Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation and claims priority based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/973,395, filed Oct. 27, 2004, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, Ser. No. 60/516,396; entitled “Programmable Ball Throwing Apparatus” filed Nov. 3, 2003. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to the field of ball delivery devices and, more particularly, to programs, devices and methods for programming a ball delivering machine that is able to deliver balls to preset, programmed or manually selected positions with programmable travel characteristics. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with devices, programs and methods relating to baseball, as an example. 
     Heretofore, in this field, a common training aid is the baseball pitching machine. Primarily, pitching machines are used for batting practice to simulate a human pitcher. Conventional pitching machines are used to pitch a variety of different pitches including fastballs, curveballs, sliders, knuckle-balls, and change-ups. However, these machines are designed to deliver a ball to a designated, two-dimensional strike zone, at a specific distance from the mound and with minor variations in speed, spin and the like. Therefore, the range of movement and design of a conventional pitching machine limits its functionality to the strike zone. 
     Baseball-launching equipment has concentrated on pitching characteristics in order to develop a player&#39;s batting skill. The following patents exemplify the current state-of-the art: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 4,760,835 
                 Paulson et al 
                 Aug. 2, 1988 
               
               
                   
                 5,125,653 
                 Kovacs et al 
                 Jun. 30, 1992 
               
               
                   
                 5,464,208 
                 Pierce 
                 Nov. 7, 1995 
               
               
                   
                 5,979,426 
                 Troklus et al 
                 Nov. 9, 1999 
               
               
                   
                 6,026,798 
                 Sanders et al 
                 Feb. 22, 2000 
               
               
                   
                 6,152,126 
                 Smith et al 
                 Nov. 28, 2000 
               
               
                   
                 6,443,141 B2 
                 Battersby 
                 Sep. 3, 2002 
               
               
                   
                 6,470,873 B2 
                 Battersby et al 
                 Oct. 29, 2002 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Generally, these patents concentrate on pitching a ball for the express purpose of developing a player&#39;s batting skills at home plate. While one of the listed patents may be repurposed to launch balls to players in the field, it still maintains its two-dimensional targeting characteristics and does so without any programmable features or variable ball launch characteristics. Others were adapted to provide limited useful practice sessions for developing players fielding skills. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present inventors recognized the need for an automated fungo practice aid that is able to deliver accurately an object into a three-dimensional space or landscape. The automated fungo does not rely on a person to deliver the ball to the desired position and therefore is not limited by human skill, conditioning and accuracies. The inventors realized what was need was a ball delivery device capable of moving vertically and horizontally to allow the delivery of one or more ball to any position on a field in three-dimensions. The present invention provides a fungoman machine that is capable of consecutively delivering balls to specified positions accurately and reproducibly. The invention allows a programmable sequence, which includes variation in both field position and flight characteristics. 
     For example, as part of many practices in baseball a person can be seen hitting grounders to the infield and fly balls to the outfielder and as such has become an important coaching tool. The term “fungo” is often used in infield and outfield practice as well as pre-game drills. Commonly, this person is referred to as the “fungoman.” It is not uncommon for thousands of balls to be hit in a single day of baseball practice, which often requires special bats (e.g., fungo bats) and personnel to perform these tasks. Fungo bats are often lighter and longer, with a narrow barrel to help the hitter place the ball better. Additionally, the placement of the ball during practice is dependant on the skill and conditioning of the fungoman. Although the term fungo is commonly used in the context of baseball, the concept of fungo can apply to a variety of sports and activities. 
     Conventional pitching machines are designed to pitch balls to the strike zone of a batter at home plate. The conventional pitching machine is limited in the degree of movement in the vertical and horizontal planes as only small degrees of movement are required to adjust pitches to the strike zone. Furthermore, pitching machines are designed so that the vertical and horizontal movement is not readily detectable by the batter, so as not to indicate the type of pitch being thrown. However, prior to the development of present invention, there has never been a machine specifically designed to provide experienced coaches with field practice routines geared to the development of specific player fielding skills. Additionally, coaches with limited experience have not been able to purchase a machine with preprogrammed routines developed by a staff of experienced coaches. 
     The inventors realized the limited range of movement of conventional pitching machines made them unsuited for field practice or fungo practice. During fungo practice balls must be delivered to every position on field. To account for different field positions a machine would be required to rotate great degrees in the horizontal and vertical directions to allow coverage of the entire field of play. 
     The present invention relates to baseball and softball delivering machines and more particularly, to a programmable ball delivering machine that is able to direct balls (e.g., a baseball; a softball; a tee ball; a whiffle ball; a tennis ball; a cricket ball; a racquetball; a handball; a croquet ball, a shuffle board puck; a horse shoe; a volleyball; a dodge ball; a rugby ball; a football; a badminton birdie; field hockey puck; ice hockey puck; a lacrosse ball; a dog ball and a soccer ball) to preset, programmable or manually-selected fielding positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention is designed to place balls in any or all fielding positions in a field (e.g., a baseball field, softball field, tee ball field, a whiffle ball field; a tennis court; a cricket field; a racquetball court; a handball court; a croquet field, a shuffle board; a horse shoe field; a volleyball court; a dodge ball court; a rugby field; a football field; a badminton court; field hockey field; ice hockey rink; a lacrosse field; a park and a soccer field). The present invention is designed to place balls with the one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions. 
     The present invention includes a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for controlling the three dimensional flight and trajectory parameters of a ball including a first code segment for receiving one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a second code segment for controlling one or more motors to eject the ball in accordance with the received one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions. The computer program may be implemented to control a three dimensional ball delivery apparatus. For example, the one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball provide realistic ball motion characteristics such as top spin, back spin, single-hop, multi-hop, line-drive, fly ball or pop-ups 
     The computer program includes one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions related to one or more of the following: a base ball; a soft ball; a tee ball; a whiffle ball; a tennis ball; a cricket ball; a racquetball; a handball; a croquet ball, a shuffle board puck; a horse shoe; a volleyball; a dodge ball; a rugby ball; a football; a badminton birdie; field hockey puck; ice hockey puck; a lacrosse ball; a dog ball and a soccer ball. 
     The computer program also allows the user to define one or more of the following: the one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory correspond generally to the area on the field; one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory control a range of travel for the ball within the one or more player positions; one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory designate a groundball, a line drive, a fly ball or combinations thereof; one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory control a ball speed; and one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory control a ball spin. The area on the field may be the pitcher&#39;s mound, the home plate, the first base, the second base, the short stop, the third base, the left field, the right field, the centerfield or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the range of travel may include the extreme left side, the left side, the direct path, the right side, extreme right side or combinations thereof. The present invention also allows the ball spin to be selected form the group consisting of extreme backspin, backspin, normal spin, topspin, and extreme topspin. The positions, parameters and characteristics may be displayed on a display unit graphically, symbolically, as text or as combinations thereof to allow ease of use. 
     The computer program may further include one or more of the following: a code segment for controlling maintenance parameters such as upgrades and calibration; authenticating the user; identifying one or more levels of play and identifying the dimensions of the field. Additionally, the code segment may include parameters for specific routines, games, individual teams or specific persons. 
     The computer program of the present invention may include a first code sequence that receives a series of one or more of the one or more parameters that identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions and correspond to one or more player positions, wherein the members of the series may correspond to the same player position or different player positions. The series of one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball may include one or more of the following: different field positions; for one or more individual positions; at least a portion of a game; an entire game; one or more specific players and one or more types of ball flight. Additionally, the level of play may be selected from the group consisting of pro, college, high school, junior and peewee. These general levels may be modified, thus, allowing the parameters to be tailored to specific applications and needs. 
     The present invention provides a method for controlling the parameters of ball flight and trajectory in three dimensional space including the steps of receiving one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and controlling one or more motors to eject the ball in accordance with the received flight and trajectory. 
     The one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory correspond generally to the area on the field, wherein the area is the pitcher&#39;s mound, the home plate, the first base, the second base, the short stop, the third base, the left field, the right field, the centerfield or combinations thereof. Additionally, the one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory may control a range of travel for the ball within the one or more player positions, wherein the range of travel includes the extreme left side, the left side, the direct path, the right side, extreme right side or combinations thereof. The combination of player position and range allows the coverage of entire field. The one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory may also be used to designate a groundball, a line drive, a fly ball or combinations thereof. The ball speed and ball spin (e.g., extreme backspin, backspin, normal spin, topspin and extreme topspin) may also be controlled, either separately or jointly, by the one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory, therefore, simulating a vast array of flight and trajectories allowing realistic ball movement. Additionally, the method may include the further step of receiving one or more parameters identifying one or more levels of play, wherein the level of play includes of pro, college, high school, junior, peewee or combinations thereof. The level may be set by the individual or preset as standard parameters. 
     The present invention also provides a method to simulate a series of plays, a partial game or an entire game. The series of plays may include past games, hypothetical games or games based on team statistics. The method may include receiving a series of two or more of the one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball for one or more player positions. The members of the series correspond to the same or different player positions, thus, allowing the development of specific routines and training programs. The series may include one or more parameters specific for one or more individual position; a partial game; an entire game; one or more parameters for a specific player; one or more parameters for a specific position, one or more parameters for different types of ball flights. 
     Additionally, the present invention provides a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters. The one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions relates to one or more of the following: a base ball; a soft ball; a tee ball; a whiffle ball; a tennis ball; a cricket ball; a racquetball; a handball; a croquet ball, a shuffle board puck; a horse shoe; a volleyball; a dodge ball; a rugby ball; a football; a badminton birdie; field hockey puck; ice hockey puck; a lacrosse ball; a dog ball and a soccer ball. Furthermore, the one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory correspond generally to the area on the field, wherein the area is the pitcher&#39;s mound, the home plate, the first base, the second base, the short stop, the third base, the left field, the right field, the centerfield or combinations thereof. 
     The one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory may include one or more of the following: one or more parameters to control the range of travel for the ball within the one or more player positions, wherein the range of travel includes the extreme left side, the left side, the direct path, the right side, extreme right side or combinations thereof; one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory which designates a groundball, a line drive, a fly ball or combinations thereof; one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory and control the ball speed, wherein the ball speed is soft, medium, hard or combinations thereof; and one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory that control the ball spin, wherein the ball spin is selected from the group consisting of extreme backspin, backspin, normal spin, topspin, and extreme topspin. 
     Other components may be integrated into the apparatus to increase the ease of use and supply additional features. The present invention may further include one or more maintenance parameters, e.g., upgrades and calibrations. Additionally, a mechanism to authenticate the user; parameters to identify one or more levels of play (e.g., pro, college, high school, junior and peewee) and one or more parameters to identify the dimensions of the field may be included in the present invention. The apparatus may also include one or more of the following: a memory card and memory card reader, wherein the one or more parameters may be stored on the memory card (e.g., memory stick, disk, drive, card, tape, CD, DVD or minidisk) that may be inserted into a reader; an authentication card, a badge, a key, an input code, a keypad reader or touch screen, wherein one or more parameters may be entered on the keypad. One embodiment of the present invention may include a wired or wireless connection between the apparatus and a control unit to allow remote control of the apparatus. The controller may be linked to the apparatus through wired communications, wireless communications (e.g., bluetooth, wi-fi, frequencies in the 2.4 ghz range, frequencies in the 5.8 ghz range frequencies in the 900 mhz range, frequencies in the 40 mhz range or combinations thereof) or combinations thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the processor of the present invention may responds to a series of one or more of the one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball for one or more player positions. The members of the series may correspond to the same or different player positions. The series of one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball may correspond to different field positions; at least a portion of a game, an entire game, one or more teams, one or more specific players and one or more types of ball flight. 
     Another example of the present invention is a method for automated practice wherein the ball delivering apparatus controls the three dimensional parameters of a ball flight and trajectory including the steps of providing a ball delivering machine capable of controlling the flight and trajectory of a ball, supplying one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory of a ball for one or more player positions and controlling one or more motors to eject the ball in accordance with the received flight and trajectory. The method may include parameters for a series of balls that identifies a flight and trajectory of the ball for one or more player positions. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is a fungoman having an automated baseball delivery control system and a baseball delivery unit, wherein the control system directs the three dimensional delivery of the baseball based on user defined parameters into a three dimensional space. 
     The present invention allows a programmed or manually selected sequence that is interactive with and controlled by a person to facilitate a varying ball delivery and catching session. This control may be with programs or parameters inputted, stored or transmitted to the apparatus. In some embodiments, the sequence may be specific for a team, an individual on a specific team, characteristics of a team, routines for a specific position or combinations thereof. 
     One embodiment of the present invention includes two or more counter-rotating wheels and independent wheel drive motors that facilitate rapid acceleration and deceleration from one speed and type of ball launch profile to another. Feedback may be provided through a variety of manners known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Feedback in the machine provides closed-loop position control. A programmable logic controller, connected to a user-friendly operator/machine interface, allows the user to initiate pre-designated ball delivery practice sessions or develop new routines based on specific player needs. The controller may be linked to the apparatus through wired or wireless communications (e.g., bluetooth, wifi, frequencies in the 2.4 ghz range, frequencies in the 5.8 ghz range frequencies in the 900 mhz range, frequencies in the 40 mhz range or combinations thereof). 
     The present invention also provides for impromptu and spontaneous practice sessions using a manual mode that may be incorporated into the design to allow the code to launch a ball to an individual at a specific location with selected ball characteristics. The present invention also provides a semi-automatic mode, in which a routine may be set up for back hand field practice and then allow the coach to designate the positions to which the ball is to be thrown. In addition to the specified positions on the field, variations within those positions can be designated, e.g., high or low, left or right positions at each base and outfield position. 
     The present invention provides a program, apparatus and method, which allows a programmable launch sequences or routines for entire team training sessions, single position routines for specific position training, training sequences for specific teams, training sequences for specific players on a team, or combinations thereof. The present invention also provides for a variety of skill levels and ball speeds, e.g., pro, college, high school, junior and peewee. 
     Furthermore, the present invention provides precise, repeatable placement of the launched balls. The one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory correspond generally to an area on the field, wherein the area is the pitcher&#39;s mound, the home plate, the first base, the second base, the short stop, the third base, the left field, the right field, the centerfield or combinations thereof. The one or more parameters may also be used to identifying a flight and trajectory and control a range of travel for the ball within the one or more player positions, wherein the range of travel includes the extreme left side, the left side, the direct path, the right side, extreme right side or combinations thereof. The present invention may provide one or more parameters identifying a flight and trajectory to designate a groundball, a line drive, a fly ball or combinations thereof. 
     The present invention allows a variety of combinations of parameters identifying a flight, trajectory and skill levels to provide specific skill development. Furthermore, the user interface allow control through programming, manual input, stored parameters or combinations thereof. The present invention has the capacity to facilitate interruption of a training session and repeat a ball launch for timely coaching. The wireless communication allows personal instruction of the player at the field position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the ball throwing apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of another embodiment of the ball throwing apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of another embodiment of the ball throwing apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic of an illustrative control system for various motors operated to actuate the ball ejection mechanism of the programmable ball throwing apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  illustrative of a screen display for the programmable ball throwing apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating operation of the programmable ball throwing apparatus; 
         FIG. 7-12  are screen shots illustrating a typical sequence of operational steps; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow diagram illustrating a typical sequence of operational steps; 
         FIG. 14  is a flow diagram illustrating a typical sequence of operational steps for the program mode; 
         FIG. 15  is a flow diagram illustrating a typical sequence of operational steps for the run automatic mode; and 
         FIG. 16  is a flow diagram illustrating a typical sequence of operational steps for a run manual mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. 
     To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims. 
     The word fungo is defined by Haney&#39;s Book of Reference as “[a]preliminary practice game in which one player takes the bat and, tossing the ball up, hits it as it falls, and if the ball is caught in the field on the fly, the player catching it takes the bat. It is useless as practice in batting, but good for taking fly balls . . . .” As used herein, the term “fungo” or “fungoman” are used to describe an apparatus and system that, unlike conventional baseball pitching machines that are only able deliver a ball to a two-dimensional target (i.e., the strike zone), is able to deliver any object to a three dimensional zone, area or landscape. The fungo may be fully-automated and/or used in manual mode. 
     Fungoman is best described as a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject hardballs or softballs to preset positions with programmable projection characteristics. In one embodiment, the machine is set-up at home plate on a baseball or softball field and through the use of the machine, a coach is able to train players by launching balls that simulate balls batted to them during regular play. A standard set of ball launching wheels have been mounted on a base with horizontal and vertical displacement capabilities that allow the ejection of a ball with the simulated characteristics of a baseball batted in the traditional manner of a batter using a baseball or softball bat. Closed loop positioning controls have been combined in a unique fashion that enables the launching of a series of balls to preprogrammed positions with launch characteristics that provides an entire baseball team or an individual with a meaningful practice session. Fungoman is a complete, automated coaching machine. 
     In order to train a baseball team, a coach must posses the ability to hit a ball that simulates a ball being hit by a batter during regular play. A special bat called a “fungo” bat has been developed for that specific purpose. However, use of a fungo bat requires a considerable amount of training and concentration on the part of the coach. This detracts from his ability to concentrate on coaching the player he is batting to. Once the problem of launching precisely placed balls with the desired launch characteristics have been overcome, a meaningful launch sequence must be developed into a realistic routine that leads to the enhancement of the ball player&#39;s skills. The coach needs to be free to analyze each player&#39;s reaction and fielding technique to each ball as it is hit to him. The coach also needs the ability to interrupt the launch sequence, give timely, specific instructions to a player and repeat the launch several times if necessary before resuming the practice session. 
     The apparatus and system of the present invention has the ability to precisely place objects, e.g., a baseball, with realistic characteristics such as top spin, back spin, single hop, multi-hop, line drive, fly ball or pop ups, in a programmed sequence interactive with and controlled by a coach to produce a meaningful ball catching practice session. To this end state-of-the-art motor drives with the ability to accelerate rapidly or decelerate from one speed and type launch profile to another have been used. Feedback provides closed loop position control and a programmable logic controller connected to a user-friendly man-machine interface that allows the user to call up pre-designated practice sessions or develop new routines based on specific player or team needs. 
     Fungoman can simulate previously played games enabling coaches to review errors or reinforce outstanding plays the team or individual performed in the simulated game. For impromptu practice sessions, a manual mode has been incorporated into the design to allow the coach to launch a ball to an individual at a specific location with specific launch characteristics. There is also a manual mode where the coach sets up the machine for back-hand field practice, for example, then selects which position the ball is to be thrown to and easily moves from position to position launching back-hand balls to each. 
     The following is an itemized list of some of the major distinguishing features of the machine:
         1. Custom routines for individual or team training sessions.   2. Programmable launch sequences or routines for entire team training sessions.   3. Single position routines for specific position training.   4. Control of the ball speed appropriate to each player&#39;s skill level.   5. Precise, repeatable placement of the launched balls.   6. Ability to impart a realistic launch characteristic on the ball.   7. Position/Launch combinations for specific skill development.   8. Motor drives with acceleration and deceleration abilities.   9. Independent speed control of the launch wheels.   10. Safety-Enable switch with automatic shut-off when released.   11. User-friendly man/machine interface.   12. Ability to interrupt a training session and repeat a launch for timely coaching.   13. Use of programmable logic controller for dependable operation.   14. Unique positive stop, ball release mechanism.   15. Portability for ease of storage and relocation.       

     Referring initially to  FIG. 1  in one embodiment the ball throwing apparatus of the present invention is generally illustrated by reference numeral  1  and includes a ball-ejecting mechanism  22 , typically mounted on a utility box  12 , which may be seated on a base or frame  2 . The frame  2  may include wheels  3  to render the ball throwing apparatus  1  portable. Vertically-adjustable stabilizers  4  may also be provided on one end of the frame  2  and may be slidably seated in a handle frame  5   a  that mounts vertical elements of a handle  5  to engage the ground and facilitate stabilizing the ball throwing apparatus  1  in a particular location. A control mount pedestal  6  is typically provided on the end of the frame  2  opposite the handle  5 , and serves to mount a control box  7  fitted with box controls  8  for operating the ball throwing apparatus  1 , as hereinafter further described. A controller  75  is typically removably seated on a pin or bracket  8   a , which extends from fixed attachment to the control box  7 , as further illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the controller  75  may be wireless, wired or even a touch screen display. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the controller  75  may includes a handle  76 , and hand control wiring  10   a  ( FIG. 1 ) extends from the controller  75  to the control box  7  for manually operating the ball throwing apparatus  1  by manipulation of various buttons on the controller  75 . In other embodiments the controller  75  may be wireless and linked to the apparatus  1  (e.g., bluetooth, wi-fi, frequencies in the 2.4 ghz range, frequencies in the 5.8 ghz range frequencies in the 900 mhz range, frequencies in the 40 mhz range or combinations thereof). 
     A mount pedestal  13  is journalled for rotation in a pedestal bottom bearing  15  attached to the bottom of the utility box  12 , and a pedestal gear  14  is fixed to the mount pedestal  13  above the pedestal bottom bearing  15 , as illustrated. A pedestal drive motor  17  is also fixed to the bottom of the utility box  12  and is fitted with a drive motor gear  18  that receives a pedestal drive belt  19 . The pedestal drive belt  19  is also connected to the pedestal gear  14  in driving relationship such that operation of the pedestal drive motor  17  causes the mount pedestal  13  to rotate in the counterclockwise or clockwise direction in the pedestal bottom bearing  15  and in a corresponding top bearing  16  located in the top of the utility box  12 . Operation of the pedestal drive motor  17  in rotating the mount pedestal  13  is facilitated by operation of the box controls  8  or the controller  75  at the control box  7 , as further illustrated in  FIG. 1  of the drawings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the mount pedestal  13  extends upwardly from the utility box  12 , through the pedestal top bearing  16  and terminates at a horizontal offset plate  21  that mounts a ball feed frame support mount  34  which also extends upwardly to receive a ball feed frame support  33 . The ball ejection mechanism  22  is mounted on the ball feed frame support mount  34 . A mount clamp plate  62  of the ball ejection mechanism  22  is fixed to the top end of the ball feed frame support mount  34  and may include a rotatable clamp lever  63  that may be adjusted to pivot the ball ejection mechanism  22  in the vertical plane, as hereinafter further described. This adjustment is facilitated, for example, by means of a vertical pivot mount plate  61  mounted to a wheel mount frame  23  of the ball ejection mechanism  22 , which vertical pivot mount plate  61  is pivotally attached to the mount clamp plate  62 . In one embodiment, pivotal adjustment of the ball ejection mechanism  22  in a vertical plane is facilitated by means of an elevation motor  72  that is mounted on the ball feed frame support mount  34  or other element of the apparatus  1  and is operably connected to the wheel mount frame  23 , according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the wheel mount frame  23  is characterized by an elongated mount frame plate  24  extending from the vertical pivot mount plate  61  and fitted at each end with a wheel guard bracket  25  and corresponding wheel motor  29  for mounting the two counter-rotating wheels  27  on the wheel mount frame  23 . Each of the counter-rotating wheels  27  is provided with a peripheral ball-contact surface  28  for contacting and expelling a baseball, softball or other ball from the ball ejection mechanism  22  due to the counter-rotating operation of the counter-rotating wheels  27  by operation of the respective wheel motors  29 , as hereinafter further described. Horizontal positioning or aiming of the ball ejection mechanism  22  is facilitated by operation of the pedestal drive motor  17 , which rotates the mount pedestal  13 . The offset plate  21  translates the rotating motion of the mount pedestal  13  to the ball feed frame support mount  34 , which moves the ball ejection mechanism  22  mounted thereon in the horizontal plane. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the ball feed frame  32 , mounted on the extending upper end of the ball feed frame support  33 , supports a spirally-mounted ball feed tube  35  by means of tube clamps  35   a . The ball feed tube  35  includes a feed tube inlet  36  at the extending top end thereof and a feed tube outlet  37  at the bottom end thereof. A ball feed arm  38  is attached to the lower end of the ball feed tube  35  at the feed tube outlet  37  and includes feed arm slots  38   a . A feed arm outlet  39  terminates the opposite end of the ball feed arm  38  and is aligned with the space between the counter-rotating wheels  27  to facilitate feeding of baseball, softball or other balls through the ball feeder tube  35  and the ball feed arm  38  and between the counter-rotating wheels  27  for ejection, respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, a feed arm lip  40  is typically provided at the outlet or ejection end of the feed arm outlet  39  to support the balls  70  as they are sequentially fed from the feed arm outlet  39  to the space between the counter-rotating wheels  27  for ejection. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a feed arm bracket  41  is also provided on the feed arm outlet  39  to securely mount the feed arm outlet  39  to the wheel mount frame  23  of the ball ejection mechanism  22 . A first ball feed trigger  43 , from which extends a first ball contact finger  49 , is pivotally secured to the ball feed arm  38  at a first trigger pivot pin  46 . The first ball feed trigger  43  is connected to a first trigger pivot spring  44 , which is pivotally secured to the ball feed arm  38  at a first trigger pivot spring mount  45 . First trigger wiring  48  extends from a ball feed trigger control box  59 , secured typically to the feed arm bracket  41 , and is attached to the first ball feed trigger  43  to pivot the first ball feed trigger  43  between the ball-blocking position, with the first ball contact finger  49  projecting into the ball feed arm  38  through the feed arm slot  38   a , and the ball-release position, where the first ball contact finger  49  clears the interior of the ball feed arm  38  against the bias exerted by the first trigger pivot spring  44 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , another embodiment the ball delivering apparatus of the present invention is generally illustrated by reference numeral  1  and includes a ball-ejecting mechanism  22 , typically mounted on a utility box  12 , which may be seated on a base or frame  2 . The wireless control (not pictured) links to the to the wireless control box (not shown) for manually operating the ball throwing apparatus  1  by manipulation of various buttons on the wireless control box (not pictured), as further hereinafter described. The wireless link may be made through bluetooth, wi-fi, frequencies in the 2.4 ghz range, frequencies in the 5.8 ghz range frequencies in the 900 mhz range, frequencies in the 40 mhz range or combinations thereof. 
     A pedestal drive motor  17  is fixed to the utility box  12  and is also connected to the pedestal  13  such that operation of the pedestal drive motor  17  causes the mount pedestal  13  to rotate in the counterclockwise or clockwise direction in the pedestal. Operation of the pedestal drive motor  17  in rotating the mount pedestal  13  is facilitated by operation of the wireless control (not shown). 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings, the ball ejection mechanism  22  a wheel mount frame  23 , which is mounted on the pedestal  13 . A vertical pivot mount plate (not shown) mounted to a wheel mount frame  23  may be adjusted to pivot the ball ejection mechanism  22  in the vertical plane. In one embodiment, pivotal adjustment of the ball ejection mechanism  22  in a vertical plane is facilitated by the use of an elevation motor  72  that is mounted on the ball feed frame support mount  34  or other element of the apparatus  1  and is operably connected to the wheel mount frame  23 , according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings, the wheel mount frame  23  is characterized by an elongated mount frame plate  24  and fitted at each end with a corresponding wheel motor  29  for mounting the two counter-rotating wheels  27  on the wheel mount frame  23 . Each of the counter-rotating wheels  27  is provided with a peripheral ball-contact surface  28  for contacting and expelling a baseball, softball or other ball from the ball ejection mechanism  22  due to the counter-rotating operation of the counter-rotating wheels  27  by operation of the respective wheel motors  29 . Horizontal positioning or aiming of the ball ejection mechanism  22  is facilitated by operation of the pedestal drive motor  17 , which rotates the mount pedestal  13  in the horizontal plane. This may be accomplished using a wireless controller or a pendant controller. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings, the ball hopper  65  is in connection with utility box  12  and feed tube  35 . The ball hopper  65  is designed to accommodate storage of balls; however, the size and shape of the ball hopper  65  may be varied as needed for specific application, balls or the like. The ball feed tube  35  includes a feed tube inlet  36  at the utility box  12  and at the top end of the feed tube  35  is the feed tube outlet  37 . A ball feed mechanism may be provided to sequentially feed balls  70  into the feed tube inlet  36  of the ball feed tube  35 . A motor driven ball feed impeller  67  is attached to the lower end of the ball feed tube  35  at the feed tube outlet  36 . The motor driven ball feed impeller  67  propels balls  70  into the ball feed tube  35  through the activation of delivery motor  73 . In one embodiment, a sensor (not shown) is placed in feed tube  35 , which is linked to the delivery motor  73  of the motor driven ball feed impeller  67  as to regulate its operation. Thus, allowing a continuous flow of balls  70  as long as balls  70  are in the ball hopper  65 . A feed tube outlet  37  is aligned with the space between the counter-rotating wheels  27  to facilitate feeding of baseball, softball or other balls through the ball feeder tube  35  and between the counter-rotating wheels  27  for ejection, respectively. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 4 and 5  the box controls  8  and the controller  75  are operably connected, through a programmable logic controller  90 , to the pedestal drive motor  17 , the respective wheel motors  29 , the ball feed trigger control box  59 , delivery system motor  73  and the elevation motor  72  to facilitate selected automatic or manual control of those components of the ball throwing apparatus  1 , as hereinafter described. In another embodiment, box controls  8  and the controller  75  are operably connected wirelessly, through a programmable logic controller  90 . Accordingly, the programmable ball throwing apparatus  1  can be operated according to an automatic mode, in which the ball ejection mechanism  22  launches each of a succession of balls  70  according to programmed ball launch characteristics, which include skill level, base or field position, range position and elevation. A positioning unit  97 , operably connected to the logic controller  90 , senses the base or field position, range position and elevation position of the ball ejection mechanism  22  with respect to a homing position, which is typically the line drive position at second base. Alternatively, the ball throwing apparatus  1  can be operated according to a manual mode, in which the ball ejection mechanism  22  launches each ball  70  according to manually selected skill level, base or field position, range position and elevation ball launch characteristics, using the pendant controller  75 . In either the automatic mode or the manual mode, fielders (not illustrated) stand at the left field fielding position, center field fielding position, right field fielding position, first base fielding position, second base fielding position, short stop fielding position and/or third base fielding position in a baseball or softball outfield and attempt to catch the balls  70  launched from the ball ejection mechanism  22 , to hone baseball or softball catching skills. 
     In the automatic mode, the ball ejection mechanism  22  is operated by the programmable logic controller  90 , according to one of multiple programs each having multiple steps. At each step of a particular program, the ball ejection mechanism  22  launches a ball  70  according to the skill level, base or field position, range position, and elevation ball launch characteristics programmed for that step. In each step, the controller  75  is used to launch each ball  70  according to the programmed ball launch characteristics for that step. The ball launch characteristics of each step in a particular program are pre-selected and edited using the various control features of the box controls  8  of the control box  7 , as hereinafter described. In the manual mode, the controller  75  is used both to select the ball launch characteristics for each step, typically with the exception of the skill level, and to launch each ball  70  from the ball ejection mechanism  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the box controls  8  of the control box  7  includes a control panel  92  having a left field position button  101 , a center field position button  102  and a right field position button  103 , each of which is typically a push-light button. The field position buttons  101 - 103  are used to program the logic controller  90  ( FIG. 4 ) to position the ball ejection mechanism  22  at the left field fielding position, center field fielding position or right field fielding position, respectively, to launch each ball  70  toward that fielding position at a given step of a particular program. The control panel  92  further includes a first base position button  105 , a second base position button  106 , a shortstop position button  107  and a third base position button  108 , each of which buttons  105 - 108  is typically a push-light button. The base position buttons  105 - 108  are used to program the logic controller  90  to position the ball ejection mechanism  22  at the first base fielding position, second base fielding position, shortstop fielding position or third base fielding position, respectively, to launch each ball  70  toward that selected base or shortstop fielding position at a given step of a particular program. Other embodiments may use a touch panel, a computer, a PDA, a hand held computer or a palm pilot. 
     In one embodiment of the programmable ball throwing apparatus  1 , one of five different skill levels may be selected. These skill levels are “pee wee” (PW), corresponding to the slowest ball launch speed; “junior” (JR); “high school” (HS); “college” (COL); and “pro” (PRO), corresponding to the highest ball launch speed. Accordingly, as further illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the control panel  92  on the box controls  8  of the control box  7  includes a PRO skill level button  110 , a COL skill level button  111 , an HS skill level button  112 , a JR skill level button  113 , and a PW skill level button  114 . The skill level buttons  110 - 114  are typically push-light buttons and are used to program the logic controller  90  to operate the launch motors  29  at various speeds, and therefore, launch each ball  70  between the wheels  27  at the speed, which corresponds to the selected skill level at a given step of a particular program. 
     An “up” elevation button  116  and a “down” elevation button  117 , each of which is typically a push-light button, are provided on the control panel  92  and used to program the logic controller  90  to operate the elevation motor  72  to angle the ball ejection mechanism  22  along a vertical plane in a lowermost (−2) position, in which the ball ejection mechanism  22  launches a ball  70  in a “multi-hop” trajectory; a lower position (−1), in which the ball  70  is launched in a “one-hop” trajectory; a line drive (LD) position; an upper position (+1), in which the ball  70  is launched in a “fly ball” trajectory; and an uppermost (+2) position, in which the ball  70  is launched in a “pop fly” trajectory, at a given step of a particular program. Accordingly, the logic controller  90  is calibrated to initially position the ball ejection mechanism typically in the line drive (LD) position. The “up” elevation button  116  is pressed once to program the logic controller  90  to position the ball ejection mechanism  22  in the upper (+1) position and launch a “fly ball.” The “up” elevation button  116  is pressed twice to position the ball ejection mechanism  22  in the uppermost (+2) position and launch a “pop fly.” From the line drive (LD) position, the “down” elevation button  117  is pressed once to program the logic controller  90  to position the ball ejection mechanism  22  in the lower (−1) position and launch a “one-hop”, and twice to program the logic controller  90  to position the ball ejection mechanism  22  in the lowermost (−2) position and launch a “multi-hop”. 
     A right range button  119  and a left range button  120 , each of which is typically a push-light button, are provided on the control panel  92  to program the logic controller  90  to operate the pedestal drive motor  17  to position the ball ejection mechanism  22  at a direct hit (0) position; at a forehand (−1) position, in which a ball  70  is launched to the left of each base or field fielding position; at a forehand (−2) position, in which a ball  70  is launched to the far left of each base or field fielding position; at a backhand (+1) position, in which a ball  70  is launched to the right of each base or field fielding position; and at a backhand (+2) position, in which a ball  70  is launched to the far right of each base or field fielding position, at a given step of a particular program. From the direct hit (0) position, the right range button  119  is pressed once to select the right backhand (+1) position and twice to select the far right backhand (+2) position. From the line drive position (LD), the left range button  119  is pressed once to select the left forehand (−1) position and twice to select the far left forehand (−2) position. 
     A program mode selector switch  94  and a run mode selector switch  95  are included on the control panel  92 . The program mode selector switch  94  includes a “program” setting (P), an “edit” setting (E), and a “run” setting (R). The program mode selector switch  94  is set to the “program” setting (P) to select among the multiple ball-launch programs, each including multiple ball launch steps, whereas the program mode selector switch  94  is set to the “edit” setting to edit the various ball launch characteristics in a particular step of a given program, using the various control features on the control panel  92 . The program mode selector switch  94  is set to the “run” (R) setting to run the selected and edited program in the automatic mode or to operate the apparatus  1  in the manual mode, which automatic or manual mode is selected using the run mode selector switch  95  as hereinafter described. 
     The run mode selector switch  95  includes an “automatic” setting (A), an “off” setting (O), and a “manual” setting (M). The switch  95  is set to the “automatic” setting (A) to run the apparatus  1  in the automatic mode, according to the ball launch program previously selected and edited using the program mode selector switch  94 . The run mode selector switch  95  is set to the “manual” setting (M) to run the apparatus  1  in the manual mode, using the pendant controller  75 . The program mode selector switch  95  is set to the “off” (O) position to turn off the apparatus  1 . 
     The control panel  92  further includes a digital display  93  having an “up” selector button  93   a  and a “down” selector button  93   b . When the program mode selector switch  94  is turned to the “P” setting to select the desired program to be edited or to be run in the automatic mode, the number of the program selected appears in the digital display  93 . The “up” selector button  93   a  and the “down” selector button  93   b  are pressed to scroll through the available programs by number and select the program to be edited and/or run, as indicated by program number in the digital display  93 . When the selected program appears by number in the digital display  93 , the program mode selector switch  94  is next turned to the “E” setting to edit the desired step or steps in the selected program, using the various control features on the control panel  92 . The number of the step being edited in the selected program appears in the digital display  93 . The “up” selector button  93   a  and the “down” selector button  93   b  are pressed to scroll through the steps by number in the program and individually select each step to be edited, as indicated by number in the digital display  93 . 
     Alternatively, in another embodiment the control box  7  may include box controls  8  in the form of a touch screen display. The touch screen display can display different regions of the box controls  8  as active and/or choices depending on the program in operation at the time. For example, the touch screen may display choices for a main menu which allows the selection of the mode of operation of the apparatus  1  by the selection of setup mode, manual mode, program mode, maintenance mode or manual on the fly mode as hereinafter described in  FIG. 6  and in  FIG. 7  as a screen shot of one embodiment of the touch screen controller. 
     When the apparatus  1  is run in the “manual” mode, as hereinafter further described, the controller  75  is used to manually control the various ball launch characteristics of the ball ejection mechanism  22 . The controller  75  includes a first base position button  81  which is pressed to aim the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the first base fielding position in a baseball or softball outfield, a second base position button  82  which is pressed to aim the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the second base fielding position, a short-stop position button  83  which is pressed to aim the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the short-stop fielding position, and a third base position button  84  which is pressed to aim the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the third base fielding position. Accordingly, depression of the base position buttons  81 - 84  energizes the pedestal drive motor  17  to rotate the mount pedestal  13  in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in order to facilitate proper positioning or aiming of the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the selected base or shortstop fielding position. 
     A left field position button  78 , a center field position button  79  and a right field position button  80  are provided on the controller  75 . Depression of the left field position button  78 , the center field position button  79  or the right field position button  80  energizes the pedestal drive motor  17  to rotate the mount pedestal  13  in order to facilitate proper positioning of the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the selected left field fielding position, center field fielding position or right field fielding position, respectively, in the outfield. 
     An “up” elevation button  85  and a “down” elevation button  86  are typically included on the controller  75  to facilitate operation of the elevation motor  72  to pivot the ball ejection mechanism  22  in a vertical plane. Accordingly, the elevation motor  72  is calibrated to initially orient the ball ejection mechanism  22  typically in a line drive (LD) homing position, in which balls  70  are ejected from the ball ejection mechanism  22  in a generally horizontal, line-drive trajectory. By one depression of the “up” elevation button  85 , the elevation motor  72  tilts the ball ejection mechanism  22  upwardly to an upper “fly ball” (+1) elevation position, such that the ball ejection mechanism  22  ejects balls  70  in a fly ball trajectory. By two depressions of the “up” elevation button  85 , the elevation motor  72  tilts the ball ejection mechanism  22  upwardly to an uppermost “pop fly” (+2) elevation position, such that the ball ejection mechanism  22  ejects balls  70  in a pop fly trajectory. With the ball ejection mechanism  22  oriented in the line drive homing position, the “down” elevation button  86  is pressed once to cause the elevation motor  72  to tilt the ball ejection mechanism  22  downwardly, such that balls  70  are ejected in a “one hop” (−1) trajectory. By depression of the “down” elevation button  86  twice, the elevation motor  72  tilts the ball ejection mechanism  22  downwardly such that balls  70  are ejected in a “multi hop” (−2) trajectory. 
     The controller  75  further includes a right range button  87  and a left range button  88  which can be pressed to actuate the pedestal drive motor  17  to position the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward a far right (+2) backhand position, a right (+1) backhand position, a center or direct hit (0) position, a left (−1) forehand position or a far left (−2) forehand position, respectively, of each first base, second base, short stop or third base fielding position, selected using one of the position buttons, or to the left, far left, right or far right of each left field fielding position, center field fielding position or right field fielding position selected using the left field position button  78 , center field position button  79  or right field position button  80 . For example, the programmable ball throwing apparatus  1  is typically calibrated to aim the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the center or line-drive (LD) position of the selected base or field fielding position. Depression of the left range button  88  once facilitates positioning of the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the left forehand (−1) position, whereas depression of the right range button  87  once facilitates aiming of the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the right backhand (+1) position. Depression of the left range button  88  twice facilitates positioning of the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the far left forehand (−2) position, whereas depression of the right range button  87  twice facilitates positioning of the ball ejection mechanism  22  toward the far right backhand (+2) position. Like the base position buttons  81 - 84  and the field position buttons  78 - 80 , the right range button  87  and left range button  88  energize the pedestal drive motor  17  to rotate the mount pedestal  13  in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in order to facilitate proper positioning of the ball ejection mechanism  22  to the right or left of the selected base or field position. 
     A right position indicator light (not illustrated) and a left position indicator light (not illustrated) may be further provided on the controller  75 . Accordingly, when the ball ejection mechanism  22  is aimed toward the right backhand (+1) position of one of the base or field positions, the right position indicator light is continuously illuminated. When the ball ejection mechanism  22  is aimed toward the far right backhand (+2) position of one of the base or field positions, the right position indicator light flashes or blinks. Conversely, when the ball ejection mechanism  22  is aimed toward the left forehand (−1) position of a base or field position, the left position indicator light is continuously illuminated. The left position indicator light flashes or blinks when the ball ejection mechanism  22  is aimed toward the far left forehand (−2) position. When the ball ejection mechanism  22  is aimed in the center range or line drive (LD) position of one of the base or field positions, neither the right position indicator light nor the left position indicator light is illuminated or flashes. 
     A launch button  77  provided on the controller  75  is pressed to manually launch each ball  70  from the ball ejection mechanism  22 , toward the desired base or field position, range position and elevation position in the baseball or softball outfield previously selected by pressing one of the base position buttons  81 - 84 , range position buttons  87 ,  88 , and elevation position buttons  85 ,  86 . Accordingly, the launch button  77  actuates the release one of the balls  70  between the rotating wheels  27 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 6 , the programmable ball throwing apparatus  1  is capable of being operated in an automatic mode or a manual mode, as hereinafter described. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , block  602  displays a main menu which allows the selection of the mode of operation of the apparatus  1  by the selection of block  604  setup mode, block  606  manual mode, block  608  program mode, block  610  maintenance mode or block  700  manual on the fly mode as hereinafter described. For example,  FIG. 7  is a screen shot of one embodiment of block  602  displayed on a touch screen controller. The activation of area  1001 ,  1002  and  1003  on the controller results in the activation of block  608 ,  604 , and  606  respectively. 
     The selection of block  610  maintenance mode from the main menu  602  provides the choice of block  612 , which allows upgrades to the apparatus  1  and selection of block  614  for recalibration of the apparatus  1 . 
     The selection of block  608  initiates the program mode, which allows the selection of block  646  team routines, block  648  individual routines, block  650  custom routines or block  652  return to the main menu. The selection of block  646  team routines allows the selection of block  654 , which includes a variety of routines, which include variations in the sequential delivery of balls having the desired parameters to different positions. Block  654  then proceeds to block  656 . 
     The selection of block  648  individual routines allows individual routines to be selected by initiating block  658 , which allow the selection of position by the selection of the blocks  660  to  674 , which correspond to field positions. Block  660  corresponds to the pitcher, block  662  corresponds to the first base, block  664  corresponds to the second base, block  666  corresponds to the short stop position, block  668  corresponds to the third base position, block  670  corresponds to the left field position, block  672  corresponds to the center field position and block  674  corresponds to the right field position. Once block  660  to  674  has been selected and the position designates the block  676 , the selection of individual routines may be activated. Block  678  includes variations to one or more parameters identifying the ball flight and trajectory. In the automatic mode, the ball ejection mechanism  22  is operated by the programmable logic controller  90 , according to one of multiple programs each having multiple steps. At each step of a particular program, the ball ejection mechanism  22  launches a ball  70  according to the skill level, base or field position, range position, and elevation ball launch characteristics programmed for that step. In each step, the controller  75  is used to launch each ball  70  according to the programmed ball launch characteristics for that step. The selection of block  650  custom routines initiates block  678 . Block  678  allows the selection of customized routine, which vary the sequential delivery of balls and have different parameters identifying a flight and trajectory having the parameters desired by the user. Once the routine is selected block  678  is selected block  656  is initiated. 
     For example,  FIG. 8  is a screen shot of one embodiment of block  658  on a touch screen controller. The activation of area  1004 ,  1005 ,  1006 ,  1007 ,  1008 ,  1009 ,  1010  and  1011  on the controller results in the activation of block  660  which corresponds to the pitcher, block  662  which corresponds to the first base, block  664  which corresponds to the second base, block  666  which corresponds to the short stop position, block  668  which corresponds to the third base position, block  670  which corresponds to the left field position, block  672  which corresponds to the center field position and block  674  which corresponds to the right field position respectively. 
     Block  656  initiates block  680  the run menu display, which in turn initiates block  682 , which prompts the user to start the routine. If the user elects to start the routine block  684  is initiated and runs the routine, thus, operating the apparatus. Block  686  is then activated, which prompts the user to determine if the routine is over. A positive response to block  686 , causes block  680  to be reinitiated. A negative response to block  686  initiates block  688 , which prompts the user to stop the routine. If the routine is stopped then block  680  to be reinitiated. If the routine is not stopped then block  690  is initiated, which prompts the user to cancel the routine. A positive response to block  690  to cancel the routine will reinitiate block  608  and a negative response will reactivate block  684  causing the operation of the apparatus  1 . Alternatively, at block  682  if the user elected not to run the routine then block  688  will be initialized. 
     Alternatively, at block  602 , block  606  manual mode may be selected. Block  606  manual mode allows the selection of block  692  to set the position, block  694  to set the range, block  696  to set the type, block  698  to set the spin and block  700  the fly mode. The selection of block  692  allows the position to be selected by selecting blocks  702  to  716 , which correspond to field positions. Block  702  corresponds to the pitcher, block  710  corresponds to the first base, block  706  corresponds to the second base, block  708  corresponds to the short stop position, block  708  corresponds to the third base position, block  712  corresponds to the left field position, block  714  corresponds to the center field position and block  716  corresponds to the right field position. For example,  FIG. 9  is a screen shot of one embodiment of block  730  on a touch screen controller. The activation of area  1012 ,  1013 ,  1014 ,  1015 ,  1016 ,  1017 ,  1018  and  1019  on the controller results in the activation of block  702 ,  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 ,  714  and  716  respectively. 
     If block  694  was selected then block  718  is initiated, which allows the selection of the range. Block  718  defines the range through the selection of blocks  720 - 728 . Block  728  extreme right, block  726  right, block  724  direct, block  722  left, block  720  extreme left. For example,  FIG. 10  is a screen shot of one embodiment of block  718  on a touch screen controller. The activation of area  1020 ,  1021 ,  1022 ,  1023  and  1024  on the controller results in the activation of block  720 ,  722 ,  724 ,  726  and  728  respectively. 
     If block  696  was selected then block  730  is initiated, which allows the selection of the characteristics of ball to be delivered block  732  to  747 . The characteristic (e.g., groundball, line drive or fly ball) of the ball may be selected: block  732  soft groundball, block  734  medium groundball, block  736  hard groundball, block  738  soft line drive, block  740  medium line drive, block  742  hard line drive, block  744  soft fly ball, block  746  medium fly ball or block  747  hard fly ball. For example,  FIG. 11  is a screen shot of one embodiment of block  718  on a touch screen controller. The activation of area  1025 ,  1026 ,  1027 ,  1028 ,  1029 ,  1030 ,  1031 ,  1032  and  1033  on the controller results in the activation of block  732 ,  734 ,  736 ,  738 ,  740 ,  742 ,  744 ,  746  and  748  respectively. 
     If block  698  was selected then block  790  is initiated, which allows the selection of the spin of the ball through the selection of block  792  extreme back spin, block  794  backspin, block  796  normal spin, block  798  topspin or block  800  extreme top spin. The selection of block  700  on the fly mode allows the selection of block  606  or block  802 . 
     For example,  FIG. 12  is a screen shot of one embodiment of block  790  on a touch screen controller. The activation of area  1034 ,  1035 ,  1036 ,  1037  and  1038  on the controller results in the activation of block  792 ,  794 ,  796 ,  798 , and  800  respectively. 
     Initiation of block  802  initiates block  804  on the fly manual menu. Block  806  is initiated as a result of block  804  and prompts the user to change ball attributes. If the user elects to change the ball attributes then block  808  is initiated, however if the user elects not to change the ball attributes then block  814  is initiated. Block  808  allows the selection of the parameters that control the characteristics of the ball, e.g., spin, type, and range. In the automatic mode, the ball ejection mechanism  22  is operated by the programmable logic controller  90 , according to one of multiple programs each having multiple steps. At each step of a particular program, the ball ejection mechanism  22  launches a ball  70  according to the skill level, base or field position, range position, and elevation ball launch characteristics programmed for that step. In each step, the controller  75  is used to launch each ball  70  according to the programmed ball launch characteristics for that step. Block  814  prompts the user to end manual mode. If the user responds positively then block  606  is reinitiated, however if the user responds negatively then block  810  is initiated. Block  810  serves to initiate the firing of the ball and initiation of block  812 . Block  812  prompts the user to fire another ball. If the user responds positively to block  812  then block  806  is reinitiated, however a negative response results in block  606  being reactivated. 
     If block  604  setup was selected from the main menu  602 , block  814  is initiated which prompts the user for a password. Block  816  is then initiated which prompts the user to select the level by selecting blocks  820 - 828 , pro block  820 , college block  822 , high school block  824 , junior block  826  and peewee block  828 . Block  818  is then initiated and the user prompted to set the dimension of the field using blocks  832 - 840 , left field position block  832 , the left center field position block  834 , the center field position block  836 , the right center field position block  838  and the right field position block  840 . The user is then prompted to set the time by block  842 , followed by initiation of block  644 , which prompts the user to return to the main menu. If the user responds positively to block  644 , then block  606  is reinitiated, however it the user responds negatively block  604  is reinitiated. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 13-16 , the programmable ball throwing apparatus  1  is capable of being operated in an automatic mode or a manual mode, as hereinafter described. As illustrated in step S 1  of  FIG. 13 , the apparatus  1  is initially placed at home plate on a baseball or softball field, with the ball ejection mechanism  22  aimed toward second base, and then turned on, typically by actuation of a power switch (not shown) which may be provided on the control box  7 . As indicated in step S 2 , by operation of the positioning unit  97 , the apparatus  1  self-calibrates such that the ball ejection mechanism  22  is positioned in the direct hit (0) position at second base. Next, from the main menu S 3 , the apparatus  1  can be operated in the program mode S 4  or the run mode S 13 , as hereinafter described, using the program mode selector switch  94  and the run mode selector switch  95 . The program mode S 4  is used to select a desired ball launch program by which to operate the apparatus  1 , as well as to edit the ball launch characteristics of one or more steps in the selected program. The run mode S 13  is used to operate the apparatus  1  in either the automatic mode or the manual mode. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the program mode S 4  is selected by turning the program mode selector switch  94  to the “program” (P) position on the control panel  92 , with the run mode selector switch  95  typically turned to the “off” (O) position. Accordingly, as the program mode selector switch  94  remains at the “P” position, the first of multiple, typically 99, programs that are programmed into the logic controller  90  is initially indicated by the numeral “1” in the digital display  93 . The programs vary from each other according to the multiple steps (typically 10) each contains, and the steps in a given program vary according to the ball launch characteristics of each step. Typically, one or multiple programs are selected by a baseball or softball coach to train a baseball or softball team during one practice session. As indicated in step S 5  of  FIG. 14 , the desired program to be used is selected by pressing the “up” selector button  93   a  and/or the “down” selector button  93   b  on the control panel  92 , and the program numbers of the scrolled programs successively appear in the digital display  93 . When the desired program to be used has been selected, as indicated by program number in the digital display  93 , the program mode selector switch  94  may then be turned to the “edit” setting (E) on the control panel  92  to edit a step or steps in the selected program, as indicated in step S 6  of  FIG. 14 . 
     The steps of the program selected in step S 6  are indicated by number in the digital display  93 , and the step or steps to be edited are individually selected by scrolling the steps, by number, using the “up” selector button  93   a  and/or the “down” selector button  93   b . When the number of the desired step appears in the digital display  93 , the ball launch characteristics of that step can be edited, as desired and as indicated in steps S 7 -S 11  of  FIG. 14 . For example, the skill level S 7  for the step is selected by pushing the “PRO” skill level button  110 , “COL” skill level button  111 , “HS” skill level button  112 , “JR” skill level button  113  or “PW” skill level button  114  on the control panel  92  to operate the apparatus  1  at the selected skill level at that step. The pressed button is illuminated to indicate the skill level for the step. For example, if the “PRO” skill level button  110  is pressed for a particular step in a program, then the “PRO” skill level button  110  is illuminated and remains illuminated as long as the digital display  93  displays the number of that step. This selected skill level for that particular step is automatically saved in the memory of the programmable controller  90 . 
     The range position for the selected step, as indicated in step S 8 , is programmed by pressing the right range button  119  and/or the left range button  120  on the control panel  92 . Since the apparatus  1  is calibrated to initially position the ball ejection mechanism  22  at the direct hit (0) position at second base, the right range button  119  is pressed once (and is continuously illuminated) to select the right (+1) backhand position and twice (and flashes) to select the far right (+2) backhand position. The left range button  120  is pressed once (and is continuously illuminated) to select the left (−1) forehand position and twice (and flashes) to select the far left (−2) forehand position. The selected range position for the step is automatically saved in the memory of the programmable controller  90 . 
     The base or field position of the selected step, as indicated in step S 9 , is programmed by pressing the first base position button  105 , the second base position button  106 , the short stop position button  107 , the third base position button  108 , the left field position button  101 , the center field position button  102  or the right field position button  103  on the control panel  92 . When the desired position button  105 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108  or field position button  101 ,  102  or  103  is pressed, that button is illuminated and remains illuminated to indicate the base or field position selected for that step. The selected skill level for the step can be saved in the memory of the programmable controller  90 . 
     The elevation position of the selected step, as indicated in step S 10 , is programmed by pressing the “up” elevation button  116  and/or the “down” elevation button  117  on the control panel  92 . From the line drive (LD) position of the ball ejection mechanism  22 , the “up” elevation button  116  is pressed once (and is continuously illuminated) to select the upper (+1) or “fly ball” elevation position and twice (and flashes) to select the uppermost (+2) or “pop fly” elevation position. The “down” elevation button  117  is pressed once (and is continuously illuminated) to select the lower (−1) or “one-hop” elevation position and twice (and flashes) to select the lowermost (−2) or “multi-hop” elevation position. The selected skill level for the step is automatically saved in the memory of the programmable controller  90 . 
     The ball spin may be selected, as indicated in step S 11 , is programmed by selecting the desired ball spin from the menu including extreme back spin, back spin, normal, top spin or extreme topspin. The selected ball spin for the step can be saved in the memory of the programmable controller  90 . 
     After the skill level, range position, base or field position and elevation position have been selected for a particular step in a program, as indicated in steps S 7 -S 11  and heretofore described, the next or previous step in the program to be edited can be selected by pressing the “up” selector button  93   a  and/or the “down” selector button  93   b  on the control panel  92 . That step is then edited in similar fashion. After all of the steps for the program or programs to be used in a practice session have been edited as desired, and the ball launch characteristics for each step of each program saved into the memory of the logic controller  90 , the program mode selector switch  94  is turned to the “run” (R) setting on the control panel  92  to operate the apparatus  1  in either the automatic mode or the manual mode, as hereinafter described. The ball launch characteristics programmed into the logic controller  90  for each step of a given program remain unchanged unless and until the ball launch characteristics are subsequently edited in the manner heretofore described with respect to steps S 7 -S 11  of  FIG. 14 . 
     The apparatus  1  is operated in the automatic mode, as indicated in step S 14 , by turning the program mode selector switch  94  to the “run” (R) setting and the run mode selector switch  95  to the “automatic” (A) setting on the control panel  92 . Next, as indicated in step S 15  of  FIG. 15 , the controller  75  is used to launch each ball  70  from the ball ejection mechanism  22 , as indicated in step S 16 . This is accomplished by depression of the launch button  77  on the pendant controller  75 . Accordingly, the ball ejection mechanism  22  ejects each ball  70  according to the ball launch characteristics of each step in the program previously selected using the program mode selector switch  94  and the “up” selector button  93   a  and/or the “down” selector button  93   b.    
     Beginning with the first step in the selected program, the ball ejection mechanism  22  successively ejects balls  70  according to the ball launch characteristics programmed into the logic controller  90  for the respective steps of the program, by successive pressing of the launch button  77 . The ball  70  launched at a given step in the program has the combination of ball launch characteristics previously programmed for that step. These ball launch characteristics include the skill level; the base or field position, which corresponds to which of the left field, center field or right field fielding position, or which of the first base, second base, short stop or third base fielding position, the ball  70  is launched toward; the range position; and the elevation position. For example, at a given step in the program, the ball ejection mechanism  22  may launch a ball  70  toward a fielder standing at the center field fielding position. The other launch characteristics of the ball  70  may include a high school (HS) skill level; a back hand (+1) range position; and a fly ball (+1) elevation position. Accordingly, the center field fielder attempts to catch the ball  70  after the ball is launched from the ball ejection mechanism  22 . The next ball  70  launched from the ball ejection mechanism  22  at a subsequent step in the program may have the same or different ball launch characteristics for the same or a different fielder, depending on the particular ball launch characteristics of the ball  70  programmed for that particular step in the program. Accordingly, the ball launch characteristics of the balls  70  launched in a particular program can be edited to provide the desired workout for any and all fielding positions in the baseball or softball outfield. 
     After a ball  70  is ejected from the ball ejection mechanism  22  according to the ball launch characteristics of the first step, for example, the logic controller  90  automatically selects the ball launch characteristics of the second step in the program, as indicated in step S 18 , and launches the next ball  70  accordingly, until each step in the program has been completed. The ball launch characteristics of the previous step in the program may be selected, as desired, as indicated in step S 19 , by pressing the “down” selector button  93   b  on the control panel  92 . As indicated in step S 17 , therefore, the ball launch characteristics of the next step in the program are selected and implemented in the next launching of the ball from the ball ejection mechanism  22  by simply pressing the launch button  77  on the pendant controller  75 . Conversely, the ball launch characteristics of a previous step in the program are selected by pressing the “down” selector button  93   b  on the control panel  92 , and then implemented by pressing the launch button  77  on the pendant controller  75 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the apparatus  1  is operated in the manual mode, as indicated in step S 21 , by turning the run mode selector switch  95  to the “manual” (M) setting on the control panel  92  while the program mode selector switch  94  remains at the “run” (R) setting. The ball ejection mechanism  22  is then manually operated using the pendant controller  75 , as indicated in step S 22 . Accordingly, the skill level for a particular ball launch step, indicated in step S 23 , is selected by pressing a selected one of the skill level buttons  110 - 114  on the control panel  92 . The range position for the step, indicated in step S 24 , is selected by pressing the right range button  87  or left range button  88 . From the direct hit (0) position the right range button  87  is pressed once to select the right (+1) backhand position and twice to select the far right (+2) backhand position. The left range button  88  is pressed once to select the left (−1) forehand position and twice to select the far left (−2) forehand position. 
     The base or field position for the ball launch step, indicated in step S 25 , is selected by pressing a selected one of the left field position button  78 , center field position button  79 , right field position button  80 , first base position button  81 , second base position button  82 , short-stop position button  83  or third base position button  84  on the pendant controller  75 . As indicated in step S 26 , the elevation position for the ball launch step is selected to choose a multi-hop, one-hop, line drive, fly ball or pop fly ball trajectory for the ball launch step. From the line drive (LD) position, the upper (+1) “fly ball” position is selected by pressing the “up” elevation button  85  once. The “up” elevation button  85  is pressed twice to select the uppermost (+2) “pop fly” position. The lower (−1) “one-hop” position is selected by pressing the “down” elevation button  86 , whereas the “down” elevation button  86  is pressed twice to select the lowermost (−2) “multi-hop” position. Finally, after the skill level, range position, base or field position and elevation position have been selected, as indicated in steps S 23 -S 26 , a ball  70  is launched from the ball ejection mechanism  22  according to the selected ball launch characteristics, as indicated in step S 27 , by pressing the launch button  77  on the pendant controller  75 . Another ball  70  having the same ball launch characteristics can then be launched from the ball ejection mechanism  22  by again pressing the launch button  77 . Alternatively, the ball launch characteristics can be changed, according to any or all of steps S 23 -S 26 , to launch a ball or balls  70  having the manually-selected ball launch characteristics. 
     It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

Technology Category: a