Sports implement testing methods and apparatus
First Claim
1. A sports-related testing system, comprising:
- an implement movement module, including means to grip the implement and a first electromotive source to move the implement in a predetermined path;
an implement movement sensor outputting a signal relating to the movement of implement;
an object delivery module, including an object support and a second electromotive source operative to place the object into the path of the implement along a delivery path such that the implement is able to strike the object, causing it to travel along a flight path;
a delivery speed sensor disposed along the delivery path outputting a signal relating to the velocity of the object upon delivery;
an object speed sensor disposed along the flight path outputting a signal relating to the exit velocity of the object; and
programmed computer means including a user input, a display, and interfaces to the first and second electromotive sources and to the sensors, the programmed computer means being operative to perform the following functions;
(a) activate the first and second electromotive sources in response to the user input so that the implement strikes the object, causing the object to enter the flight path,(b) construct a database of performance characteristics associated with at least the implement based upon the signals output by the various sensors, and(c) display selected portions of the database in accordance with the user input.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for testing a striking-type sports implement such as a bat is disclosed. In terms of apparatus, a system according to the invention includes a bat-swinging module, a ball-delivery module, and one or more programmed computers. The bat-swinging module includes means to grip a bat at its handle end, and an independent, computer servo-controlled motor to swing the bat. The ball-delivery module includes a ball support and a second, independent, computer servo-controlled motor to place the ball into the swing of the bat along a delivery path such that the bat is able to strike the ball and cause the ball to travel along a precise trajectory path. Various sensors are disposed to measure swing speed, "pitch" speed and exit velocity, with the computer(s) being operative to construct a database of bat performance characteristics based upon swing speed, pitch speed and exit velocity, and display selected portions of the database in accordance with a user input.
49 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A sports-related testing system, comprising:
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an implement movement module, including means to grip the implement and a first electromotive source to move the implement in a predetermined path; an implement movement sensor outputting a signal relating to the movement of implement; an object delivery module, including an object support and a second electromotive source operative to place the object into the path of the implement along a delivery path such that the implement is able to strike the object, causing it to travel along a flight path; a delivery speed sensor disposed along the delivery path outputting a signal relating to the velocity of the object upon delivery; an object speed sensor disposed along the flight path outputting a signal relating to the exit velocity of the object; and programmed computer means including a user input, a display, and interfaces to the first and second electromotive sources and to the sensors, the programmed computer means being operative to perform the following functions; (a) activate the first and second electromotive sources in response to the user input so that the implement strikes the object, causing the object to enter the flight path, (b) construct a database of performance characteristics associated with at least the implement based upon the signals output by the various sensors, and (c) display selected portions of the database in accordance with the user input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An automated ball hitting machine, comprising:
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a bat-swinging module, including means to grip the bat at its handle end and a first electromotive source to swing the bat through a predetermined swing path; a bat-swing sensor outputting a signal associated with the swing of the bat; a ball-delivery module, including a ball support and a second electromotive source operative to place the ball into the swing path of the bat along a predetermined ball delivery path such that the bat is able to strike the ball and cause the ball to travel along a trajectory; a delivery-speed sensor disposed along the ball delivery path outputting a signal relating to the velocity of the ball upon delivery; a ball-speed sensor disposed along the trajectory outputting a signal relating to the exit velocity of the ball; and programmed computer means including a user input, a display, and interfaces to the first and second electromotive sources and to the sensors, the programmed computer means being operative to perform the following functions; (a) activate the first and second electromotive sources in response to the user input so that the bat strikes the ball, causing the ball to enter the flight path, (b) construct a database of performance characteristics associated with at least the bat based upon the signals output by the various sensors, and (c) display selected portions of the database in accordance with the user input. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A baseball bat test system, comprising:
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a bat-swinging module, including means to grip the bat at its handle end and a first motor drive to swing the bat in a swing plane; a bat-swing sensor disposed in the swing plane outputting a signal relating to swing speed; a ball-delivery module including a pivoted swing arm and a second motor drive operative to rotate the swing arm in a path which intersects the swing plane of the bat so that the bat hits the ball at a point of striking contact, causing the ball to leave the support and travel along a trajectory; a ball-delivery sensor disposed along the path of the swing arm outputting a signal relating to pitch speed; a ball-speed sensor disposed along the trajectory outputting a signal relating to the exit velocity of the ball; and programmed computer means including a user input, a display, and interfaces to the motor drives and to the sensors, the programmed computer means being operative to perform the following functions; (a) activate the motor drives in response to the user input so that the bat hits that ball and causes it to enter the trajectory, (b) construct a database of bat performance characteristics based upon swing speed, pitch speed and exit velocity, and (c) display selected portions of the database in accordance with the user input. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A testing method for sporting goods, comprising the steps of:
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mechanically swinging a sports implement along a swing path; mechanically delivering an object to be struck by the implement along a delivery path and into the swing path such that the object is struck at a point of contact, thereby entering a flight path; measuring the swing speed of the implement at a point proximate to the point of contact; measuring the exit velocity of the object along at least one point of the flight path; and determining a performance characteristic as a function of swing speed and the exit velocity. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification