushers which prohibit balls accumulating in areas of little motion. A carousel advances only when a ball can drop freely into the ball outlet tube. A cover over the feeder point prevents balls in the hopper from interfering with the ball in the feeder point. The ball is held in an injection area until forced through a flap door into the pressure tank and a guide channel. The injection area contains a solenoid-controlled sweep arm which controls a injector which forces the ball through the flap door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: John H. Cheek, Jr.