Patent ID: 8485174

Claim:
An apparatus for launching a ball comprising: a computer system or similar device to receive, store, and execute a plurality of user determined launch parameters; and a propulsion system operatively connected to the computer system comprising: an air cannon; a belt drive system comprising an adjustable passage between at least two belts, wherein the at least two belts are coupled to a plurality of drive assemblies, and wherein the distance between the plurality of drive assemblies are adjustable; a plurality of automatically controlled electric jacks capable of adjusting ball launch angle about a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is located in the proximity of the exit from the belt drive system; and a sensing system, wherein the propulsion system is capable of automatically loading a plurality of balls into the air cannon while maintaining orientation of the plurality of balls, wherein the air cannon is positioned to shoot a ball into the belt drive system to impart velocity and spin to launch the plurality of balls, and wherein the speed of the belt drives is controlled by the computer system or similar device.