Apparatus for recharging pressurized balls and method

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method for recharging depleted pressurized balls that uses pressurized gas is disclosed. A pressure vessel includes a cylindrical shell with a closed end and a spaced apart and opening top connected by a wall to form a charging chamber. The vessel may be pivotally secured to a base. A port in the outer wall, closed end, or top of the vessel permits gas entry and exit for charging. The chamber is filled with an appropriate number of discharged balls and then is sealed and charged with high pressure gas having a molecular weight heavier than air. The chamber is monitored to determine when the balls have reached a desired internal pressure. Once the balls reach the desired internal pressure they are removed.

1 . A system for recharging depleted balls, the system comprising:
 a pressure vessel with a closed bottom and a spaced apart, selectively open top with an integral rigid wall extending therebetween and having a charging chamber adapted to receive at least one ball to be recharged; and   a gas port that is in fluid communication with the charging chamber wherein said gas port is suitable for connection to a pressurized gas supply, said gas having a molecular weight heavier than air.   
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1  further comprising a pressurized gas supply in at least selective fluid communication with the charging chamber wherein said gas has a molecular weight heavier than air. 
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1  further comprising a base pivotally supporting the pressure vessel, said base including at least two spaced apart arms, said arms pivotally secured to the vessel to permit pivotal movement of the vessel. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein said charging chamber has a height sufficient and a diameter sufficient to allow said balls to recharge without warping. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 1  further comprising means for agitating said balls while they are within said pressure vessel. 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein said pressure vessel further comprises a pressure gauge adapted to display vessel pressure. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein said charging chamber is capable of receiving a plurality of balls. 
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein said gas is carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         9 . A ball recharged by the system according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         10 . A method of recharging depleted balls comprising the steps of:
 filling a pressure vessel charging chamber by introducing a plurality of discharged balls into the charging chamber;   charging said chamber by sealing said chamber and then increasing the internal pressure of said chamber by introducing a quantity of gas with a molecular weight heavier than air; and   maintaining said balls within said chamber for a time sufficient for said balls to achieve a desired internal pressure.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further including the step of agitating the recharging balls at least once while recharging. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said charging chamber has a height sufficient and diameter sufficient to allow said balls to recharge under pressure without warping. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the gas is carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the pressure within the pressure vessel charging chamber is sufficient to raise the internal pressure of a discharged ball. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the ball is a tennis ball. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said process is completed in less than 10 days. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 10  further comprising reducing the pressure of said chamber after said balls achieve the desired internal pressure. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the height to diameter ratio of the charging chamber is less than 2.6:1. 
     
     
         19 . A recharged ball produced in accordance with the process of  claim 10 . 
     
     
         20 . A ball according to  claim 19  wherein said ball is a tennis ball.