Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for dropping a hockey puck (collectively the “system”). The system can facilitate or simulate hockey face-offs. Various embodiments of the system can be configured to provide convenience, portability, stability, and/or consistency for dropping a hockey puck to facilitate a hockey face-off. A frame can support a puck housing and a feed mechanism. The feed mechanism may be configured to feed the hockey puck from the puck housing to a feed chute. A release mechanism can receive the hockey puck from the feed chute. The release mechanism may be configured to release the hockey puck according to a predefined release rate. A power source can be carried by the frame and be configured to power the feed and the release of the hockey puck.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present methods and apparatuses relate in general to dropping a hockey puck. More specifically, the present methods and apparatuses relate to dropping a hockey puck to facilitate, simulate, or practice a hockey face-off. 
   A “face-off” is a significant part of the sport of hockey. In competition, a referee releases a hockey puck (also referred to as the “puck”) toward a playing surface between two opposing hockey players. Preferably, the puck is released such that it is relatively flat when it contacts the playing surface so that one player does not gain an advantage due to a peculiar bounce of an undesirably oriented puck. Once the puck is released, the players quickly vie for control of the puck. Accordingly, hockey players of all ages and skill levels earnestly seek to improve their face-off skills in order to “win” more face-offs. 
   A number of devices have been constructed to help hockey players practice face-offs without the need for an additional person to release the puck. However, these conventional devices do not provide robust convenience, portability, stability, or consistency. For example, some conventional devices must be connected to an external power source by a power cord. Such devices are not convenient for practicing at a typical ice rink where the nearest power source may be a significant distance away from a typical face-off position. Consequently, it is not uncommon for a lengthy power cord to be cumbersomely positioned across the playing surface. Further, at some practice locations, an external power source may not be readily available. 
   Other conventional devices are designed to be fixedly mounted to a support structure such as a wall. Such mounted devices have several shortcomings. For example, significant effort is often required to move a mounted device. Further, an owner of a typical ice rink facility, e.g., a governmental entity, may not allow a practice device to be mounted to the walls of the facility, even temporarily. Further still, a face-off next to a wall does not accurately simulate actual face-off situations that typically occur some distance from the wall of an ice rink. For example, if a device is mounted to a wall, the wall can obstruct the players&#39; face-off options. 
   Some conventional devices are not stable. For example, some devices provide bases that are not large or sturdy enough to remain stable during a face-off. When players scramble to control a released puck, such devices may be easily tipped over, thereby interfering with the face-off. Further, lack of stability can cause the pucks to be dropped in an inconsistent manner, which inconsistencies can cause undesirable results. For example, a puck may be released at a non-flat angle, thereby causing the angled puck to take a peculiar bounce off of the playing surface. The peculiar bounce may unfairly bias the face-off in favor of one player. 
   Other conventional hockey practice devices are not designed to simulate a face-off. For example, many conventional devices are designed to propel pucks in a horizontal or generally non-vertical direction. Such devices do not simulate face-off situations, but instead provide practice for receiving or contacting pucks that are moving laterally over a playing or practice surface. In short, conventional hockey face-off practice devices do not provide robust convenience, portability, stability, or consistency. 
   The existing art does not teach or even suggest a solution to the challenges identified above. There is no motivation in the art to solve the problems identified above. Furthermore, the approaches of the existing art affirmatively teach away from a comprehensive solution to such obstacles. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present methods and apparatuses relate in general to dropping a hockey puck. More specifically, the present methods and apparatuses relate to dropping a hockey puck to facilitate, simulate, or practice a hockey face-off. Various embodiments of the methods and apparatuses can be configured to provide convenience, portability, stability, and/or consistency for dropping a hockey puck to facilitate a hockey face-off. 
   In some embodiments, a frame can support a puck housing component (“puck housing”) and a feed mechanism. The feed mechanism may be configured to feed the hockey puck from the puck housing to a feed chute. A release mechanism can receive the hockey puck from the feed chute. The release mechanism may be configured to release the hockey puck according to a release rate. In some embodiments, the release rate is predefined by the operator of the device. A power source can be carried by the frame and be configured to power the feed and the release of the hockey puck. 
   In some embodiments, a hockey puck can be fed from a puck housing to a release mechanism. The hockey puck can be received and leveled at the release mechanism, including extending a stopper to receive the hockey puck. The hockey puck can be secured, including extending a gripper to secure the hockey puck. The stoppers can retract. The hockey puck may be released at a predetermined interval after the stoppers retract. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Certain embodiments of the present apparatuses and methods will now be described, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view diagram illustrating an example of a hockey face-off apparatus. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear-view diagram illustrating an example of a hockey face-off apparatus. 
       FIG. 3  is a side-view diagram illustrating an example of a hockey face-off apparatus. 
       FIG. 4  is a top-view diagram illustrating an example of a hockey face-off apparatus. 
       FIG. 5  is a side-view diagram illustrating an example of a release assembly for a hockey face-off apparatus with grippers in a generally open position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side-view diagram illustrating an example of a release assembly for a hockey face-off apparatus with the grippers in a generally closed position. 
       FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a control system and connected actuators. 
       FIG. 8  is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a control system and connected actuators, including a puck dropper. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a process for dropping a puck for facilitating a hockey face-off. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process for dropping a puck for facilitating a hockey face-off. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   I. INTRODUCTION OF ELEMENTS AND DEFINITIONS 
   The present methods and apparatuses relate in general to dropping a hockey puck. More specifically, the present methods and apparatuses relate to dropping a hockey puck to facilitate a hockey face-off. 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hockey face-off apparatus (the “apparatus”)  100 . The apparatus  100  can include a wide variety of different components and configurations. The apparatus  100  in  FIG. 1  includes: a frame  110 ; a feed mechanism  120  coupled to or otherwise in contact with said frame  110 , a puck housing component (“puck housing”)  130  coupled to or otherwise in contact with said frame  110 ; a feed chute  140  coupled to or otherwise in contact with said frame  110 ; and a release assembly  150  coupled to or otherwise in contact with said feed chute  140 . The apparatus  100  further includes: wheels  155  configured to support the frame  110 ; a compressor  160 , a power source  165 , and a control unit  170  supported by the frame  110 ; and a stow assembly  175  coupled to the frame  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the release assembly  150  can include a stopper  180 , a gripper  185 , and a puck dropper  190 . Each of these elements is discussed in more detail below. 
   A. FRAME 
   The frame  110  can be configured for positioning on a support surface. Preferably, the frame  110  may be positioned on a generally horizontal surface such as a playing surface comprising ice. The frame  110  can be configured to stand alone without tipping during operation. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the frame  110  may comprise beams arranged to help prevent the apparatus  100  from tipping. The beams should comprise a structurally strong material, such as aluminum, steel, and the like. 
   The frame  110  can be arranged in a wide variety of configurations by operators of the apparatus that are capable of supporting certain elements of the apparatus  100 . In other words, the apparatus  100  may be self-contained. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the frame  110  can support the feed mechanism  120 , the puck housing  130 , the feed chute  140 , the release assembly  150 , the air compressor  160  (also referred to as the “compressor  160 ”), the power source  165 , the control unit  170 , and the stow assembly  175 . In  FIG. 1 , the frame  110  comprises beams are arranged to form a generally three-dimensional shape capable of supporting elements of the apparatus  100 . A wide variety of different support structures can perform the functionality of the frame  110 . 
   By being configured to support the various components mentioned above, the frame  110  is portable. Accordingly, the apparatus  100  can be configured to be self-contained to enhance its portability. In addition, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the frame  110  may be supported by the wheels  155  or other components to further enhance its portability. 
   The frame  110  may form generally horizontal surfaces capable of supporting certain elements of the apparatus. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the frame  110  defines a generally horizontal area that is used to support the compressor  160  and the power source  165 . The frame  110  of  FIG. 1  also forms a generally horizontal surface for receiving a puck from the puck housing  130 . The feed mechanism  120  may be positioned proximate to this position for feeding the puck toward the feed chute  140 . 
   B. POWER SOURCE 
   The power source  165  can be supported and/or housed by the frame  110 . As shown if  FIG. 1 , the power source  165  may rest on and/or be fixed to a horizontal surface of the frame  110 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the power source  165  is onboard the apparatus  100 , eliminating the need for an external power supply. The power source  165  may comprise any device capable of supplying sufficient power to the apparatus  100 , such as a battery. 
   C. COMPRESSOR 
   The compressor  160  can be supported and/or housed by the frame  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the power source  165  may rest on and/or be fixed to a horizontal surface of the frame  110 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the compressor  160  is on-board the apparatus, eliminating the need for an external air compressor. 
   The compressor  160  can comprise any device capable of generating sufficient air pressure for operation of the apparatus  100 . The compressor  160  will be further discussed below in relation to the control unit  170 . 
   D. STOW ASSEMBLY 
   The stow assembly  175  can be coupled to the frame  110  and configured to stow the removable feed chute  140  and the release assembly  150 . The feed chute  140  and the release assembly  150  will be discussed in detail below. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the stow assembly  175  may comprise a number of beams extending from the frame  110  and configured to support the feed chute  140 . The beams can support the feed chute  140  in a stow position. 
   E. FEED MECHANISM 
   The feed mechanism  120  can include any mechanism capable of causing a puck to enter the feed chute  140 . For example, the feed mechanism  120  may comprise an actuator, e.g., a pneumatic actuator or solenoid, capable of feeding the puck to the feed chute  140 . In a preferred embodiment, the feed mechanism  120  comprises an actuator configured to extend to push the puck toward the feed chute  140 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the feed mechanism  120  may be coupled to the frame  110  at a position proximate to the bottom end of the puck housing  130 . Preferably, the feed mechanism  120  and puck housing  130  are configured such that only one puck at a time can be fed to the feed chute. For example, the feed mechanism  120  can be configured to push the bottom-most puck out from under the puck housing  130  and toward the feed chute  140 . Accordingly, the puck housing  130  should be positioned at an appropriate height above a generally horizontal surface such that the feed mechanism  120  feeds one puck at a time to the feed chute  140 . 
   The feed mechanism  120  can be configured to accelerate pucks at a specific feed rate. Accordingly, the feed mechanism  120  may be controlled by the control unit  170 , and the control unit  170  may determine the feed rate. The control unit  170  and the feed rate are discussed below. 
   F. PUCK HOUSING 
   The puck housing  130  can be configured to house a number of pucks. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the puck housing  130  may include a generally tube-shaped cylinder of appropriate size to house the pucks. The puck housing  130  should include open ends such that pucks may be inserted into the puck housing  130  at one end and exit, in turn, at the other end. Preferably, the puck housing  130  is shaped to help orient the pucks in generally transverse positions. Accordingly, the pucks can be arranged in the puck housing  130  as a stack of transversely-oriented pucks. 
   The puck housing  130  can include any structure capable of guiding the pucks toward the feed mechanism  120  and/or the feed chute  140 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the puck housing  130  can be coupled to or otherwise in contact with the frame  110  at a generally vertical orientation. Such an orientation utilizes gravity to help guide the pucks generally downward toward the feed mechanism  120 . Other mechanisms, e.g., a spring, can also be used to bias the pucks toward the feed mechanism  120 . 
   As mentioned above, the exit end of the puck housing  130  shown in  FIG. 1  can preferably be positioned a certain distance above a horizontal surface of the frame  110 . Accordingly, the bottom-most puck of the puck housing  130  may descend toward the feed mechanism  120 , exit the puck housing, and rest upon the horizontal surface at a position proximate to the feed mechanism  120 . Preferably, the puck housing  130  is positioned at a certain distance from the horizontal surface such that the bottom-most puck has completely exited the puck housing  130  as it rests on the horizontal surface, while the puck just above the bottom-most puck has not completely exited the puck housing  130  as the bottom-most puck rests on the horizontal surface. This allows the feed mechanism  120  to push only the bottom-most puck out from under the puck housing  130 . The feed mechanism  120  then retracts and the next puck in the puck housing  130  descends until it rests on the horizontal surface and becomes the new bottom-most puck of the stack. The feed mechanism  120  can then repeat the process by accelerating the new bottom-most puck toward the feed chute  140 . 
   G. FEED CHUTE 
   The feed chute  140  can comprise any mechanism configured to facilitate delivery of a puck from the puck housing  130  area to the release assembly  150 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the feed chute  140  can comprise a first end coupled to the frame  110  and a second end extending generally laterally away from the frame  110 . The second end can be coupled to the release assembly  150 . The first end should be coupled to the frame  110  such that when the feed mechanism  120  actuates, the first end can receive the puck being fed to the feed chute  140 . 
   Upon receiving the puck, the feed chute  140  should help deliver the puck to the release assembly  150 . In  FIG. 1 , the feed chute  140  is sloped generally downward as it extends away from the frame  110 . The generally downward slope utilizes gravity to cause the puck to travel toward the release assembly  150 . Alternatively, other forces may be used to cause the puck to move, such as a conveyor or spring mechanism. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the feed chute  140  may comprise beams spanned by a surface capable of carrying and guiding the puck as it travels toward the release assembly  150 . The surface should be conducive to movement of the puck toward the release assembly  150 . The beams may be elevated in relation to the surface to prevent the puck from prematurely exiting the feed chute  140 . 
   Further, the feed chute  140  may be removable. In other words, the feed chute  140  can be decoupled from the frame  110 . This allows the apparatus  100  to be configured for convenient travel or stowage. As discussed above, the feed chute  140  can be configured for stowage at the stow assembly  175 . 
   By being configured to extend away from the frame  110 , the feed chute  140  can position the release assembly  150  so that the release assembly  150  is no closer to the frame  110  than a predetermined distance. In preferred embodiments, the operator of the apparatus  100  can select the predetermined distance from a range of available distances. The distance between the release assembly  150  and the frame  110  allows the puck to be released over a playing surface at some distance away from the frame  110 , thereby providing an open drop zone for simulating a hockey face-off.  FIGS. 2-4  show a rear-view, a side-view, and a top-view of the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
   H. RELEASE ASSEMBLY 
     FIG. 5  shows a side-view diagram illustrating an example of the release mechanism  150  for the apparatus  100 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the release assembly  150  may be positioned to receive the puck from the feed chute  140 . Once the puck has been received, the release assembly  150  can release the puck at approximately a predetermined interval. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the release assembly  150  may include a frame structure configured to support the stopper mechanism  180  (also referred to as the “stoppers  180 ”) and the gripper mechanism  185  (also referred to as the “grippers  185 ”). The stoppers  180  and the grippers  185  should be configured to work together to receive and release the puck. In some embodiments, the gripper mechanism  185  and the stopper mechanism  180  comprise pneumatic actuators or solenoids. The apparatus can incorporate grippers  185  and stoppers  180  made up of a wide variety of different materials and subcomponents. 
   The stopper mechanism  180  can be configured to receive the puck. The stopper mechanism  180  may comprise a number of stopper actuators  510  configured to cause support plates  520  to extend and retract. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the release assembly  150  can comprise two stoppers  180  positioned for receiving the puck. Before the puck enters the release assembly  150  from the feed chute  140 , the support plates  520  of the stoppers  180  should extend to positions for catching the puck. The support plates  520  may be positioned at a height that allows the puck to come to rest on the extended support plates  520 . 
   In some embodiments, a mechanism may be provided to help catch the puck by stopping the lateral momentum of the puck as it enters the release assembly  150  from the feed chute  140 . For example, the gripper mechanism  185  can be configured to function as a backstop to help stop the lateral momentum of the puck. When a backstop is provided, the puck should still come to rest on the extended support plates  520  of the stopper mechanism  180 . 
   Preferably, the support plates  520  help level the puck with respect to a surface that is either generally horizontal or in a preferred embodiment, substantially horizontal. Accordingly, the support plates  520  may form generally horizontal surfaces upon which the puck can rest at a generally horizontal orientation, which is desirable for simulating a hockey face-off environment. 
   Once the puck is at rest on the support plates  520  of the stopper mechanism  180 , the gripper mechanism  185  can extend to secure the puck. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the gripper mechanism  185  may comprise two oppositely positioned grippers  185  that can be extended and retracted by actuators.  FIG. 5  shows the grippers  185  in a generally “open” position. When the puck is at rest on the support plates  520 , the grippers  185  may extend to a generally “closed” position as shown in  FIG. 6 . By so extending, the grippers  185  secure the puck by the sides of the puck. 
   The grippers  185  can be configured to center the puck. Preferably, when the grippers  185  extend to secure the puck, the grippers  185  position the puck to be generally centered with respect to the puck dropper  190 . This enables the puck dropper  190  to apply a force to the puck in such a way that the puck can maintain a generally level orientation as it falls toward a playing surface. Preferably, the grippers  185  consistently place each puck in substantially the same position with respect to the puck dropper  190 . 
   The grippers  185  can be shaped to facilitate the centering of the puck. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the grippers  185  may comprise oppositely positioned sloped surfaces. For example, the sloped surfaces may form a general V-shape, U-shape, or other shape capable of centering the puck as the grippers  185  extend. When the grippers  185  extend to secure the puck, the sloped surfaces cause the puck to move toward a predetermined position. Accordingly, each puck can be positioned at approximately the predetermined position. 
   After the grippers  185  have secured the puck, the stoppers  180  can retract out from underneath the puck. The stoppers  180  should allow the grippers  185  a sufficient time to secure the puck before retracting. By the retracting process, the stoppers  180  clear an area beneath the puck to allow the puck to fall toward a playing surface upon being released. 
   The grippers  185  can retract to release the puck. In some embodiments, the puck is dropped toward the playing surface when the grippers  185  retract. In other embodiments, another mechanism, such as the puck dropper  190 , is configured to drop the puck towards the playing surface after the grippers  185  have retracted. 
   Preferably, the grippers  185  retract after a predetermined interval of time that corresponds with a selected or predetermined release rate. The release rate can be variable such that the pucks can be released after different predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval can be a certain amount of time measured from some event. For example, the predetermined interval can comprise an amount of time after the stoppers  180  retract or after the grippers  185  extend. The timing of the extension and retraction of the stoppers  180  and the grippers  185  are controlled by the control unit  170 , which is discussed in further detail below. 
   I. PUCK DROPPER 
   The puck dropper  190  can be configured to drop the puck toward the playing surface. Accordingly, the puck dropper  190  can comprise any mechanism capable of releasing the puck toward the playing surface. For example, the puck dropper  190  may include but is in no way limited to a pneumatic actuator, a solenoid, a vacuum generator, a quick exhaust mechanism, and an air blaster. Preferably, the puck dropper  190  accelerates the puck toward the playing surface while also helping to maintain the generally horizontal orientation of the puck. 
   In some embodiments, the puck dropper  190  is configured to form a vacuum to secure the puck, and then destroy the vacuum to release the puck. For example,  FIG. 5  shows the puck dropper  190  having a suction member  530 . Once the grippers  185  have secured the puck, the suction member  530  may extend to contact the upper surface of the puck. A vacuum can then be formed between the suction member  530  and the puck. Once the vacuum is formed, the grippers  185  may retract such that the puck is suspended from the suction member  530 . The suction member  530  may retract to raise the puck. At this position, the puck is ready to be dropped toward the playing surface. The dropping of the puck can include the puck dropper  190  accelerating the puck toward the playing surface. 
   The puck dropper  190  can release the puck by destroying the vacuum. In particular, the puck dropper  190  may blast a gas, such as air, through the suction member  530  toward the puck to destroy the vacuum, thereby releasing the puck. Further, the blast of air can apply a force on the puck to accelerate the puck toward the playing surface. In addition, the suction member  530  may extend to push the puck toward the playing surface. The timing of the first extension, vacuum formation, retraction, vacuum destruction, and second extension can be controlled by the control unit  170 , which is discussed in further detail below. 
   Preferably, the puck dropper  190  applies a force to the puck such that the puck can maintain a generally level orientation as it descends toward the playing surface. As discussed above, the grippers  185  can center the puck in relation to the puck dropper  190 . This allows the force applied by the puck dropper  190  to be centralized with respect to the puck so that the force does not cause the puck to rotate as it descends. 
   While the puck dropper  190  is helpful for accelerating a puck toward the playing surface to facilitate a hockey face-off, some embodiments of the apparatus  100  do not include the puck dropper  190 . In such embodiments, the puck can be caused to free fall toward the playing surface when the grippers  185  retract to release the puck. 
   J. CONTROL UNIT 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the control unit  170  may be coupled to the frame  110 . The control unit  170  can comprise a housing configured to house a control system. Further, the control unit  170  may include an interface configured to allow a user (e.g. operator) of the apparatus  100  to access and adjust the control system. The control system of the control unit  170  can be powered by the power source  165 . 
     FIG. 7  shows a control system  700  according to one embodiment of the apparatus  100 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the compressor  160  may be coupled to a dump valve  702  and a check valve  705 . The compressor  160 , the check valve  705 , and an air reservoir  710  may be coupled together to form a volume chamber  712 . Accordingly, the compressor  160  can build and maintain air pressure within the volume chamber  712  and the air reservoir  710 . The volume chamber  712  can hold air such that air pressure can be built up within the volume chamber  712 . The volume chamber  712  couples a number of components of the control system  700  together such that air pressure can be provided to the components, which components will be described below. 
   The check valve  705  can affect the air pressure within the volume chamber  712  and the air reservoir  710 . For example, the check valve  705  may be configured to maintain residual pressure in the volume chamber  712  by preventing backflow of air when the apparatus  100  is not operating. Further, the check valve  705  may help maintain an appropriate range of air pressure in the volume chamber  712  when the apparatus  100  is operating. For example, if the air pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the check valve  705  may open to reduce the air pressure. 
   The dump valve  702  can affect the air pressure between the compressor  160  and the check valve  705 . When the apparatus  100  is not operating, the dump valve  702  is normally open. Consequently, the compressor  160  can start up without a pressure load against it. Once the compressor  160  has begun to operate, the dump valve  702  should close to allow air pressure to be increased or maintained in the volume chamber  712 . Further, the dump valve  702  may open during operation of the apparatus  100  to lower the air pressure or to stop the air pressure in the volume chamber  712  from being increased. For example, if the air pressure of the volume chamber  712  exceeds a predetermined threshold, the dump valve  702  may open to help lower the air pressure. 
   A pressure switch  715  and a pressure sensor  718  can be connected to the volume chamber  712  or the air reservoir  710  to help control air pressure by controlling the operation of the dump valve  702  and the compressor  160 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the pressure switch  715  and the pressure sensor  718  may be coupled to volume chamber  712 . The pressure sensor  718  can then measure the air pressure of the volume chamber  712 . The pressure switch  715  is configured to switch according to the measured air pressure. Specifically, the pressure switch  715  can turn off the compressor  160  and/or open the dump valve  702  when air pressure reaches a maximum predetermined threshold. Conversely, the pressure switch  715  can turn on the compressor  160  and/or close the dump valve  702  when the air pressure falls below a minimum predetermined threshold. Thus, the pressure switch  715  and the pressure sensor  718  can help maintain the air pressure of the volume chamber  712  and the air reservoir  710  within predetermined boundaries while the apparatus  100  is operating, thereby maintaining an optimum operating air pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined range of operating air pressure is approximately 50 pounds per square inch (PSI) to 80 PSI (3,447–5,516 millibars). 
   The air reservoir  710  can be coupled to an emergency switch  720  and an emergency valve  725 . The emergency valve  725  should normally be open to allow air to flow from the air reservoir  710  to a regulator  730 . This allows air to flow from the air reservoir  710  to help increase or maintain air pressure at the regulator  730 . 
   The emergency switch  720  can be actuated by the user of the apparatus  100 . If the emergency switch  720  is actuated during operation of the apparatus  100 , the emergency valve  725  closes so that air cannot flow from the air reservoir  710  to the regulator  730 . Accordingly, the forward components of the system  700  should exhaust air up to the emergency valve  725  and stop cycling when the air pressure becomes less than some threshold. 
   The regulator  730  can control the air pressure available to the forward components of the system  700 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the regulator  730  may be coupled to a gauge  735  that can determine the air pressure of the volume chamber  712  at or near the regulator  730 . The gauge  735  provides data representative of the air pressure to the regulator  730 . The regulator  730  can be configured to adjust the air pressure to help maintain a predetermined optimum air pressure available to the forward components of the control system  700 . For example, the regulator  730  may be configured to maintain the air pressure measured by the gauge  735  at approximately 40 PSI (2,758 millibars). If the measured air pressure is greater than approximately the optimum air pressure, the regulator  730  can increase a rate of release of the air from the system  700 . Conversely, if the measured air pressure is less than approximately the optimum air pressure, the regulator  730  may decrease the rate of release and/or allow more air to flow to the forward components to help increase air pressure. Preferably, the regulator  730  helps prevent a backflow of air from the forward components of the system  100  toward the air reservoir  710 . 
   The regulator  730  can be coupled to a feed switch  740 . The feed switch should be accessible to the user. When the feed switch  740  is in an “on” position, the control system  700  cycles. When the feed switch  740  is in the “on” position, air can flow from the regulator  730  to the forward components of the system  700 , including a pulse generator  745  that may be coupled to the feed switch  740 . When the feed switch  740  is in an “off” position, air should not easily flow from the regulator  730  to the pulse generator  745 . For example, if the system  700  is operating and the feed switch  740  is placed in the “off” position, air will substantially stop flowing from the regulator  730  to the pulse generator  745 . The pulse generator  745  should then complete its last cycle with the remaining available air. Once the air pressure becomes less than approximately some threshold, the system  700  should stop cycling. 
   When the power source  165  is providing power and the feed switch  740  is actuated to the “on” position, the compressor  160  charges the control system  700  to approximately an optimum operating pressure. Once the optimum pressure has been reached, the pressure switch  715  turns “off” the compressor  160  to generally stop the buildup of air pressure caused by the compressor  160 . The pulse generator  745  begins operating when the feed switch  740  is switched to the “on” position. 
   As the pulse generator  745  operates, it sends a pulse signal to other components of the control system  700 . The pulse signal is sent at a specific frequency representative of a feed rate. The feed rate defines a rate at which the pucks are fed to the feed chute  140  as discussed above. The feed rate may be variable, allowing the user to determine the feed rate. In some embodiments, the feed rate is approximately ten seconds. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , the pulse generator  745  can be coupled to a feed valve  750 . The feed valve  750  should be configured to toggle according to a characteristic of the pulse signal. Accordingly, the feed valve  750  should toggle based on the feed rate represented by the pulse signal. As the feed valve  750  toggles, it controls connections of the volume chamber  712  to certain forward components. For example, the feed valve  750  may connect a subset of forward components of the control system  700  to the volume chamber  712 , while disconnecting other forward components of the system  700  from the volume chamber  712 . 
   When the feed valve  750  toggles responsive to the pulse signal, the feed mechanism  120  can be actuated. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the feed valve  750  may be coupled to a feed extension chamber  752  and a feed retraction chamber  754  of the feed mechanism  120 . When the pulse signal indicates an extend signal, the feed valve  750  should connect the feed extension chamber  752  to the volume chamber  712 . In response, the feed mechanism  120  should actuate to cause a proximate puck to be fed to the feed chute  140  as discussed above. 
   The feed valve  750  should cause the feed mechanism  120  to retract in response to a changed characteristic of the pulse signal. For example, when the pulse signal changes to indicate a retract signal, the feed valve  750  can toggle to connect the feed retraction chamber  754  to the volume chamber  712 , while also disconnecting the extension chamber  752  from the volume chamber  712 . This should cause the feed mechanism  120  to retract. The feed valve  750  should be configured to cause the feed mechanism  120  to extend according to the feed rate defined by the pulse signal. 
   The feed valve  750  can be coupled to a stop valve  755 . Similar to the feed valve  750 , the stop valve  755  can control connections of the volume chamber  712  to forward components of the system  700 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the stop valve  755  can be coupled to stop extension chambers  760  and stop retraction chambers  765  of the stoppers  180 . Accordingly, the stop valve  755  can toggle to cause the stoppers  180  to extend and retract by controlling air pressure in the chambers  760 ,  765  in the same way discussed above in relation to the feed mechanism  120 . 
   Upon receiving the extend signal, the stop valve  755  can cause the stopper plates  520  to extend to positions for catching the puck as the puck exits the feed chute  140 . Specifically, when the extend signal is sent to stop valve  755 , the stop valve  755  should toggle to connect the stop extension chambers  760  to the volume chamber  712 . The air pressure then builds up at the stop extension chambers  760  and causes the stopper plates  520  of the stoppers  180  to extend into position for catching and leveling the puck as discussed above. 
   The stop valve  755  can also be coupled to a timer  770  that is coupled to a grip valve  775 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the stop valve  755  is coupled to the timer  770  such that the extend signal sent from the stop valve  755  to the stoppers  180  is also sent to the timer  770 . Upon receipt of the extend signal, the timer  770  delays the extend signal approximately a predetermined interval before sending a maintained extend signal to the grip valve  775 . By delaying the transmission of the maintained extend signal to the grip valve  775 , the timer  770  provides sufficient time for the puck to be caught and leveled by the stoppers  180  before the grippers  185  extend to secure the puck. In some embodiments, the predetermined interval is approximately two to three seconds. 
   The grip valve  775  can be configured to cause the grippers  185  to actuate after the predetermined interval. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the grip valve  775  may be coupled to grip extension chambers  780  and grip retraction chambers  782  of the grippers  185 . Accordingly, the grip valve  775  can toggle to cause the gripper  180  to extend and retract by controlling air pressure in the chambers  780 ,  785  in the same way discussed above in relation to the feed mechanism  120 . This allows the grip valve  775  to cause the grippers  185  to extend to secure the puck while the puck is supported by the stopper plates  520 . For example, when the maintained extend signal is sent to grip valve  775 , the grip valve  775  should toggle to connect the grip extension chambers  780  to the volume chamber  712 . Air pressure then builds up and causes the grippers  185  to extend to secure the puck. 
   Once the grippers  185  have secured the puck, the stoppers  180  can then retract. Accordingly, the control system  700  should be configured to cause the stoppers  180  to retract after the grippers  185  have had sufficient time to secure the puck. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the timer  770  can also be coupled to a flow controller  785  that is coupled to the stop valve  755 . The timer  770  sends the maintained extend signal to the flow controller  785 . The flow controller  785  may be configured to delay the maintained extend signal by an interval that provides the grippers  780  sufficient time to secure the puck. After this delay, the flow controller  785  sends the delayed extend signal to the stop valve  755 . 
   The stop valve  755  should be configured to cause the stoppers  180  to retract in response to receiving the delayed extend signal from the flow controller  785 . For example, the stop valve  755  can toggle to connect the stop retraction chambers  765  of the stoppers  180  to the volume chamber  712 . A retract signal is then sent to the stoppers, causing air pressure to build up in the stop retraction chambers  765  such that the stopper plates  520  retract. When the stop valve  755  connects the stop retraction chambers  765  to the volume chamber  712 , the stop extension chambers  760  should be disconnected from the volume chamber  712  such that air pressure is decreased in the stop extension chambers  760 . This allows the stopper plates  520  to retract without being resisted by the air pressure of the volume chamber  712 . Preferably, when the stop extension chambers  760  are disconnected from the volume chamber  712 , the stop extension chambers  760  are connected to atmospheric pressure to sufficiently decrease the associated air pressure. 
   After the stopper plates  520  have retracted, the control system  700  can be configured to cause the grippers  185  to retract to release the puck. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the stop valve  755  can be coupled to a release timer  790  such that the retract signal sent from the stop valve  755  to the stoppers  180  is also received by the release timer  790 . Similar to the timer  770 , the release timer  790  can delay the retract signal approximately a predetermined interval before sending a delayed retract signal to the grip valve  775 . 
   Upon receipt of the delayed retract signal, the grip valve  775  should cause the grippers  185  retract to release the puck as discussed above. In particular, the grip valve  775  should connect the grip retract chambers  782  to the volume chamber  712 , causing air pressure to build up at the grip retract chambers  782  such that the grippers  185  retract. When the grip valve  775  connects the grip retraction chambers  782  to the volume chamber  712 , the grip extension chambers  780  should be disconnected from the volume chamber  712  such that air pressure is decreased in the grip extension chambers  780 . This allows the grippers  185  to retract without being resisted by the air pressure of the volume chamber  712 . Preferably, when the grip extension chambers  780  are disconnected from the volume chamber  712 , the grip extension chambers  780  are connected to atmospheric pressure to sufficiently decrease the air pressure in the grip extension chambers  780 . 
   As discussed above, the puck is released when the grippers  185  retract. Preferably, the rate at which the pucks are released is variable. The release rate can be defined at least in part by the predetermined interval of delay provided by the release timer  790 . Accordingly, the delay provided by the release timer  790  can be variable. For example, the release timer  790  may be accessible by the user for adjusting the predetermined interval. In some embodiments, the predetermined interval of delay is within a range of approximately one to five seconds. 
   In short, the control system  700  should be configured to cause the feed mechanism  120 , the stoppers  180 , and the grippers  185  to extend and retract at appropriate times to facilitate a feeding, a receiving, a securing, and a dropping of the puck. While the components shown in  FIG. 7  illustrate one configuration of the control system  700 , those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other configurations of the control system  700  can be implemented to cause the feed mechanism  120 , the stoppers  180 , and the grippers  185  to extend and retract at appropriate times. 
     FIG. 8  shows another control system  800  configured to control operation of the apparatus  100 . In addition to providing many of the features of the control system  700 , the control system  800  can control operation of the puck dropper  190 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , many of the components of the control system  800  may be configured as described above in relation to the control system  700 . For example, the components of the control system  800  from the compressor  160  to the feed mechanism  120  can be configured as discussed in relation to the control system  700  of  FIG. 7 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , the pulse generator  745  may be configured to send the pulse signal to the stop valve  755 . The stop valve  755  then toggles such that the stoppers  180  are caused to extend as discussed above. As in the control system  700 , the stop valve  755  can also be configured to send the extend signal to the timer  770 . The timer  770  can delay and send the maintained extend signal to the grip valve  775  as discussed above. Upon receipt of the maintained extend signal, the grip valve  775  causes the grippers  185  to extend to secure the puck as discussed above. 
   The control system  800  can include components for controlling the puck dropper  190 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the stop valve  755  and the grip valve  775  can be coupled to a vacuum valve  820  and a drop valve  830 . The vacuum valve  820  may be coupled to a vacuum generator  840  that is coupled to the puck dropper  190 . The drop valve  830  can also be coupled to the puck dropper  190 . In particular, the drop valve  830  may be coupled to a drop extension chamber  845  and a drop retraction chamber  850  of the puck dropper  190 . 
   The vacuum valve  820  and the drop valve  830  should be configured to cause the puck dropper  190  to timely secure and release the puck as discussed above. Accordingly, the vacuum valve  820  can receive the maintained extend signal from the grip valve  775 . Upon receipt of the maintained extend signal, the vacuum valve  820  should toggle to cause the vacuum generator  840  to begin operating to form a vacuum. Specifically, when operating, the vacuum generator  840  works to form a vacuum at the suction member  530  of the puck dropper  190 . When the suction member  530  contacts the puck, a vacuum is formed between the puck and the suction member  530 . The vacuum should be of sufficient strength to secure the puck to the suction member  530 . 
   The suction member  530  should be caused to timely extend to contact the puck such that the vacuum can be formed. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the drop valve  830  can receive the maintained extend signal. Upon receipt of this signal, the drop valve  830  should toggle to cause the suction member  530  to extend. In particular, the drop valve  830  can be coupled to the drop extension chamber  845 . When the drop valve  830  toggles, the drop extension chamber  845  becomes connected to the volume chamber  712  such that air pressure causes the suction member  530  to extend to contact the puck. When the suction member  530  contacts the puck, a vacuum forms to secure the puck as discussed above. 
   Preferably, the puck is secured by the suction member  530  when the puck is being held by the grippers  185 . This allows the puck to be consistently centered when secured by the suction member  530 . By being consistently centered with relation to the suction member  530 , the pucks can be released at a substantially level orientation as discussed above. Further, by centering the puck, an acceleration force applied to the puck is centered such that the force does not cause the puck to rotate away from its substantially level orientation as it descends. 
   The control circuit  800  can be configured such that the stoppers  180  and the grippers  185  retract after the puck has been secured by the suction member  530 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the grip valve  775  is coupled to the release timer  790  such that the release timer  790  may receive the maintained extend signal. Upon receiving the maintained extend signal, the release timer  790  delays the signal as discussed above in relation to  FIG. 7 . The delay should be sufficient to allow the puck dropper  190  to secure the puck as discussed above. 
   After delaying the maintained extend signal, the release timer  790  sends the delayed signal to the stop valve  755 . Upon receipt of the delayed signal, the stop valve  755  should toggle to connect the stop retraction chambers  765  of the stoppers  180  and the grip retraction chambers  782  of the grippers  185  to the volume chamber  712 . The stop extension chambers  760  of the stoppers  180  and the grip extension chambers  780  of the grippers  185  should correspondingly be disconnected from the volume chamber  712 . This causes the stoppers  180  and grippers  185  to retract, leaving the puck secured to the puck dropper  190 . 
   After the stoppers  180  and the grippers  185  have retracted, the control system  800  may cause the suction member  530  to retract to raise the puck. For example, when the grip valve toggles to retract the grippers  185 , the maintained extend signal is terminated, and the drop valve  830  toggles to connect the drop retraction chamber  850  to the volume chamber  712 . The drop valve  830  should also disconnect the drop extension chamber  845  from the volume chamber  712 . In response, air pressure builds up in the drop retraction chamber  850  such that the suction member  530  retracts, raising the secured puck. 
   The control system  800  can be configured to cause the puck dropper  190  to drop the puck after a predetermined interval. For example, a drop timer  870  can be configured to receive the retract signal from the stop valve  755 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the drop timer  870  is coupled to the stop valve  755 . Upon receipt of the retract signal, the drop timer  870  delays the retract signal approximately the predetermined interval before sending the delayed retract signal forward. Similar to the release timer  790 , the drop timer  870  can be variable. For example, the drop timer  870  may be accessible to and adjustable by the user of the apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the predetermined interval can be varied within an approximate range of one to five seconds. 
   The vacuum valve  820  and the drop valve  830  can be configured to cause the puck dropper  190  to drop the puck upon receiving the delayed retract signal. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the drop timer  870  may be coupled to the vacuum valve  820  and the drop valve  830 . The drop valve  830  is coupled to the drop timer  870  via an exhaust control  880 . The exhaust control  880  is configured to generally stop air from flowing backwards through volume chamber  712 . This allows the delayed retract signal to form sufficient air pressure to cause the drop valve  830  to toggle. 
   When the drop valve  830  toggles responsive to the delayed retract signal, the drop extension chamber  845  is connected to the volume chamber  712 . In response, air pressure quickly builds up in the drop extension chamber  845  such that the suction member  530  extends, pushing the puck generally downward. The drop valve  830  should also disconnect the drop retraction chamber  850  from the volume chamber  712  to release resistive air pressure from the drop retraction chamber  850 . 
   Further, the suction member  530  should be configured to extend quickly. For example, the drop valve  830  can be coupled to the drop retraction chamber  850  via a quick exhaust  890 . The quick exhaust  890  should be configured to facilitate a quick escape of air from the drop retraction chamber  850  to help minimize any resistance to the extension of the suction member  530 . Accordingly, the suction member  530  can extend to help accelerate the puck generally downward. 
   When the vacuum valve  820  toggles responsive to the delayed retract signal, the vacuum generator is turned off. Accordingly, the vacuum at the suction member  530  is terminated. This allows the puck to be accelerated by the suction member  530  quickly extending downward as discussed above. 
   Further, an air blast can be applied to the puck to help accelerate the puck downward. When the vacuum valve  820  toggles responsive to the delayed retract signal, the puck dropper  190  can be connected to the volume chamber  712 . This allows the air pressure of the volume chamber  712  to apply a force to the puck to accelerate the puck downward. 
   Thus, the vacuum valve  820  and the drop valve  830  should be configured to work together to control the puck dropper  190 . Further, by using the puck dropper  190  in combination with the grippers  185 , the apparatus  100  can repeatedly and consistently drop a puck toward a playing surface at a substantially horizontal orientation. As discussed above, such a substantially flat orientation is preferred when dropping the puck for a hockey face-off. 
   The control systems  700 ,  800  can be configured to continue to cycle to drop one puck at a time toward the playing surface. The control systems  700 ,  800  may be configured to stop cycling after losing sufficient air pressure from the volume chamber  712 . The control systems  700 ,  800  can also be configured stop cycling after the feed switch  740  is turned “off,” the emergency switch  720  is turned “off,” or the supply of pucks in the puck housing  130  is exhausted. 
   II. PROCESS FLOW VIEWS 
     FIG. 9  is a flow chart diagram illustrating an example of a process for dropping a puck for facilitating a hockey face-off. At step  910 , a puck is fed to the release mechanism  150 . The puck can be fed to the release mechanism  150  in any of the ways discussed above, including the feed mechanism  120  feeding the puck to the feed chute  140 . At step  920 , the stoppers  180  are extended to receive the puck from the feed chute  140  as discussed above. At step  930 , the puck can be leveled as discussed above. At step  940 , the puck is secured in any of the ways discussed above. For example, the grippers  185  can extend to grip the puck, and/or the suction member  530  may extend to form a vacuum at the puck. At step  950 , the stoppers  180  are retracted as discussed above. At step  960 , the puck can be released in any of the ways discussed above, including by retracting the grippers  185  and/or destroying the vacuum at the suction member  530 . The steps  910 – 960  shown in  FIG. 9  can be repeated until the puck housing  130  is emptied of all pucks. The operator can configure the apparatus to deploy a predetermined number of pucks over a predetermined period of time, with a predetermined interval of time between deployments. 
     FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of another example of a process for dropping a puck for facilitating a hockey face-off. The puck can be fed to the release mechanism  150  (step  1010 ), received by an extended stopper  180  (step  1020 ), leveled (step  1030 ), and secured (step  1040 ) in any of the ways discussed above in relation to steps  910 – 940 . At step  1050 , the puck can be centered, preferably with respect to the puck dropper  190  as discussed above. At step  1060 , a vacuum may be formed at the suction member  530 . The suction member  530  can be extended to contact and secure the puck as discussed above. At step  1070 , the stopper  180  can be retracted as discussed above. At step  1080 , the puck can be released by retracting the grippers  185  as discussed above. At step  1090 , the vacuum can be destroyed as discussed above, thereby dropping the puck toward a playing surface. At step  1095 , the puck can be accelerated toward the playing surface in any of the ways discussed above, including an air blast and/or a quick extension of the suction member  530  toward the playing surface. Steps  1010 – 1095  may repeat until the puck housing  130  is exhausted of pucks. 
   III. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
   The foregoing embodiments were chosen and described in order to illustrate principles of the methods and apparatuses as well as some practical applications. The preceding description enables others skilled in the art to utilize the methods and apparatuses in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the methods and apparatuses be defined by the following claims, including the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operation of the present methods and apparatuses have been explained and illustrated in exemplary embodiments. However, it must be understood that the present methods and apparatuses may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from their spirit or scope.