Abstract: In one implementation, a mobile device is integrated with a bowling center automatic scoring system. For example, a server receives a lane control command originating with the mobile device and determines or identifies a bowling lane that is associated with the mobile device. A response message or signal, which includes data indicative of the bowling lane and the lane control command to, is sent to the automatic scoring system. The automatic scoring system executes the lane control command.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information for use in solving various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a pinsetter for setting pins on a bowling lane. A control circuit controls the pinsetter to re-set a configuration of pins on the bowling lane based on performance data of a bowler if the bowler fails to knock down all the pins of the configuration.

Abstract: A pin arrangement control apparatus, as well as a system therefor, capable of pin arrangement in any arbitrary pin arrangement patterns are implemented only by slightly modifying a pin setter machine equipped with only basic functions for performing the so-called tenpin bowling. A common pin setter machine equipped with means for setting the first-bowl ten pins, and means for gripping and elevating the set pins, sweeping with the rake and then rearranging the pins is additionally equipped with a selective pin gripping mechanism for gripping only pins corresponding to a pin arrangement pattern given from external. Thus, the pin setter machine is capable of pin arrangement in a specified pin arrangement pattern for rearrangement of the second-bowl pins.

Abstract: An automatic bowling pin setting machine includes a sorting section receiving knocked down pins and bowling balls, an elevator conveying pins to a receiving reel, and a setting reel to which pins drop downwardly from the setting reel. Gripper arms accompanying the setting reel pick up any standing pins to ready the alley for a second throw. After a second throw, the alley is swept clean of pins, and the setting reel places a new set of pins in the alley. The setting machine is designed with reduced maintenance in mind and for sureness of operation.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager's control terminal.

Abstract: An automatic pin setter includes a pinsetting deck structure movable toward and away from a pin supporting surface on a bowling lane for controlling setting of bowling pins on the lane supporting surface. A rake sweeps pins from the lanes. A rake up switch senses if the rake is in a raised position. A drive system is operatively coupled to the deck structure and rake and includes a cycle solenoid, the drive system for controlling an automatic pin setter cycle in response to energization of the solenoid. The pinsetter cycle controls movement of the deck structure and the rake to selectively remove or set pins on the lane. A pit cushion is positioned at a rear end of the lane and is linked to the rake to lower the rake from the raised position when a thrown ball strikes the pit cushion. A control comprises a ball sensor mounted on the lane before the pit cushion for sensing presence of a ball on the lane and developing an electrical trigger signal in response thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modification of existing bowling alley pin setting equipment to facilitate bowling practice. The fixed pivot point of the scissor arms, supported by the scissors deck, is movable from a first position, in which the original pivot point of the scissors arms is maintained, to a second position, in which the pivot point is movable to prevent adequate closing of the scissor arms whereby an undesired pin(s) is not clamped by the scissor arms and remains on the bowling surface where it may be swept away by the sweeper during its sweeping motion. All of the necessary pin(s), required for a desired bowling practice pin combination, a clamped and raised by the scissor arms during the resetting cycle. The invention also relates to a control mechanism for controlling movement of the slidable pivot point.