Method and device for returning golf balls

Abstract

A method and a device for automatically returning golf balls towards a golfer over a predefined track, in particular for putting training on golfing greens, in which distances from a golf hole are different, includes a motorized lifting device having lowered and lifted positions of the golf ball and controllable assemblies generating a driving force causing the golf ball to roll down from its lifted position along a specific length and guiding the ball to the golfer by using a position guidance system. Preferably, a microcontroller is associated with the force-generating assemblies for controlling the required length of the rolling down motion. The microcontroller is at least connected to an air stream sensor and a humidity sensor by circuit technology, and optionally to mobile signal transmission computer equipment for transmitting the required length with a radio receiver assembly.

1 . A method for returning golf balls, the method comprising the following steps:
 triggering a sensor detecting a golf ball and then lifting the golf ball out of a golf hole into an upper position;   using controlled power-applying assemblies to generate a driving force rolling the golf ball in the upper position along a specified length of track;   using a position guidance system to direct a movement of the golf ball towards a location of a player; and   returning the golf ball to a playing area of a golfing green by applying movement energy.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , which further comprises generating the driving force rolling the golf ball forward by a downward movement from the upper position initially due to gravity and along an inclined surface, and using the position guidance system installed on an inclined surface to direct the rolling track towards the location of the player. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , which further comprises using a control system to generate the driving force rolling the golf ball forward along a specified length at an entrance of a tubular channel mounted at the upper position and an electrically operated pressure-generating assembly applying a controlled pressure force, and determining a direction of a rolling down motion by at least one of a shape or a length of the tubular channel. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , which further comprises using a control system to generate the driving force rolling the golf ball forward along a specified length by controlling a motion of a lifting magnet piston directed at the golf ball, and determining a direction of a rolling down motion by a location of the position guidance system. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , which further comprises using a microcontroller as a control system for the power-applying assemblies, and calculating a length of a required rolling down motion by using mobile computer equipment sending results to the microcontroller by radio technology. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , which further comprises using the microcontroller to control the power-applying assemblies depending on both a humidity and an air stream of an environment detected by sensors. 
     
     
         7 . A device for returning golf balls, the device comprising:
 a lifting device configured to be inserted into a golf hole and being operated by an electric motor to move into an upper position;   an overrun channel mounted downstream of said upper position of said lifting device;   force-generating assemblies connected to said overrun channel and causing the golf ball to roll down in a controllable manner for a specified length; and   a position guidance system disposed downstream of said overrun channel for determining a direction of a rolling down motion towards a golfer.   
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , which further comprises a sensor detecting the golf ball, said lifting device having a ladle-shaped assembly connected to said sensor for picking up the golf ball. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 7 , which further comprises a plurality of controllable motion elements disposed beneath the device for controlling a position of the device and moving the device around the golf hole to permit said position guidance system to be oriented into a number of different directions. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 7 , which further comprises:
 a microcontroller associated with said force-generating assemblies for controlling a required length of the rolling down motion;   at least one sensor for detecting an air stream;   at least one sensor for detecting humidity;   circuit technology connecting said sensors to said microcontroller; and   mobile computer equipment configured to transmit a signal to said microcontroller for the required length as a radio receiver assembly.