Abstract: A ball supply device includes rubber tee on which golf ball is safely mounted; a main body which is spaced apart from the rubber tee; a loading movement plate that is provided in an upper portion of the main body to partially seal the upper portion of the main body; a safe mounting guide portion that rotates on the front side of the main body and guides the golf balls released to the release hole to the rubber tee; a ball hitting portion that is rotatably provided on the front side of the main body to be rotated by the golf ball supplied to the safe mounting guide portion; a ball sensing portion that has one end located on the lower portion of the rubber tee; and a protective cover portion that surrounds the ball sensing portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic golf ball supply device, being an automatic golf ball supply device which automatically supplies golf balls to a position where the golf balls will be hit with a golf club by the user, which comprises: a frame on the upper part of which is formed a golf ball withdrawal hole; an ascending and descending mount which ascends and descends by means of a motor, and on the upper surface of which is provided a tee member where a golf ball rests, and which is provided so as to ascend and descend freely in the withdrawal hole direction following a guide provided in the frame; and a golf ball conveying loader which conveys golf balls towards the tee member of the ascending and descending mount as the outer circumferential surface rotates and makes contact with the golf balls inside a golf-ball-waiting chamber in such a way as to be able to push each golf ball and to rest the same on the tee member.

Abstract: A ball supply device where a ball is automatically supplied to a designated position is provided. The ball supply device includes a mat unit having an inclined surface and a hole, where a ball provided along the inclined surface is positioned; a tee member lifted up and down along an axial line of the hole in the mat unit and moving the ball positioned in the hole to a tee shot position at a spot that is upwardly spaced from a plane of the mat unit; a loading unit located on a plane lower than the mat unit and moving the ball loaded thereon to the mat unit; and a feeding member positioned between the loading unit and the mat unit and providing balls, which are provided from the loading unit one by one, to the inclined surface of the mat unit by performing a swing motion within a range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, and more specifically to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, which helps a golfer keep his or her eyes on the place where a golf ball to be struck is located, by making the ball ascend just before the impact only if the swing speed exceeds a pre-set value. According to the apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon especially during the golf tee-shot training, a golf ball either ascends above the ground or descends toward the ground from above just before the impact only if a down-swing is performed or only if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value, such that the user may not suffer too much burden when swinging the golf ball placed on the tee.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: a frame; an ascending and descending vertical carrier; a motor; a first rod for performing a forwards rotation or backwards rotation movement; a second rod linked in movement to the other end of the first rod; a separating type of pressed-member which separates from the ascending and descending vertical carrier when the ascending and descending vertical carrier is ascending, and which collides with and is pressed by a pushing plate formed in the other side surface of the ascending and descending vertical carrier when the ascending and descending vertical carrier is descending; a rotational force transmission means for converting the pressing force of the pressed-member into a rotational force; and a golf ball guide member means for nudging the golf ball and settling it on a tee member of the ascending and descending vertical carrier when the vertical carrier has descended.

Abstract: An automatic tee-up device including a golf ball reservoir, a platform with a groove for a golf ball to travel from the reservoir to a tee, and a ball ejector disposed to eject golf balls one at a time from the reservoir onto the groove. The tee is movable from below a level of the golf ball in the groove to above the level of the golf ball in the groove. After the golf ball is ejected by the ejector, the golf ball travels on the groove to the tee and is raised by the tee into a position suitable for striking with a golf club.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information for use in solving various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: The ball detection apparatus is for detecting when a golf ball is hit off a golf tee of an automatic golf ball teeing machine. The detection apparatus comprises a radar device for producing a first signal in response to detecting movement of a golf club towards the tee, a directional microphone for producing a second signal in response to detecting the sound of a golf club striking a golf ball and monitoring means for detecting a coincidence between the first and second signals. An automatic golf ball teeing machine including such ball detection apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable barrier for simultaneously substantially enclosing several areas comprising an elongated, hollow barrier member formed of connected elements of flexible substantially fluid impervious material joined to form a continuous configuration of sufficient size and shape to simultaneously demark several areas on a substantially flat surface; and a connector to a source of a fluid and for conducting said fluid into the interior of said hollow barrier member to inflate it, said barrier member having at least one interior transverse element and a plurality of end elements for substantially encompassing at least one of the surrounded areas, and said continuous configuration in the inflated condition supported on said substantially flat surface substantially defining a perimeter surrounding said areas. The barrier is capable of holding signage, and includes enclosures for players in an area.

Abstract: A mechanical handling device for golf balls at a driving range, comprising a pivotally mounted balance or lever arm provided at one end with a tee adapted, in use, to receive and support a golf ball from a supply source, and provided at its other end with a weight sensitive transducer whereby, from a neutral start position, the arm/tee is initially pivoted downwardly under the influence of the weight of a ball arriving at the tee, such initial movement being sensed by the transducer to activate control means causing the arm/tee to be pivoted to an elevated, striking position, and loss of ball weight at the tee, after striking of the ball, also being sensed by the transducer to activate control means to cause the arm/tee to be pivotally returned to its neutral position. The invention also includes a driving range tee provided with a device.

Abstract: The ball detection apparatus is for detecting when a golf ball is hit off a golf tee of an automatic golf ball teeing machine. The detection apparatus comprises a radar device for producing a first signal in response to detecting movement of a golf club towards the tee, a directional microphone for producing a second signal in response to detecting the sound of a golf club striking a golf ball and monitoring means for detecting a coincidence between the first and second signals. An automatic golf ball teeing machine including such ball detection apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ball feeder includes a funnel having a base, opposing side walls, a ball inlet end and a ball outlet end. The base is inclined to define a ramp extending downwards from the inlet end to the outlet end and the side walls diverge in width from the inlet end to the outlet end. The ball feeder also includes a scoop for receiving a single transverse row of balls at the outlet end of the funnel and elements for raising the scoop into an elevated position in which it defines a second ramp extending transversely of the first mentioned ramp and in which it can release the balls one at a time. The raising elements may also raise and lower a tee.

Abstract: A tray (10) for supplying coded golf balls (50) to the tee (41) of a golf driving range comprises a first zone (11) for receiving golf balls, one of which is selected to be played by moving it by means of a club over a barrier (14) to a second (12) where it passes under gravity through an outlet (30) past a code reader (41) to the tee (41). An indicator light (46) is provided to confirm that the code has been read. The barrier (14) may have a grooved side (15) to assist transfer of the golf ball from the first zone (11) to the second zone (12).

Abstract: An automatic tee-up device including a golf ball reservoir, a platform with a groove for a golf ball to travel from the reservoir to a tee, and a ball ejector disposed to eject golf balls one at a time from the reservoir onto the groove. The tee is movable from below a level of the golf ball in the groove to above the level of the golf ball in the groove. After the golf ball is ejected by the ejector, the golf ball travels on the groove to the tee and is raised by the tee into a position suitable for striking with a golf club.

Abstract: A portable machine for delivering golf balls one at a time onto a tee or a surface simulating a fairway. A bin holds a quantity of practice balls and has a turntable underlying it. An opening on the turntable provides a ball pocket which receives one ball at a time and carries the ball around a circular path to a position aligned above a chute. Each ball delivered by the chute is discharged onto a fairway area or into an inclined trough, depending on how the chute is oriented. At the bottom end of the trough, a tee is raised to tee each ball up at a high or low height, depending upon the setting of a selector switch. A platform which provides a surface on which the user stands is detachable to allow the machine to be carried and stored in two separate pieces.

Abstract: A mechanical handling device (6) for golf balls (5) at a driving range, comprising a pivotally mounted balance or lever arm (24) provided at one end with a tee (14) adapted, in use, to receive and support a golf ball (15) from a supply source, and provided at its other end with a weight sensitive transducer (26) whereby, from a neutral start position (FIG. 3), the arm (24)/tee (14) is initially pivoted downwardly under the influence of the weight of a ball (15) arriving at the tee (14), such initial movement being sensed by the transducer (26) to activate control means causing the arm (24)/tee (14) to be pivoted to an elevated, striking position (FIG. 4), and loss of ball weight at the tee (14), after striking the ball, also being sensed by the transducer (26) to activate control means to cause the arm (24/tee (14) to be pivotably returned to its neutral position. The invention also includes a driving range tee (1) provided with a device (6).

Abstract: An automatic mechanical golf ball feed apparatus 10 is provided, including a hopper 12 for housing a plurality of golf balls 14, and a gravity driven delivery arm 18 including a counterweight end 22 and a ball delivery end 20, the gravity driven delivery arm 18 being rotatably movable between a loaded position 28 and a delivery position 30. The present invention further includes a chute 16 in communication with the hopper 12 and receiving the plurality of golf balls 14 from the chute 16. An impact gate 52 is positioned between the chute 16 and said gravity driven delivery arm 18, the impact gate 52 including a ball restraint pivot element 80 having a weight biased end 82. The impact gate 52 is rotatable between a gate closed position 84, wherein the plurality of golf balls 14 are restrained from exiting the hopper 12, and a gate open position 86 wherein one of the golf balls 14 is allowed to exit the hopper 12.

Abstract: An automatic mechanical golf ball feed apparatus 10 is provided, including a hopper 12 for housing a plurality of golf balls 14, and a gravity driven delivery arm 18 including a counterweight end 22 and a ball delivery end 20, the gravity driven delivery arm 18 being rotatably movable between a loaded position 28 and a delivery position 30. The present invention further includes a delivery chamber 24 positioned on the ball delivery end 20 of the gravity driven delivery arm 18. The gravity driven delivery arm 18 is biased towards the delivery position 30 when a golf ball 14 is present in the delivery chamber 24 and biased towards the loaded position 28 when the delivery chamber 24 is empty. The present invention includes a baseline pivot arm 32 including a tee end 34, with the golf tee 38, and a lock end 36. The baseline pivot arm 32 is movable between a ball weighted position 44 and a ball free position 46.

Abstract: An automated tee device uses air pressure through a tee to determine whether a ball is rested on the tee or whether a next ball should be supplied. When a ball is in a rest position on the tee, the airflow through a passage within the tee is inhibited. Consequently, by determining the current condition of airflow through the tee, it can be determined whether a ball is rested on the tee or whether a next ball should be supplied. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the tee can be adjusted to any height within a preselected vertical range. Upper and lower limit switches reverse the adjustment of a tee height in response to determining that the upper or the lower limit of the range has been reached. The automated tee device may be used in sports such as golf, baseball and softball.

Abstract: A golf ball server having a low profile housing and miniaturized pneumatic components is positionable adjacent a driving surface and is readily connected to pre-existing gravity ball supplies or to a funnel type supply tray. The server is operated by depressing a pad on the housing with the head of a golf club. When actuated, an arm grips a ball from the housing and rotates it for positioning reliably on a tee or directly onto the driving surface. When reset, the arm rotates back into the housing pickup another ball. As the arm rotates from the teeing position to the reset position, another ball is fed into housing and positioned for pickup. A controller times the action of the gripper, arm rotation and ball feed. Alternatively, actuation can be by a photoelectric sensor which senses the absence of a ball on the tee and actuates the server.

Abstract: An automated tee device uses air pressure through a tee to determine whether a ball is rested on the tee or whether a next ball should be supplied. When a ball is in a rest position on the tee, the airflow through a passage within the tee is inhibited. Consequently, by determining the current condition of airflow through the tee, it can be determined whether a ball is rested on the tee or whether a next ball should be supplied. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the tee can be adjusted to any height within a preselected vertical range. Upper and lower limit switches reverse the adjustment of a tee height in response to determining that the upper or the lower limit of the range has been reached. The automated tee device may be used in sports such as golf, baseball and softball.

Abstract: In an athletic ball server, a collapsible tripod supports an elongated inclined tray containing a linear array of balls. A gate at the low end of the tray cyclically releases balls one at a time from the array to gravity. One edge of a trampoline is pivoted on the tripod. The central portion of the trampoline is aligned to bounce a ball released from the tray. An eye-bolt is connected between the tripod and the trampoline allowing the angular position of the trampoline to be varied. By adjusting the eye-bolt, it is possible to achieve any desired trajectory of the bounced ball from a pop-up or slow pitch trajectory to a ground ball trajectory.

Abstract: A golf simulator has a flooring system comprising a tee area, a green area, a green-side area and a ball feed system adjacent the flooring system. From measurements taken when the ball is hit, the computer control system computes the next shot position of the ball after it is hit and the corresponding location on the flooring system. A ball feed system collects the ball into a ball feed chute and moves the ball toward a return gutter. When the ball contacts a gutter sensor, the sensor signals a gutter door to open, corresponding to a feed tube. The ball is sent down the return gutter and drops, at the position where the gutter door opened, into a feeding tube and a ball lifting mechanism positions a ball at the appropriate location on the flooring system. This process continues until a player finishes the hole. Accordingly, a player need not touch the golf ball, except when under penalty, more similar to an actual round of golf.

Abstract: A portable machine for delivering golf balls one at a time onto a tee or a surface simulating a fairway. A bin holds a quantity of practice balls and has a turntable underlying it. An opening on the turntable provides a ball pocket which receives one ball at a time and carries the ball around a circular path to a position aligned above a chute. Each ball delivered by the chute is discharged onto a fairway area or into an inclined trough, depending on how the chute is oriented. At the bottom end of the trough, a tee is raised to tee each ball up at a high or low height, depending upon the setting of a selector switch. A platform which provides a surface on which the user stands is detachable to allow the machine to be carried and stored in two separate pieces.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device comprises a base member and a hopper. A golf ball delivery track is substantially straight between its proximal end and its distal end, and is mounted adjacent the proximal end on the base member for substantially vertical travel between a lowered rest position and a raised ball teeing position. A golf ball placement aperture is disposed adjacent the distal end. A support receives the golf balls in seriatim from the hopper and presents each received golf ball for subsequent delivery to the track. An actuation mechanism moves the golf ball delivery track from the lowered rest position to the raised ball teeing position and subsequently back to the lowered rest position, and permits selective delivery of the golf balls presented by the support sequentially onto the golf ball delivery track for subsequent placement on the tee.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device comprises a base member, a hopper, and a golf ball delivery track mounted on the base member for pivotal movement between a vertical rest position and a horizontal ball teeing position. A support receives the golf balls from the hopper and presents each golf ball for delivery to the track. A vertical motion transfer member moves with the proximal end of the golf ball delivery track. An actuation mechanism comprising a paddle mounted for pivotal movement in a rotational direction opposite to the golf ball delivery track. The actuation mechanism moves the vertical motion transfer member, to thereby move the golf ball delivery track from the vertical rest position to the horizontal ball teeing position and back again, and permits selective delivery of the golf balls onto the golf ball delivery track for subsequent placement on the tee.

Abstract: A portable machine for delivering golf balls one at a time onto a tee or a surface simulating a fairway. A bin holds a quantity of practice balls and has a turntable underlying it. An opening on the turntable provides a ball pocket which receives one ball at a time and carries the ball around a circular path to a position aligned above a chute. Each ball delivered by the chute is discharged onto a fairway area or into an inclined trough, depending on how the chute is oriented. At the bottom end of the trough, a tee is raised to tee each ball up at a high or low height, depending upon the setting of a selector switch. A platform which provides a surface on which the user stands is detachable to allow the machine to be carried and stored in two separate pieces.

Abstract: A golf teeing device includes a one-piece singulation arm having a ball-receiving region that is connected to a ball-seating region by a ramp region. The unitary singulation arm has a raised rest position and a lowered delivery position. The configuration of the ramp region channels a golf ball to the ball-seating region when the singulation arm is in its delivery position. The configuration of the ball-seating region inhibits horizontal movement of the ball in any direction when the ball reaches this region. In one embodiment, all three regions of the singulation arm have dimensions that are consistent with the channel of the ramp region. A ball-striking mechanism within a supply path to the singulation arm is activated to provide dislodging forces to at least two balls, thereby ensuring a consistent flow of balls to the singulation arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inclination-adjustable golf training device capable of optionally changing the inclination of its platform, on which a player stands to practice his golf swing, in order to simulate the condition of a real golf course, thereby obtaining an enhanced training effect. The golf training device includes an upper plate assembly, to which a ball supply unit and a controller are internally mounted, the upper plate assembly including an upper plate, on which a player stands to practice his golf swing, a lower plate assembly adapted to support the upper plate while being spaced apart from the upper plate, a vertical reciprocating unit mounted on the lower plate assembly while including driving and driven parts operating to adjust the inclination of the upper plate with respect to the lower plate assembly in all radial directions.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball placement device having a storage tube for holding a quantity of golf balls preparatory for placement onto a tee. One end of the tube receives the balls for storage while the opposite includes an opening for dispensing the first ball into a rotatable receiver for transfer to a dispensing shoot for delivery to the tee. The receiver is weighted so that upon placement of a ball on the tee, the receiver revolves back to the storage tube for accepting the next ball for dispensing onto the tee. A pedal attached to the receiver is actuated by a player's foot or engagement with a golf club to urge rotation of the receiver to dispense the first ball.

Abstract: An automated batting tee apparatus includes a housing having a top opening, a ball dispensing mechanism for feeding balls one at a time to above the top opening, a ball holder tube forming a batting tee disposed upright in the housing and aligned with the top opening thereof and having an upper end portion for receiving a ball and a lower end portion spaced below the upper end portion, and a drive mechanism arranged upright in the housing externally of and alongside the ball holder tube for vertically moving the ball holder tube and actuating the ball dispensing mechanism. The housing includes a base that rest on the ground and an enclosure having an inner shell on the base and an outer shell slidably mounted over the inner shell and adjustable to different vertical positions relative to the inner shell to adjust the height of the upper end portion of the ball holder tube above the ground.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball dispensing device includes a base, motor, drive link, slide arm, pivot arm, control circuit, dispenser cover, and handle. The base preferably includes two pivot feet on a first end and an adjustable foot on a second end thereof. One end of a drive arm is connected to the shaft of the motor. The other end of the drive arm is pivotally attached to a first end of the drive link. A second end of the drive link is pivotally attached to a second end of the slide arm. The slide arm is slidably attached to a top of the base. A ball stop is formed on a first end of the slide arm and a notch is formed under the ball stop. A first end of the pivot arm is sized to fit under the notch such that the pivot arm is level relative to the top of the base. A ball support extends from a first end of the pivot arm. A bottom of the dispenser cover is attached to a top of the base.

Abstract: Lifting golf balls in a vertical tube from a cleaning station using sufficient air pressure from an air blower to lift the golf balls in the vertical tube and allowing the golf balls to fall by gravity from an apex of the vertical tube to a diverter for directing the golf balls to a particular dispenser apparatus. An electromagnetic switch controls the movement of the diverter to determine which dispenser apparatus receives the golf balls.

Abstract: A device for storing golf balls and dispensing them onto a bed of bristles that serves as a golf tee.

Abstract: A golf ball feeder includes a hopper for storing a plurality of golf balls therein. The hopper has an opening. A guide chute is positioned below the hopper to receive the golf balls from the opening of the hopper. The golf balls flow along the guide chute. An outlet chute is connected to the guide chute to pass over the golf balls flowed from the guide chute to the outside. A stopper is formed in a boundary region between the guide chute and the outlet chute to stop flowing of the golf balls. A golf ball lifting unit is positioned below the stopper to free one of the golf balls from the stopper. The golf ball lifting unit has a rod. A tee up member is hinged at an outlet side of the outlet chute to receive the golf ball from the outlet chute and put the golf ball on a tee. The golf balls are liable to be stuck in the hopper. Therefore, the golf ball feeder further includes a golf ball releasing unit to release the stuck state of the golf balls in connection with the rod of the golf ball lifting unit.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device includes a rotatable shaft driven through an approximately 180 degree arc by a forwardly and reversely rotating motor. A pair of flexible and parallel arms are mounted on the shaft with an end projecting therefrom. The ends of the arms when in a first position opposed to the tee, secure a ball therebetween from a ramp supply of balls. At this time a forward and reversing switch causes the motor to reverse thereby moving the arms approximately 180 degrees to place the ball on the tee.

Abstract: An assembly (20) for teeing golf balls including a ball hopper (180) for storing multiple golf balls in readiness for dispensation to a ball feeder (182). In turn, the ball feeder (182) channels the golf balls one at a time to a ball ejector (160). The ball feeder (182) includes an anti-jam mechanism (222) for maintaining the flow of golf balls to the ball ejector (160). The ball ejector (160) then transfers the golf ball to a ball receptacle (72, 290) on the end of a track member (32) in a fully retracted position. In turn, a drive mechanism (28) moves the track member (32) rectilinearly from the fully retracted position to an extended teeing position at which point the golf ball is delivered to a tee (26, 274). Having delivered the golf ball, the drive mechanism (28) returns the track member (32) to the fully retracted position at which point the ejector (160) transfers another golf ball to the receptacle (72, 290).

Abstract: An automatic golf ball teeing up device has an upper plate formed with a ball passing opening. A ball receiving box is positioned just below the ball passing opening. Golf balls are fed into the ball receiving box one after another. A ball push-up mechanism is employed, which includes a ball push-up member movable in parallel with a major surface of the upper plate into the box to push up the ball in the box to a given upper position, and a tee member movable with the ball push-up member and puts thereon the ball when coming into the box just below the ball-passing opening. A lift mechanism is further employed for lifting up the tee member together with the ball to a predetermined height through the ball-passing opening when the action for putting the ball onto the tee member is completed in the box. A drive mechanism is employed for actuating the ball push-up mechanism and the lift mechanism in order.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball teeing apparatus. The apparatus is adapted to rotate about a frame and deliver golf balls to be automatically teed. The golf ball elevating apparatus is a levered system which positively loads and elevates golf balls above the platform. The golf ball delivery apparatus includes a golf ball magazine including a gate trap assembly adapted to deliver golf balls to a delivery chute while preventing jamming of the golf balls.

Abstract: A golf ball dispenser (1) has a fixed tee (21) onto which a ball is placed by an arm (24). The arm (24) moves in a vertical direction being below the level of the tee during play. Downward arm movement for placement is damped by a motor (26) to ensure repeatable secure placement. A vibration sensor (30) detects striking of the ball and a controller (27) then initiates the next placement. The dispenser (1) is simple, reliable and easy to use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball teeing apparatus. The apparatus is adapted to rotate about a frame and deliver golf balls to be automatically teed. The golf ball elevating apparatus is a levered system which positively loads and elevates golf balls above the platform. The golf ball delivery apparatus includes a golf ball magazine adapted to deliver golf balls to a delivery chute while preventing jamming of the golf balls.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball dispenser includes a loading assembly, a base, and a delivery assembly. The loading assembly includes a bowl and a supply tube. The volume of the bowl is structured to hold a large quantity of golf balls. The bowl is sized to snugly fit into the supply tube. The base includes a platform, a tee, and a projection. The loading assembly is rigidly connected to the base, but may be quickly removed. A tee is fastened to the platform at the opposite end thereof. The delivery assembly comprises a delivery tube, a loading interface, a stop, and a plug. The loading interface is fastened to the first end of the delivery tube. The first end of the delivery assembly is pivotally connected to the loading assembly at substantially the second end thereof. A stop is fastened to the bottom of the delivery tube at the first end thereof. When the delivery tube is swung downward, a ball falls through a first cutout of the delivery tube and rolls to a second cutout of the delivery tube.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to detect the presence or absence of an object thereon in order to actuate a pneumatic circuit. In particular, the apparatus is directed to detecting the presence or absence of a golf ball on a tee of an automatic golf ball teeing apparatus. The sensing apparatus includes a plunger engaged with a tee on which the golf ball rests. The plunger has a groove formed therein. The groove of the plunger is operatively engaged with a lever of a valve of a pneumatic circuit to be actuated. The plunger rests on a spring such that when a golf ball is present, the spring is compressed and the groove and lever of the valve keep the valve in a closed position. When the object is absent, the spring forces the plunger, and thus the groove, into an operative position in which the lever of the valve causes the valve to vent air. When the valve vents air, the pneumatic circuit is actuated and automatic replacement of the object is initiated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically teeing up golf balls having a hopper, a teeing up device and a control panel. The hopper is operatively connected to the teeing up device to supply golf balls to the automatic teeing up device. The teeing up device comprises a piston moving between a lowermost and an uppermost position within a guide cylinder below the ground level. Golf balls are selected and allowed on a tee one at the time. The tee is adjustable in height to simulate a tee off lie or a fairway lie. A detector is located under the tee to detect the presence of a golf ball on the tee to automatically tee up another golf ball when needed. The control panel activates, controls or deactivates the automatic teeing up device.

Abstract: A golf ball setting apparatus for feeding onto a tee a golf ball advanced by gravity to a forward end of a ball supply chute via a rotating ball feeder disk having a feed pawl in accordance with a signal from a ball sensor which indicates no golf ball on the tee, comprising a ball stopper disposed above the chute, the ball stopper having a front end pivotable between a lower position at which the front end lockingly engages a golf ball adjacent the forward end of the chute and an upper position at which the front end does not lockingly engage the ball, the ball stopper being held in engagement with a spring urging the front end to move so as to constantly assume the lower position, and with a ball releasing solenoid for moving the front end to the upper position against the force of the spring when the solenoid is excited.

Abstract: A golf driving range system for golfers to practice their driving skills is provided. The driving range system includes a plurality of tee boxes. Each tee box has a renewable ball stock and an automatic golf ball tee-up machine. The balls in the ball stock of each tee box have identifying characteristics for relating the balls to the particular tee box. The system has a yard and ball return gutters. The yard has sloped surfaces to cause any golf balls landing on the yard to roll toward the ball return gutters. At least one target is positioned in the yard. The target has a winning ball identification apparatus for sensing the identifying characteristics of a ball hitting the target and relaying this information to a scoring device. The ball return gutters deliver balls landing in the yard to a ball distribution apparatus, which has a return ball identification apparatus for sensing the identifying characteristics of a ball and distributing the ball back to the renewable ball stocks of the tee boxes.