Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus includes a bolt (for chambering a projectile) and a bolt valve with a gas passageway for communicating the gas from a chamber housing to a breech assembly. Gas received within the gas chamber is compressed by a piston and communicated through the breech assembly to a projectile. The compressed gas expands in the barrel, thereby propelling the projectile out of the barrel in a single stroke of the piston. The bolt may be returned to an initial position by a magnet and/or spring that is coupled to the valve, and the piston may be returned to an initial position by way of vacuum pressure. The bolt valve may also include a mechanical retention element such as a sear and a release pin. The sear may the bolt in a first position until the piston from the compressor has moved sufficiently to push the release pin.

Abstract: A toy gun charging structure consists of a main body, a gun body, a battery, a charging set, and a motor wherein the main body is combined by a first shell and a second shell which extend respectively a pair of handles; the motor being furnished between the two handles drives a transmission gear set to transmit the gun body; and the battery is furnished between a front block part and a containing part which is furnished in a positioning salient parts that is further correspondingly furnished between the first shell and the second shell; the charging set includes a relay, a first, a second, a third, connectors connected by power-supply wire and a fourth connector; the relay and the third connector are connected to the battery through the first and second connectors; the fourth connector being furnished at the exterior part of the main body is plugged in the third connector as required to perform charging to the battery.

Abstract: A circuit module for preventing component failure in portable target throwing machines, the circuit module comprising a microcontroller coupled to a power source and a motor, wherein the microcontroller is configured to count a number of clay target throwing cycles and a run time of the motor. The circuit module also comprises a relay coupled to the microcontroller and the motor, wherein the relay is configured to open and interrupt power supply to the motor when at least one of the number of clay target throwing cycles and the run time of the motor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, for metered ball delivery. An apparatus includes a secure enclosure housing a reservoir of tennis balls, a battery power supply and a battery powered portable tennis ball machine, the secure enclosure and tennis ball machine communicating via a wireless network to determine a location of the portable tennis ball machine.

Abstract: A sports training apparatus for launching sports balls. The sports training apparatus has the ability to launch a sports ball, such as, for example, a soccer ball or a volleyball, at various power levels, at many different angles, with many different types of spin, and can be remotely controlled or programmed with a pre-determined launching pattern. The ball projecting mechanism launches a sports ball by way of a striking leg member which is powered by a compressible spring and detent rod assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting an object such as a ball is described. The apparatus comprises a support for the object to be projected, an impeller assembly configured to transfer energy to the object to project it away from the apparatus; and an actuating mechanism operable by a user interaction with the apparatus. The impeller assembly may be driven mechanically by the actuating mechanism by transfer of energy input by the user interaction. The apparatus may be used for an animal and in particular a dog. The described apparatus removes the need for a further power supply and so avoids unnecessary energy consumption and provides advantages in relation to cost, reliability, and longevity. Embodiments of the invention are modular in nature which greatly assists in training the animal to use the apparatus.

Abstract: A circuit module for preventing component failure in portable target throwing machines, the circuit module comprising a microcontroller coupled to a power source and a motor, wherein the microcontroller is configured to count a number of clay target throwing cycles and a run time of the motor. The circuit module also comprises a relay coupled to the microcontroller and the motor, wherein the relay is configured to open and interrupt power supply to the motor when at least one of the number of clay target throwing cycles and the run time of the motor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: This invention, called Serve Assist, is an electro-mechanical ball machine for practicing the tennis serve. It helps a tennis student to practice serves by consistently dropping the ball in the desired location. It operates in one of two modes, an Auto-feed mode in which it drops the balls in the magazine via an overhead ball release canister at regular intervals or in an Auto-sense mode where the ball is released by the detection of the student's rising tossing arm. The invention also marks the desired height of contact on the dropping ball with a laser and provides visual feedback if the ball is being struck lower than optimum. It aids the student by developing a kinetic and visual memory of the correct ball toss position and point of contact.

Abstract: There is provided a recoil shock device capable of obtaining the same recoil shock as that in a case where the weight of a piston is increased, without increasing the weight of the piston by separately providing a movable part and a weight of a piston/cylinder. There is also provided a recoil shock device capable of obtaining a recoil shock similar to that in a real gun, without damaging the outer appearance of a gun. In order to drive a weight to obtain imitated recoil, i.e., a recoil shock by operation of a movable part in a piston/cylinder which generates compressed air, a communicating part 31 which is moved in its retreating direction by the movable part 13 is provided, and a recoil spring 35 which receives a force transmitted to the weight 33 via the communicating part 31 by the movable part 13 so as to be in a compressed state is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy launcher which is transfigurable from a compacted state to an operative state for launching projectiles. In one embodiment, the launcher utilizes a hand-pressurized air pump for providing the launching power, and may accommodate multiple types of projectiles to be loaded in the gun at the same time. Projectiles may include, for example, a bolo bullet, grapnel, or miniature missiles. Auxiliary retractable features such as targeting components and a flashlight with a logo projector may be added to enhance the play value of the invention.

Abstract: A manually and electrically actuating toy gun structure includes a gun shell, a trigger, a gun machine core tube, and a piston. The control structure includes a first interlocking rod, a first push member, a second interlocking rod, a transmission set, a triggering device, a gun shell, and a push-and-propping-up block. One end of the first interlocking rod has a connecting pin interlocking with the first push member. The other end of the first interlocking rod has a connecting hole connecting to the trigger and being driven to slide along the x-direction. The hole of the first push member is connected to a connecting end of the first interlocking rod and is contacted with the push-and-pluck rod of the switch. The power supply of the electric motor is switched on when the first push member is driven by the first interlocking rod to push the push-and-pluck rod.

Abstract: A pitching machine includes a pedestal, a hopper, a guide channel connecting the hopper with a ball rack for guiding a ball in the hopper to the ball rack, and a ball hitting mechanism which includes a striking rod pivotally coupling with the pedestal, a resilient element for applying a pulling force against the striking rod to drive a lower end thereof towards the ball rack, and a striking rod drive mechanism. The striking rod drive mechanism drives the lower end of the striking rod backward, wherein when the striking rod is pivotally and backwardly moved at an utmost limit, the lower end of the striking rod is released, such that the lower end of the striking rod rapidly swings towards the ball rack for hitting the ball thereat. Therefore, the pitching machine is safe and easy to operate and brings convenience for batters.

Abstract: A wheeled cart like ball dispensing device for storing, transporting, and dispensing soccer balls by delivering soccer balls to a player in a variety of delivery modes for simulating game conditions for a player to practice responding to a variety of different shots.

Abstract: An acceleration-sensing loader activation system can include an acceleration sensor configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the magnitude and periodicity of movement of a marker or loader body or a marker or loader component. A signal filter circuit can be arranged in communication with the acceleration sensor to receive and filter the electrical signal. A signal amplifier circuit can be arranged in communication with the signal filter circuit to amplify a signal from the signal filter circuit and transmit the amplified signal to a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit can be programmed to evaluate the incoming signal and determine whether it corresponds to a desired actuation event (such as a firing event). If the signal processing circuit determines that a desired actuation event has occurred, it can then send a control signal to a control circuit to activate a feed device of the loader.

Abstract: A device for shaping the behavior of an animal using a behavior marking and reward delivery system is provided. The compact behavior shaping device includes a battery, a trigger assembly, a receiver, a spring assembly, and a bore assembly, and is capable of storing and propelling commonly used motivational items, such as food, toys, dummies, tugs, balls, prey items, and other such objects, over a range of approximately 1 to 50 feet. The animal trainer manually compresses the spring assembly, which is then engaged by the trigger assembly. When the receiver receives a signal from a transmitter, it triggers the release of a motivational item from the device by activating the trigger assembly and/or triggers the occurrence of a marking event, such as a noise. A variety of wired and wireless transmitter devices, such as a hand-held transmitter, a motion sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a shock sensor may be used to transmit the signal to the receiver.

Abstract: A transmitter in a member (e.g. bat) transmits signals when a switch on the bat is pressed. A pop-up apparatus receives the signals. A member in the apparatus prevents an element (e.g. ball) from being popped upwardly in a first positioning of the member and provides for the element pop-up in a second positioning of the member. Normally disposed in the first position, the member is operable to the second position by the received signals. The apparatus includes a housing and a bin pivotally coupled to the housing to hold the element. The bin provides for a substantially vertical element pop-up in a first pivotal position and for an element pop-up with a horizontal component in a second position. In the vertical pop-up, a player hits the ball with the bat. In the other pop-up, the player catches the ball.

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 compressed gas powered gun includes an electronic actuator to achieve greater efficiency in the operation of the gun. In one aspect, the gun is operable in either a manually operating mode or an electronically operating mode.

Abstract: A simulated gun for use with a disk-shaped or substantially disk-shaped flying member made of a metal as a bullet for discharging it forward, the simulated gun comprising: a gunbarrel having the hollow whose cross section along a direction normal to a flying direction of the flying member is vertically long and has vertical and horizontal dimensions set substantially equal to the diameter and the thickness of the flying member, respectively, and a flying member hitting position being set at the inner back position of the gunbarrel; a hammer provided at the inner back position of the gunbarrel, reciprocatingly movable between an advanced position where it hits the rear part of the flying member set at the flying member hitting position and a retracted position which is located in a rearward from the advance position, and adapted to hit the flying member set at the flying member hitting position, and a trigger for reciprocatingly moving the hammer.

Abstract: This invention is an airgun that is loaded and fired electronically. It is comprised of an "electronic decision maker" 12 capable of accepting input and supplying output, sensors (8, 22, 24, 26) to report to the decision maker 12 the condition of various parts of the airgun or the projectile 18 to be fired, and actuators (2, 28, 4) that will effect the operations required to load and fire the airgun and are capable of responding to the commands of the decision maker 12 so it may `oversee` these operations. The present invention will be applicable to paintball, bb, pellet, and other projectile firing airguns. Instead of relying on unreliable and "dumb" mechanical mechanisms, this airgun senses its projectile 18 and mechanism positions to determine when it can fire, using an electronic decision maker 12. This decision maker 12 can also be used to determine firing rate and velocity, adding more flexibility than a fixed, mechanical determination of these functions.

Abstract: A method for applying a scent to a hunting or other desired location without approaching the area or contaminating it with human scent. The desired scent is placed in a carrying projectile means such as a pellet for a projectile delivery means such as a carbon dioxide operated gun and fired from a distance to the desired location.

Abstract: A device for training a hitter to hit a baseball includes a striker rod having a striker head, a solenoid having a plunger, a ramp, a support structure and a control unit. The plunger is coupled to the striker rod. The support structure is coupled to the ramp. The ramp is coupled to the solenoid. The control unit is electrically coupled to the solenoid and activates the solenoid causing the plunger to move upward. When the plunger moves the striker rod upward the striker head propels a baseball upward.

Abstract: A ball-launching system for a dog's ball which automatically launches or shoots a ball along an airborne path, thereby enabling the dog to chase the ball, fetch it and return it to the system. The system includes a ball collection area for receiving the returned ball, dropped or otherwise deposited therein by the dog, and for feeding the returned ball, under the force of gravity along, into the hollow interior of a ball-launching tube. As the ball rolls down the hollow interior of the tube, a sensing device detects the passage of the ball therover and generates a command signal. The command signal is delayed a predetermined period of time, sufficient to enable the ball to contact the rear end of the tube and come to rest in a firing position.

Abstract: It is disclosed that a dentifrice which includes a surfactant and an anti-plaque agent comprising a substantially water-insoluble non-cationic antimicrobial agent or a zinc salt or a mixture thereof has enhanced activity when the dentifrice comprises at least 0.2% by weight of a lamellar liquid crystal surfactant phase having a lamellar spacing of less than 6.0 nm.

Abstract: In a training device for sports equipment, especially for serving tennis balls, the balls are supplied from a storage container through a laterally pivotable charging opening to a ball supply device. The ball supply device includes an endless belt circulating vertically over two rollers and the balls are rolled upwards beneath a lower roller and between the endless belt and a side wall of a housing of the ball supply device and roll over an upper roller into a waiting position. From the waiting position the balls arrive in a serving position on curved guide tracks of a supporting and guiding device provided with a ball striker. Between the guide tracks, a rotatable serving device is arranged on a base plate and is connected to a central shaft and a driving device for rotation therewith. The serving device has a serving plate pivotable into the ball serving track. The serving frequency and the flight path of the balls are adjustable through a control device.

Abstract: A basketball return device comprises a portable unit for positioning on a basketball court in a location generally underneath a basket into which shooting practice is to be conducted. The device includes a base with a ball-return mechanism therein and a vertically extending chute projecting upwardly from the base and terminating in a hoop-like top opening for positioning substantially directly beneath the basket. The ball-return mechanism includes a horizontal ball-collection and dispersion tube mounted in the base for swinging movement about a vertical axis so that the tube may be positioned to direct balls through an open end thereof to a required location on the court. The ball-return mechanism includes a solenoid operated plunger carried at the back of the tube for projecting balls therethrough and the device may include various electrical controls for automatically and semi-automatically operating the ball-return mechanism.

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: Device for propelling an inflated ball by elastic impact, includes an electromagnet 1, a plunger core 3 drawn by the coil, an oscillating lever 7, and a mechanical linkage 5, which connects the plunger core 3 to oscillating lever 7.The oscillating lever 7 is connected to a striking lever 13 which pivots around an axle 14 fixed to the free end of oscillating lever 7. Striking lever 13 is made up of two arms of unequal length. At the end of the excursion of oscillating lever 7, the shorter arm 15 of striking lever 13 strikes against stop 32 which stops arm 15 and contributes to the acceleration of the longer arm 16 of striking lever 13; the striking mass 17 attached at the end of striking lever 13 thus strikes the inflated ball 22 at maximum speed.

Abstract: A multistage electromagnetic accelerator in which energy is serially induced in stages of parallel rail having serially segmented segments or stages utilizing a high DC current source, circuit breakers, and induction coils with both primary and secondary windings to produce ultra high exit velocity in an armature and projectile which are slidably disposed between the parallel rails.

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting footballs. Footballs are placed in a football container transferred one at a time to a football shooting station. A striking force is applied to the football. The striking force is adjustable; and its point of impact against the football is selectable. Footballs can be projected in identical manner in quick succession. The lower end of the football striking member impacts against a football in the general area of the lowest point of the swinging movement of the football striking member.

Abstract: A tennis teaching machine has a ball hopper slidably mounted on a vertical support. A hollow extension arm protrudes from the ball hopper and has a ball projection mechanism at the end. A rotating ball tray supported within the ball hopper supplies balls to the extension arm and ball projection mechanism. A control unit has a tapedeck which automatically activates the ball projection mechanism when a sensor detects a strip of metal foil on magnetic tape played by a tapedeck. The tennis teaching machine is positioned between two training mats upon which various tennis technique training indicia are inscribed. The student listens to instructions from the control unit and strokes a tennis ball dropped on cue from the extension arm. When stroking the tennis ball, the student positions his feet and racket as indicated by the training indicia on the mats.