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: 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: 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: Overflow of bowling pins in an automatic pinsetter (26) having a distributor (44) for distributing pins to a plurality of pin positions (90) may be substantially reduced by utilizing additional switches (150) in pin spotting cells (120) at each pin position to provide indications of whether a pin is loaded in the associated spotting cell (120), which information may be processed by a CPU (108) and used to deenergize a relay (230) controlling power to the distributor (44), a pit conveyer (34) and a pin elevator (38) to halt operation of such components when pin delivery is not required.