Abstract: A bowling ball and pin separator to prevent bowling pins from being caught up by a ballwheel within an electromechanical pinsetter machine. The separator includes a base plate, a hinge with a spring, and a rigid arm. The hinge connects the rigid arm to the base plate, and the spring provides sufficient tension such that only the weight of a bowling ball is enough to cause the arm to be moved. In certain embodiments, the rigid arm is an elongated member having a plurality of bends.

Abstract: A bowling pin release mechanism, which is used to release bowling pins onto the lane for the first ball, which is pin cell independent. As such, aside from the vertical, reciprocating motion of the frame structure on which it is mounted, does not require additional mechanical or electromechanical mechanisms or components for pin release and reset operations. The resettable pin support and release mechanisms are contained within the pin cell.

Abstract: A bowling pin release mechanism, which is used to release bowling pins onto the lane for the first ball, which is pin cell independent. As such, aside from the vertical, reciprocating motion of the frame structure on which it is mounted, does not require additional mechanical or electromechanical mechanisms or components for pin release and reset operations. The resettable pin support and release mechanisms are contained within the pin cell.

Abstract: A bowling ball elevating assembly for an automatic pinsetter includes an idler pulley assembly having an idler arm and a tension spring causing the idler arm to maintain tension on a ball wheel belt driving a ball elevating ring member. An adjustment arm and a tension arm are mounted to an idler pulley shaft enabling adjusting the amount of tension applied by the tension spring to the idler arm, and consequently the tensioning force applied by an idler pulley to the ball wheel belt, thereby permitting slippage of the ball wheel belt relative to the ball elevating ring member when bowling pins and a bowling ball become jammed in the pinsetter. An improved idler v-pulley wheel has a reduced frictional engagement with the ball wheel belt, and improved positioning of the ball lift drive belt pulley reduces stress on the ball wheel belt.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a distributed bowling center system includes two or more computing devices associated with respective bowling center peripherals. The bowling center peripherals are any electronic or mechanical device in a bowling center capable of detecting a bowling event or receiving input. Example bowling center peripherals include a pinsetter, a monitor, a bumper, a keypad, or a touchscreen. The bowling center peripherals are configured to perform at least one bowler center function. The computing devices are configured to execute at least one process related to a bowler center function of the associated peripheral. Each computing device is located physically closer to the peripheral than the other computer device. The computing devices are in communication via a network. The computing devices are configured to access a process map defining the communication, which is responsive to the at least one bowler center function.

Abstract: An elevator assembly having a looped track assembly and a chain assembly having rollers which roll on the looped track assembly. The chain assembly includes spaced apart pin holders extending from the chain. A sprocket drive assembly engages the chain assembly.

Abstract: A pin setter applied to a bowling game machine in which a player rolling a ball toward a plurality of pins arranged in a standing manner on a lane thereby to knock down the plurality of pins. The pin setter that arranges the pins at predetermined positions includes a pin lifter that lifts the pin in a standing state up to the lane, a pin guide that keeps the pin lifted on the lane from falling down, and an evacuation mechanism that evacuates the pin guide from the lane.

Abstract: A light and sound system for a bowling pin deck includes a controller interposed between a music system and a light assembly connected to a forward end of a pin setter assembly and positioned forwardly and above a bowling pin deck. The light assembly includes a rearwardly and downwardly projecting light arrangement of colored and infrared LEDs mounted upon a light plate. Positioned above the light plate is a standard fluorescent bulb for uniform traditional illumination of the pin deck. The LEDs are configured and positioned for full illumination of the pin deck in various colors including red, green and blue, which are illuminated by a controller either independently of or in conjunction with the music system. During all periods, the infrared LEDs are illuminated to operate in conjunction with the automatic scorer.

Abstract: A gaming device including a playing field having a substantially planar surface, and a target setter arranged to pivot relative to the playing field between a first position and a second position, the target setter including a reservoir and at least one channel extending from the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is adapted to receive and store at least one substantially spherical object therein when the target setter is in the first position, and the at least one channel is operatively arranged to direct a substantially spherical object from the reservoir to the playing field when the target setter is in the second position.

Abstract: An electromechanical pin setter including a hydraulic drive component. The present invention includes a deck assembly holds pins in deck chutes and reciprocates vertically to spot and re-spot pins on a pin setting location on a bowling lane, a rake mechanism removes pins from the bowling lane, a pit conveyor moves pins and a bowling ball toward a pin elevator, the pin elevator in a pit area lifts pins to a cross conveyor, the cross conveyor delivers pins to a turret, the turret distributes pins to the deck chutes, and a ball elevator to lift the bowling ball to a ball return track. A hydraulic drive component having at least one of a fluid motor and a fluid drive cylinder controls an operation of at least one of the deck assembly, the rake mechanism, the pit conveyor, the pin elevator, the cross conveyor, the turret, and the ball elevator.

Abstract: A light and sound system for a bowling pin deck includes a controller interposed between a music system and a light assembly connected to a forward end of a pin setter assembly and positioned forwardly and above a bowling pin deck. The light assembly includes a rearwardly and downwardly projecting light arrangement of colored and infrared LEDs mounted upon a light plate. Positioned above the light plate is a standard fluorescent bulb for uniform traditional illumination of the pin deck. The LEDs are configured and positioned for full illumination of the pin deck in various colors including red, green and blue, which are illuminated by a controller either independently of or in conjunction with the music system. During all periods, the infrared LEDs are illuminated to operate in conjunction with the automatic scorer.

Abstract: A safety and interlock system for use with an automatic bowling pinsetter is provided. In one embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided comprising a bowling pinsetter, a masking unit, a sensor configured to provide an indication after the masking unit is moved from a first position, and circuitry configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in response to the indication provided by the sensor. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided comprising a bowling pinsetter defining a bowling pinsetter area, a sensor positioned to detect movement into the bowling pinsetter area, and circuitry configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in response to an indication provided by the sensor.

Abstract: A bowling pin storage bin assembly for use as part of a bowling pin delivery system of a pinspotter apparatus, as well as a method of manufacturing such bin. The storage bin is molded as a one-piece article having a plurality of cavities or pockets for storing bowling pins in an essentially horizontal plane above a pin spotter and for delivering the pins to a plurality of pin cups or a pin spotter for spotting on a pin deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for conveying a bowling pin into a Pin Sock at a bowling alley. This invention stitches a Hardened Inserting into a Pin Sock. The lip of the Hardened Insert extends beyond the end of output exit of the Pin Sock. Moreover, the output exit of the Pin Sock is larger than traditional Pin Socks. The insertion of a Hardening Insert makes the Pin Sock, and in particular the lower end of the Pin Sock more durable against the constant wear and tear caused by bowling pins entering the sock from an Overflow Chute. By reducing this wear and tear, the bowling pins exiting the Pin Sock would cause less damage to the Transport Band where the pins are deposited after exiting the Pin Sock. Additionally, the enlarged output exit reduces the possibility of pin jams as compared to traditional Pin Socks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for use with a bowling pin setting apparatus having a shaker board, pit rug and a carpet cover having a Velcro hook connecting material secured to the bottom side thereof. This apparatus includes a sheet of plastic material sized to cover the pit rug. A Velcro hook connecting material is secured on the bottom side of the sheet and a Velcro loop connecting material is secured on the top side of the sheet. When the sheet of plastic material is positioned on the pit rug, the hook material secured to the sheet releasably secures the sheet to the pit rug and when the carpet cover is positioned on the sheet the hook material of the carpet cover releasably secures the carpet cover to the loop material secured to the sheet.

Abstract: An automatic pinsetter of the type having entirely mechanical logic control is retrofitted with an electrical control system that replaces mechanical start-stop mechanism used to stop and start a clutch which engages a motor driving the sub-systems of the pinsetter. The system includes an electrical control module having a solenoid that operates the clutch, so as to engage or disengage the motor, depending on the current operating state of the pinsetter. A series of switches replace various mechanical linkages to sense pinsetter conditions, and deliver signals to the control module. An out-of-range pin condition can be sensed and automatically cleared by the control system.

Abstract: A pin arrangement control apparatus, as well as a system therefor, capable of pin arrangement in any arbitrary pin arrangement patterns are implemented only by slightly modifying a pin setter machine equipped with only basic functions for performing the so-called tenpin bowling. A common pin setter machine equipped with means for setting the first-bowl ten pins, and means for gripping and elevating the set pins, sweeping with the rake and then rearranging the pins is additionally equipped with a selective pin gripping mechanism for gripping only pins corresponding to a pin arrangement pattern given from external. Thus, the pin setter machine is capable of pin arrangement in a specified pin arrangement pattern for rearrangement of the second-bowl pins.

Abstract: An automatic bowling pin setting machine includes a sorting section receiving knocked down pins and bowling balls, an elevator conveying pins to a receiving reel, and a setting reel to which pins drop downwardly from the setting reel. Gripper arms accompanying the setting reel pick up any standing pins to ready the alley for a second throw. After a second throw, the alley is swept clean of pins, and the setting reel places a new set of pins in the alley. The setting machine is designed with reduced maintenance in mind and for sureness of operation.

Abstract: A bowling game plate having a base plate with a lane and gutter channels on both sides of the lane. A throwing platform is provided on one end of the base plate, the position and the direction of which is variable relative to the lane. The throwing platform has a ballthrowing figure. A portion for standing pins, which is pivotable, is connected to the other end of the base plate and behind it is located a portion for collecting the pins. Poles are provided on both sides of the portion for standing pins. A pin arranging device which can be vertically moved has pin guide holes and is inserted onto the poles. Enlarged portions which have a length larger than the thickness of the pin are formed on both sides of the portion for arranging pins.

Abstract: An automatic bowling pin setting machine includes a sorting section receiving knocked down pins and bowling balls, an elevator conveying pins to a receiving reel, and a setting reel to which pins drop downwardly from the setting reel. Gripper arms accompanying the setting reel pick up any standing pins to ready the alley for a second throw. After a second throw, the alley is swept clean of pins, and the setting reel places a new set of pins in the alley. The setting machine is designed with reduced maintenance in mind and for sureness of operation.

Abstract: An automatic pinsetter employing magnetically responsive bowling pins, an elevator mechanism for retrieving bowling pins from a pit area adjacent an end portion of a bowling alley and for transporting the same to a pin discharge station above a transfer mechanism. The pins are arranged in bowling array on a transfer mechanism which is thereafter moved horizontally beneath a pinsetting mechanism. The pinsetting mechanism employs magnetic means for elevating the pins, the transfer mechanism is retracted from beneath the pinsetting mechanism, and the latter thereupon deposits the pins on the bowling alley in bowling array. The pinsetting mechanism is also adapted to pick-up and replace remaining upright pins after a first ball has been thrown whether the pins reside in "on spot" or "off spot" positions.

Abstract: A bowling alley pinsetter includes a conveyor belt forming a partial central portion of a pit surface. Hard plastic panels having a slippery top surface flank the central conveyor. The panels are inclined downward from pit kickbacks toward the conveyor belt for deflecting balls and pins onto the belt. Pins are delivered to a pin elevator by the belt. A ball stop extending transversely across is elevated for passing pins beneath while stopping a bowling ball. A ball sensor detects the ball at the ball stop and initiates a sweeping motion of a ball rake stored proximate one kickback transversely across the pit surface along the ball stop for urging the ball across the pit surface, including the inclined panel, to an opening within one kickback for delivery to an adjacent ball return assembly. The ball rake employs a groove shaft and pawl for converting rotational movement of the shaft to a linear movement of the ball rake.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager's control terminal.

Abstract: A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager's control terminal.

Abstract: An automatic pinsetter employing magnetically responsive bowling pins, an elevator mechanism for retrieving bowling pins from a pit area adjacent an end portion of a bowling alley and for transporting the same to a pin discharge station above a transfer mechanism. The pins are arranged in bowling array on a transfer mechanism which is thereafter moved horizontally beneath a pinsetting mechanism. The pinsetting mechanism employs magnetic means for elevating the pins, the transfer mechanism is retracted from beneath the pinsetting mechanism, and the latter thereupon deposits the pins on the bowling alley in bowling array. The pinsetting mechanism is also adapted to pick-up and replace remaining upright pins after a first ball has been thrown whether the pins reside in "on spot" or "off spot" positions.

Abstract: An automatic bowling pin setting apparatus and method for setting pins in a given pattern on a pin deck comprises detecting standing pins after a first ball has been rolled, clearing the pin deck of all pins, both standing and deadwood, and replacing the standing pins with replacement pins which have been stored in spotting cups above each of the pin setting locations of the pattern. The standing pin detection, pin deck clearing, and replacement of standing pins is made in a single cycle, thus eliminating the traditional standing pin lifting cycle. Spotting deck and rake movement are coordinated using shafts having continuous grooves of varying pitch with sliding members attached to the spotting deck and rake for controlling their coordinated movement with variable speed in a synchronized manner, thus permitting the single cycle for detecting standing pins, clearing the pin deck of all pins, and replacing those pins which were standing.

Abstract: In an automatic pinsetter having an elevator mechanism for receiving bowling pins seriatim at a lower entrance portion from a pit area at a rear end of a bowling alley and for transporting the same upwardly for discharge at an upper end portion, a frutso-concial baffle is provided and is suspension mounted forwardly of the elevator mechanism and above a rearwardly moving conveyor. Fallen bowling pins in indiscriminate arrangement proceed rearwardly on the conveyor beneath a bridge which obstructs rearward ball movement and passes prone bowling pins only. Left and right hand guides cooperate with the baffle to define left and right hand entry passageways for the bowling pins in rearward movement to the entrance of the elevator mechanism. The passageways are insufficient in width to accommodate the side-ways passage of bowling pins. The baffle is also free to move in any direction over a limited degree of movement.

Abstract: An automatic bowling alley has a bowling lane with two ends. The bowling alley further includes a pin setup frame provided at one end of the bowling lane for handling a plurality of bowling pins. The pin setup frame includes a pin magazine for retaining a number of the pins therebelow. A pin support plate is located below the pin magazine. A device is provided for vertically moving the pin support plate in and out of an initial position and toward and away from the pin magazine to receive the pins from the pin magazine. A device is provided for tilting the pin support plate during the vertical movement into an intermediate tilting position to clear any pins therefrom. A sorting device is located beneath the pin support plate for separating and arranging the pins received therein into an aligned position. A pin conveyor is provided for transporting, in a predetermined position, the pins from the sorting device to the pin magazine.

Abstract: A catch pan assembly for placement under the lower framework of a bowling machine and shaped to cover the floor area on which dirt and other debris would otherwise fall onto.

Abstract: An improved cover for use with shaker boards in an automatic bowling pinsetter. The cover is a fabric that has the unique characteristic of a woven pile with a directional nap or slant in which all of the fibers of the pile extend in a common direction. The fabric produces better results in cleaning the balls, pins and in helping the pins exit off the shaker board.

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: This invention relates to a modification of existing bowling alley pin setting equipment to facilitate bowling practice. The fixed pivot point of the scissor arms, supported by the scissors deck, is movable from a first position, in which the original pivot point of the scissors arms is maintained, to a second position, in which the pivot point is movable to prevent adequate closing of the scissor arms whereby an undesired pin(s) is not clamped by the scissor arms and remains on the bowling surface where it may be swept away by the sweeper during its sweeping motion. All of the necessary pin(s), required for a desired bowling practice pin combination, a clamped and raised by the scissor arms during the resetting cycle. The invention also relates to a control mechanism for controlling movement of the slidable pivot point.

Abstract: An improved guide finger 18 is provided to simplify the installation of guide fingers in pinsetters 10 used in bowling centers, having a mounting plate 24 and a guide plate 26, with the mounting plate having a plurality of mounting apertures 30 equipped with hexagonal sockets 32 for receiving the head of a machine bolt, the mounting aperture 30 is provided with a metal insert 38 and the guide finger 18 is preferably made of nylon.

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.