Abstract:
In one embodiment, a deglosser includes a deglossing agent reservoir and a horizontal base plate having an applicator case with an applicator such as a chamois. The chamois receives a deglossing agent and applies the agent to an object such as a baseball. Sponges or other similar devices may be used in addition to, or in replacement of, a chamois. The object is received between a plurality of manipulators. The manipulators can be movable wheels which are used for spinning the object in different axes for a predetermined amount of time. The agent can be applied directly to the object or to the applicator which then applies it to the object. As the object is manipulated, the agent is distributed across the object In this manner, the object is deglossed and covered completely with a uniform amount of agent for consistent color and moisture.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/066,848, entitled “Baseball Deglosser Machine For Mudding a Baseball” and filed on Feb. 22, 2008, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to deglosser equipment, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a deglosser device that can be used in the baseball industry to apply a uniform amount of mud to a baseball. Application of various embodiments of the device to address other deglossing needs is contemplated. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]    The game of baseball has been played—with some variation—for over two centuries. During that time, many changes, innovations, and improvements to the game have been implemented. One such change occurred in 1920 after a Cleveland Indians player was hit in the head and killed by a pitch. Although tragic, this accident is not surprising considering he could not see the ball. At that time, there were no standards in place that would ensure a consistent color of a baseball. During a game it was considered part of a pitcher&#39;s job to scuff and “dirty up” the baseball, often using mud and chewing tobacco. This practice, combined with the fact that very few baseballs would be used in an entire game, resulted in very dark baseballs. Since the ball did not reflect much light, the eye had a much harder time tracking the ball causing it to appear to move erratically on the way to the plate. Historians presume that the baseball that killed the Cleveland player was extremely dark and almost impossible for him to see, which would explain his unenthusiastic effort to get out of the way. 
         [0004]    As one would expect, this incident initiated several rule changes regarding the consistency and look of the baseball. The first of these changes was a rule stating that the baseball must be changed out regularly, whenever the ball was scuffed, or hit out of play. This rule eliminated the dark baseball that killed Ray Chapman, but also created its own problems. 
         [0005]    Pitchers began complaining that the frequent switching out of baseballs introduced very glossy balls into play. In 1938, Lena Blackburne, an entrepreneur and third base coach of the Philadelphia Athletics, listened to the complaints of his pitchers. He devised a special mud that came from the Delaware River. It was treated with special ingredients to ensure consistent smooth texture to the mud. This mud was rubbed on all of the baseballs before the game and deglossed them to the new standards of Major League Baseball. Soon after Lena Blackburne&#39;s “magic mud” was made public, Major League Baseball added rule 3.01(c). This rule states that, “The umpire shall inspect the baseballs and ensure they are regulation baseballs and that they are properly rubbed so that the gloss is removed.” 
         [0006]    This rule is still in effect today. Before every game, a clubhouse assistant, usually the batboy, will be in charge of mudding 60-80 baseballs. Although the gloss is still being removed, just as it was 80 years ago, it has been discovered that this rubbing process creates numerous inconsistencies. These inconsistencies include, but are not limited to, weight variation, moisture variation, texture variation, and color variation between baseballs. Although each of these inconsistencies can influence the outcome of a baseball game, color variation is the most prevalent. This color variation is a result of the applicator&#39;s inability to apply the same amount of mud to every baseball. One person may degloss the baseball with very little mud. The next baseball may be deglossed with a lot of mud. This is what causes the color variation. The first ball absorbed very little mud; therefore its coloring is very close to white. The second ball absorbed more mud than the first; so it is dark brown in color. When comparing these two baseballs, they are clearly quite different from each other. But, which one is legal for game use? The answer is both of them. Baseball rule 3.01(c) doesn&#39;t specify how much mud to use when deglossing baseballs, nor does it state what color a rubbed baseball should be. All that it states is that the ball must be “properly rubbed so that the gloss is removed.” Since both of these baseballs are legal, there is no reason they wouldn&#39;t be used in the same game. 
         [0007]    Although these variably colored baseballs are legal, the strategic use of a light-colored ball in some instances and a dark-colored ball in others can make an impact on the outcome of the baseball game. One must realize that a professional pitcher can easily throw the ball over 90 mph. At this speed, even the smallest things can affect the outcome of an “at bat.” One of the small things that affect an “at bat” is the batter&#39;s ability to see a light colored ball much easier than he can see a dark colored ball. A batboy smart enough and willing to exploit this inconsistency by bringing out baseballs to benefit his players can create competitive advantage for the home team. 
         [0008]    While the baseball world recognizes that the manual mudding process creates various problems capable of affecting the outcome of games, no one has yet found a practical solution to standardize this process. Furthermore, it is contemplated that other deglossing needs exist, such as in the games of softball, volleyball, etc. Other more industrial deglossing needs are also contemplated. The subject invention addresses these needs. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]    Embodiments of the present invention described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by application of a device that ensures uniform mudding of baseballs and deglossing of other objects. Various embodiments are described and recited herein. Although materials and methods similar or. equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the invention, suitable materials and methods are described below. Furthermore, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, a deglosser machine includes a horizontal base plate having a moveable, dome-shaped case with an applicator such as a chamois mounted therein. The chamois is used for receiving a liquid-mud mixture or deglossing agent and applying the agent to a baseball. Sponges or other mud-receiving and applying devices may be used in addition to, or in replacement of, a chamois in other embodiments. The baseball is received between a number of movable wheels. The wheels are used for spinning the ball in different axes for a predetermined amount of time. In this manner, the ball is deglossed and covered completely with a uniform amount of mud for consistent color and moisture. 
         [0011]    The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art. Compared to manual application of deglossing mud, the deglosser machine significantly reduces variability in the coloring and moisture-content of mudded baseballs. Furthermore, by automating the deglossing process, significant time-savings are garnered as well. 
         [0012]    These and other objects of the present invention win become apparent to those familiar with the mudding of baseballs and other deglossing needs when reviewing the following detailed description, showing novel construction, combination, and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by the claims; it being understood that changes in the embodiments to the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included as coming within the scope of the claims, except insofar as they may be precluded by the prior art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0013]    The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a deglosser machine, showing both the top and side. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a deglosser machine. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a deglosser machine, highlighting the components below the base plate. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates exemplary operations for performing a deglossing of an object. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]    A deglosser machine is described. In one embodiment, the deglosser machine is configured to degloss baseballs. Other embodiments wherein the machine is configured to degloss other objects are contemplated. For example, the deglosser can apply a deglossing agent to softballs, a cleaning agent to volleyballs, or a grip-enhancing agent to footballs (or other combinations of agents and objects). In another embodiment, the deglosser has: a reservoir that holds the deglossing agent (or any other agent), a means of automatically applying the agent to an object, a means of automatically manipulating the object and/or the agent to ensure uniform application of the agent to the object, and a means of controlling the operation(s) of the deglosser. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view, showing both the top and side, of an exemplary embodiment of a deglosser machine  100 . The primary components displayed in  FIG. 1  include the base plate  104 ; the controls  106 ; the agent reservoir  108 ; the input hopper  110 ; the manipulators  120 ,  130 , and  140 ; the applicator subassembly  150 ,  154 , and  156 ; and the output hopper  160 . As described throughout, a deglosser  100  acts upon one or more objects. The objects are not shown in any of the Figures as said objects can vary in size, shape, etc. However, for illustrative purposes only, a round ball such as a baseball can be pictured as the object in question throughout the following descriptions. 
         [0020]    The base plate  104  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is circular in shape. In other embodiments, the base plate  104  can be square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape. The base plate  104  holds, or attaches to, many of the other primary components. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the input hopper  110  is illustrated as resting upon the base plate  104 . The input hopper  110  is used as a receptacle to hold one or more objects that are waiting to be input into the deglosser  100 . 
         [0021]    The input hopper  110  has an output port  112  that allows objects to move from the input hopper  110  to the input chute  114 . A flow control (not shown in  FIG. 1 , see  FIG. 2  flow control  211 ) operates to ensure that objects flow smoothly from the input hopper  110  through the deglosser  100  at the appropriate time. The input chute  114  guides an object from the input hopper  110  into the deglossing position (not labeled in  FIG. 1 , see  FIG. 2  deglossing position  270 ). 
         [0022]    The deglossing position is generally centered between the manipulators  120 ,  130  and  140 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the manipulators  120 ,  130  and  140  consist of three wheels positioned on the top surface of the base plate  104  in a plane at 120 degrees, 240 degrees and 360 degrees in a circle around the deglossing position. In other embodiments, differing numbers, locations and types of manipulators  120 ,  130  and  140  are contemplated. The manipulators  120 ,  130  and  140  work to reposition the object during the deglossing operation so that the agent (not shown in  FIG. 1 , see  FIG. 3  agent  399 ) is relatively uniformly applied to the object. In another embodiment, the object remains relatively static and the agent is applied from multiple angles/locations onto the object in order to ensure relative uniformity in application of the agent to the object. 
         [0023]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , after the object comes to rest in the deglossing position  270 , the applicator subassembly  150 ,  154  and  156  is lowered to at least partially encase the object from above. In one embodiment, the applicator subassembly  150 ,  154  and  156  is made up of a movable, dome-shaped case  156  attached to one end of an applicator arm  154 . The other end of the applicator arm  154  is attached to the applicator actuator  150 . The applicator actuator  150  controls the movement of the applicator arm  154  and case  156 . In another embodiment, the case  156  is interchangeable and shaped to conform to whatever type of object is to be deglossed. 
         [0024]    Once the applicator case  156  is positioned in proximity to the object, a first manipulator  120  contacts the object. The first manipulator  120  is supported by the first support  122  on one side of the manipulator  120  and by the first motor  124  on the other side. The first motor  124  activates and the first manipulator  120  begins to spin. The spinning of the first manipulator  120  causes the object to rotate on a first horizontal axis. As the object spins, the agent  399  is applied. In one embodiment, the agent  399  is applied to the case  156  and then the case  156  reapplies the agent  399  to the object. In another embodiment, the agent  399  is applied directly to the object and the case  156  acts to assist in the relatively uniform application of the agent  399  to the surface of the object. In this embodiment, the agent  399  can be applied via the hole in the base plate  104  that is located at the deglossing position  270  (also referred to as the deglossing position hole  270 ) and allows access to the agent reservoir  108 . 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, the agent  399  is pumped through the applicator arm  154  and into the case  156  where it is then applied to the object. In any embodiment, the case  156  can contain an applicator such as a chamois, sponge, or other similar article or material to assist in the relatively uniform distribution of the agent  399  to the object. Such materials work to absorb a portion of any excess agent  399  that is applied to the object and redistribute it to areas of the object to which not enough agent  399  has been applied. 
         [0026]    After the first manipulator  120  finishes spinning (as determined by the controls  106 )—a spin-time of approximately ten seconds is often sufficient—then the second motor (not shown in  FIG. 1 , see  FIG. 2  second motor  234 ) begins to spin. The second manipulator  130  is supported by the second support  132  on one side of the second manipulator  130  and by the second motor  234  on the other side. The spinning of the second motor  234  activates the second manipulator  130  and it begins to spin. The spinning of the second manipulator  130  causes the object to rotate on a second horizontal axis. As the object spins, the agent  399  is applied. The various application methods described above in reference to the first manipulator  120  are applicable to the second manipulator  130  as well. 
         [0027]    After the second manipulator  130  finishes spinning (as determined by the controls  106 )—a spin-time of approximately ten seconds is often sufficient—then the third motor (not shown in  FIG. 1 , see  FIG. 2  third motor  244 ) begins to spin. The third manipulator  140  is supported by the third support  142  on one side of the third manipulator  140  and by the third motor  244  on the other side. The spinning of the third motor  244  activates the third manipulator  140  and it begins to spin. The spinning of the third manipulator  140  causes the object to rotate on a third horizontal axis. As the object spins, the agent  399  is applied. The various application methods described above in reference to the first manipulator  120  are applicable to the third manipulator  140  as well. 
         [0028]    In an alternate embodiment, only a first motor  124  is used. It is connected to all the manipulators  120 ,  130  and  140  and can spin them each independently. In yet other embodiments, a plurality of motors are used. 
         [0029]    Once all the manipulators  120 ,  130  and  140  are finished with their tasks, the applicator actuator  150  operates to move the case  156  and release the object. The object output subassembly  160 ,  261 ,  262 ,  164 ,  166  and  168  is then activated. The first to act is the output actuator  168 . The output actuator  168  repositions the output chute  164  causing the output fingers (not labeled in  FIG. 1 , see  FIG. 2  first output finger  261  and second output finger  262 ) to engage the object and lift it above the plane of the base plate  104 . The object then travels down the output chute  164  and is deposited into the output hopper  160 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the output actuator  168  pulls down on one end of the output chute  164  (the end closest to the output hopper  160 ) and since the output chute  164  is resting on a fulcrum  166 , the end of the output chute  164  containing the output fingers  261  and  262  is pushed up. This action lifts the object and directs it into the output hopper  160 . In other embodiments, other types of output actuators  168  are contemplated as are other means of automatically moving the object from the deglossing position hole  270  to the output hopper  160 . 
         [0030]    The deglosser  100  shown in  FIG. 1  can be configured to automatically operate on a number of objects placed in the input hopper  110 . However, in an alternate embodiment, the deglosser  100  can lack the input hopper  110 , the output port  112  and the input chute  114  and the object would simply be placed in the deglossing position  270  manually by the user. In another embodiment, the deglosser  100  can lack the output hopper  160 , the output chute  164 , the output actuator  168 , the fulcrum  166 , and the output fingers  261  and  262  and the object would simply be removed from the deglossing position  270  manually by the user once the operation is complete. In yet other embodiments, a plurality of the components listed above are lacking and a user simply handles manually whatever tasks those components which are lacking would normally complete. 
         [0031]    The controls  106  can be anything from a simple on/off switch, to complex timing algorithms that automate the deglossing of various types and numbers of objects. Furthermore, the controls can communicate the status of the deglosser  100  to the user via LED(s), LCD(s), other displays, etc. In yet other embodiments, the controls  106  can be fully interactive allowing the user to set, supervise and modify-on-the-fly any setting or combination of settings for the deglosser  100 . 
         [0032]    The agent reservoir  108  holds the agent (not shown in  FIG. 1 , see  FIG. 3  agent  399 ). The agent  399  can be deglossing agent for baseballs, e.g., mud. In other embodiments, the agent  399  can be a cleaning agent, a grip-enhancing agent, a whitening agent, etc. In yet other embodiments, combinations of agents can be used. The functions within the agent reservoir  108  are described in more detail in reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a deglosser machine  200 . The deglosser  200  embodied in  FIG. 2  functions similarly to those embodiments described in the detailed description of  FIG. 1 . Nothing in the following description of  FIG. 2  should be construed as limiting the deglosser  200  to less than that described in the detailed description of  FIG. 1 . As one example, a user can operate the deglosser  200  in the following manner. First, a user adds a plurality of objects (in this case, baseballs) to the input hopper  210 . The user then operates the controls  106  to activate the deglosser  200 . The flow control  211  activates. In one embodiment, the flow control  211  is a star gear (similar to that commonly used to feed gumballs from a gumball machine) that allows only one baseball to feed into the input chute  214  at a time (the flow control  211  will not feed a second baseball into the input chute  214  until the first baseball has been placed in the output hopper  260 ). In another embodiment, the flow control  211  comprises a trap-door and finger system wherein as a first finger releases a first baseball into the input chute  214 , a second finger comes up behind the first baseball and restrains the other baseballs from exiting the input hopper  210 . Other means of implementing a flow control  211  that are known in the art may be utilized. 
         [0034]    Navigation of the first baseball down the input chute  214  can be assisted by gravity in one embodiment In another embodiment, a conveyor belt, cog system, or some other mechanical feeding means can be utilized. Once the first baseball has entered the deglossing position  270  it comes to rest. Then, the applicator actuator  250  acts upon the applicator arm  254 . The applicator arm  254  is connected to the applicator actuator  250  by the applicator pin  252  as well as the actuator connector (not shown). The applicator arm  254  pivots on the applicator pin  252  when the actuator connector moves the arm  254  up and down. In alternate embodiments, the actuator  250  uses other means to move the arm  254 . 
         [0035]    The applicator arm  254  drops down, causing the applicator case  256  to at least partially engage the baseball and hold it in the deglossing position  270 . The bottom of the baseball protrudes through the deglossing position hole  270  in the base plate  204  and into the agent reservoir  108 . Deglossing agent  399  is sprayed directly onto the bottom of the baseball. The first motor  224  begins to spin, causing the first manipulator  220  to spin. The first manipulator  220  is supported by the first support  222  on one side and the first motor  224  on the other. The spinning of the first manipulator  220  causes the first baseball to spin on its first horizontal axis. The spinning of the first baseball causes the bottom of the baseball to spin up and into contact with the applicator case  256 . The case  256  helps to evenly distribute the agent  399  that was applied to the bottom of the baseball. As the baseball continues to spin, more agent  399  is applied to whatever portion of the baseball is protruding through the deglossing position hole  270  into the agent reservoir  108 . 
         [0036]    Once the first manipulator  220  has finished the second manipulator  230  acts. Deglossing agent  399  continues to be applied directly to the bottom of the baseball. The second motor  234  begins to spin, causing the second manipulator  230  to spin. The second manipulator  230  is supported by the second support  232  on one side and the second motor  234  on the other. The spinning of the second manipulator  230  causes the first baseball to spin on its second horizontal axis. The spinning of the first baseball causes the bottom of the baseball to spin up and into contact with the applicator case  256 . The case  256  helps to evenly distribute the agent  399  that was applied to the bottom of the baseball. As the baseball continues to spin, more agent  399  is applied to whatever portion of the baseball is protruding through the deglossing position hole  270  into the agent reservoir  108 . 
         [0037]    Once the second manipulator  230  has finished the third manipulator  240  acts. Deglossing agent  399  continues to be applied directly to the bottom of the baseball The third motor  244  begins to spin, causing the third manipulator  240  to spin. The third manipulator  240  is supported by the third support  242  on one side and the third motor  244  on the other. The spinning of the third manipulator  240  causes the first baseball to spin on its third horizontal axis. The spinning of the first baseball causes the bottom of the baseball to spin up and into contact with the applicator case  256 . The case  256  helps to evenly distribute the agent  399  that was applied to the bottom of the baseball. As the baseball continues to spin, more agent  399  is applied to whatever portion of the baseball is protruding through the deglossing position hole  270  into the agent reservoir  108 . 
         [0038]    During the actions of each of the first, second and third manipulators  220 ,  230  and  240 , the agent  399  is relatively uniformly distributed onto the surface of the first baseball by contact with the case  256 . The case  256  may contain an applicator such as a chamois, sponge, or other similar material that can enhance the uniform distribution of the agent  399  onto the baseball. 
         [0039]    Once the third manipulator  240  has finished, the output actuator  168  acts upon the output chute  264 , pulling down the end of the output chute  264  nearest the output hopper  260 . Since the output chute  264  is resting on a fulcrum  266 , the end of the output chute  264  nearest the deglossing position  270  is raised up. This upwards motion causes the output fingers  261  and  262  to engage the first baseball and lift it up. Gravity then causes the baseball to move down the output chute  264  and into the output hopper  260 . Once the baseball has entered the output hopper  260 , the flow control  211  is activated and a second baseball is fed from the input hopper  210  onto the input chute  214  and the process is repeated until no more baseballs are detected in the input hopper  210 . 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, a weight sensor is attached to the input hopper  210  to sense whether any objects remain in the input hopper  210 . In another embodiment, a sensor on the flow control  211  determines whether any objects remain to be deglossed. In other embodiments, other means of sensing any remaining objects are utilized. In order for the input hopper  210  to gravity feed objects to the flow control  211 , the bottom of the input hopper  210  can be shaped in a modified downwards-pointing cone directing objects onto the flow control  211 . In yet another embodiment, automated means of directing objects onto the flow control  211  are used. 
         [0041]    It should be noted that enhancements to the above functionality are contemplated. For example, an overflow-sensor can be attached to the output hopper  260  to shut down the deglosser  200  before an overflow situation occurs in the output hopper  260 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a deglosser machine  300 , highlighting components below the base plate  304 . The additional components shown in  FIG. 3  include controls  306 , agent reservoir  308 , agent  399 , support legs  307  and  309 , floor plate  305 , mixer motor  380 , mixer blades  381  and  382 , horizontal axle  386 , a plurality of spokes  387 , a plurality of scoops  388 , and a safety cover  301 . 
         [0043]    The controls  306 , agent reservoir  308 , and agent  399  are described in more detail above. The agent reservoir  308  contains the agent  399 . The controls  306  operate as described above and also can control all the functions described hereunder. The floor plate  305  provides a firm foundation for the deglosser  300 . In other embodiments, a floor plate  305  may not be used or may be shaped differently from that illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The support legs  307  and  309  connect the reservoir  308  to the floor plate  305  and provide room for the mixer motor  380  to extend downwards from the reservoir body  308 . The mixer motor  380  turns the mixer blades  381  and  382  which then rotate inside the reservoir  308  and thereby mix the agent  399 , providing a consistent, well mixed mud (or other agent  399 ). The mixer blades  381  and  382  can be curved, shaped, or otherwise modified to more efficiently mix the agent  399 . Additionally, the use of more or fewer blades is contemplated. Seals and bearings can be used to keep the agent  399  from leaking out the bottom of the agent reservoir  308  and into the mixer motor  380 . Other means known in the art can also be utilized. 
         [0044]    The horizontal axle  386  is rotated either by its own motor (not shown) or through connection to one of the other motors previously described. Gearing/transmissions and clutches may be used to disengage a multi-use motor from one use and apply it to another use. Multi-use motor systems may drive multiple actions concurrently. A plurality of spokes  387  are attached to the axle  386 . Attached to each of the plurality of spokes  387  are one or more scoops  388 . Rotation of the axle  386  causes the spokes  387  to rotate about the axle  386 , thereby driving the plurality of scoops  388  down into the agent  399 . As the scoops  388  come up out of the agent  399 , they scoop up a portion of the agent  399 . As the scoops  388  continue to rotate around the axle  386 , they eject the agent  399  towards the deglossing position hole  270 , thereby covering the bottom of whatever object is placed in the deglossing position  270 . In another embodiment, a pump and nozzle system could be used in place of the axle  386 , spokes  387  and scoops  388  in order to draw the agent  399  out of the reservoir  308  and apply it to the object. In yet another embodiment, the agent  399  could be transported to the case  256  and applied to the top of the object. 
         [0045]    Finally, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a safety cover  301  can be utilized to cover all the moving parts on the base plate  304  and minimize the chance of any agent  399  being thrown off the object and into the surroundings of the deglosser  300 . 
         [0046]    The materials of which the deglosser  300  is constructed can be any appropriate materials known in the art including, but not limited to: plastics, rubbers, metals and alloys, fiberglass, ceramics, etc. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates exemplary operations for performing a deglossing of an object. The Insert Object To Be Deglossed Into Deglosser Machine operation  491  is relatively straightforward when an input hopper  210  is used. The user simply places one or more objects into the input hopper  210 . When an input hopper  210  is not employed, the user must place the object(s) manually on the flow control  211 , the input chute  214  or directly on the deglossing position hole  270  (depending which components are employed). 
         [0048]    The Initiate Deglosser Machine operation  492  involves the user causing the deglosser  200  to become active. This can be as simply as turning on the deglosser  200 , or can involve operating multiple settings/switches/etc. in the controls  306 . 
         [0049]    The Apply Deglossing Agent To Object operation  493  involves the deglosser  200  applying an agent  399  to an object. As discussed in detail above, application of an agent  399  to an object can be accomplished in many ways. Regardless of the means utilized (see above), the deglosser  200  handles this step automatically. 
         [0050]    The Ensure Agent Uniformly Applied To Object operation  494  involves at least the application of the case  256  to the object in order to uniformly distribute the agent  399  on the object. In addition, the deglosser  200  can use sensors (such as a digital camera, a spectrophotomic curved surface analyzer, etc.) to examine the deglossed object and ensure it meets a certain set of minimum characteristics before moving the object to the output chute  264 . In another embodiment, the deglosser  200  can automatically redirect objects that received a sub-standard deglossing to a rejects hopper or attempt to degloss such objects again. 
         [0051]    The Remove Deglossed Object operation  495  is relatively straightforward when an output hopper  260  is used The user simply waits for the deglosser  200  to automatically move deglossed objects into the output hopper  260 . When an output hopper  260  is not employed, the user must manually remove the object(s) from the output chute  264  or directly from the deglossing position hole  270  (depending on which output components are employed). 
         [0052]    The descriptions above illustrate exemplary components that can make up an exemplary deglosser machine. The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims, including those hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structural features of the different embodiments may be combined in yet another embodiment without departing from the recited claims. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. 
         [0053]    A set of embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented as a method (see  FIG. 4 ). The operations making up the embodiments of the invention described herein can be referred to variously as operations, steps, objects, or modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that operations may be performed in any order, unless explicitly claimed otherwise or a specific order is inherently necessitated by the claim language.