Abstract: A pinspotter controller system, and a method therefore, is disclosed which provides improved functional characteristics over old pinspotter control systems. The heart of the pinspotter control system is an all solid state pinspotter controller chassis which can be coupled to a pinspotter for controlling the operation of the pinspotter. The all solid state pinspotter controller provides circuitry for executing a short strike cycle; for cutting power to a back end motor to conserve energy; and for coupling to a remote control console. The solid state pinspotter controller retains status and position data for the pinspotter during power interruptions. The combination also replaces the current AMF 8270 chassis, contains a buffering mechanism to prevent false operation, and contains a new communication module. The new combination disclosed here has improved backend control through the use of a microprocessor, reduced wiring, positive management and control, and improved braking when operating at 230 Volts AC.

Abstract: The present invention is an all solid state chassis for controlling a bowling pin pinspotter. The solid state chassis is designed to replace current electromechanical chassis such as the AMF 8270 chassis, while providing new and unique capability in diagnostics and communication. The solid state chassis is designed to reduce the energy consumption of the pinspotter. The solid state chassis is also designed to detect and provide self protection against faults and overloads. The solid state chassis also allows for remote communication with the pinspotter via a hardwired communication link or by electromagnetic means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid state bowling pin counter which is designed to replace existing mechanical pin counters. The solid state pin counter uses infrared technology and electro-optics to reliably detect the presence of a bowling pin as the pin travels towards the bowling pin table via the distributor assembly. The solid state pin counter can detect all colors of bowling pins and it works reliably in all ambient light conditions including flashing lights. If power is turned off during the time bowling pins are being fed into the bowling pin table, the memory in the pin counter remembers the pin counter's condition no matter where the bowling pin is on the distributor belt. Thus, when power is turned back on, the bowling pin table is filled with bowling pins as if the power was never turned off.

Abstract: A combination bowling pinspotter and pinspotter control chassis system is disclosed which provides a bowling pinspotter having circuitry for permitting the spotting of bowling pins and an all solid state pinspotter control chassis coupled to the pinspotter for controlling the operation of the pinspotter. The all solid state pinspotter controller provides circuitry for executing a short strike cycles. In addition, the pinspotter controller secures power to a back end motor of the pinspotter in order to conserve the energy consumed by the back end motor. The pinspotter controller provides circuitry coupled to a remote control console for permitting the pinspotter to complete a current cycle prior to executing a shut down command for the pinspotter from the remote control console. In addition, the all solid state pinspotter controller retains status and position data for the pinspotter during power interrupts.

Abstract: This disclosure specifically discloses a key (or other type of door opening object) dispensing apparatus and method that could be used for hotels, motels, rental car companies, and the like to dispense keys (or other door opening objects) to customers automatically, without a human attendant being present to effect the transaction. One embodiment of the present invention discloses a round carousel with hooks upon which metal keys are placed. The carousel is rotated to a position where the desired or selected key is in position to be dispensed from the apparatus and dispensing means then pushes the key off its hook allowing it to fall into a tray below. A second embodiment discloses the use of a standard 35 millimeter type slide carousel to hold plastic key cards commonly known as VING cards.

Abstract: This disclosure specifically discloses a key (or other type of door opening object) dispensing apparatus and method that could be used for hotels, motels, rental car companies, and the like to dispense keys (or other door opening objects) to customers automatically, without a human attendant being present to effect the transaction. One embodiment of the present invention discloses a round carousel with hooks upon which metal keys are placed. The carousel is rotated to a position where the desired or selected key is in position to be dispensed from the apparatus and dispensing means then pushes the key off its hook allowing it to fall into a tray below. A second embodiment discloses the use of a standard 35 millimeter type slide carousel to hold plastic key cards commonly known as VING cards.

Abstract: A scrap metal collection system having apparatus for separating ferrous from non-ferrous material for which the weight exceeds a pre-determined amount and separating metallic materials from non-metallic materials. The resulting material remaining after these separations is typical aluminum cans. The cans are compacted by a crushing apparatus weighed and distributed in a storage area. Coins are returned to the operator of the apparatus determined by the weight and rounded to the nearest penny for the cumulative weight. Apparatus is disclosed for determining the excessively heavy material by allowing the excessively heavy material to fall and impact a plate. The separation of ferrous material has been implemented in a manner to avoid jamming of the conveyor belt. The distribution is of the compacted material in the storage compartment. Other improvements in the apparatus and in the control of the apparatus relative to prior scrap metal collection systems are described.

Abstract: An unattended apparatus for collecting aluminum cans and for compensating depositors of said aluminum cans based on the weight of the aluminum cans deposited, including a microprocessor-based control system which controls the energization of various system components, monitors system data, monitors alarm signals, operates a display, controls the weighing cycle, controls the compensation cycle, and the like. The apparatus includes a heavys detector which measures the weight of an incoming object as a function of the displacement of the platform it strikes. A second metal detector is used to separate non-ferrous metals from non-metals. A trapdoor is provided for dropping out non-metals and heavys and closed to pass aluminum cans to the input of the crusher hopper.

Abstract: This relates to a low cost reliable controller which may be used in conjunction with induction motors or, more generally, to generate AC power from a DC source. The system utilizes a microprocessor in combination with low cost parallel transistors to provide the control function. A feedback module monitors the actual rotor speed and conveys this information back to the microprocessor. A voltage boost module may be used in combination with the microprocessor and switching circuits to optimize the overall efficiency of the system. The microprocessor computes slip and controls the voltage drive in order to further optimize efficiency of the system as a function of motor speed. Both the footfeed voltage and boosted voltage are analog voltages and are applied to an A/D converter. The output of the A/D converter presents a digital representation of the footfeed voltage or boost voltage to the microprocessor.

Abstract: An unmanned apparatus for collecting scrap aluminum cans and for compensating depositors based on the weight of such cans deposited includes a micro-processor control means which produces control signals for operating the apparatus and dispensing compensation, calibrating a weighing means, monitoring and displaying the existence of alarm conditions and de-energizing the apparatus until the conditions which caused the alarm are corrected. Further, a communication port is provided to transmit and receive remote information as for example from a central dispatch. The compensation and the rate thereof is controlled by a permanent non-volatile memory means and the weight of the cans upon which compensation is based is displayed to the depositor.

Abstract: Unmanned apparatus for collecting scrap aluminum cans and for compensating depositors of scrap aluminum cans based on the weight of the aluminum cans deposited including a microprocessor control structure which produces control signals to control the operation of the apparatus including the dispensing of compensation, calibrating the weighing structure, and in response to alarm signals produced by operating components of the apparatus, to display the existence of any such alarm conditions, to identify their source and to deenergize the apparatus until the alarm causing conditions are corrected.