Abstract: An error detection system for notifying maintenance personnel of errors in a bowling lane operation may include a camera, artificial light source (optional), a computer that sends an output signal. The output signal may be a signal to provide notification to maintenance personnel to fix the error or an electrical signal to the pinsetter or ball return unit to manipulate operation of the same to prevent further damage. In this manner, interruptions and delays to bowlers will be minimized because maintenance personnel is immediately notified of any errors and can resolve the errors before the bowler realizes the error.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for scoring and tracking pin position and pin placement, gameplay, and playing time during games of FOWLING™. A modified pin with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag affixed to or implanted in the pin provides tracking of individual pins during gameplay. A RFID reader is used to poll the set of pins on the platform to determine when a pin has left a set position. A processor controls the RFID tag reader and a clock so as to track pin position versus time. A pin position array is used in conjunction with conductive or magnetic disks on the bottom portion or surface of the pin for tracking pin position, pin placement, and gameplay. The conductive or magnetic disks complete circuit junctions in the array that confirm the presence of a standing pin and when a pin has been dislodged and presumably toppled over.

Abstract: A game platform and process of setting up and scoring individual game pins on the game platform is provided. The platform and process has utility to mitigate the negative impact of recurring manual setup of individual game pins on a game surface prior to beginning or continuing play such as the misalignment of individual game pins potentially creating an unfair advantage or disadvantage to those playing the game. The platform and process also has utility to increase the efficiency and uniformity of game setup and game play. The platform affords automatic identification of a misaligned game pin and notifies a player of the need to realign the game pin. The platform has further utility to automatically score the game and generate additional game information in real-time.

Abstract: An example of a practice device includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a middle portion extending along a longitudinal axis between the top and bottom portions, a neck portion extending between the top and middle portions, and a plurality of weights. The top portion includes a first cross section and at least two through-holes extending between front and rear surfaces. The bottom portion and middle portions include second and third cross sections, respectively. The neck includes a fourth cross section smaller than the third cross section. The weights have center holes smaller than the third cross section but larger than the first and fourth cross sections are configured for placement around the neck portion. Example methods of practicing and warming up may use various practice devices.

Abstract: A bowling alley is provided with a photoelectric pinfall detection system which includes a pinfall detection device by means of which it can be recognized whether or not a fallen pin is lying in the end region of the bowling lane or in one of the gutters. The pinfall detection device comprises a light sensitive sensor array which detects any radiation reflected by a pin lying in the end region of the bowling lane. For this purpose, the lower foot portion of each pin may be provided with a black ring. Thus, the reflection characteristics of the pin change in dependence whether the pin is standing upright or has fallen, because in the first case the weak reflection of the black ring is detected by the pinfall detection apparatus, while in the second case the strong reflection of the white central portion of the pin is detected.

Abstract: Bowling lanes are equipped typically with first monitoring devices serving to verify the position of the pins and second monitoring devices designed to detect the passage of the balls, also a first control station connected both to the first and second monitoring devices and to the actuator of a machine for recovering and setting up the pins, in such a way that the game can be run and supervised according to a selected program and on the basis of the information received in signals returned by the two sets of monitoring devices; in the equipment disclosed, the first and second monitoring devices are incorporated into a single assembly together with a second control station interfaced with the program and connected to a communications network of which the first control station forms a part.