US3814283A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ball collecting and feeding device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-07-21
•
Granted: 1974-06-04
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Expires: 1992-07-21
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for feeding a ball throwing machine of a type having an elevated ball inlet comprising a rotating plate disposed below ground surface for guiding balls collected therein one-by-one to a vertical upright and a piston reciprocally received in the upright for lifting a column of said balls to said ball inlet.
Inventors
- 👤 B Cioth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 06:42
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B47/00; A63B47/02; A63B47/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
An apparatus for collecting and lifting balls to the inlet of a ball-throwing machine comprising in combination a framework, a top surface over said framework having an aperture formed therein, a sidewall depending downwardly from said aperture a plate rotatably disposed below said sidewall and forming a ball-receiving depression therewith, an elongated hollow upright of a diameter only slightly larger than that of said balls and having an opening therethrough intermediate its longitudinal ends, first means transferring balls from said plate to said upright through said opening, a piston within said upright and having an upper end, second means to reciprocate said piston in a stroke wherein said upper end in its lowermost position is below said opening a sufficient distance to permit a single ball to be received in said upright and in its uppermost position, lifts said single ball to a point above said opening, third means to hold the balls elevated above said opening by said piston.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
160 words
An apparatus for collecting and lifting balls to the inlet of a ball-throwing machine comprising in combination a framework, a top surface over said framework having an aperture formed therein, a sidewall depending downwardly from said aperture a plate rotatably disposed below said sidewall and forming a ball-receiving depression therewith, an elongated hollow upright of a diameter only slightly larger than that of said balls and having an opening therethrough intermediate its longitudinal ends, first means transferring balls from said plate to said upright through said opening, a piston within said upright and having an upper end, second means to reciprocate said piston in a stroke wherein said upper end in its lowermost position is below said opening a sufficient distance to permit a single ball to be received in said upright and in its uppermost position, lifts said single ball to a point above said opening, third means to hold the balls elevated above said opening by said piston.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first means includes a channel member communicating with said opening and vanes on said plate for directing balls toward said opening when said plate is rotated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the upper surface of said plate tapers downwardly adjacent its periphery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a spring urged roller is mounted above said opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first means includes a channel having one end communicating with said opening, a roller across said opening and spring means connected to said roller.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein said piston has a roller across the upper end thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 6 wherein said third means is a one-way latch mechanism.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-03 | 1977-12-03 | 1978-06-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-03 | 1981-12-03 | 1982-06-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-03 | 1985-12-03 | 1986-06-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |