Control system for pitching machine
OwnerMichael Circostainventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A control system for controlling a pitch parameter includes a controller, at least one pitch parameter adjustment actuator configured to mount to a pitching machine and cooperate with a component of or operatively connected to an arm assembly to adjust at least one pitch parameter, and at least one position tracking linear scale configured to mount the pitching machine. The at least one pitch parameter adjustment actuator is electrically operated and actuated by the controller. The at least one position tracking linear scale is electrically operated and communicates location data associated with movement of the component to the controller.
Claims20
A control system for controlling a pitch parameter, the system comprising:
- a controller;
- at least one pitch parameter adjustment actuator configured to mount a pitching machine and cooperate with a component of or operatively connected to an arm assembly to adjust at least one pitch parameter, wherein the at least one pitch parameter adjustment actuator is electrically operated and actuated by the controller;
- and
- at least one position tracking linear scale configured to mount the pitching machine, the at least one position tracking linear scale is electrically operated and communicates location data associated with movement of the component to the controller.
A method for attaching a control system to an arm style pitching machine, comprising:
- fixing at least one pitch parameter adjustment actuator to at least one of an arm assembly and a frame supporting the arm assembly of the pitching machine, the at least one pitch parameter adjustment actuator being configured to move at least a portion of the arm assembly relative to a surface supporting the pitching machine for adjusting at least one pitch parameter;
- connecting the at least one pitch parameter adjustment actuator to an electrical power source;
- connecting the at least one pitch parameter to a controller;
- and
- fixing at least one position tracking linear scale to the pitching machine, the position tracking linear scale configured to receive an applied voltage, to detect a voltage and to communicate the detected voltage to the controller.
A control system for a pitching machine having an arm assembly, the control system comprising:
- a controller;
- a memory associated with the controller;
- a remote controlled user interface operatively connected to the controller, the user interface comprising at least one switch and signal light enabling a user to save pitch parameters, select saved pitch parameters, and select random pitch parameters;
- a speed adjustment pitch parameter actuator that is at least one of an electrical linear actuator and a worm gear actuator, the speed adjustment pitch parameter actuator is actuated by the controller and is configured to mount the pitching machine and cooperate with the arm assembly to adjust pitch speed;
- a first position tracking linear scale configured to mount to the pitching machine and operatively connect with the speed adjustment pitch parameter actuator, the first position tracking linear scale configured to detect a position of the speed adjustment pitch parameter actuator as an electrical property and communicate speed adjustment pitch parameter actuator position data to the controller;
- a height adjustment pitch parameter actuator that is an electrical linear actuator, the height adjustment pitch parameter actuator is actuated by the controller and is configured to mount the pitching machine and cooperate with the arm assembly to adjust pitch height;
- a second position tracking linear scale configured to mount to the pitching machine and operatively connect with the height adjustment pitch parameter actuator, the second position tracking linear scale configured to detect a position of the height adjustment pitch parameter actuator as an electrical property and communicate height adjustment pitch parameter actuator position data to the controller;
- a horizontal adjustment pitch parameter actuator that is an electrical linear actuator, the horizontal adjustment pitch parameter actuator is actuated by the controller and is configured to mount the pitching machine and cooperate with the arm assembly to adjust pitch horizontal position;
- and
- a third position tracking linear scale configured to mount to the pitching machine and operatively connect with the horizontal adjustment pitch parameter actuator, the third position tracking linear scale configured to detect a position of the horizontal adjustment pitch parameter actuator as an electrical property and communicate horizontal adjustment pitch parameter actuator position data to the controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.