Accurate, multi-axis, computer-controlled object-projection machine and manufacturing process employing the accurate, multi-axis, computer-controlled object-projection machine

Abstract

Multiple axes are employed to impart predetermined velocities and rotational components to the projected object. Projection of the object may be synchronized with a displayed video image to simulate the throwing of an object. The accurate-automated-multi-axis machine for projecting objects may be employed as an integral component in a projectable object manufacturing process.

1 . A baseball-manufacturing process for manufacturing aerodynamically reliable baseballs, the process including: 
 providing a baseball-projection machine that can be controlled to project baseballs at specific, desired speeds and rotational directions and velocities to impact a target ninety feet from the baseball-projection machine accurately;    manufacturing sets of baseballs with precise tolerances for physical characteristics and parameters, varying one or more characteristics or parameters within each set;    projecting the sets of baseballs using the baseball-projection machine in order to determine the magnitude of the effect of varying the one or more parameters or characteristics on the aerodynamic reliability of the baseballs within each set of baseballs;    selecting from among the parameters and characteristics varied in the sets of baseballs a subset of characteristics and parameters that have the most effect on the aerodynamic reliability of the baseballs; and    designing a manufacturing process in which the selected characteristics and parameters are carefully controlled within desired tolerance ranges in order to produce aerodynamically reliable baseballs.    
     
     
         2 . A baseball manufactured by the baseball-manufacturing process of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         3 . A projectable object-manufacturing process for manufacturing aerodynamically reliable projectable objects, the process including: 
 providing a projectable-object-projection machine that can be controlled to project projectable objects at specific, desired speeds and rotational directions and velocities to accurately impact a target;    manufacturing sets of projectable objects with precise tolerances for physical characteristics and parameters, varying one or more characteristics or parameters within each set;    projecting the sets of projectable objects using the projectable object-projection machine in order to determine the magnitude of the effect of varying the one or more parameters or characteristics on the aerodynamic reliability of the projectable objects within each set of projectable objects;    selecting from among the parameters and characteristics varied in the sets of projectable objects a subset of characteristics and parameters that have the most effect on the aerodynamic reliability of the projectable objects; and    designing a manufacturing process in which the selected characteristics and parameters are carefully controlled within desired tolerance ranges in order to produce aerodynamically reliable projectable objects.    
     
     
         4 . The projectable object manufacturing process of  claim 3  wherein the projectable object is selected from a set of projectable objects that include: 
 baseballs;  
 tennis balls;  
 golf balls;  
 footballs;  
 soccer balls;  
 bowling balls;  
 lacrosse balls;  
 basketballs;  
 ping pong balls; and  
 volleyballs.  
 
     
     
         5 . A projectable object manufactured by the projectable object-manufacturing process of  claim 3 .  
     
     
         6 . A projectable object manufactured by the projectable object manufacturing process of  claim 5  wherein the projectable object is selected from among a set of projectable objects that include: 
 baseballs;  
 tennis balls;  
 golf balls;  
 footballs;  
 soccer balls;  
 bowling balls;  
 lacrosse balls;  
 basketballs;  
 ping pong balls; and  
 volleyballs.