Importance

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Abstract

A machine (10) for projecting a ball, such as a volleyball (B), includes a longitudinally extending, pivotally mounted impact arm (27). A power spring (32) is attached to one end of the arm (27). A ramp (41) is provided on the arm (27) and is mounted angularly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the arm (27). A motor (34) has a rotating shaft (37) which carries a crank arm (38) having a roller (40) at the end. The roller (40) first engages the ramp (41) to extend the spring (32) and pivot the arm (27) and then disengages the ramp (41) so that the arm (27) pivots the other direction under the influence of the spring (32). A pivotally mounted cradle (25) holds a ball (B) in the path of the arm (27) so that the other end of the arm (27) strikes the ball (B). A shock absorbing system (47) engages the arm (27) after the ball (B) has been struck. A supply of balls (B) may be held in a magazine (18), and an arm (43) can be moved to engage a ball (B) to move it to the cradle (25) under the influence of a roller (46) positioned on a crank arm (39) carried by motor shaft (37). The force applied by the spring (32) may be varied by a spring adjustment mechanism (56) and the cradle (25) may be pivoted by an adjustment mechanism (61) to vary the trajectory of the ball (B) being struck.

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First Claim