Abstract: A bowling pin orientating device usable with a pin distributing system comprising two spaced apart identical elements. Each element is somewhat elongated and has a pin receiving end, and opposite pin discharging end, and relatively upper and side pin orienting surfaces extending between the ends. The upper surface, near the pin receiving end is interrupted at a location closer to the receiving end than the discharging end by a projection that extends upwardly and away from the side surface. The side surface, at a location on the side of the projection closest to discharging end, has a diagonal lower section merging with a vertical upper additionally define a generous round between the receiving end the projection and a round with a progressively decreasing radius extends between and merges with the generous round and the diagonal and vertical sections of the side surface.

Abstract: The overall volume and rear end height of an automatic pin setter may be reduced to avoid spacial constraints with a pin distributing system for receiving bowlong pins (33) moving in a generally horizontal path and for distributing pins (33) so received to two spaced paths. The distributing system includes an elongated, horizontal first conveyor (60) defining the horizontal path and having a discharge end (64) from which bowling pin (33) may be discharged along with second and third conveyors (96, 100) in spaced relation to another and each having a pin receiving end located on opposite sides of the discharge end (64). A pin diverter (110) is located between the pin receiving ends and at the discharge end (64) and a pivot (120) is provided to mount the pin diverter (110) for limited pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis to either side of a vertical plane extending through the axis and generally in the direction of elongation of the first conveyor (60).