Last Updated 20th August, 2002
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Ball pitching devices have been used in sport practice for many years to develop techniques and reactions. Typically balls are propelled from a device using motors, discs, pneumatics, and spring system stored the force devices and speed spin that can be set by the operator. Based on a survey of current literature, many existing products are in the market.
Current state of the existing products
1 JUGS Curveball Pitching Machine
One of them is the JUGS Curveball Pitching Machine, which has established itself as the most popular and wide baseball-pitching machine in the world. This is a electrical machine. It can be provided a quick and easy speed adjustable. It can be thrown from different speed (mph). It is portable, easy to move and set up. The swivel design base casting provides 360 degree of movement for fly ball and ground ball drills.
Figure 1: Jugs Curveball Pitching Machine
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2 The Gas Powered Practice Pitching Machine
Figure 2: Gas Powered Practice Pitching Machine
The Gas Powered Practice Pitching Machine was found that is smooth, quiet, powerful, accurate and versatile. It can pitch from 35 to 80mph. It provides portability anywhere. It has a reliable quiet 3.5hp Briggs and Stratton power engine.
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3 Lobster 101 tennis ball pitching machine
Figure 3: Lobster 101 tennis ball pitching machine
Lobster 101 tennis ball pitching machine is due to the pneumatic process. The perfect training machine provides up to 60mph speed. It is built in 150-ball feeder. It has a reasonable price.
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4 The Ultimate Pitching Machine
Figure 4: The Ultimate Pitching Machine
The Ultimate Pitching Machine is non-electric or gas, which is mechanical only. It operates a spring powered and is a long-life steel spring. It provides a lightweight and low price. Moreover, it is extremely accurate and easy-to-set speed from 25 to 50 mph. In addition, it also uses for practice on grounders, line drives and fly balls.
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5 Zooka Pitching Machine
Figure 5: Zooka Pitching Machine
Zooka Pitching Machine is operated by battery powered for true portability. It can be rechargeable. It is a extremely accurate, reliable and repeatable machine. It can throw as real baseball at real speeds from 10 to 65 mph. The digital speed readout of every pitch can be shown in this machine. It can produce over 500 pitches at 50 mph with internal battery. The machine can easily set up and take down in less than 1-minute. It can be adjustable elevation from 2 to 80 degrees in less than 10 seconds. The machine has safety features. It is also suitable for use on glass, dirt, or asphalt surface.
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6 The Rookie Cordless by ATEC
Figure 6: The Rookie Cordless by ATEC
The Rookie Cordless by ATEC, which is battery powered. There has no gasoline, generator, extension cords, and power outlets. It has removable legs, carrying handle, transporting wheels and transporting locking device with protective portable battery pack-bag. The dependable and rugged weatherproof construction and long life DC motor will bring years of service. Accuracy is guaranteed by the unique patent disc propulsion design. The unique patent disc propulsion design will deliver a strike every time, whether AC power is available or not. Speed ranges from soft lobs to 60 mph with state-of-the-art motor control. A fast six-second-recovery time between pitches guarantees consistency and accuracy. The above machines provide a reference for generating a new design of pitching machine.
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Based on this project, the objective is to develop a new design of ball flinger for sport practice to improving the reaction and skills. The main methodology is to develop a non-powered system to propel the ball at different adjustable suitable speeds and direction movement.
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