Abstract: A novel critical supplementary apparatus, when used in conjuction with U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673, collectively completes the sphere of practical operation of a convexo-concave bowling ball retrieving device that captures, guides, lifts and deposits in one smooth continuous flowing motion a bowling ball for subsequent discharge into a bowling ball return. U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673 addresses the inherent lack of friction problems found in Brunswick automatic pinsetter bowling machines, models A and A2 but is unable to comply with a similar problematic lack of friction situation found in the remainder of Brunswick product line—models Factory A2 and the Jetback. The models Factory A2 and Jetback don't have adaquite clearance between the bowling ball retrieving device 1 that is mounted on the rotating ball return wheel 6 (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673) and the 1 HP motor mount shaft 19.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a billiard bowling game. The apparatus includes a bowling pin distributing section and a bowling ball returning section. The bowling pin distributing section is constructed such that, while bowling pin distributing means is driven by driving means, respective bowling pins transferred from bowling pin collecting means are sequentially set in bowling pin setting holes defined in a bowling pin setting plate. The bowling ball returning section is constructed such that the bowling ball rolling on a sloped plate which is fastened to a fixed plate of a base section is raised between a curved inner edge of a bowling ball-guiding curved plate and a bowling ball-driving wheel fitted around a driving shaft and between inner surfaces of a pair of side plates, so as to be placed at an entrance to bowling ball returning rails.

Abstract: A one piece positive contact bowling ball retriever device, having no moving parts. It is secured to the inside of the ball return wheel and circum rotates with the wheel. It has a lead finger guide designed to assist in the differentiating of pins and the ball, as the pins go their way the lead finger guide captures, guides and holds the ball in its concave radius to be lifted and deposited in one smooth continuous flowing motion for subsequent discharge into the bowling ball return. This positive contact device nether contributes to nor is it affected by slippage and drag caused by the oil and dust normally associated with automatic bowling machinery. By using this positive contact device, ball friction will no longer have to be artificially supplied by the use of temporary rubber ball kickers and the machine r.p.m.s can be reduced for longer equipment life and more economical operation. Ball retriever 1 eliminates the need for manufactures to friction compensate by operating at 36 r.p.

Abstract: A covered rail assembly for the bowling ball return of a bowling alley. The rails are made of cylindrical metal and the cover for the rail fits over the engaging surface thereof and is secured thereto by ties, with the ball engaging surface of the cover of concave semi cylindrical shape so as to conform to a ball's surface contacted thereby. The cover is impregnated with oil absorbing particles.

Abstract: A mechanism for air-assisted rudder operation that supplements current rudder assemblies involved in returning bowling balls to the bowler. An electric motor rotating a cam activates and deactivates an air switch which in turn operates an air cylinder causing the rudder of a bowling machine to oscillate. The oscillation prevents bowling pins from entering the ball lift area.

Abstract: A bowling alley return mechanism includes a horizontal ball return disposed between two adjacent lanes, a pair of side walls which define a chamber and a ball door or opening in one of the side walls. A generally crescent-shaped concave pivotally mounted cradle is disposed within the chamber and adjacent to the opening for receiving a bowling ball thereon. The mechanism also includes an optical sensor which is responsive to a portion of the bowling ball when the bowling ball is on the cradle. A bell crank and linkage rotates the cradle in response to a signal from the sensor. The mechanism also includes an exit door and a releasable locking assembly of the pin and groove type which prevents any flying pins from passing through the exit door. The locking assembly is responsive to an upper portion of a bowling ball when the ball is moved by the cradle to unlock the exit door and allow the ball to pass therethrough and into the horizontal ball return for propulsion to the opposite end of the alley.

Abstract: A bowling alley pit assembly for transferring bowling pins and balls to a pin elevator and ball return includes a base member having a forward and rear portion and a pair of laterally-spaced walls. The base member is disposed in a pit area of the bowling alley with the forward portion adjacent to the pin deck and the rear portion adjacent a pin elevating mechanism. A pair of rollers are disposed between the spaced walls and a motor is operatively connected to one of the rollers. A pit-wide endless belt passes around the rollers for moving fallen pins rearwardly away from the pin deck. The pit assembly also includes a one-piece or unitary, generally hollow, plastic bounce board disposed between the upper and lower portions of the endless belt and between the pair of rollers. The bounce board is transverse to the alley and defines two side-by-side, relatively flat portions which slope downwardly to form a shallow trough with a recessed area at one end thereof.

Abstract: A one piece positive contact bowling ball retriever device, having no moving parts. It is secured to the inside of the ball return wheel and circum rotates with the wheel. It has a lead finger guide designed to assist in the differentiating of pins and the ball, as the pins go their way the lead finger guide captures, guides and holds the ball in its concave radius to be lifted and deposited in one smooth continuous flowing motion for subsequent discharge into the bowling ball return. This positive contact device nether contributes to nor is it affected by slippage and drag caused by the oil and dust normally associated with automatic bowling machinery. By using this positive contact device, ball friction will no longer have to be artificially supplied by the use of temporary rubber ball kickers and the machine r.p.m.s can be reduced for longer equipment life and more economical operation. Ball retriever 1 eliminates the need for manufactures to friction compensate by operating at 36 r.p.