Frank D Costa

US Patent:

6460530, Oct 8, 2002

Filed:

Mar 27, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/537437

Inventors:

Dean A. Backeris - Pittsburgh PA 15201
James Kappernaros - Pittsburgh PA 15238
Frank J. Costa - Pittsburgh PA 15215

International Classification:

F41A 961

US Classification:

124 49, 124 50, 124 53, 124 72, 222367, 221203, 221265

Abstract:

A ball feeding device for a for connection to a separate and independent ball propelling machine, such as those used to propel softballs, tennis balls, and baseballs. The preferred embodiment includes a lower chute connected to the feed port of a ball machine. Balls are delivered to the lower chute from a hopper through a feed port comprising of a tumbler casing of a hollow tube formation having an entry hole on its open upper end and a feed hole on its open lower end. The casing has a tumbler hole on its wall leading to the feed port. A tumbler sleeve is positioned in the tumbler hole and axial extends perpendicular to the path of the feed port. The tumbler sleeve has a ring gear around its circumference. The tumbler sleeve also has a semicircular sleeve extension, having an inner and outer wall which extends a predetermined distance into the feed port and obstructs the passage of balls though the port. The upper end of the casing is placed within the exit hole of the hopper.

US Patent:

58875786, Mar 30, 1999

Filed:

Aug 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/920180

Inventors:

Dean A. Backeris - Gibsonia PA
James P. Kappernaros - Pittsburgh PA
Frank J. Costa - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

F41B 1500

US Classification:

124 49

Abstract:

An improved ball projecting apparatus for balls of various sizes, weights, materials and shapes, which utilizes air pressure supplied by a separate and independent source of flowing air, such as a leaf blower, to project balls. More specifically, it comprises of a barrel (10) of tubular form defining a linear air discharge axis. The barrel is attached on one end to the source of flowing air (11). A barrel hole (12) is formed in the barrel wall. Attached to the barrel is a tumbler casing (14). The casing has a hollow tubular formation. It has an entry hole (16) and a feed hole (19) formed on its wall directly opposite each other. The tumbler casing is attached and sealed at its feed hole to the barrel hole creating a path or feed port through the casing and into the barrel. Inside the casing is a tumbler (20) being of hollow tubular shell formation which is solid on all walls and ends except for a tumbler hole (22) formed on its wall, exposing the tumbler chamber into which a ball is deposited. This tumbler is capable of being revolved within the casing.