Abstract: A ball kicker for an automatic pin setting machine is formed of a semi-hard rubbery material having a plurality of vertical grooves.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle is provided with an elongated rod which is longitudinally displaceable with respect to a carrier which supports at least one frictional rod engagement member for producing a rod travel retardation force. The rod engagement member is arranged to apply a lateral force to the rod, which lateral force is translated into the rod travel retardation force to smoothly and quickly control the motion of the rod between first and second positions. The frictional rod engagement member can be urged against a rod in various ways, including compression of a resilient or elastic force exerting component, such as a wire-wound spring. The combination of the force exerting components and the frictional member can be configured to apply retardation forces to the rod which have preselectable damping characteristics. In a featured embodiment of the invention, the resilient force exerting component is itself damped by contact with the frictional rod engagement member.

Abstract: A pin guide arm for an automatic pinsetter bowling machine is provided with locking guide means and flexible mounting means to lead bowling pins from the pin wheel to the turnaround pan.

Abstract: A pinsetter cycling device adapted to be actuated in response to the slightest movement of the pin cushion. The device is constituted by a pair of flexible spring-like conductive members attached to and extending rearwardly of the pit cushion and a conductive surface adapted to be bridged to the flexible members upon the slightest movement of the cushion. The flexible members are electrically connected to the pinsetter cycle means to actuate same on being moved into contact with the conductive surface.

Abstract: A resilient element shock absorber having a casing and a movable rod extending into a bore in the casing. Two bushings are slidably disposed in the bore, and a resilient structure is disposed between the bushings. Upon displacement of the rod in either direction from its neutral position, one of the bushings is displaced inwardly and the resilient structure is compressed. Thus, the resilient structure will oppose any displacement of the rod from its neutral position and the resilient structure will bias the rod towards its neutral position. Adjustment devices are provided for varying the forces exerted by the resilient structure.

Abstract: A protective member for the plows of an automatic pinspotter bowling machine is formed of an outer layer of a wear-resistant ball-contacting member, an intermediate strengthening member, and an inner layer of cushioning material.

Abstract: A shock absorber having controlled, continuous, adjustable resistance in both directions is obtained by means of a slide piston passing through a fixed collar and through two movable collars and elastic compression means abutting each movable collar.

Abstract: A deck chute for an automatic pinsetter is provided with a lining of low coefficient of friction material.

Abstract: Pin contacting means deflect a bowling pin as it exits the cross conveyor belt so that it contacts the turret indexing paddle rather than the wires of the turret baskets.

Abstract: A carpet belt for an automatic pinspotter machine formed of a soft, flexible, material capable of embedding therein a hard object without being torn.

Abstract: An improved respot cell pad for a pinspotter automatic bowling machine is formed of high density flexible, resilient, compression resistent cellular material.

Abstract: An automatic bowling machine is provided with means adapted to maintain the distributor belt closer than otherwise to the orientating pan.

Abstract: A rear filler pad assembly for an automatic pinspotter bowling machine is formed of two ribbed attaching segments and a grommet receiving segment having elongated serrated slots. Each slot has a wide opening at one end thereof into which a grommet is inserted. The grommet is then moved along the slot until it is in registration with the associated ball kicker shaft. The narrow portion of each slot holds the grommet firmly in place.

Abstract: The end of the gripping finger member of a respot cell is provided with a tightly fitted elastomeric wheel-like protective bearing member.

Abstract: An improved deck pad for a pinsetter automatic bowling machine is formed of medium density flexible, resilient, compression resistent cellular material.

Abstract: A cushion block assembly for a cylinder which supports a bowling ball backstop consists of two substantially U-shaped blocks, one block provided with means to lock the cylinder, the other block provided with a hub over which the cylinder is fitted.

Abstract: A lift for a ball elevator wheel for an automatic pinsetting bowling machine is formed of a substantially rectangular strip of flexible elastomeric material with a first bevel in the direction of rotation of the elevator wheel and a second bevel facing the open front of the elevator wheel. At least one and preferably two strips are provided. The strips cover only a minor portion of the inner circumference of the elevator wheel.

Abstract: A strong flexible material is fastened to itself by a plurality of slits and cut-out sections which form flaps which are pushed through openings formed by a second plurality of slits and smaller cut-out sections.

Abstract: The supporting arms of the plank support unit for an automatic pinsetting machine are attached to the horizontal shaft by upper and lower portions which are detachably secured to one another around the shaft. Cushioning material is disposed between the portions and the shaft. The arms support a plank which constitutes a backstop. A cushion is disposed between the arms and the plank.

Abstract: A tire wheel for a bowling ball return system is provided with a high friction surface. The high friction surface is achieved by way of a circumferential strip of a flexible elastomeric material which is adhered to the surface of the tire wheel. One end of the strip is provided with a bevel which faces in the direction of wheel rotation. The wheel is disposed along an upwardly inclined portion of a bowling ball return track.