Patent ID: 6159112
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: A63B,F41J

Abstract:
Apparatus for throwing an object relative to a person interacting with the object comprising:holding means for releasably holding the object;means for moving the holding means with the holding means releasing the object during its movement;a first sensing means for sensing the location of the person who responds to release of the object to perform an activity involving the object;control means responsive to the sensing means and to the object to effect release of the object for the object to be released in a desired direction relative to the person, said control means being responsive to said first sensing means to locate both the person interacting with the object when it is released, and any other person in the vicinity of said apparatus, said control means effecting release of said object only if said person interacting is in a location to interact with said object and no other person is in a path which the object will traverse when it is released; and,a second sensing means responsive to said object to provide a signal to said control means that said object is a proper object to release, said control means not releasing said object unless it receives an indication from said second sensing means that said object is acceptable to release, said holding means including a capacitor whose capacitance is effected by the object placed on the holding means, and said control means including a circuit responsive to the capacitance value when the object is placed on a throwing arm to provide an indication to said control means as to whether or not said object can be released.