Other

Probatter Sports, LLC

Timothy O'Reilly

Michael T Suba

Gregory J Battersby

Michael DeVasto

The present invention consists of a conversion quick pitch system and method for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The quick pitch system and method includes a projection screen; a projector; a clutch motor unit and a first and a second cam switch; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The first cam switch is adapted to initiate display of the video image on the screen and the second cam switch is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position within the spring-actuated pitching machine and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in synchronization with the video image. A control unit is provided for storing the video image and displaying the video image onto the screen as well as for causing the clutch motor to hold the ball in a queued position and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in full synchronization with the video image displayed on the screen.

System and method for reducing time between pitches in a spring-actuated pitching machine

The present invention comprises a unique mounting frame for use in conjunction with a conversion kit for a conventional, combination baseball/softball pitching machine of the wheel type. Both machines are separately mounted on individual base plates that are pivotably mounted to the front of the frame. The plates are interconnected so as to move in an integral manner pivoting relative to the front of the frame. Movement is controlled by a linear actuator which permits them to be raised and lowered as a single unit by a single raise and lower mechanism.

Mounting frame for use with a kit for converting conventional pitching machine into a video pitching machine

The present invention consists of a conversion kit for converting a pitching machine of the type having at least one wheel into a video pitching machine. The kit includes: a projection screen; projector; ball injector; and control system. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The injector is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position immediately behind the pitching machine and inject the ball into the pitching machine to be propelled toward the batter in synchronization with the video image. The injector includes an electric solenoid for injecting the ball into the pitching machine. The control system is for storing the video image and displaying the video image onto the screen as well as for causing the injector to inject the ball into the pitching machine in full synchronization with the video image displayed on the screen.

Kit for converting conventional pitching machine into a video pitching machine

The present invention consists of a conversion kit for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The kit includes a projection screen; a projector; a clutch motor unit; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The clutch motor is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position within the spring-actuated pitching machine and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in synchronization with the video image. A control unit is provided for storing the video image and displaying the video image onto the screen as well as for causing the clutch motor to hold the ball in a queued position and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in full synchronization with the video image displayed on the screen.

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Oxford, CT, United States of America

Timothy O'Reilly