Portable Automated Trap Thrower

From left to right, Mike Barfield, Robert Kniskern, Pete Sawall, Eric Gieras.

Team Members: Mike Barfield, Robert Kniskern, Pete Sawall,

Advisors: Ahmed S. Khan, Sang M. Lee

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Automatic Trap Thrower

Developed by:  Mike Barfield, Eric Gieras, Rob Kniskern & Pete Sawall

Project Description:

     Our team developed a portable/automatic trap thrower from an existing manually operated trap thrower.  The thrower operates on a 12 volts DC.  This allows the thrower to acquire its power from a standard car battery through the car’s cigarette lighter.  Also, a portable air compressor is required to charge a small tank on the side of the thrower to 100 PSI.
 
    First, the thrower starts out in the fire position.  Before any of the control circuitry is energized the air compressor must charge the small reservoir on the side of the thrower to 100 PSI.  Once the compressor reaches operating pressure, the control circuitry can be switched on. This activates the Pneumatic cylinder that puts tension on the throwing arm spring.  Next, a clay target is inserted into the thrower. Then the shooter steps on a foot switch connected to the thrower; that launches the target by activating a solenoid attached to the mechanical catch.   After the target is released, the thrower automatically goes to the load position. Next, the Pneumatic cylinder releases the air holding tension on the spring when it reaches the load position. At the same time the front motor begins to bring the throwing arm back to the mechanical catch.  Once the arm locks into place the front motor goes back to the start position and the throwing arm goes back to the firing position.  Once the front motor goes back to the starting position and the throwing arm is in the firing position the process is ready to start over.

     This is truly a project a shooting enthusiast can appreciate.