CONVERSION KITS FOR PROGRAMMABLE PITCHING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR PROFILING PITCHES

摘要

A method for profiling pitches of an actual pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator having two wheels and a video display. Pitch profile codes are developed for a pitcher, and entered into the simulator, which is programmed to deliver pitches with the same profiles as the pitcher. The invention also includes a kit for converting a pitching machine having one wheel, into a video-pitching machine. The kit includes a projection screen (100) having an aperture (102), projector (12), injector solenoid (120), and control (130). Another embodiment of the kit is for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine into a video pitching machine, in which case the kit would include a clutch motor unit (120), and relay unit (140). The invention also includes a mounting frame for separate baseball and softball pitching machines of the wheel type. The machines (12, 212) are mounted on respective base plates (61, 62) that are pivotally mounted to the frame (16) and connected to move together by a linear actuator (68).