Abstract: Adaptive basketball shooting devices are disclosed that allow a person with limited use of his or her arms to shoot a basket from a seated position in a wheelchair. In preferred implementations, the device allows a person with limited mobility to pick up, carry, and shoot a basketball. Some devices include a frame, a conveyor configured to retrieve a ball from a surface on which the wheelchair is positioned, e.g., a floor or a paved basketball court, and in cooperation with the frame convey the ball vertically relative to the frame, and a driven wheel mounted on the frame and configured to eject the ball upward from the device.

Abstract: A system for delivering balls to each of two players playing on opposite sides of a field includes a remote control unit worn or placed on each of the two players, each remote control unit configured, upon activation of a particular player, to transmit a wireless signal that identifies a location of the particular player. A ball pitching machine includes a housing configured to receive and hold the balls, at least one wheel, a ball shooting mechanism that receives the balls and shoots one of the balls at a time; and a controller that includes a position-locator, the controller configured to receive and process the signal, direct positioning of the ball shooting mechanism so as to face the player that sent the signal and shoot one of the balls in a direction of the player's position, in accordance with the signal received from the remote control unit.

Abstract: A throwing mechanism that is located at an upper part of the chassis onto which at least one weight is attached and provides throwing the weight attached thereto. A base is located at a lower part of the chassis and onto which a weight is thrown by the throwing mechanism, at least one position adjuster is located on the base and provides aligning on the base the weight thrown onto the base so that it faces the throwing mechanism, and a control unit which enables to operate the position adjuster to move the base upwards so as to re-attach the weight to the throwing mechanism, and thus to test the throwing mechanism automatically.

Abstract: A tube launch system is used for launching payloads from a platform and includes at least one tube launch section that is removably mounted to the platform, a plurality of powered wheels that are electrically powered and arranged in the tube launch section for propelling the payloads through the tube launch section, and a power source configured to operate the powered wheels. The tube launch system may include a magazine having an endless conveyor and powered magazine wheels that are engageable with the payloads to move the payloads from the endless conveyor to the tube launch section.

Abstract: A slide plate target-drop hole changing structure used in an auto target throwing trap is disclosed to include a slide plate slidably coupled to an upper cover plate of the auto target throwing trap and provided with a first target-drop hole for large-size targets to drop down from a target-drop opening of the upper cover plate through the first target drop hole, and a filling piece detachably connected to the slide plate. When the filling piece is connected to the slide plate, a second target-drop hole is formed between a concave arc gap of the filling piece and the first target-drop hole of the slide plate for the passing of small-sized targets.

Abstract: A main drive assembly positioning structure for pivotally positioning a main drive assembly on a main frame of a throwing trap by attaching a first fixing frame with a first inner semicircular arc groove and a second fixing frame with a second inner semicircular arc groove to the left and right sides of the main drive assembly and using fastening members to affix the first fixing frame and the second fixing frame together, so that the main drive assembly positioning structure has the advantages of saving accessories and reducing costs and can relatively simplify the installation process and save assembly manpower and man-hours.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pneumatic ball launcher for facilitating launching of a ball. Accordingly, the pneumatic ball launcher may include an air chamber, a fill assembly, an air blast valve, a trigger assembly, and a parabolic curved barrel. Further, the air chamber may be configured for receiving at least one gas. Further, the air chamber may be configured for storing the at least one gas at a gas pressure based on the receiving. Further, the fill assembly may be fluidly coupled with the air chamber. Further, the fill assembly facilitates transferring of the at least one gas into the air chamber. Further, the air blast valve may be fluidly coupled to the air chamber. Further, the trigger assembly may be operationally coupled with the air blast valve. Further, the parabolic curved barrel may be coupled to the air blast valve using a locking breech assembly.

Abstract: A roulette wheel apparatus comprising a rotatable roulette wheel located in a wheel bowl and a ball launcher adapted to launch a roulette ball into the wheel bowl with a predetermined variable launch speed, the ball launcher comprising at least one rotatable element adapted to accelerate a roulette ball in contact with the rotatable element and/or at least one element adapted to spin a roulette ball in contact with the element.

Abstract: Disclosed are a ball-pitching control method of a pitching machine in a baseball practice system that is capable of automatically compensating for inclination of the pitching machine, which may occur depending on the installation environment of the pitching machine, based on the result of sensing performed by a sensing device for sensing a pitched ball or a hit ball without using a separate sensor or measurement device and that is capable of automatically self-correcting the displacement of the pitching machine from the original position thereof or the corrected position thereof over time due to external impact applied to the pitching machine or a manager's inaccurate correction of the pitching machine by analyzing the results periodically sensed by a sensing device and the cumulative results of set ball pitching information of the pitching machine, and a baseball practice system using the same.

Abstract: A smart window-based security system is provided. The system includes a plurality of smart windows, each smart window of the plurality of smart windows having at least one electrochromic window and at least one sensor integrated into the smart window. The plurality of smart windows are coupled together in a system having at least one processor configured to detect a personal or property security threat, such as an intruder or fire based, on information from sensors of the plurality of smart windows.

Abstract: A multifunctional baseball pitching apparatus includes a base, a housing, a ball-feeding wheel, an inner seat, a hitting rod, a driving device, and an adjusting device. The baseball pitching apparatus adopts the adjusting device to adjust the preload force of a hitting rod and is provided with a plurality of adjusting gears so that the user can perform setting according to requirements, thereby realizing different hitting heights and distances and meeting different needs for hitting baseballs. The baseball pitching apparatus is fully automated, which provides great convenience for training.

Abstract: Combining rotating and gyrating structures, to achieve a specific velocity of a mass, within a device, can reduce the number of parts as compared to a design using only gyration induced acceleration, and can reduce the absolute dimensions compared to a design using only rotation induced acceleration. Synchronous motions allow the accelerated mass to transition from a rotating reference frame to a gyrating reference frame without a significant physical gap or jump, greatly reducing any potential for ricochet. Re-phasing within the device may be accomplished several times. The mass is ejected and directed toward a target.

Abstract: Rotational motion generates velocity of a mass wherein the mass' release from the rotating system, becoming a projectile, and subsequent impact can result in cutting, abrasion, mixing of chemicals, coating, and other surface and bulk volume effects including the transfer of momentum. Structures and devices are used to insert a mass into a rotating device. While inside the rotating device the mass gains velocity. Transitioning from the rotational system to a stationary surface is accomplished with a minimum of velocity loss by selecting trajectories, air flows, and surface finishes to reduce energy losses in the mass' transition onto the stationary surface and info a fixed stationary guide tube, and ultimately to an impact point. Single and multiple conduits, stationary and rotating, can be used to accomplish complex chemistry and physics affects.

Abstract: A stone impact simulator is provided. That stone impact simulator includes a projectile propulsion section to propel a projectile toward a test sample and a projectile capture section to capture the projectile after the projectile ricochets off of the test sample. The projectile capture section includes a rebound block, a spent projectile storage compartment and a projectile energy dissipation element between the rebound block and the spent projectile storage compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for firing projectiles including a feeding mechanism adapted to feed projectiles into rotating arms rotating around an axis within a guide wall. The wall includes an opening through which the projectile are expelled due to the rotation of the arms. Strikers attached to each arm are so positioned so that they strike the projectile that has been expelled through the guide accelerating the projectile.

Abstract: The automated ball-throwing device includes a housing defining a first distal end with a ball-dropping bowl. The ball-dropping bowl is adapted to receive a ball therein. The ball-dropping bowl includes an inclined surface that extends downwardly to an interior of the housing. The interior of the housing includes a first set of guide rails that extend in parallel relationship with a portion of the inclined surface. A second set of guide rails and a conveyor belt are located inside of the housing. The second set of guide rails and the conveyor belt align adjacent to a third distal end of the inclined surface. A ball is able to roll down the inclined surface, and onto the conveyor belt. The first set of guide rails and the second set of guide rails aid the ball through the interior of the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pitching machine comprising a ball path having ball entry point and a ball exit point; a pitching arm rotatably attached to the frame comprising a first end and a second end having an arcuate hand wherein the pitching arm rotates the pitching hand; and an elastic strap connected to a first end of the pitching arm and connected to the frame wherein the elastic strap activates the pitching and wherein the pitching arm is manually rotated to a first position defined by a stop such that a ball inserted at the entry point to the ball path will interact with the pitching arm and wherein the elastic strap biases the pitching arm from the first position to the second position propelling the ball along the ball path toward the ball exit.

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: The present invention relates to a pitching machine. According to the present invention, an upper wheel (13) and a lower wheel (14) are disposed such that motors (11) and (12) are each disposed on a central shaft on one surface and a ball is pitched using the rotation driven by the motor. A ball supply container (15) and a ball supply device (16) are disposed on one side of the upper wheel (13) and lower wheel (14) so as to supply the ball to the upper and lower wheels. A stepper motor (18) is connected to the central shaft of the upper wheel (13) and lower wheel (14) so as to adjust the directional angle of the upper and lower wheels according to the angular direction of the ball. A body rod (20) supporting one side of the upper and lower wheels, the stepper motor (18), and the ball supply container (15) are connected to a triangular supporting leg (21) at the lower portion so as to support the body rod (20).

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: The present invention relates to a device for delivering targets (2) comprising at least one column (4) for storing targets (2) capable of receiving a first target (11) at the lowest point of the column (4) and at least a second target (12) stacked on the first target (11), means for delivering the first target (11), and retention means for retaining the second target (12) in the column (4), characterized in that the retention means for retaining comprise a ramp (21) configured to exert a bearing force on the lower face of the second target (12) during the delivery of the first target (11). This invention also relates to a machine for launching targets (2) equipped with a device and a method for distributing the targets (2).

Abstract: A projectile shooter toy has a body with a sidewall forming a space for holding a projectile in a loaded state and a pathway leading away from the space and along which the projectile moves in a forward direction. An actuator is arranged to engage the projectile to move the projectile forward along the pathway. At least two pinching members are spaced forwardly along the pathway from the actuator. The pinching members are separate from, and movable relative to, the actuator and the sidewall, and are configured to exert a force on the projectile as the projectile passes between the at least two pinching members.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable clay target launching apparatus for use with a clay pigeon launcher includes a framework. A tilt adjustment assembly is coupled to the framework, and includes a shaft and a tilt assembly input member operatively coupled to the shaft such that the shaft is rotated by operation of the tilt assembly input member. A base member is configured to secure the clay pigeon launching device, the base member being operatively coupled to the shaft and configured to tilt side to side when the shaft is rotated by operation of the tilt assembly input member. A rotational adjustment assembly operatively couples the base member to the tilt adjustment assembly, the rotational adjustment assembly being movable between a released configuration at which the base member is selectively rotatable about a sprocket and a locked configuration at which the base member is not rotatable.

Abstract: A machine for launching disk-shaped targets has two faces located on each side of an edge. The machine includes means for loading a target into a launch area, an arm for launching the target placed in the launch area and a surface guiding the target by means of contact with at least one of the aforementioned faces thereof. The guiding surface has at least one portion wherein the areas that come into contact with the face of the target are not continuous. The machine is particularly suitable for shooting practice, such as archery.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, articles, methods, and tires for throwing machines are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Gyration induced acceleration of a mass is modified by inserting changes in the pathway of a mass under the influence of gyration force resulting in an acceleration to re-phase after the phase disruption.

Abstract: A system is provided having a launch mechanism with an energy generation capability and a capability to launch toy entities such as surface based entities and flying entities. The launch mechanism may include multiple orientations and configurations to facilitate launch sequences for the toy entities. The energy generation capability may include a handle, a trigger and a rack extending from the trigger capable of charging a gear box. The launch mechanism may also include a capability to transfer energy from the gear box to the toy entity. The system may also be used with game play to launch the flying entities and then utilize an upper portion of the launch mechanism to catch the flying entities.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A rotary wheel for a ball pitching machine includes a wheel body and a resilient member engaged on an outer periphery of the wheel body. A shaft hole is provided in the wheel body for receiving a shaft of a motor of the ball pitching machine. The wheel body includes a spring portion arranged between the shaft hole and the outer periphery of the wheel body in a radial direction and including first and second bending portions both of which protrude from two sides of the wheel body respectively. When the rotary wheel is driven to turn by the motor, a frictional force of contact of the resilient member with a ball makes the ball shot outwardly, and the rotary wheel is not broken or damaged due to the spring portion compressed in the radial direction to absorb the impact energy.

Abstract: A clay target trap machine including a clay target throwing machine (1) and associated target hopper or magazine (2) mounted on a base, the base being mounted on a carriage (8) movable automatically on rails (12) and able to throw clay targets from more than one position and at a number of different firing angles and heights.

Abstract: The present invention is a swing arm pitching machine for throwing a ball in a trajectory comprising a horizontal adjustment system for selectively varying the trajectory of a ball horizontally, a height adjustment system for selectively varying the trajectory of the ball vertically, a speed adjustment system for selectively varying the speed of the ball, and a control panel in communication with the horizontal adjustment system, the height adjustment system, and the speed adjustment system for automatically adjusting the trajectory as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a target launching machine (1) having a circular section portion, said machine comprising a launching arm (2) able to rotate about an axis of rotation (3) and a bearing surface (4) of the circular portion section, characterized in that the bearing surface (4) has an 10 offset portion configured so that the distance between the trajectory of the launching arm (2) and the offset portion increases in the direction of rotation of the launching arm (2).

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 batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.

Abstract: A target launching device comprising a surface supporting a target to be launched and a rotary launch arm capable of applying a launch force on the target, characterized in that the supporting surface has a concave longitudinal profile located in a plane parallel to the rotation plane of the launch arm. The invention is particularly suitable for launching archery targets.

Abstract: Gyration induced acceleration of a mass is modified by inserting changes in the pathway of a mass under the influence of gyration force resulting in an acceleration to re-phase after the phase disruption.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a chute of a ball pitching machine includes a ball feeder tube having a first end for receiving a first ball. A retaining member is fixed relative to the ball feeder tube and extends transversely to the ball feeder tube into the bore for selectively retaining the first ball in the bore. The retaining member is resiliently deformable toward the ball feeder tube for allowing the first ball to move past the retaining member toward the chute upon application of a predetermined force on the first ball. The ball feeder tube defines a bore having a diameter. The retaining member is spaced along the bore a first distance from the first end. The first distance is shorter than the diameter of the bore so that insertion of a second ball into the first end with the predetermined force displaces the first ball toward the chute.

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 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: A shuttlecock launching apparatus which comprises a storage for shuttlecocks, first and second launching wheels, a transfer assembly for transferring a single shuttlecock from the storage to the launching wheels, the transfer assembly being controlled by a cam wheel and cam follower which causes and guides the horizontal movement of the transfer assembly.

Abstract: A launching device for a clay target including a throwing arm supported to be rotatable continuously about an axis, and including means to load a clay target substantially at said axis, wherein the throwing arm includes an escapement mechanism operable between a first position in which a clay target is prevented from being launched from the throwing arm and a second position in which a clay target is permitted to be launched from the throwing arm. Loading means may be provided including a resilient loading receptacle located substantially at the axis to provide cushioning to a clay target as it is loaded. Further, the throwing arm may include a base portion for bearing a clay target and a top cover spaced from the base portion and adapted to disrupt the airflow over the clay target.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A pitching machine configured for adjustment by a user, and including a pitching head, a first macro-adjustment device and a first micro-adjustment device. The pitching head is situated atop a stand. The pitching head includes a first wheel spaced apart from an opposing surface and a first motor for driving the first wheel. The first macro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head and includes a first locking assembly that, when loosened, allows manual rotation of the pitching head about a first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head, and includes a first adjusting element that, when repositioned, incrementally rotates the pitching head about the first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device configured for operation by a single hand of a user, and the first macro-adjustment device retaining the pitching head in a secure position during adjustment of the first micro-adjustment device.

Abstract: A pitching machine for pitching a ball to a batter positioned in a first batting location. The pitching machine including a frame, a drive assembly coupled to the frame, a pitching arm and a lead timing arm. The pitching arm is coupled to drive assembly and rotatable in a first direction about a first axis. The pitching arm includes a forward side configured to contact and project the ball during a portion of the rotation of the pitching arm about the first axis. The pitching arm is configured to project the ball at least a first ball release position with respect to the first axis. The lead timing arm includes a marker. The lead timing arm is coupled to the pitching arm such that the marker is visible to the batter positioned in the first batting location prior to the pitching arm reaching the first ball release position.

Abstract: A pitching machine including a frame, a ball feed trough coupled to the frame, a ball acquisition structure coupled to the frame, and a ball cup coupled to the frame. The trough is configured to retain at least three of the balls. The cup is positioned at the lower end of the trough and is adjacent the acquisition structure. The trough is sloped to allow for gravity feed of the balls to the cup. The cup has a curved wall defusing a ball opening sized for receiving and dispensing the one of the balls. The cup is rotatable about a ball cup axis such that, during use, the cup receives one of the balls when the ball opening of the cup rotates to meet the lowest ball in the trough and the curved wall inhibits more than one ball from entering the cup, and as the cup continues to rotate.

Abstract: A clay target trap machine including a clay target throwing machine (1) and associated target hopper or magazine (2) mounted on a base, the base being mounted on a carriage (8) movable automatically on rails (12) and able to throw clay targets from more than one position and at a number of different firing angles and heights.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a projectile expelling apparatus having at least one fixed channel for allowing projectiles to enter at a constant entry point and a rotational expelling housing rotationally connected to at least one fixed channel for projecting projectiles at various trajectories.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a mass, the apparatus having an arcuate track, a clamping member attached to a section of the arcuate track, an arm assembly pivotably connected to the clamping member, and a counterweight connected to the arm assembly. A projectile for use in a mass accelerator having an arcuate track, the projectile having a core and at least one of a low-friction layer, a propellant layer, and a polycarbonate layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve modification of a type of existing ball throwing machine to add the ability to quickly change the type of throw between one and another in a sequence of throws. One illustrated embodiment involves modification of existing components and adding some to the existing machine to add the performance feature. Another illustrated embodiment involves less modification the existing machine but obtaining the performance feature with pre-assemblies of components.