Abstract: The present invention is a device for supporting a wheel comprising a first member, which has a retention member and an axle operably configured to receive the wheel, and; a second member, which has a chock and an engagement portion. The second member is rotatably attached to the axle. Further, the second member is operably configured to have an unchocked position when not in use and selectively rotatable to a chocked position against the wheel to keep the wheel from rotating in at least one of a forward and reverse direction when the second member is use. Additionally, the retention member retains the engagement portion of the second member in the unchocked position when the chock is not in use.

Abstract: The present inventions provides a directing device for controlling the orientation of a ball launching device, comprising a first member, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, and a third member disposed substantially parallel to the second member, rotatably connected to the second member and operably configured to receive the ball launching device. The device further includes a first actuator connected to the first and second members and, a second actuator connected to the first and third members. When the first actuator is actuated the second member pivots relative to the first member, and when the second actuator is actuated the third member rotates relative to the second member. This invention also provides an automatic ball throwing device having the directing device of this invention and a method of converting a pitching machine into the same. This invention further provides a hopper for use with the directing device.

Abstract: The present inventions provides a method of modifying a pitching machine, including obtaining a pitching machine have a ball launching device and a support stand, removing the ball launching device from the support stand; attaching a directing device to the support stand, and attaching the ball launching device to the directing device. The present invention also provides methods of making an automatic ball throwing devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ball engagement device for use with a ball launching device, comprising a housing having first and second ends, an opening for accepting balls and a ball chamber adjacent to the opening. The device further includes a motor coupled to the housing and a pinion connected to and driven by the motor. The pinion drives a rack that has a ball engagement end, wherein the rack is slideably disposed along an interior portion of the housing. The device also includes a first switch disposed in the housing and that is operably configured to activate the motor to rotate the pinion in a first direction, the first switch is activatable by the presence of a ball in the ball chamber, a second switch disposed in the housing operably configured to rotate the pinion in an opposing second direction, a third switch disposed in the housing at a predetermined distance from the second switch and operably configured to deactivate the motor and a switch activation member disposed along the rack.