Abstract An improved compressed fluid ball projecting apparatus having an improved ball feeding device and ball control ejection barrel extensions. The barrel extensions come in several forms to provide for high and low velocity baseball ejection, and for the throwing, of tennis balls. Included in each of several given forms of the barrel extension structures is a slot extending through the wall of the extension structure. A strip of friction material extends inwardly through this slot. This strip of material is resiliently mounted so as to be outwardly depressable through the slot in response to engagement by a ball passing through the barrel and barrel extension of the ball projecting apparatus. Adjusting screws provide for adjustment of the position of the friction strip relative to the wall of the extension for desired penetration of the strip into the interior thereof. Diametrically opposite the strip is a slippery surface so that a ball passing through the barrel extension is subjected to the friction strip on one side and the slippery surface on the other and is caused to spin thereby.
A ball throwing machine comprising: a stand; a ball ejection barrel supported by said stand; means for ejecting a ball out of said barrel; a barrel extension adapted for mounting on the end of said barrel; said extension having a slot extending through the wall thereof; said extension further having a strip of friction material extending inwardly through said slot; means for resiliently mounting said strip in said slot so that said strip is outwardly depressable through said slot in response to engagement by a ball passing through said barrel and said barrel extension; means for adjusting the position of said strip relative to said wall for desired penetration of said strip into the interior of said extension; said barrel extension having a slippery inner surface diametrically opposite said strip whereby a ball passing through said extension is subjected to said outwardly depressable strip and said slippery inner surface and be caused to spin thereby.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A ball throwing machine comprising: a stand; a ball ejection barrel supported by said stand; means for ejecting a ball out of said barrel; a barrel extension adapted for mounting on the end of said barrel; said extension having a slot extending through the wall thereof; said extension further having a strip of friction material extending inwardly through said slot; means for resiliently mounting said strip in said slot so that said strip is outwardly depressable through said slot in response to engagement by a ball passing through said barrel and said barrel extension; means for adjusting the position of said strip relative to said wall for desired penetration of said strip into the interior of said extension; said barrel extension having a slippery inner surface diametrically opposite said strip whereby a ball passing through said extension is subjected to said outwardly depressable strip and said slippery inner surface and be caused to spin thereby.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A ball throwing machine as in claim 1 wherein said slippery inner surface is a Teflon material affixed to the inner surface of the barrel of said extension.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A ball throwing machine as in claim 1 wherein said slippery inner surface is a plurality of rollers having edges thereof protruding into said extension.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A ball throwing machine as in claim 1 wherein Said strip of friction material comprises inwardly directed bristles against which a ball will brush as the ball passes therethrough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A ball throwing machine as in claim 4 wherein said barrel extension has an inner sleeve insertable into said ball ejection barrel for the ejection of balls smaller in diameter than the diameter of said barrel.