Automated feeder for a ball propelling machine

摘要

The invention feeds balls to a connected ball propelling machine, such as those used to propel softballs and baseballs. The feeder includes a chute angled with respect to gravity so that balls loaded into an upper end thereof tend to travel through the chute but are restricted in their movement by an abutment surface. The abutment surface is formed on a bumper member extending upwardly into the chute. A rotating shaft extends across the chute in proximity to and behind the abutment surface. The shaft includes a pair of hooks extending about the bumper member so that upon rotation of the shaft, the hooks lift one ball at a time over the bumper member. This allows the lifted ball to continue its travel down the chute and into the ball propelling machine. A cam included on the shaft, and switches are used to control a motor connected to rotate shaft. By positioning the switches as desired, the feeder can be operated continuously, operated for a predetermined time, operated for a predetermined number of rotations or operated on command.