Abstract: A baseball pitching machine and method includes a ball throwing assembly that is mounted on a platform that may be tilted to adjust the elevation of a baseball pitched by the machine. The device for controlling the tilt of the platform may include plural jack screws for stabilizing the platform between pitches. The angle of inclination of the platform recorded in the device for controlling the tilt of the platform may be corrected when the platform has a predetermined inclination to improve the accuracy of the pitched bail. The correction updates the recorded angle of inclination so that vibrations caused by the ball throwing assembly or malfunctions do not disrupt the operation of the machine to the point where the ball is pitched wildly. A photocoupler provides a corrective signal when the predetermined inclination is reached.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball dispenser dispenses golf balls to a tee for driving or directly to a mat for iron shots. The dispenser includes a breakaway captive setting arm that sustains minimal damage when hit by a club. The dispenser also includes a series of baffles and means for rotating stored golf balls to prevent clogging. A stopper retards balls in a supply chute while one ball is being teed, and while a setting arm is being returned to a ball-receiving position. This avoids interference with setting arm movement by the supply of balls. In addition, an automatic countdown sequence regulates the number of balls dispensed in accordance with a card reader that checks prepaid user cards.

Abstract: A baseball pitching machine includes a ball throwing assembly that is mounted on a platform that may be tilted to adjust the elevation of a baseball pitched by the machine. The device for controlling the tilt of the platform may include plural jack screws for stabilizing the platform between pitches. The angle of inclination of the platform recorded in the device for controlling the tilt of the platform may be corrected when the platform has a predetermined inclination to improve the accuracy of the pitched ball. The correction updates the recorded angle of inclination so that vibrations caused by the ball throwing assembly or malfunctions do not disrupt the operation of the machine to the point where the ball is pitched wildly. A photocoupler provides a corrective signal when the predetermined inclination is reached.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball dispenser dispenses golf balls to a tee for driving or directly to a mat for iron shots. The dispenser includes a breakaway captive setting arm that sustains minimal damage when hit by a club. The dispenser also includes a series of baffles and means for rotating stored golf balls to prevent clogging. A stopper retards balls in a supply chute while one ball is being teed, and while a setting arm is being returned to a ball-receiving position. This avoids interference with setting arm movement by the supply of balls. In addition, an automatic countdown sequence regulates the number of balls dispensed in accordance with a card reader that checks prepaid user cards.