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: 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 gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information for use in solving various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

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: 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: A molded rubber pin chute for mounting on the pin deck of an automatic bowling pinsetter. The pin chute comprises an upper conical section which is canted with respect to the pin deck, a cylindrical lower body portion which extends into a pin receiving aperture in the pin deck, and a flange around the cylindrical body. A plurality of bolt holes selectively positioned in the flange permit the chute to be secured in at least six different radial positions upon the pin deck and thereby enhance its performance in guiding the bowling pins into apertures in the pin deck for receiving the same.

Abstract: A bowling pin handling apparatus for use with a bowling pin potting machine comprising a pin storage magazine mounted beneath a cantilevered elongated distributing conveyor. A plurality of pin receiving and storage pockets arranged in a generally triangular pattern or array formation in the magazine receiving pins delivered from the end of the conveyor. Pin guides for the #1 pin pocket include an arched shaped frame supporting a resilient pendent adapted to dampen the movement of the pin as it moves into the pocket, side guides to limit and control yawing of the pin in its movement toward the pocket and extended guide rollers to smooth the transfer of the #1 pin from the distributer to the guide rollers.