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: A novel critical supplementary apparatus, when used in conjuction with U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673, collectively completes the sphere of practical operation of a convexo-concave bowling ball retrieving device that captures, guides, lifts and deposits in one smooth continuous flowing motion a bowling ball for subsequent discharge into a bowling ball return. U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673 addresses the inherent lack of friction problems found in Brunswick automatic pinsetter bowling machines, models A and A2 but is unable to comply with a similar problematic lack of friction situation found in the remainder of Brunswick product line—models Factory A2 and the Jetback. The models Factory A2 and Jetback don't have adaquite clearance between the bowling ball retrieving device 1 that is mounted on the rotating ball return wheel 6 (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673) and the 1 HP motor mount shaft 19.

Abstract: A lighted fish measurement device. The apparatus comprises a connection to an outside power source, a backlight source, and circuitry to connect the outside power source to the backlight source. A generally clear rule face including graduations in American Standard and Metric measurements. A semi-transparent colored overlay, variable in length, is mountable over the backlit rule face highlighting user specific graduation lengths. A rugged waterproof enclosure, and a means to secure the lighted fish measurement device to a fishing vessel.

Abstract: A one piece positive contact bowling ball retriever device, having no moving parts. It is secured to the inside of the ball return wheel and circum rotates with the wheel. It has a lead finger guide designed to assist in the differentiating of pins and the ball, as the pins go their way the lead finger guide captures, guides and holds the ball in its concave radius to be lifted and deposited in one smooth continuous flowing motion for subsequent discharge into the bowling ball return. This positive contact device nether contributes to nor is it affected by slippage and drag caused by the oil and dust normally associated with automatic bowling machinery. By using this positive contact device, ball friction will no longer have to be artificially supplied by the use of temporary rubber ball kickers and the machine r.p.m.s can be reduced for longer equipment life and more economical operation. Ball retriever 1 eliminates the need for manufactures to friction compensate by operating at 36 r.p.

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 one piece positive contact bowling ball retriever device, having no moving parts. It is secured to the inside of the ball return wheel and circum rotates with the wheel. It has a lead finger guide designed to assist in the differentiating of pins and the ball, as the pins go their way the lead finger guide captures, guides and holds the ball in its concave radius to be lifted and deposited in one smooth continuous flowing motion for subsequent discharge into the bowling ball return. This positive contact device nether contributes to nor is it affected by slippage and drag caused by the oil and dust normally associated with automatic bowling machinery. By using this positive contact device, ball friction will no longer have to be artificially supplied by the use of temporary rubber ball kickers and the machine r.p.m.s can be reduced for longer equipment life and more economical operation. Ball retriever 1 eliminates the need for manufactures to friction compensate by operating at 36 r.p.