Abstract: A lateral face of a rail vehicle body is provided including a framework which is formed by an assembly of a plurality of adjacent panels and an outer skin which is adhesively-bonded to the framework and which extends over at least two adjacent panels, the assembly of panels and the skin forming a laminated assembly, each panel including ribs which are arranged so as to ensure the vertical rigidity and the horizontal rigidity of the lateral face. The outer skin extends over the entire length of the lateral face.

Abstract: An awl for use with a reciprocating device. The awl includes a mounting portion for operably engaging the reciprocating device. The awl also includes a shaft portion with an end for forming an awl feature on a sheet of material. Furthermore, the awl includes a mass portion for increasing the inertia of the awl when reciprocated by the reciprocating device toward the sheet of material.

Abstract: A presser foot device for a sewing machine includes a presser bar mounted on a head provided at a distal end of an arm and having a lower end having a presser foot, the presser foot device lifting the presser foot upward and downward together with the presser bar, the presser foot device further including a first shaft, a support unit configured to support the first shaft, and a presser foot lifting lever configured to move the presser foot upward and downward, the presser foot lifting lever being rotatably connected to the support unit by the first shaft. The support unit is rotatable between a first position where the presser foot lifting lever is located below the arm of the sewing machine and a second position where the presser foot lifting lever is located behind the head of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A template for circular sewing is used for repeatedly sewing a single pattern into a circular arrangement with use of a sewing machine equipped with a circular sewing device. The template includes a transparent sheet member having a center point, a plurality of arc-shaped base lines arranged in a concentric pattern about the center point of the sheet member, and a plurality of linear pattern pitch measurement lines which are provided for measuring a pitch of the patterns and which are arranged on the sheet member so as to pass through the center point of the sheet member and across the arc-shaped base lines. A total number of patterns is indicated near to an end of the template. The total number of patterns is obtained when a pattern with a pitch substantially coinciding with one of the pattern pitch measurement lines has been sewn into a circular arrangement.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. The exterior side walls of the polygonal hull have flat surfaces and sharp corners to cut ice sheets, resist and break ice, and move ice pressure ridges away from the structure. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel to accomplish ice cutting, breaking and moving operations. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: A stabilizing chamber to be used with a mobile offshore unit and a method of manufacturing and stabilizing therewith are disclosed. The stabilizing chamber includes a housing configured to removably receive and retain fluid therein, a first support, and a second support. The first and second supports are attached to the same side of the housing, and at least one of the supports is configured to support the weight of the stabilizing chamber. These supports are then configured to removably connect with the mobile offshore unit. The housing of the stabilizing chamber may be filled with fluid to at least partially submerge the stabilizing chamber. After fluid is received within the stabilizing chamber, the stabilizing chamber may be disconnected from the mobile offshore unit.

Abstract: A multiple trim modulation system for efficiently and simultaneously controlling multiple trim devices upon a marine vessel. The multiple trim modulation system generally includes a plurality of trim devices movably mounted to a watercraft and a controller adapted to control the plurality of trim devices. The controller includes a plurality of adjustment modes, wherein each of the plurality of adjustment modes moves the plurality of trim devices in a simultaneous manner. The plurality of trim devices either move towards a similar direction or move towards an opposing direction depending on a corresponding mode of the plurality of adjustment modes.

Abstract: A watercraft hull has a hull body defining a bow, a transom, and a longitudinal centerline extending from the bow to the transom along a center of the hull body. The hull body has an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of ribs extends at an angle to the longitudinal centerline on the inner surface.

Abstract: A retractable convertible top for a pleasure craft, including a canvas type fabric and stowable linkage mechanism, is described. This convertible top may be fully deployed and retracted automatically to provide a quick and efficient means of providing shelter for the open cabin of a pleasure craft while still allowing easy entrance and egress from the cabin when the top is fully deployed. The convertible top may be fully stowable within a small volume storage bin with watertight covers. The stowage bin may be integrated into the craft. The craft's existing hydraulic and control systems may be utilized to automatically deploy and retract the convertible top.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses that reduce problems encountered during coating of a device, such as a medical device having a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus including a bi-directional rotation member. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method with a bi-directional indexing movement. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating solution supply member having a major axis oriented parallel to a gap between rollers on a coating apparatus. In an embodiment, the invention includes a device retaining member. In an embodiment, the invention includes an air nozzle or an air knife. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method including removing a static charge from a small diameter medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus to help control the quality of printed three-dimensional objects is provided. The apparatus may include a printing head to print a three-dimensional object and a printing tray having defined surface characteristics serving to control adherence of the object being printed to the printing tray and/or prevent deformations in the printed object.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprising: a processing chamber which is to accommodate at least one substrate; a gas supply system which is to supply processing gas into the processing chamber; an exhaust system which is to exhaust atmosphere in the processing chamber; and at least one pair of electrodes which are to bring the processing gas into an active state and which are accommodated in protection tubes such that the electrodes can be inserted into and pulled out from the protection tubes, wherein the electrodes are accommodated in the protection tube in a state where at least a portion of the electrodes is bent, and the electrodes are formed of flexible members, is disclosed.

Abstract: An in-ovo egg injection machine has a transversely or laterally movable supporting structure which is mounted beneath and adjacent the injector assembly and enables the operator to move egg trays into and out of the injection area from the side of the machine. The supporting structure includes two longitudinally extending opposed support rails that are mounted on a movable member so that the longitudinal support rails are spaced from one another at a set distance to define a support cradle. The movable member is supported on two transversely extending guide rails that are approximately twice the width of the injection area in length so as to allow the support cradle to be moved, preferably by hand, to an injection position directly under the injector assembly and then, by moving the support cradle in a lateral direction on the guide rails, to a loading/unloading position horizontally spaced from the injection area.

Abstract: A pet watering device includes a bowl having a base with an upwardly extending sidewall attached to the base. A ramp is disposed within the bowl and extends from the bowl sidewall to the base. The ramp includes an aperture for dispensing water. A pump is disposed within the bowl. A lift tube is disposed between the pump and the ramp aperture for transporting water, such that the pump removes water from the bowl to the lift tube for discharge through the ramp aperture onto the ramp for return of water to the bowl.

Abstract: A bottle cap for fitting on a mouth of a bottle to form a bird feeder is disclosed. The bottle cap comprises a first chamber with a opening for receiving the mouth of the bottle, wherein the bottle cap snaps onto the mouth of the bottle. A second chamber is provided with a closed bottom. A sealing ring is located between the first and second chambers so as to provide a seal between the bottle cap and the mouth of the bottle when the bottle cap is snapped onto the mouth of the bottle, wherein liquid is free to move between the first and second chambers. At least one feeding port is provided in a side wall of the second chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic device and method for disposing of animal waste. The device and method utilizes an absorbent pad that is automatically advanced and seals upon itself with an adhesive and/or projections to prevent excrement and odors from exiting the roll.

Abstract: A clumping animal litter is disclosed which includes non-swelling particles and a swelling agent coated on the non-swelling particles. In one embodiment, the non-swelling particles are manufactured by agglomerating clay fines.

Abstract: A method for artificial breeding of farmed sturgeon is disclosed. The method comprises of growing a plurality of fingerling sturgeon; obtaining a plurality of juvenile sturgeon; identifying at least one male juvenile sturgeon and at least one female juvenile sturgeon; Feeding a predetermined amount of a preselected food material to the male and female sturgeon; Determining maturity based on at least controlling sex hormones and stress hormones of the male and female sturgeon; identifying at least one male matured sturgeon and at least one female matured sturgeon; and Selecting male matured sturgeon and female matured sturgeon, wherein said female matured sturgeon carries a predetermined amount of ovule and wherein said predetermined amount of ovule is processed to obtain a predetermined amount of caviar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an egg collection conveyor and a vertical feeding device for egg collection, and particularly relates to an egg roll out mechanism for an egg collector. The egg collection conveyor collects eggs produced at each cage of a multiple-stage chicken cage and conveys the eggs to horizontally one end side of the conveyor. The vertical feeding device for egg collection is provided on one end side of the multiple-stage chicken cage, conveys the eggs in the vertical direction, and discharges the eggs, collected by the egg collection conveyor, at a previously set position. The vertical feeding device has egg placement means on which eggs are placed and that discharges the eggs at a desired position. The egg placement means has a space section directly under the position where an egg is placed and the space can be in contact with the bottom surface of the egg. The vertical feeding device is connected to an endless conveyor for conveying the collected eggs to a desired position.

Abstract: A cage is provided which is sanitary and efficient and can make hens who tend to gather at the four corners scatter. An oblong and rectangular cage having a floor formed to allow hens and cocks to move freely thereon. The cage includes an outer peripheral section substantially surrounding the entire floor and allowing air to freely pass through it. The cage also includes a plurality of intermediate partitions that are arranged transversally relative to the floor to divide the oblong space on the floor. The intermediate partitions have visually blockading surfaces in order to produce corners that are as relaxing to hens as the four corners.

Abstract: A recreational pet toy for cats which includes an outer covering and a cord attached to the pet toy for hanging the recreational pet toy during use. The pet toy also includes an elongated channel for receiving catnip and distributing the catnip along its length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a once-through boiler capable of achieving a steep increase in temperature of steam via reheating of the steam within a combustion chamber, thereby improving heat and energy efficiency. The boiler comprises a body (110), a steam supply unit (120), and a heating unit (130). The body includes a housing (111), a cover (112), and a guide pipe (113). The steam supply unit includes an annular water tank (122) in a lower region of the body, a steam supply chamber (124) in an uppermost region of the body, water pipes (121) amounted on the water tank, a low-temperature steam inlet pipe (125) and a high-temperature steam outlet pipe (127) mounted at opposite sides of the water pipes, and a steam heating pipe (126) to communicate the inlet pipe with the outlet pipe. The heating unit includes a burner (131), and a combustion chamber (132).

Abstract: A steam generator has a pressure casing formed in the shape of a drum. The longitudinal axis of this pressure casing is oriented horizontally or largely horizontally. A hollow tube (1) is formed in such a way that at least two hollow tube sections (1?) are provided, preferably a plurality of hollow tube sections which extend predominantly parallel to each other, and which are arranged in stack-form vertically or vertically offset above each other, and which in each case are interconnected in pairs at an end section, wherein this hollow tube is located in the vertical direction above the feed section (8).

Abstract: A cooling system is provided having a first heat exchanger configured to remove heat from at least a portion of a first fluid and a second heat exchanger configured to remove heat from a portion of a second fluid. The second heat exchanger is located downstream of the first heat exchanger relative to the flow of air passing through the first heat exchanger so that a substantial portion of the air passing through the first heat exchanger also passes through the second heat exchanger. The cooling system also has a valve located to regulate the flow of the second fluid through the second heat exchanger. The cooling system further has a controller configured to actuate the valve to restrict the flow of the second fluid through the second heat exchanger when the first heat exchanger is removing heat from the first fluid.

Abstract: A cooling fan assembly has an inner surface provided with a guide body for guiding a cooling air towards a first engine cylinder, positioned on a leading side with respect to the direction of rotation of the cooling fan assembly, and a second engine cylinder, positioned on a trailing side, after the cooling air has been separated. The guide body includes an upright wall protruding from the inner surface of the fan casing in an axial direction of the cooling fan assembly and extending radially outwardly and spirally from the inner surface of the fan casing as it progresses from the trailing side towards the leading side, and a ceiling wall connected with a projecting end of the upright wall and extending inside the spirality and operable to guide the cooling air inside the spirality of the upright wall towards the first engine cylinder.

Abstract: In an adjusting device for an internal combustion engine, in particular a camshaft adjusting device, an adjusting unit is provided which comprises at least one currentless sensor unit for carrying out in at least one mode an adjustment as a function of a momentary phase angle between cooperating relatively rotatable members.

Abstract: A helical phaser bias spring including at least one linear region and an adjacent region having a radius of curvature less than that of the helix. A channel in the phaser receives the linear region of the spring and adjacent region to lock the spring to the phaser at either the rotor or the stator. Preferably, the spring includes two linear regions separated by a bend of about 90°. Additional linear regions are possible, separated by right and/or other angle bends. In a phaser rotor or stator, the geometric shape required to hold a spring end having a flat is easier to form with powdered metal tooling or diecasting than is a circular, radial, or axial shape for receiving a spring tang as in the prior art, the packaging volume required for the spring is smaller, and spring friction is lowered.

Abstract: A variable valve timing system changes a valve phase by reducing an operation amount of an actuator at a speed reduction ratio that varies depending on a phase region. When the valve phase is outside a region in which the ratio of the amount of change in the phase with respect to the operation amount of the actuator is low, namely a high speed reduction ratio, the actuator may be operated due to, for example, a reaction force applied to a camshaft, and an undesirable valve phase change may result. Accordingly, when an engine stop command is possibly issued, the target phase value is restricted to a region more delayed than a phase restriction value set in consideration of the amount by which the valve timing can be changed from when an engine stop command is issued until when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A camshaft assembly is disclosed which comprises an inner shaft, an outer tube surrounding and rotatable relative to the inner shaft, and two groups of cam lobes mounted on the outer tube, the first group of cam lobes being fast in rotation with the outer tube, the second group being rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the tube and connected for rotation with the inner shaft. The connection between the second group of cam lobes and the inner shaft is effected by means of driving members whose positions are adjustable in order to compensate for significant manufacturing inaccuracies between the inner shaft and its associated group of cam lobes.

Abstract: A crankcase of an internal combustion engine with at least one main lubricant channel for supplying the internal combustion engine with lubricant and with at least one oil return flow channel (10) for return guidance of the excess lubricant into a reservoir container (11), wherein the oil return flow channel (10) exhibits a peg-shaped widening (12), which is formed by the attachment a bearing support of an oil channel core (18). The invention further concerns an oil channel core.

Abstract: An oil pan for an internal combustion engine, in which an oil suction space is formed by the arrangement of a baffle wall provided with several through-openings and at least one flap, where at least one retaining device, on which the flap is supported and/or fastened, is provided on the baffle wall, wherein several fastening openings of different cross sections are provided in the flap to attach the flap to the retaining device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of combustion engines and more specifically to a rotary positive displacement combustor engine. The device employs a scroll compressor and a scroll expander with an orbital shaft displaced between the compressor and expander supplying a means and link for compressing fluids within the scroll compressor and disposing the fluid within the scroll expander within which an ignition source is placed at strategic points within a pair of first isolated zones of the orbiting scroll expander generating a highly efficient process for capturing mechanical and thermal energy from combustion.

Abstract: In an intake device for an internal combustion engine, in which a valve body rotatable about a valve shaft is provided within an intake passage and by which an intake flow is controlled, the valve shaft is eccentric with a center of the valve body and is supported at a position eccentric with a center of the intake passage. When the valve body rotates, a half open state is formed from a fully closed state via a fully open state. The butterfly-type intake control valve are simply altered, so that the fully closed state, the fully open state, and the half open state can be formed and the vortex flow can be formed into the cylinder.

Abstract: Compression ignition engines and methods of the type wherein the engines operate with one cylinder used as a compression cylinder and a second cylinder used as a combustion cylinder. The engines have all cylinders configured so as to be able to operate as a compression cylinder or a combustion cylinder. In the method of operation, a cylinder may switch its operation between being a compression cylinder and then operate a combustion cylinder. Switching the operation between compression and combustion operation results in an even temperature distribution within the engine, and eliminates the need for special cooling requirements, facilitating retrofit of existing engines. Also use of an air storage tank allows all cylinders to operate as combustion cylinders for short bursts of power. Various other features are disclosed.

Abstract: A transmitting case includes a first case half integrally formed on one side of a throttle body, and a second case half coupled to the first case half. A first assembly is constructed by disposing a final gear inside the first case half and securing it to one end of a valve shaft. A second assembly is constructed by mounting on the second case half an electric motor and an intermediate gear of a speed reduction device for transmitting the rotation of an output shaft of the electric motor to the final gear. Upon coupling of the first case half and the second case half, the intermediate gear and the final gear are meshed with each other. Thus, there is provided an engine intake control system having an excellent assemblability and an improved accuracy of throttle valve opening degree.

Abstract: A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides for improved lambda control utility that includes the following: the introduction of an inner control loop to the lambda control based on the pressure of the gaseous fuel downstream of the fuel control valve and upstream of the carburetor relative to the pressure of the air at the inlet of the carburetor, and the introduction of operating point based dynamic parameter scheduling in the lambda feedback control loop. The combination of these enhancements, working together, will allow an engine system to consistently meet the mandated performance requirements via tighter lambda control in the presence of set point changes and load disturbances.

Abstract: To provide an accelerator position sensor arrangement structure for a motorcycle that can prevent an increased vehicle-width without change of operational feeling of a throttle. An accelerator position sensor is connected to a throttle grip via a pair of throttle cables and disposed externally of main frames, of a body frame, extending from a head pipe toward the rearward of a vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle control device for a hybrid vehicle, which equipped with at least an internal combustion engine and a rotary electrical machine that reduces the shock that is imparted to a vehicle when the internal combustion engine starts. The vehicle control device detects the running state of the vehicle and, if it is determined that the internal combustion engine will be started, adjusts the ignition timing according to the running state of the vehicle. The control device also improves the responsiveness of the hybrid vehicle when increased acceleration is required.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine which operates in accordance with an auto-ignition principle includes at least one working cylinder, at least two inlet valves per working cylinder and at least one outlet valve per working cylinder. The internal combustion engine has a first camshaft and a second camshaft. The second camshaft actuates at least one of the inlet valves per working cylinder and actuates at least one outlet valve per working cylinder. The internal combustion engine has an adjuster disposed at the second camshaft. The adjuster adjusts valve control times of the inlet and outlet valves actuated by the second camshaft selectively in an early direction and a late direction in relation to valve control times of the first camshaft. A method for operating an internal combustion engine is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel lance assembly for an engine comprises: a fuel lance to be received in a passage provided in a cylinder head and a connection arrangement comprising an inlet adapter for securing the fuel lance within the passage. The fuel lance comprises a tubular member of constant external diameter, arranged to be received, in use, within the passage and having a first end being shaped for cooperation with a seating surface of a fuel injector of the engine, and a second end being shaped for cooperation with the inlet adapter, and being provided with a bore therethrough to define a fuel flow path between the first end and the second end of the fuel lance. The inlet adapter is provided with an attachment system for engaging a compatible attachment system of the cylinder head, and has a proximal region for receiving a high pressure fuel pipe, and wherein the inlet adapter has a distal region provided with an opening being adapted to receive the second end of the fuel lance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion air supply arrangement, including an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine, and a compressor arranged in the air intake duct, and a first throttle located downstream the compressor and upstream the internal combustion engine and arranged to change the flow area of the air intake duct between the compressor and the internal combustion engine, the same furthermore including a second throttle, which is located upstream the compressor and which is arranged to change the flow area of the air intake duct upstream the compressor. Furthermore, the compressor is a centrifugal compressor, the rotational speed of which is directly dependent on the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and that the combustion air supply arrangement is arranged in such a way that the sucked-in air is compressed once between the second throttle and the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine receives no air from outside atmosphere. Instead, combustion gas expelled from the engine is cooled and recycled back into the engine. That gas contains no nitrogen and consists mostly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Oxygen and fuel are added to the recycled gas, and the resulting mixture is used to perform an internal-combustion cycle. Cooling that gas condenses its water vapor, and liquid water is separated from the gas. That water is used for injection into the recycled gas at a later time. A small amount of the expelled combustion gas is discharged into outside environment, and the rest is recycled. Water too is recycled back into the engine, and whatever is lost to outside environment is replaced by reclaiming water produced in combustion. No additional supply of water is needed. Since no nitrogen is present, no nitrogen oxides are produced. The amount of other harmful exhaust emissions is greatly reduced too, since most of them are recycled back into the engine.

Abstract: A system for reducing the temperature of waste heat from a waste heat source of a vehicle engine, including an open loop Brayton cycle having a cooler, a compressor, a turbine, and a shaft coupling the compressor to the turbine. Waste heat and compressed air from the compressor flow through the cooler, thereby transferring heat from the waste heat to the compressed air and lowering the temperature of the waste heat. The heated and compressed air is expanded across the turbine, to cause rotation of the shaft, thereby powering rotation of the compressor. Excess power beyond that necessary to drive the compressor may be drawn off through a generator which has its rotor mounted on the same shaft as the compressor and turbine.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation apparatus includes a housing connected with an EGR cooler via a mount face. The housing has a valve chamber accommodating a selector valve. The housing has a partition extending from the mount face close to the valve chamber to divide first and second exhaust ports opened in the mount face. A first passage leads exhaust gas into the EGR cooler through the valve chamber. A second passage recirculates exhaust gas to the intake passage through the EGR cooler and the valve chamber. A bypass passage leads exhaust gas from the engine through the valve chamber to bypass the EGR cooler. A rotation axis of the selector valve is perpendicular to an axis of the mount face, and offset away from the partition.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a valve system and a breather system. The valve system includes a camshaft having intake cams and exhaust cams. The intake cams open and close intake valves, and the exhaust cams open and close exhaust valves. The breather system includes an upstream-side breather chamber and a downstream-side breather chamber. Blow-by gas flows into the upstream-side breather chamber through a chain chamber. The down-stream side breather chamber is provided in the camshaft, and also formed of a through hole constituted of a plurality of hole portions. The hole portions have different sizes and are aligned in the axial direction. The through hole opens to the chain chamber at a first shaft end portion of the camshaft, and also opens to the down-stream side breather chamber at a second shaft end portion of the camshaft. The down-stream side breather chamber is formed of a cam holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a projectile expelling apparatus having at least one fixed channel for allowing projectiles to enter at a constant entry point and a rotational expelling housing rotationally connected to at least one fixed channel for projecting projectiles at various trajectories.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for launching targets, retrieval devices and combination target and retrieval devices, wherein the targets and retrieval devices may be irregularly shaped, such as like birds. Multiple targets are held on a carousel delivery system and eventually moved in a launching position by a push arm. A throwing arm is then rotated, pushing the target along a throwing guide until it reaches a launching position, at which point the target is released for use in shooting practice and/or training retrieving dogs.

Abstract: A camouflage and support assembly for a cross bow is disclosed. The assembly is comprised of a camouflage having an opening for shooting the arrow through while the hunter is hidden from view, and a clamp for affixing the crossbow stirrup onto the camouflage. The assembly also comprises a support rod for resting the cross bow. This assembly provides a comfortable stance for the hunter to wait for an animal to appear into view, while also allowing the hunter to move the crossbow along with the camouflage as needed to maintain focus on a potential moving target.

Abstract: A rapid feed paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for force feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotating about an axis and rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor and sensor may also be provided. The agitator may include a central dome-shaped area.

Abstract: A portable batting device that includes a housing, a pneumatically operated ball launching assembly partially disposed within the housing, and a funnel-shaped ball capturing assembly positioned on the top side of the housing. The launching assembly launching a first ball upward into a hitting zone so that a batter may attempt to hit the first ball with a bat. The hitting zone is at a predetermined and adjustable vertical height. The ball capturing assembly receives the first ball should the batter swing the bat and not hit the ball and funnels the first ball into position for a subsequent launch by the launching assembly. The batting device may have a ball feeding assembly operatively associated with the ball capturing assembly.