Patent · US Expired

Professional batting training machine

US6026798A · kind A · utility

31Cited by
8References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 23, 1998
Grant dateFeb 22, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 23, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA63B2220/807
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A baseball pitching machine is disclosed preferably employing a counterrotating wheel type baseball launch subsystem pitching a series of baseballs and a computer controlled system for selecting the type and percentage of pitches, pitcher and batter characteristics, strike zone areas and other parameters to provide a meaningful batting training session. The pitching machine includes a ball transport subsystem including a carousel for receiving and transporting baseballs in sequence to a position adjacent the counter rotating wheels. While being transported, each baseball stops at seam orienting stations where seam rotators rotate the baseball to provide a commanded seam orientation for the particular pitch selected. The baseball is oriented by the ball orienter for insertion in the launch subsystem. A computer allows the selection by the operator of a variety of pitches, random or selected order. The computer has memory capability for storing pitches corresponding to any pitcher's typical pitch pattern and the system includes video, audio and data recording to record each batting session. An alignment system is included utilizing a laser light source. A remote control is also provi…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.