An electromagnetic launcher with a curved or spiral-shaped, open-ended guideway and conductors for launching a projectile. The projectile, movably retained on or within the guideway, is accelerated along the guideway using electromagnetic forces until it reaches an end of the guideway, then the projectile is launched in a desired direction. The direction of the launch of the projectile is determined by orienting the guideway in the desired direction using an actuator.

Combining rotating and gyrating structures, to achieve a specific velocity of a mass, within a device, can reduce the number of parts as compared to a design using only gyration induced acceleration, and can reduce the absolute dimensions compared to a design using only rotation induced acceleration. Synchronous motions allow the accelerated mass to transition from a rotating reference frame to a gyrating reference frame without a significant physical gap or jump, greatly reducing any potential for ricochet. Re-phasing within the device may be accomplished several times. The mass is ejected and directed toward a target.

A mass acceleration system for launching objects, such as a projectile or launch vehicle, via rotational acceleration is disclosed. The system may comprise a chamber maintained at near vacuum pressure, a motor that rotates a hub attached to a tethered projectile in a circular motion inside the vacuum chamber, accelerating the projectile until the projectile reaches a desired launch speed. The projectile may be released from the tether upon reaching the desired launch speed and may exit the chamber through an exit port that is opened briefly to allow the projectile to exit. In various embodiments, the circular mass acceleration system can be used to launch a projectile into space orbit. By employing rotational acceleration via a mechanical approach, the acceleration system provides a cost-effective reusable system for launching objects.

A mass accelerator for launching objects, such as a payload, via rotational acceleration is disclosed. The system may comprise a chamber maintained at near vacuum pressure, a motor that rotates a hub attached to a tethered projectile in a circular motion inside the vacuum chamber, accelerating the payload until the payload reaches a desired launch speed. The payload may be released from the tether upon reaching the desired launch speed and may exit the chamber through an exit port that is opened briefly to allow the payload to exit. In various embodiments, the circular mass acceleration system can be used to launch a payload into space orbit. By employing rotational acceleration via a mechanical approach, the acceleration system provides a cost-effective reusable system for launching objects.

A mass acceleration system for launching objects, such as a projectile or launch vehicle, via rotational acceleration is disclosed. The system may comprise a chamber maintained at near vacuum pressure, a motor that rotates a hub attached to a tethered projectile in a circular motion inside the vacuum chamber, accelerating the projectile until the projectile reaches a desired launch speed. The projectile may be released from the tether upon reaching the desired launch speed and may exit the chamber through an exit port that is opened briefly to allow the projectile to exit. In various embodiments, the circular mass acceleration system can be used to launch a projectile into space orbit. By employing rotational acceleration via a mechanical approach, the acceleration system provides a cost-effective reusable system for launching objects.

A device for launching an object which includes a flexible shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a handle located at the proximal end sized to enable a user to grip the device while launching an object. An object gripping claw is located at the distal end of the flexible shaft, the gripping claw including first and second flanges which together define a capture volume for an object, the first flange being a stationary post and the second flange being a flexible web extending from the flexible shaft, the second flange being sufficiently flexible to deform in retaining an object within the capture volume and to release an object for launching when the flexible shaft is swung in a forward circular path.

A device for launching an object which includes a flexible shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a handle located at the proximal end sized to enable a user to grip the device while launching an object. An object gripping claw is located at the distal end of the flexible shaft, the gripping claw including first and second flanges which together define a capture volume for an object, the first flange being a stationary post and the second flange being a flexible web extending from the flexible shaft, the second flange being sufficiently flexible to deform in retaining an object within the capture volume and to release an object for launching when the flexible shaft is swung in a forward circular path.

An apparatus for firing projectiles including a feeding mechanism adapted to feed projectiles into rotating arms rotating around an axis within a guide wall. The wall includes an opening through which the projectile are expelled due to the rotation of the arms. Strikers attached to each arm are so positioned so that they strike the projectile that has been expelled through the guide accelerating the projectile.

An apparatus for firing projectiles including a feeding mechanism adapted to feed projectiles into rotating arms rotating around an axis within a guide wall. The wall includes an opening through which the projectile are expelled due to the rotation of the arms. Strikers attached to each arm are so positioned so that they strike the projectile that has been expelled through the guide accelerating the projectile.

The invention relates to a novel interactive pet ball launcher wherein digital circuitry in the ball and launcher will wirelessly track and record throw data, allowing a User to view the data on a readout in the launcher handle, or to transfer the data to a smartphone or computer via wireless technology or a data dongle that connects via USB in the handle of the launcher.