Abstract: A pool table which comprises a planar playing surface and having conventional indent sidewalls and pockets associated therewith, the improvement wherein there is provided a center cushion which is located substantially centrally of the playing surface. Preferably, the center cushion partially surrounds a centrally located pocket.

Abstract: A rotatable pool table with an electromagnetic pad imbedded in the pool table's surface. Each pool ball has a metallic element imbedded in its center. The electromagnetic pad is adapted to being activated, creating a magnetic field to hold the pool balls in position while the table is rotated. The pool table playing surface may be vertically raised and lowered.

Abstract: A cue ball point of aim training device, comprising a target, a target positioning member, a transverse member, and a support structure provided for aiming a cue ball with respect to a given object ball. The base of the support structure, when positioned on the playing surface, resides to one side of a line bisecting the object ball along the desired direction of travel, and can remain in place during a shot on the object ball. The target, representing where the center of a cue ball needs to be to effectuate a desired trajectory for a given object ball, is positioned by the other components of the device in an opposite direction along the line of intended travel of the object ball. Through repeated use in practice, the cue ball point of aim training device may aid in improving one's skill in playing the game of billiards.

Abstract: An apparatus for billiards practice, comprising a housing; an emitter connectively disposed to the housing; a pair of detectors equally spaced about the emitter; a controller having logic controlling the emitter; at least one indicator in communication with the logic; the logic receiving at least one signal from the detectors via the emitter projecting the signal onto the surface of the billiards ball; the logic resolving the position of the billiards ball with respect to the emitter in concert with the detectors; and a response to the logic resolved position of the billiards ball via the indicator. The player's instant feedback is implemented via a controller disposed within the billiards practice device. The controller has means to emit infrared signals and capture the return reflected infrared signal from the cue ball. The returned infrared signals are interpreted and processed via the controller.

Abstract: An accuracy development device is disclosed, including a simulated projectile coupled to a feedback mechanism. The feedback mechanism provides feedback indicating whether a desired impact point on the simulated projectile has been hit by a free projectile propelled toward it. In one embodiment, the desired impact point may be a sensor that is coupled to the feedback mechanism. The simulated projectile may be fixed to a contact location on a base such that the simulated projectile may not be moved in a translational sense but so that it may be rotated about an axis that extends through the contact location and the simulated projectile and is substantially perpendicular to the base. The desired impact point may thus be moved to a variety of different positions with respect to the free projectile, allowing the invention to be used for accuracy development from setups having a wide variety of initial conditions.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion on to the ball, a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly, and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration. The control system applies the signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. A ball feeder tube removably connects to the body, the ball feeder tube configured to hold the balls and a ball projection means connected to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball upward from the body.

Abstract: An arcade game including a number of playing pieces having distinct colors and a number of targets associated with at least one of the distinct colors. A sensor apparatus is arranged to sense the color of a playing piece received by a target. The targets can preferably be highlighted to draw a player's attention to a designated target. A scoring apparatus changes a game score when the color of a ball received by a highlighted target matches a color associated with the highlighted target. A variation of the game includes a playing piece return mechanism and a playing piece dispenser mechanism. Another variation of the game includes an award dispenser, which dispenses an award based upon the game score.