Abstract: A sport carrying bag has a rotatable disc which is configured with a plurality of circumferentially spaced ball-receiving regions including one through-hole region, a mounting plate located below the disc, a chute downwardly extending to a loading section of launching apparatus, a fixed bi-directional ball feeding motor for rotatably driving the disc, and a controller in data communication with the ball feeding motor. Upon rotation of the disc in a first direction, a ball received in the through-hole region ceases to be contacted by the mounting plate and gravitates through the chute to the loading section of the launching apparatus. In response to a detected jammed condition, the controller commands the ball feeding motor to reverse its operating direction such that the disc will rotate in a second direction to cause one or more jammed balls to become dislodged.

Abstract: A stroke decision device 30 includes an acquisition section 31 configured to acquire state information including a position, a velocity, and a rotational velocity of an incoming ball, and a stroke decision section 32 configured to decide a stroke condition including a position, a velocity, and an orientation of a striking implement at a time point when hitting back the ball toward a target arrival position, based on the state information for the ball and the target arrival position when hitting back the ball with the striking implement.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein for controlling optical power provided to one or more laser projectors of an image capture device, such as a stereo camera, for improving depth image acquisition and quality while adhering to eye safety standards based on laser emissions. The system includes one or more laser projectors operable to emit a laser dot pattern onto a scene, and image capture devices operable to capture images from the scene including the laser dot pattern. The images are analyzed to acquire depth information for objects in the scene, and the depth information is used to modulate the optical power of the laser projectors based on the distance to the object relative to the image capture device.

Abstract: A toy launcher for launching a projectile, the toy launcher includes a housing having a launch opening, a launch mechanism provided within the housing, the launch mechanism including at least one flywheel configured to launch the projectile, a pusher mechanism configured to move the projectile into contact with the at least one flywheel, and a trigger mechanism that, when actuated, is configured to move the projectile with the pusher mechanism into contact with the at least one flywheel and configured to rotate the at least one flywheel to launch the projectile through the launch opening in the housing.

Abstract: A basketball training system includes a server computer and a basketball training machine. The server computer executes a workout module that manages operation of a graphical user interface that presents a graphical representation of a portion of a basketball court and receives user inputs that define a workout program that includes selected ball delivery locations relative to the visual representation. The basketball training machine receives the workout program and delivers basketballs to the selected ball delivery locations.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine system comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a bottom of the housing; an adjustable stand with a base, the base in operational communication with the bottom of the housing via a mechanical joint means, and wherein the housing can lockably move with respect to the base, a first ball inlet located in the housing; a first ball corridor located in the housing and in communication with the first ball inlet; a first ball outlet located in the housing and in communication with the first ball corridor and the first ball inlet; a second ball inlet located in the housing; a second ball corridor located in the housing and in communication with the second ball inlet; a second ball outlet located in the housing and in communication with the second ball corridor and the second ball inlet; a single wheel configured to rotate at user adjustable speeds, and further configured to impart spin and velocity to a ball, wherein the outer surface of the single wheel is located on the floor of the firs

Abstract: A method for adaptive user training and gaming utilizing a media player is disclosed. The method includes operations of receiving, by control logic, data pertaining to selection of a first training program, transmitting, by the control logic, media instructions to cause activation of a media player configured to display visual data corresponding to the first training program, and transmitting, by the control logic, ball-throwing instructions to cause activation of a ball-throwing machine configured to impart motion to one or more balls in accordance with the first training program. The method includes additional operations of recording, by the control logic, an indication of the first training program in a player profile. Additional operations includes recording, by the control logic, training data indicating metrics associated with performance of the first training program.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of toy projectile storage, feeding and launch structures having feeding and launching functionality in a single motor combination with a carriage structure including a launch channel being supporting along with a magazine. A propelling mechanism is includes flywheels in communication with the launch channel for propelling projectiles from the magazine. A transmission gear assembly powered with the single motor to sequence and activate the feeding mechanism and the propelling mechanism for activation. Additionally stationary, mobile, dart and projectiles launcher or hand-held structures for propelling darts, balls or other projectiles. The flywheels include an elastomeric expanding flywheel structure mechanism with a flywheel hub and an expanding elastomeric tire allowing the expanding elastomeric tire to move inward and outward along a peripheral circumference.

Abstract: A nail gun includes a gun body, a muzzle unit, a nail-feeding unit, a nail-striking unit, and a control unit for controlling the nail-feeding unit and the nail-striking unit to implement a method for feeding nails. The method includes the following steps: energizing a nail-striking solenoid valve of the nail-striking unit to perform a nail-striking operation on one of the nails; de-energizing the nail-striking solenoid valve, and simultaneously starting to count a predetermined delay time period in idle; and upon elapse of the predetermined delay time period, energizing a nail-feeding solenoid valve of the nail-feeding unit to perform a nail-feeding operation on another one of the nails.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a ball-throwing machine included within a first housing, a controller communicatively coupled to the ball-throwing machine and included within a second housing different than the first housing, a camera, and a non-transitory storage medium having stored thereon logic, the logic being executable by one or more processors to perform operations including: receiving information associated with a selection of a first training drill from the controller, responsive to receiving the information associated with the selection of the first training drill, causing the ball-throwing machine to impart motion to one or more balls in accordance with the first training drill, receiving multimedia data of a player captured by the camera, and performing a player recognition procedure to locate the player within the multimedia data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for autonomous tennis assistant systems having autonomous ball machines such as an autonomous and interactive tennis ball ejection robot. Example methods include determining, by a device, the position of a first player on a tennis court, determining a first target location for a first tennis ball to be ejected toward the first player, generating a trajectory for the first tennis ball to reach the first target location, and causing ejection of the first tennis ball from the tennis ball ejection robot along the generated trajectory toward the first target location. A base station may be used to provide image data for use by the tennis ball ejection robot from one or more additional vantage points.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a ball-throwing machine included within a first housing, a controller communicatively coupled to the ball-throwing machine and included within a second housing different than the first housing, a camera, and a non-transitory storage medium having stored thereon logic, the logic being executable by one or more processors to perform operations including: receiving information associated with a selection of a first training drill from the controller, responsive to receiving the information associated with the selection of the first training drill, causing the ball-throwing machine to impart motion to one or more balls in accordance with the first training drill, receiving multimedia data of a player captured by the camera, and performing a player recognition procedure to locate the player within the multimedia data.

Abstract: A basketball training system includes a server computer and a basketball training machine. The server computer executes a workout module that manages operation of a graphical user interface that presents a graphical representation of a portion of a basketball court and receives user inputs that define a workout program that includes selected ball delivery locations relative to the visual representation. The basketball training machine receives the workout program and delivers basketballs to the selected ball delivery locations.

Abstract: A smart ball-machine uses artificial intelligence to train a player or to play with a player. For example, the ball-machine can adjust the tennis ball speed, topspin, bounce according to the player's successful ball return rate. The ball-machine can be preconfigured with a profile of a player. For example, the ball-machine may download a complete profile of a tennis player from a game recording, or may download a file with a customized profile of a player to train a player using the ball-machine. The ball-machine is equipped with a plurality of wheels, motors, and shafts to provide a fully customizable launch of one or more balls. For example, the ball can be launched from the machine from one side of a tennis court to another side of a tennis court with a variety of speeds, trajectories, topspin, bounce etc.

Abstract: A test system having a chassis, a throwing mechanism that is located at an upper part of the chassis onto which at least one weight is attached and which provides throwing the weight attached thereon; a base that is located at a lower part of the chassis and onto which a weight is thrown by the throwing mechanism; and a control unit that allows the base to be moved closer to the throwing mechanism so as to re-attach the weight to the throwing mechanism, and, by this way, allows testing the throwing mechanism automatically.

Abstract: A carrying bag comprises a ball hopper compartment, an automatic launching apparatus configured to launch balls to a distance from the bag, a ball sorting apparatus for loading balls to the launching apparatus from a bottom side opening of the ball hopper compartment, which in one embodiment is configured with an anti-jamming function, and a four contact point base with the ground to provide stability both when the bag is stationary as well as while balls are being launched.

Abstract: The automated projectile launching device is a pitching machine that can launch biodegradable balls. The device is intended to provide a portable batter-training implement, that is capable of giving the user the change in velocity, angle of pitch and change in range, that comes naturally because of the variations in dimensions of bio-degradable balls. The use of bio-degradable balls further prevents the need to collect the balls after practice as they break on forced contact into smaller pieces and dissolve when wet with water, making it environment friendly. Furthermore, the compact, lightweight, and portable pitching machine includes multiple placement and incline options. Additionally, the device includes multiple components that are flexible, for the smooth handling of the bio-degradable balls. Thus, the automated projectile launching device is a unique training aid for all hitters, that can provide various pitch locations and angle variations effortlessly, and thus effective training.

Abstract: An omnidirectional system (1) is described, for expelling and collecting balls, adapted to reproduce a real playing and/or training dynamics, such system (1) being equipped with at least one closing element (8) connected to at least one expelling device (2) of the system (1) arranged orthogonal to the expelling device (2) when expelling at least one ball from the system (1), the ball bouncing on an upper surface of the closing element (8) going towards at least one user; and with at least one net element (7) of at least one collecting element (3) of the system (1).

Abstract: A frame is provided with at least two holes to fasten electrical and/or electronic devices. The frame includes a single body having fastening means to be fastened on at least one flush-mounted box, and that includes a first part incorporating a hole intended to be fastened on a flush-mounted box by fastening means adapted to fasten the frame on the flush-mounted box and a second part incorporating a hole that is not associated to a flush-mounted box. The frame, at least on the part incorporating the hole that is not associated to a box shows at least a separator element supporting the frame on the wall on which it is to be installed. The separator element is constituted by the frame itself folded creating a flap or rim, the separator element spanning on the whole or part of the perimeter of the frame.

Abstract: An automatic ball launcher for pets includes a body shell, a ball launch aisle, a ball launch mechanism which is connected to the ball launch aisle and near the outlet for the ball; the ball launch mechanism comprises one or more ball launch wheels and one or more ball launch motors; the ball launch wheels are set on two sides of the ball launch aisle, a face of which is a concaved curve; the concaved curve matches the outline of the ball; regular teeth are arranged on the concaved curve; the ball launch wheels are driven by one or more ball launch motor and launch the ball from the outlet. The present invention effectively enlarged the contact surface between the wheels and the ball, which solve the problem of slippery ball being stuck inside the launcher. The playing is not interrupted by the stuck ball and is enjoyable.

Abstract: A generic ball sport training machine is described. Propulsion modules containing belts are used to sequentially launch balls to replicate the result of an athlete's action. When a ball enters the launch corridor created by one or more propulsion modules, the belts accelerate it to a desired speed, spin magnitude and spin direction. These propulsion modules are assembled in various combinations and integrated with an advanced ball feeder/collection assembly, plus elevation and azimuth direction control, to create a complete functional machine.

Abstract: Disclosed are a ball-pitching control method of a pitching machine in a baseball practice system that is capable of sensing a pitched ball or a hit ball using a sensing device without using a separate sensor or measurement device and correcting the settings of the pitching machine based on the result of sensing such that the pitching machine pitches a ball at an accurate speed, and that is capable of analyzing the results periodically sensed by a sensing device and the cumulative results of set ball pitching information of the pitching machine such that the pitching machine automatically performs self-correction, thereby solving a problem in which the set speed of the ball is not accurately realized due to deterioration of the pitching machine over time or due to a change in the weight or the state of the ball, and a baseball practice system using the same.

Abstract: A shuttlecock loading mechanism with a grabbing mechanism and a pair of ejecting wheels defining a wheel plane. The grabbing mechanism receives a shuttlecock entering the loading mechanism in a vertical position and ejects the shuttlecock from the loading mechanism in an orientation parallel to the wheel plane wherein the pitch of the wheel plane about a wheel horizontal axis is selectively indexed about the wheel's horizontal axis.

Abstract: An impulse launcher is provided with a motor to store rotational kinetic energy in a flywheel. The stored kinetic energy is released using a planetary gear transmission that links the flywheel to a drive shaft. The kinetic energy is released when the planetary gear carrier is decelerated using a brake. The planetary gear carrier deceleration forces rotational acceleration of the drive shaft and deceleration of the flywheel. The drive shaft turns a primary drive sprocket and a secondary drive sprocket which pulls a studded drive belt which in turn drives a projectile located between the studded belt and a guide. The planetary gear system and belt drive allow rapid transfer of energy from the flywheel to a projectile.

Abstract: A sports projectile delivery system may control the operation of a launcher to cause an American football or other sports projectile to be delivered to a target location on a field. In some aspects, the system can track player movements on the field, e.g., through the use of a tracking device mounted on the player, enabling the ball etc. to be launched to a player in anticipation of where the player will go. The system may include additional customization and/or logging options, e.g., permitting a player to designate a body position (e.g., above the head or near the knees) for delivery of the ball, designate a speed or hang time for delivery, or provide player data and analytics to an online or otherwise connected database.

Abstract: A machine and method for receiving and launching an oval football. The machine includes a football catch area, a motorized belt to orient the football and motorized wheels to launch the football. The user catching the football throws it back to the machine. The machine automatically orients the football and launches it back to the user catching the football. The machine provides the user a consistent timing pause between receiving the football and launching of the football.

Abstract: A game ball throwing machine that shoots balls with motorized spinning wheels has a computer processor with wheel speed equations that determine the wheel speeds according to input parameters of pitch speed, ball spin amount, and ball spin direction that a user enters through a human-machine interface on a control panel. The processor includes acceleration equations that determine the trajectories of the balls and also has a time in flight equation that is used with the acceleration equations and a distance to a target location to determine the impact point of a ball according to the same input parameters used to determine the wheel speeds. The processor determines variations in the orientation of the machine to change the impact point to a reference aim-point. The HMI can also include an aim-point change input. The ball spin direction indicator on the HMI has either a linear configuration or a polar configuration.

Abstract: A cable pushing device is an apparatus that efficiently pushes a cable into a pipe with minimal effort. The cable pushing device includes a frame, a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, and a cable guide system. The frame upholds the first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, and the cable guide system. The first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly press against the cable and push the cable into the pipe. The cable guide system positions both the cable and the pipe onto the frame and between the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly. The first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly are aligned with each other such that as the second wheel assembly is rotated by a user, the first wheel assembly applies press onto the cable, opposite the second wheel assembly, and consequently pushes the cable into the pipe.

Abstract: A sports projectile delivery system may control the operation of a launcher to cause an American football or other sports projectile to be delivered to a target location on a field. In some aspects, the system can track player movements on the field, e.g., through the use of a tracking device mounted on the player, enabling the ball etc. to be launched to a player in anticipation of where the player will go. The system may include additional customization and/or logging options, e.g., permitting a player to designate a body position (e.g., above the head or near the knees) for delivery of the ball, designate a speed or hang time for delivery, or provide player data and analytics to an online or otherwise connected database.

Abstract: A toy set is provided including a reconfigurable toy capable of transitioning between a first configuration and a second configuration. The toy set also includes a launch mechanism having an activation means and a toy receiver. A propulsion mechanism transfers movement of the activation means to the reconfigurable toy to propel the reconfigurable toy in a second configuration from the launch mechanism along a propulsion axis.

Abstract: A machine for throwing balls is provided that can accurately adjust the vertical height or pitch and the lateral placement or yaw of balls being thrown. The machine includes a pitch housing, a threaded pitch adjustment shaft rotatably mounted to the pitch housing, a pitch yoke threadably mounted to the pitch adjustment shaft, a yaw housing to which the pitch housing is fixed, and a threaded yaw adjustment shaft rotatably mounted to the yaw housing. Also included is a yaw yoke mounted to the yaw housing and to the yaw adjustment shaft, and a stand to which the yaw housing is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A shuttlecock loading mechanism with a grabbing mechanism and a pair of ejecting wheels defining a wheel plane. The grabbing mechanism receives a shuttlecock entering the loading mechanism in a vertical position and ejects the shuttlecock from the loading mechanism in an orientation parallel to the wheel plane wherein the pitch of the wheel plane about a wheel horizontal axis is selectively indexed about the wheel's horizontal axis.

Abstract: A goal apparatus comprising a cross bar, a first side post and a second side post is described. The first side post and the second side post are connected to the cross bar such that the first side post, the second side post and the cross bar form a plane (“a goal plane”). Further, one or more sensor pairs are coupled to the first side post and the second side post, wherein a first sensor pair of the one or more sensor pairs includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is coupled to the first side post and the second sensor is coupled to the second side post and is also aligned horizontal to the first sensor. In addition, the first sensor pair is located in a first zone, wherein the first zone is a first portion of the goal plane.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to portable golf ball launching device for analyzing golf balls for short game performance attributes. The preferred golf ball launcher is able to shoot a golf ball at the ground at preselected speed, spin rate and angle.

Abstract: A racket-free tennis training device includes a maneuverable platform on which an elevation mechanism is mounted. A ball receiving and shooting mechanism is mounted on the elevation mechanism. The ball receiving and shooting mechanism includes a ball receiving mechanism, a ball management mechanism, and a ball shooting mechanism. The ball receiving mechanism includes a ball receptacle. The ball management mechanism includes a ball collection barrel and an advancing mechanism. The above arrangement allows for correctly receiving a tennis ball from an opponent site and then serving a ball to the opponent site to simulate an actual tennis game.

Abstract: A system and method for pitching balls, particularly round balls such as volleyballs. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to setting, blocking, bumping, shooting, dinking, passing, tipping, digging, serving, killing and spiking. A stable base frame is configured with an integrated operator stand. A rack bar is affixed to a front portion of the frame at an inclined angle. Three wheels are mounted on an adjustable throwing head, each wheel being powered by a motor that is adjusted independently so that the relative speed of the wheels imparts different spin to a ball that is launched from the throwing head. The throwing head can be adjusted up and down on the rack bar to be as high as a jump serve release point or as low as a at floor level to simulate a dig. The apparatus is portable and fits through standard gymnasium doors.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a ball throwing machine including a motor coupled to a rotary wheel and configured to rotate the rotary wheel at a rotational speed to throw a ball forward toward an athlete. A speed control module may be coupled to the motor and configured to rotate the rotary wheel, via the motor, at a first rotational speed during a fastball setting and a second rotational speed during a changeup setting. The speed control module may determine the second rotational speed based on the first rotational speed so that a ball thrown by the ball throwing machine will arrive in a target zone when the ball throwing machine is in the fastball setting and the changeup setting. In some embodiments, the speed control module may utilize resistive braking to transition the rotary wheel from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed.

Abstract: A numerical controller for controlling a multi-axis machine tool for machining with three linear axes and three rotating axes has a function for compensating a setting error that arises when a workpiece is set. This numerical controller determines compensated linear axis positions of the three linear axes and compensated rotating axis positions of the three rotating axes by calculating compensated tool position and direction depending on the setting error such that the tool position and direction on the workpiece setting coordinate system are maintained on the workpiece having such a setting error, and drives and controls the axes according to the compensated linear axis positions and compensated rotating axis positions.

Abstract: A system for delivering objects, such as soccer balls, the system including a delivery device and a methodology for training individuals that can be used with the delivery device, the delivery device including an accelerator that accepts, accelerates, and launches the balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball.

Abstract: A system and method to pitch balls with a fine adjustment subsystem. The system and method allow an operator to make fine adjustments to the horizontal trajectory of a ball as it passes in front of the hitter. The system includes a throwing head with at least one wheel powered by a motor and a control panel with an adjustment for each motor so that speed and spin imparted to the ball can be changed. This invention further includes a method for pitching practice balls wherein the balls are delivered to a person in need of hitting practice. The fine adjustment subsystem permits an operator to quickly and easily change the horizontal positioning of the balls that are thrown to vary the pitches as a batter practices.

Abstract: A ball pitching machine includes a tripod, a mounting base, two rotary wheel devices, and a ball holder. The mounting base includes an engaging member rotatably mounted to a pillar of the tripod and a mounting plate pivotably coupled to the engaging member. The rotary wheel devices are mounted on two sides of the mounting plate and each includes a rotary wheel. The ball holder is mounted to the mounting plate and located between the rotary wheel devices. The ball holder of the ball pitching machine is applicable to different-sized rugby balls or soccer balls and can be easily adjusted to any elevation angle. The ball pitching machine allows elevation angles of the mounting base to be adjusted, and also allows elevation angles of the rotary wheels to be adjusted.

Abstract: A football passing machine is configured to eject a prolate-spheroid-shaped football. The football passing machine includes a frame member, an adjustable launch surface mounted to the frame member, a ball magazine positioned above the adjustable launch surface that is configured to contain a plurality of footballs, a moveable escapement arm that is configured to successively dispense footballs that are contained within the ball magazine onto the launch surface, a moveable ball carriage configured to move a football between a first point on the launch surface that is located directly beneath the ball magazine and a second point on the launch surface that is adjacent a football launch mechanism that is configured to eject a football from the football passing machine. An orientation of the adjustable launch surface is configured to be adjusted to change a launch angle of a football while the frame member and the ball magazine remain stationary.

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 system and method for pitching balls, particularly footballs and other football-shaped balls. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to passes, punts, kick-offs and snaps. A cradle for use in the system and method holds the ball in any one of a number of positions such that when it is fed into the system, the ball is propelled to simulate a different type of pitch. The apparatus and system for pitching balls includes a support for a ball throwing head, two opposing variable speed motor powered wheels that can be tilted in relation to each other to control the spin and distance, a slide configured to present the ball on the cradle into the wheels at different angles to provide right or left handed spirals and end over end pitches, and adjustments for height and horizontal pivot. A removable throwing head allows balls to be pitched from different heights from ground level to an upright arm motion to simulate different types of pitches.

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 toy projectile launcher includes a body having a magazine for storing at least one cylindrical projectile. The body has an elongate barrel in communication with the magazine. The barrel is shaped for travel of the projectile from the magazine to an exit end. The barrel has an intermediate opening between the magazine and the exit end. A drive wheel is powered by a motor to spin about an axis of rotation. The drive wheel can be coupled to the body by a drive wheel biasing member. The drive wheel intrudes into the barrel though the intermediate opening to contact and propel the projectile down the barrel. The drive wheel can include a resilient part. The axis of rotation of the drive wheel can deviate from being perpendicular to the length of the barrel by a predetermined angle selected to impart spin to the projectile.

Abstract: A system and method for pitching balls, particularly footballs and other football-shaped balls. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to passes, punts, kick-offs and snaps. A cradle for use in the system and method holds the ball in any one of a number of positions such that when it is fed into the system, the ball is propelled to simulate a different type of pitch. The apparatus and system for pitching balls includes a support for a ball throwing head, two opposing variable speed motor powered wheels that can be tilted in relation to each other to control the spin and distance, a slide configured to present the ball on the cradle into the wheels at different angles to provide right or left handed spirals and end over end pitches, and adjustments for height and horizontal pivot. A removable throwing head allows balls to be pitched from different heights from ground level to an upright arm motion to simulate different types of pitches.

Abstract: A system and method for pitching balls, particularly round balls such as soccer balls. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to kicks, throws, and headers. A main frame has a frame with a front panel, a rear panel and a top panel. A tubular chute is rotatably mounted in the interior portion of the main frame with a set of bearings. A pair of opposing ball throwing wheels are fitted to the rotatable tubular chute for launching the ball from the chute. Each wheel is driven by a variable speed motor that is controlled by a variable switch mounted to the main frame. A pair of caddy wheels is attached to the main frame for portability of the apparatus, along with a rear support having an adjustable extension to vary the height and angle of the rotatable tubular chute to adjust the trajectory of the ball. A ball feed chute is mounted to the main frame onto which balls are loaded to be pitched.

Abstract: Described is an automated football throwing system and method of operation thereof. The system comprises a route input system, a launch controller, and a football throwing device. In operation, a user inputs the route desired to be executed. The processor accesses a visual illustration of the route from the storage media and displays the visual illustration on a display. Additionally, the data retrieval system accesses data regarding the launch variables which may include the lateral orientation, angle of elevation, and output speed corresponding to a selected route. The launch controller adjusts the football throwing device in accordance with the launch variables for the specific route. The football throwing device comprises a pair of coacting wheels adapted to propel a football and separated by a space in which a football may be inserted. A loading mechanism moves a football received from a storage receptacle into the space between the coacting wheels.

Abstract: A system and method for pitching balls, particularly round balls such as soccer balls. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to kicks, throws, and headers. A main frame has a frame with a front panel, a rear panel and a top panel. A tubular chute is rotatably mounted in the interior portion of the main frame with a set of bearings. A pair of opposing ball throwing wheels are fitted to the rotatable tubular chute for launching the ball from the chute. Each wheel is driven by a variable speed motor that is controlled by a variable switch mounted to the main frame. A pair of caddy wheels is attached to the main frame for portability of the apparatus, along with a rear support having an adjustable extension to vary the height and angle of the rotatable tubular chute to adjust the trajectory of the ball. A ball feed chute is mounted to the main frame onto which balls are loaded to be pitched.