Abstract: A firing device includes a magazine configured to receive a plurality of toy bullets and a turret connected with the magazine. A bottom plate of the magazine is provided with a bullet output port. The turret includes a conduit, a barrel aligned with the conduit, and a propelling device disposed between the conduit and the barrel. The conduit is disposed below the magazine and is provided with a guide slot including a bullet inlet substantially aligned with the bullet output port of the magazine.

Abstract: A method for operating a throwing system for clay pigeons including at least one throwing machine arrangement respectively including at least one throwing machine and at least one throwing machine control unit, a central control unit for controlling the throwing machine arrangement and a microphone arrangement that is connected to the control unit for acoustically inputting a throwing command, wherein the central control unit performs a wireless and bidirectional data exchange with a stationary communication terminal and/or a mobile communication terminal, and the stationary communication terminal and/or the mobile communication terminal and the central control unit perform a data exchange relating to an operation of the throwing system with an external administration server for the throwing system through a communication network.

Abstract: An automatic game ball throwing machine. The ball thrower includes a base, a support frame attached to the base, a drive wheel mechanism attached to the support frame, and a human-machine interface which enables customization of ball spin, speed and target location. A light source can be attached to the machine to illuminate each ball at one or more launch points. Further, a launching frame indexing element can be positioned to control the location of the ball target. A resident software program integrates the throwing machine, indexing element and human-machine interface, calculating pitch parameters and converting them to machine outputs to enable customization of pitch variety and characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a ball delivery system and method, and more particularly to a ball delivery system where the axis of rotation of the ball delivered from the system can range from perpendicular to the direction of motion of the ball to parallel to the direction of motion. This invention also permits a user to enter information related to the speed and axis of rotation of the ball. This invention also permits information related to the speed and axis of rotation of the ball to be determined from a video of a ball.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A welding observation apparatus is provided to use partial darkening by a telecentric optical system and a photochromic filter (PCF) as an optical system for filtering light emission from arc discharge in order to verify the welding condition under the welding arc discharge, without forming an image on the PCF, so that light reducing performance can be secured even if a focus shifts from on the PCF, with satisfactory monitoring of welding condition. The welding observation apparatus comprises: an arc welding unit 8; an objective optical system (1, 2) for concentrating light from the arc welding unit 8; a telecentric optical system 3 for guiding the light concentrated by the objective optical system (1, 2); a PCF 4 for illuminating with the light guided by the telecentric optical system 3; and a solid state imaging device 9 for receiving the light passing through the PCF 4, wherein the light from the arc welding unit 8 is partial-darkened by the PCF 4.

Abstract: Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets.

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a movable operation support system, used in clay target shotgun shooting learning, games and competition, which can be set up and operated in any location of the field. A preferred embodiment of the system is composed of a mobile support device used to transport in any position of the shooting field a multi-target release control panel, a portable safety screen that is carried, positioned at each shooting station to assure safety of the shooting, a plurality of mutable station indicators that can be placed randomly on the course and a release cable assembly that connects the clay target throwing machines to the multi-target release control panel. Further a pivoting arm clears the way for the mobile support device by guiding the cables. Additionally a hulls collection box is attached to the portable safety screen and the mobile support device, helping to maintain a clean field.

Abstract: A practice machine for receiving a thrown ball and returning it to a user is generally provided with a backstop for stopping the thrown ball, a pan disposed below the backstop for collecting the ball, a ball return adjacent the backstop for expelling the ball, and a trough disposed between the pan and the ball return for feeding the ball from the pan to the ball return. The ball return can adjust between ball sizes and vary the trajectory of expelled balls. Moreover, the ball return can be equipped with safety features including a proximity sensor, audible alerts, speed adjustment and tamper resistant controls. Further, the ball return can alternate between a MANUAL mode and an AUTOMATIC mode. The backstop of the practice machine can be collapsible to permit convenient storage and ease of transportation.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a conversion quick pitch system and method for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The quick pitch system and method includes a projection screen; a projector; a clutch motor unit and a first and a second cam switch; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen.

Abstract: A tennis training simulation system is disclosed that improves both reaction time and ground stroke techniques within a limited physical training environment. This training system combines simulated service of a tennis ball from a service line over a virtual net, and delivery of real tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student. In the system of this invention, the tennis ball delivery system includes an automatic tennis ball machine equipped with an array of lights or LED's that simulate the service of a tennis ball from a service line, a simulated trajectory of the tennis ball over a virtual net, and a simulated first bounce of a tennis ball coupled immediately thereafter with real in-flight delivery of an actual tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student.

Abstract: A device to aid in firing a projectile firing device is disclosed. The device includes a hands-free switch which signals a firing mechanism to fire the projectile firing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for throwing a football includes a pivoting arm supporting the ball and a spring, which preloads the arm to pivot upward and release the football. The arm is rotated manually to a ready-to-throw preloaded position, where the arm is latched by a plunger and released to pivot and launch the ball in response to a command signal transmitted at a distance from the apparatus by a player awaiting the ball. The command signal causes an electric power source to energize a solenoid, whereby the plunger releases the arm, the spring pivots the throwing arm forward, and the ball travels an airborne path to the player.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a conversion kit for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The kit includes a projection screen; a projector; a clutch motor unit; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The clutch motor is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position within the spring-actuated pitching machine and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in synchronization with the video image.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine includes a camera connected to a computer vision unit and a microphone connected to a speech-processing unit. The computer vision unit processes images from the camera to determine a user's position, and to detect user gestures from a predetermined repertoire of gestures. The speech-processing unit recognizes user vocal commands from a predetermined repertoire of commands. A computer receives information from a control panel, from the computer vision unit, from the speech-processing unit, and from a file describing the ballistic properties of the ball to be thrown. The computer accordingly determines a ball trajectory according to the user's position and parameters indicated by a combination of control-panel settings, user gestures, and user vocal commands. The computer then adjusts the direction, elevation, ball speed, and ball spin to conform to the determined trajectory, and initiates throwing of a ball accordingly.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine includes a camera connected to a computer vision unit and a microphone connected to a speech-processing unit. The computer vision unit processes images from the camera to determine a user's position, and to detect user gestures from a predetermined repertoire of gestures. The speech-processing unit recognizes user vocal commands from a predetermined repertoire of commands. A computer receives information from a control panel, from the computer vision unit, from the speech-processing unit, and from a file describing the ballistic properties of the ball to be thrown. The computer accordingly determines a ball trajectory according to the user's position and parameters indicated by a combination of control-panel settings, user gestures, and user vocal commands. The computer then adjusts the direction, elevation, ball speed, and ball spin to conform to the determined trajectory, and initiates throwing of a ball accordingly.

Abstract: A member (e.g. baseball bat) including a switch manually operable to obtain the transmission of signals by a transmitter in the member to an apparatus for propelling an element (e.g. ball) toward an individual holding the member. The element is propelled by a propulsion mechanism in the apparatus toward the individual holding the member so that the individual can practice receiving the element (e.g. hitting the ball). The apparatus propels the element upon the receipt of the transmitted signals and prepares for the next element in the apparatus to be propelled upon a receipt of subsequent signals from the transmitter.

Abstract: An electronic game includes a device that is held or worn by a player, and a housing. The device includes an emitter that emits a signal in response to player input. The housing includes a controller and a detector that detects the signal from the emitter and provides an electrical signal to the controller indicating the location of the emitter. The housing further includes a magazine for storing objects, and a fire mechanism coupled to the magazine and controlled by the controller to fire a stored object at the implement when the controller determines that the detector has detected an emitted signal from the emitter.

Abstract: A hand-held multi-function target presentation control system with interchangeable operator control modules for communicating with at least one wireless target control modules. The operator control module having a user interface for selectively controlling a plurality of stations, each station having at least one target launch machine, for inputting and tracking a plurality of shooters, and for inputting a target launch sequence and a score for each shooter.

Abstract: A machine for delivering balls, especially tennis balls, has a ball feeder (6) to feed individual balls (5) from a ball magazine (2) to a ball ejector (3) and a machine intrinsic feed controller (30) for sending internal control signals, controlling the ball feed and thus the ejection time, to the ball feeder (6). To enable external synchronization of the ball ejection time of several machines that the machine for delivering balls has a device (33, 35) to deactivate the machine's own feed controller (30) and a control input (34) connected electrically to the ball feeder (6) in order to attach an external control cable (39), by way of which, instead of the internal control signals external control signals, controlling the ball feed, and thus the ejection time, can be fed to the ball feeder (6).

Abstract: A hand-held multi-function target presentation control system with interchangeable operator control modules for communicating with at least one wireless target control modules. The operator control module having a user interface for selectively controlling a plurality of stations, each station having at least one target launch machine, for inputting and tracking a plurality of shooters, and for inputting a target launch sequence and a score for each shooter.

Abstract: A hockey propulsion device that uses an infrared control unit to control speed of hockey ball ejection as well as starting and stopping. A single DC powered motor rolls a ball along a railed guideway using friction of the ball against a rubber ball propulsion drive wheel on the motor and two rails of the guideway providing three point ball stabilization and rolling ejection. At least two rolling speeds are provided. A two solenoid gate periodically releases balls into a propulsion tube that provides rotational inertia to each ball before it encounters the rotating wheel. Low battery and empty ball sensors indicate when the propulsion device is low on or is out of balls. A swivel ejection guideway allows the ball to be directed from side to side. A detachable hopper allows easy ball gathering and reloading.

Abstract: A voice activated skeet/trap triggering system comprising a receiver unit and at least one transmitter unit. The receiver unit interfaces with the target launcher via an interface cable, which cable replaces the conventional puller cable that supports the mechanical switches. The transmitter unit includes a voice microphone mounted and a transmitter microprocessor unit (MPU). The transmitter MPU cooperates with amplifying circuitry, sensitivity circuitry, and an A/D converter to generate a digital word when a proper voice command is picked up by the microphone and recognized. The digital word is frequency modulated onto an FM carrier signal. The receiver unit receives the FM signal and demodulates it to retrieve the digital word. The bits of the digital word are examined to determine the proper target to launch.

Abstract: A large diameter gas gun has a triggering mechanism for quickly and effecely releasing a large bore projectile which is accelerated under gas pressure to impact upon a target area to produce a substantial shock field.

Abstract: A self-loading, remotely operable and variable, portable ball thrower. An arm with a hand attached thereto is, in the uncocked position, tensioned by an elastic biasing element, such as surgical tubing, in the forward direction. An individual batter, operator, can, by means of a cocking handle, operate the arm in the rearward direction, pick up a ball from a self-loading trough, and reset the arm in the cocked position. Assuming a natural batter's stance, the batter may then, with his or her foot, release the cocking handle thereby allowing the elastic biasing element to draw, with ever increasing speed, the arm towards the uncocked position. Upon reaching the uncocked position, the ball is released in a fluid throwing manner in a consistent angle towards the batter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus has two stages of acceleration establishing levels of kinetic energy in paired bodies contributing to a total system mass that is to be accelerated in a given time profile. A first stage of acceleration places the paired bodies in helical trajectories about a toroidal space. The second stage of acceleration has mutual cross coupling between the paired masses for the reflection of reaction forces resulting from the independently, but simultaneously, applied forces for enhancement of the acceleration and for mutual suppression of recoil within the apparatus.

Abstract: A spring loaded arm mechanism is incorporated into a baseball home plate support for tossing a regulation or practice baseball, from ground level, upwardly into the batter's strike zone. A ball launching arm, arm bias spring, arm latch and a release are all arranged in a compact, low-profile unit flush with or just slightly protruding above the home plate support. The arm is cocked, using an arm engaging hand tool, by rotating a ball launching arm end downwardly against the biasing into a latched position. After positioning the baseball, the latch is released, either by the batter or by another via a remotely actuated release, to cause the sprung arm to rotate with great force through a limited arc, propelling the baseball vertically up into the strike zone. A practice embodiment includes a lever arm release actuated by the operator's bat and may further include an elastic ball return tethering cord having an in-line swivel to relieve line twisting.

Abstract: An automatic clay target feeder attachment that can be attached to a clay target trap shooting machine that will self-load the trap shooting machine without need of manual assistance within the forward trap pit on the shooting range. Such feeder attachment can be selectively set to drop onto the flinger arm of the trap shooting machine either two targets or but one target at a time including means that will move the dropped targets outwardly along the flinger arm preparatory to the release of the flinger arm by the shooter's referee upon the shoot being made by the trap shooters. The operation of the attachment to load the flinger arm with targets is done in response to actuation of the trap machine and the release of its flinger arm.

Abstract: A target launcher having multiple throwing arms which are driven by an electronic control assembly to launch each throwing arm sequentially at a predetermined timed interval. The target launcher will accommodate a variety of different kinds of targets to provide the shooting enthusiast, in particular the archer, with an automatically controlled supply of moving targets. Each throwing arm is released from a lock position to impart a substantially vertical trajectory to one or more targets loaded therein. The timing of the release of each throwing arm is preset manually prior to actuation of the control assembly circuitry. Actuation of the control assembly selectively drives a solenoid associated with each throwing arm to effect the sequential release of each throwing arm in accordance with the timing selected.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an upstanding target structure defining one or more scoring zones and a launcher for launching clay pigeons across the scoring zone or zones. Clay pigeons are launched from a trench and a shooter occupying a cabin scores by hitting a clay pigeon while it is within one of the scoring zones, as viewed, for instance, from a location adjacent to the shooter. The game lends itself to television coverage and a method of televising or recording the game is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rodent exterminator triggered by the presence of a rodent in close proximity thereto having a spear attached thereto which impales the rodent, killing it instantly.A remote trigger actuates a solenoid to release a spring biased plunger, which is propelled into a firing pin to detonate a cartridge. Explosive gases from the cartridge actuates a plunger which has the spear attached thereto.

Abstract: A launcher for target pigeons of the kind having propellor type wings and which includes a drive unit having a rotating shaft to which a target pigeon is releasably connected. The target pigeon is releasably secured by a retainer head mounted on the rotating shaft and which is actuated by a control rod that is remotely actuated. The drive unit is mounted on a pivot to swivel during a launching operation. In one form, the drive unit is operatively associated with a vane which allows the launcher to oscillate when in operation to launch a target. In another embodiment, the oscillation of the launcher is effected by an eccentric mechanical drive which is connected to the drive unit.

Abstract: A soccer ball practice machine includes a pair of juxtaposed, oppositely rotating wheels for propelling a soccer ball toward a soccer player to facilitate the practice and instruction of a wide variety of soccer skills. The orientation of these wheels can be selectively varied to permit the soccer ball to be propelled in an infinite number of directions. In addition, the distance separating the rotating juxtaposed wheels can also be adjusted to accommodate soccer balls of varying diameters and can be automatically increased to prevent damage to oversized balls due to engagement by the wheels. A large hopper includes a rotating auger which successively feeds soccer balls in the hopper into a flexible feed tube and down a rigid ball chute where they are engaged by the wheels and propelled outwardly.

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting balls, having an impact device (10) supported in a frame (11) and provided to convey to a ball an impulse in a direction of projection (Z) from a position in the frame. The frame (11) is supported in a frame work (30) for movement around a vertical axis (X) and a horizontal axis (Y). First and second motor (M1) and (M2) respectively, are provided to rotate the frame (11) around its vertical axis (X) and its horizontal axis (Y) respectively. The rotation being a two way movement over adjustable angular arcs. A controller (27, 27', 28, 28', 45, 46) is arranged for controlling the movement of the frame (11) around the vertical axis (X) and the horizontal axis (Y). The controller comprises limit switches (27, 27', 28, 28') which are manually displacable, a control system (46) having adjustable limiter (A-F) for limiting the movement of the frame (11), or an adjuster (45) for adjusting a sequence of predetermined directions for the frame (11).

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a clay pigeon launcher in response to a voice command, to one of a plurality of microphones. The system provides for the averaging of the signal output of the microphones and the selection of the output of highest level. These outputs are compared and if the highest level is greater than a predetermined magnitude provides an operating signal for the launcher.

Abstract: An inexpensive machine which pitches plastic baseballs. The machine is actuated by the user pulling, and then releasing a cord, as he brings his bat into a hitting position. The machine consists of a frame and two legs which form a tripod base, a ball rack containing a number of balls, a shaft attached to the frame, a torsion spring and a pitching arm are mounted on the shaft. A cord is attached to the pitching arm, and passes in the path of the balls restricting their movement until such time as the batter pulls this cord, causing a ball to roll into the arm and also spring loading the pitching arm. Release of this cord causes the machine to pitch the ball.

Abstract: A toll ejecting apparatus for propelling at least one coin from a vehicle to a toll collection receptacle includes a hollow elongated barrel having a propelling mechanism mounted reciprocatively longitudinally therewithin. The mechanism includes a coin-receiving device having an opening therein for moving the coin longitudinally within the barrel toward the exit end thereof. A mounting device positions the exit end of the barrel to direct it toward the receptacle as the vehicle moves opposite it. A manually-operated device actuates the propelling mechanism to cause it to propel the coin toward the exit end of te barrel.

Abstract: A tennis practice device for propelling balls to a player. The player cocks a hammer and sets a time delay mechanism from his receiving position which is remote from the hammer. After a fixed period of time, during which the player positions himself, the delay mechanism releases the hammer to propel the ball toward the player. The time delay mechanism may comprise a tiltable normally inclined channel which guides a ball. When the delay mechanism is set, the channel tilts to a release position wherein the ball rolls down the channel and trips a latch to release the hammer.

Abstract: A launcher for a target pigeon having a central coreless ring and a pair of propeller-type vanes projecting therefrom has a launch head whose tip can be rotated about a head axis for spinning a target pigeon held on the tip by a pair of retractable holding fingers. This head can be swiveled about a horizontal axis from an upwardly directed launch position into a downwardly directed load position in which it is aligned with a stack of such pigeons carried on a vertically displaceable platform, while in the launch position the entire head is also oscillated about a vertical axis. The launch tip has a radially displaceable beak which is urged centrifugally outwardly to deflect a target pigeon that is released from the launch tip by retraction of the holding fingers by a solenoid, and which also is urged radially inwardly by a spring so that when the tip is not rotating during loading the beak is out of the way.

Abstract: A target release system, particularly suited for use in simulating the hunting of wild game, characterized by a portable signal transmitter for transmitting detectable signals in a terrestrial space environment, a plurality of visually secluded signal receivers for singly detecting signals transmitted by said transmitter, and a target release subsystem connected with each of the signal receivers for releasing at least one target in response to transmitted signals detected by the receiver.

Abstract: A portable ball throwing macine employs a battery operated motor for projecting tennis balls for practice purposes. The balls are fed from a bin by means of a ball fence and agitator to a tube which conveys the ball to a ball track. A spring biased arm is cocked by the motor and released at the correct point in the cycle by operation of a cam gear and pawl. The arm then strikes the ball projecting it from the machine. Included in the device is an arrangement for oscillating the device from side to side to vary the pattern of balls projected from the machine and a gate mechanism to index balls onto the ball track.

Abstract: The ball-pitching apparatus of this invention has a ball-holding container affixed to one end of an arm. A baseball can be releasably supported within the container. The arm is pivotally mounted to a base such that opposed ends of the arm may be pivoted with respect to the base.A pitching spring and an arresting spring are affixed to the base. The remaining end of the pitching spring is connected to the arm at a location between the ball-holding container and the pivot point, while the remaining end of the arresting spring is secured to the end of the arm which is opposite to the baseball-holding container.The springs normally bias the arm into a position of rest, and when the arm is yieldably forced to pivot in opposition to the pitching spring, energy is stored therewithin. The springs have respective ends that are anchored to a common point on the base.

Abstract: Table tennis balls are pushed by a rotated, notched, feed disc from a hopper to a pair of rotated throwing discs which move each ball along either an adjustable, spin producing, bottom guide or an adjustable, spin producing, upper guide. Thrown balls hit back by a player into a retrieving net roll into a vertical tube having a hose connected to the upper end of the hopper which has a fan mounted therein to draw the balls through the hose into the hopper. The tube is mounted on legs, and the hopper and a drive of the discs are mounted on a bar pivotal on a rod mounted adjustably on the tube. A crank drive carried by the bar and connected to the rod oscillates the bar to vary the direction of throw of the discs. Remote controls are manually actuated to vary the rate of oscillation, to vary the rate of rotation of the feed disc, and to vary the speed of the throwing discs. The net is mounted on segmental rod frames mounted on the tube and an upright secured to the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for collecting balls from a playing area, preferably tennis balls, comprising a channel surrounding at least a portion of the playing area for receiving balls rolling out of the playing area, a device of relatively high weight in comparison to one of the balls, adapted for rolling transport in the channel, such as a steel ball or roller, means for driving the rolling device along in the channel in order to pick up balls received in the channel, a collecting device for the balls which are picked up, and preferably, a device for propelling the balls back into the playing area.

Abstract: Toy rocket launcher adapted for refueling and for remotely triggering the launch of a rocket positioned thereon. The launcher comprises a body having a recessed platform for receiving the end of the nozzle of a toy rocket; a channel for refueling, communicating between the exterior of the body and the surface of the platform, and; a resilient, hemispherical, sealing member, positioned on the platform, which has an opening communicating with the channel and is adapted to sealingly engage the nozzle of the rocket when in position. A remotely releasable latch is controlled by a removable pin which, when manually extracted from a point remote from the launcher, releases the latch and triggers launching.

Abstract: An improved compressed fluid ball projecting machine convertable for baseball and tennis practice. Improvements are in maneuverability, oscillation of the tennis barrel and immobility of the baseball barrel, remote control power for coaching options, replaceable and interchangeable barrels, variable timer speed control and a reliable hopper and feed system to enable firing of up to two hundred tennis balls unattended and without malfunction. Regarding the oscillation or lack of oscillation of the barrel, an actuator rod mounted on a rotatable disc causes such oscillation. When this rod is removed and the barrel clamped, this oscillation is eliminated. Concerning the variable timer control, such control is varied by two relatively movable rotatable notched discs. These dics contact a valve actuating mechanism and permit opening of a valve operated thereby only when the notches of the pair of discs are aligned and in contact with the valve actuating mechanism.