Tommy L Smith

Title: Innovations by Tommy L Smith

Introduction

Tommy L Smith is an accomplished inventor based in Aurora, Oregon. He holds three patents that showcase his innovative contributions to the field of sports equipment, particularly in baseball.

Latest Patents

One of his notable inventions is a baseball designed for continuous use in pitching machines. This baseball is made from a molded, resilient polyurethane foam sphere with a type A-2 shore durometer hardness of less than eighty to eighty-five. The smooth polyurethane surface is adorned with a regular pattern of cup-like or hemispherical depressions, which enhance the ball's durability and performance. The design allows the ball to travel greater distances and improves pitching accuracy, making it comparable to conventional baseballs. Additionally, the ball's resilience simplifies the manufacturing process, allowing for easy removal from molds.

Another significant patent is the baseball batting range retrieval system. This system features multiple pitching machines that propel baseballs toward batting stations. It includes a sloping floor and a sump for collecting batted baseballs, along with a conveyor that transports the balls to a distribution hopper. Gravity tube magazines, fed from the hopper, hold baseballs that are metered to the pitching machines. The system is designed for continuous movement of the baseballs, ensuring an efficient batting experience.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Tommy L Smith has worked with various companies, including Athletic Training Equipment Company, Inc. His innovative designs have made a significant impact on the sports equipment industry.

Collaborations

He has collaborated with notable individuals such as Edward G Dierickx and Walter B Schade, Jr. Their combined expertise has contributed to the development of advanced sports technologies.

Conclusion

Tommy L Smith's inventive spirit and dedication to improving sports equipment have led to significant advancements in baseball technology. His patents reflect a commitment to enhancing performance and user experience in the sport.