Патент USA US2578322

Dec» 11» 1951
G. J. SCHMIDT
2,578,319
BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE
Filed Dec. 22, 1945
6 Sheets--Sheet -l
Dec. 11, 1951
2,578,23 19
G. J. SCHMIDT
BOWLING P`IN SETTING MACHINE
Filed Dec. 22, 1945
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INVENTOR
GOTTFRIED J. SCHMIDT
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ATTORNEY
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Dec- 11, 1951
2,578,319
G. J. SCHMIDT
BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE
Filed Dec. 22, 1945
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Dec. 11, 1951
G. J. SCHMIDT
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BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE
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BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE
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BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE
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ÁINVENTOR
GOTTFRIED J. SCHMIDT
BY
ATTORNEY
l2,578,319
Patented Dec. l1, .1951
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE
2,578,319
BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE
Gottfried J. Schmidt, Pearl River, N. Y., assigner
to American Machine and Foundry Company, a
corporation of New Jersey
Application December 22, 1945, Serial No. 636,737
10 Claims. (Cl. 273-43)
l
alley, all pins knocked down are immediately
transferred to storage or conveyed part way
during the course of play are automatically car
ried out and balls are returned to the player so
that at the conclusion of the spotting or re
spotting operation, as the case may be, play can
be continued from frame to frame under all con
l0
ditions for the entire game.
This invention relates generally to a machine
thereto so that some pins are delivered to storage
and others are located at intermediate points
along the way when the first cycle of operations
ceases.
After the second ball of a frame is
thrown, all pins which were knocked down by
the ñrst and second balls are returned to storage
and a new set of pins is placed on the alley
awaiting throwing of the next ball. It will be
seen, therefore, that there is a gain in time re
sulting from handling pins in this manner due
g to the fact that it is not necessary to wait until
the last ball of a frame is thrown before pins
of the type shown in Schmidt patent, No.
2,346,189, issued April 11, 1944, although its use
is not limited entirely to that type of machine
any may ñnd applicationin other bowling pin
setting machines.
One of the problems present in a bowling pin
setting machine is that of handling the pins and
balls with as great rapidity as possible in order
that pins can be removed quickly from the pit
of a bowling alley and delivered to a station
where they are available for transfer to the spot
ting mechanism. It is also highly desirable that
the operation of the pin removing and conveying
mechanism be such that the pins be delivered
are made available for transfer from the storage
to the pin spotters.
In order to make possible the moving of the
pins as quickly as possible into the storage maga-_
zine, as set forth above, I have provided mech
anism which effects the removal of a full set of
pins from storage and the delivery of these pins
into the pin spotters after the throwing of the
ñrst ball of a frame.
The removal of each set
of pins from storage sets into operation the
pin conveying mechanism so that pins knocked
to the storage station or magazine with a mini
mum of delay in the operation of the machine
after the throwing of each ball so that a maxi
down by the first and second balls or the number
of balls allotted per frame can be delivered into
storage, as described hereinabove, without wait
ing until the last ball of a frame is rolled.
It is an object of my invention, therefore, to
mum number of games can be played with a
given machine in a minimum of time.
The present invention relates to the solution
of this problem and embodies the provision of
mechanism which solves this problem and in
creases the general operating efficiency of the
machine.
2
` storage. That is, during the ñrst ball cycle after
the pins have been removed from the pit of an
This invention relates to bowling pin setting
machines and more particularly to completely
automatic bowling pin setting machines in which
all operations of spotting and respotting pins
provide an improved automatic bowling pin set
ting machine of simplified design in which pins
are transferred into a storage magazine after
In this manner more games can be
played in a minimum of time and there is a net
each ball of va frame is thrown in order to gain
gain to the owner or operator of bowling pin
establishments where every minute saved in the
operation of a machine is of considerable im
time and make possible a more efficient use and
operation of the bowling pin setting machine
comprising my invention.
It is a further object of my invention to provide
mechanism which results in a faster loading of
the storage magazine of a bowling pin setting
machine especially in the second ball cycle in
order to increase the general eiiiciency and speed
portance financially.
The present invention, therefore, takes into
consideration the desirability of increasing the
speed and efficiency of the operation of bowling
pin setting machines by simplifying the design
thereof through simplification of parts, which re
45
sults in a decrease in cost, and also a reduction
in weight of the machine.
According to my invention I have provided
mechanism which makes possible a faster load
ing- of the pin storage or magazine to which pins »
are delivered cyclically after the throwing of
each ball of the frame. Faster loading is the
result of improved handling of pins after they are
removed from the pit of a bowling alley and
delivering them as quickly as possible to the pin
of operation of the bowling pin setting machine
comprising my invention,
It is a further object of my invention to pro
vide an improved bowling pin setting machine
in which the pin transfer mechanism which
transfers pins from the storage magazine to the
pin spotting mechanism operates shortly after
the iirst ball of a frame is rolled in order that
pins can be conveyed towards or into the storage
magazine thereof.
It isa further object of my invention lto pro
2,578,319
3
vide a bowling pin setting machine having a
single cam shaft on which is mounted a plural~
ity of cams, and clutch operating means prefer
ably electro-magnetically controlled, which are
responsible for the activation of the clutches at
the proper time to effect the desired sequence of
shaft 28 of the machine. Cam shaft 28 is sup
ported in suitable bearings mounted on the side
frames of the machine.
Constantly rotating shaft i6 carries a sprocket
29 (Figure 2) on which runs a chain 3Q driving
a sprocket 32 loosely mounted on shaft 34. The
operations in the pin handling, distribution, and
spotting and respotting during the course of play
hub of sprocket 32 (Figure 1) is provided with a
solenoid operated clutch K2 similar in construc
as the game progresses from frame to frame.
tion and operation to clutch K1 which is actuated
My invention also contributes to a saving of 10 at the proper time in the operation of the ma
time in the operation of the machine by the
chine, and engages or disengages sprocket 32
provision of means for insuring that the pin
from shaft 34. thereby controlling the drive of
spotters of the spotter-respotter table will con
the pin distributing mechanism of the machine.
tain a full set of pins available at all times for
The control mechanism for clutches K1 and K2
setting upon the alley whenever in the course of 15 is the same asshown and described in copendíng
play it is desired to place a new set of pins on an
Broekhuysen application, Serial No. 627,605, filed
alley.
November 9, 1945, now Patent No. 2,559,274,
The invention also consists in improvements
granted July 3, 1951. Since this specific mech
in pin locating or repositioning mechanism for
anism forms no part of my invention, further de
relocating pins at the pin loading station for 20 tailed showing and description is omitted in the
interest of brevity.
proper delivery to the several pin transfers which
convey pins from the loading station to the pin
spotters.
In this manner differences in girth or
The mechanism» for handling and distributing
pins is of the same general construction and sim
ilar in operation to that shown in Rundell pat
diameter of pins are automatically compensated
for and each pin is located substantiallyv directly 25 ent, No. 2,388,707», granted November 13, 1945, for
in the path of movement of a pin transfer. The
Bowling Pin Setter. This mechanism consists of
spreaders which form a part of the reposition
a transverse ascending conveyor E, shown di
ing mechanism are operated only after the first
agrammatically in Figure l, which carries pins
ball of' a frame is thrown so that the movement
removed by- apron A from- pit ‘5 and discharged
of pins into the loading station after the remain 30 into chamber 3 at the rear of bumper W up
ing lallotted number' of balls per frame is not ob
wardly, and deli-vers them one by one into a rec
tifying andr aligning conveyor, designated gen
Viñth these and other objects not specifically
erally C', extending from a point adjacent the top
mentioned in view, the invention consists in cer
or discharge end of conveyorE to a delivery point
tain combinations and constructions which will 35 adjacent the loading station or storage, such as
structed.
.
be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth
in the claims hereunto appended.
In the accompanying drawings which illus
trate a preferred embodiment of the invention
and form a part of this specification, and in
which like characters of reference indicate the
a magazine M.
Conveyor E is actuated intermittently at the
proper time in the cycle of operations of the ma
chine by a sprocket 36 mounted on shaft 34 to
deliver pins from chamber 3 at the rear
of bumper W to conveyor C which in turn deliv
same or like parts:
ers them to the loading station or magazine M.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a bowling pin
'I‘he loading station M of the machine includes
setting machine embodying the invention;
a pair of elongated, spaced, rotatable spirals 38
45 which assemble a plurality ofl pins, usually ten,
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the same;
Figure 3. is ay partial plan view of the machine;
for subsequent delivery to the several pin spotters
Figure, 4. is a partial side elevation, partly in
IIû'. Conveyor- C> consists of a positively driven
section with parts broken away, showing the
belt 64 having its active lap spaced from and
mechanism employed for transferring pins from
extending substantially parallelto a stationary
the storage magazine to the setter cups, the pin 50 guide member 23|. Each spiral 38 carries a
sprocket 4D driven by a chain 132 from a sprocket
relocating mechanism, and the mechanism for
4:1 fixed to shaft 46.
turning> the table to effect a delivery of pins in
the setter cups to the alley when the setter table
Shaft @"6 carries bevel gear 48 (Figure l) mesh
is moved to pin spotting position relative to the
ing with bevel gear 5U mounted on loading mech
55
alley;
anism control shaft 34. Chain "i2 also drives
Figure 5 is a plan view of Figure 4 with certain
sprocket 52 mounted. on one end of a horizontal
parts omitted for clearness;
Y
shaft 54. The. other end of shaft
has se
cured thereto a> bevel gear 55 (Figure 2) mesh
mount; and
ing with bevel gear 58 mounted on a vertical
Figure 7 is a wiring diagram showing a suit 60 shaft 66. Belt B4, which runs on a pulley G2
able circuit for controlling the operation of the
secured tothe lower- end of shaft 65 and on
Figure 6 is a View of a detail of the sweep safety
several parts of the machine.
’
pulley 53' on` shaft S5 supported by bracket Si, is
In the embodiment selected for purposes of il
the driven part of convey-o1' C’. It is evident,
lustration, the machine is driven by a` motor I 65 therefore, that by means of the several drives
(Figure 2) provided with a pulley I0 on which
described, conveyors> C‘, E and spirals 33 are all
runs a belt I2 continuously driving a pulley I4
operated simultaneously, and that when shaft Sli
mounted on a shaft I 6. A worm I8 secured to
is idle these conveying mechanisms are also idle.
shaft IB meshes with worm wheel 2D keyed to a
Adjacent one of the spirals 38 are located
shaft 22 to which is attached the solenoid oper 70 eleven loading contacts ,or switches 55 (Figure
ated main clutch K1 of the machine. Clutch K1,
3) which are normally open as the result of the
which may be of the well-known Bliss type, is
engagement> by pins with pivoted switch operat
connected with the hub of a gear 24 loosely
ing arms. 55a. when a predetermined number of
mounted on shaft 22. Gear 24 meshes with gear
pins P, eleven in theV illustrated showing, fill the
26 (Figures 2 and 3) secured to the main cam 75 magazine M. The. several switches are construct
2,578,319
5
6
ed and arranged and operate in a manner simi
lar to those shown in said Rundell patent, No.
eration of clutch K4, in accomplishing the set
ting of pins on the alley is concerned, may be
2,388,707, granted November 13, 1945, and further
the same as that shown and described in co
description and showing is deemed unnecessary.
pending Broekhuysen application, Serial No.
Pins P are lifted out of the magazine or load
ing station M by means of ten individually and
627,605, ñled November 9, 1945, now Patent No.
2,559,274, granted July 3, 1951. Since it forms no
differentially movable grippers 68 suspended
specific part of the invention, further description
and showing thereof is omitted in the interest of
from a supporting frame designated generally N,
brevity.
_
'
which may be similar in construction to that de
As described hereinafter, the turning of the
scribed in the above mentioned patent to Rupert 10
table under the influence of cam 1li is closely as
E. Rundell, No. 2,388,707, granted November 13,
sociated with the up and down movement -of pin
1945. Grippers 68, as described more in detail
transfer grippers B8 in delivering pins to the spot
hereinafter, are moved from aligned positions
ters which is also controlled by cam 74.
at the proper time to triangular pin delivery
The setter cups |10 and reseting cups |12 are
position relative to setter cups H0 on table T to 15
the same in construction and operation as those
effect the delivery of the pins held thereby into
cups |10.
The pin setter-resetter table T illustrated may
be of the same general construction as that
disclosed in co-pending Broekhuysen application,
Serial No. 627,605, filed November 9, 1945, now
Patent No. 2,559,274 granted July 3, 1951, for
shown in Nejedly patent, No. 2,298,718, granted 20 Bowling Pin Setting Machine. The setter cups
|10 and resetter cups |12 are preferably fluid
October 13, 1942. Table T carries on one side ten
operated. In the machine shown, suction is ern»
pin spotting cups | i0 and on the opposite side ten
ployed to operate the spotters and respotters.
individually laterally movable respotting cups
Suction is supplied to spotters |10 at the propel'
|12. This table is provided with sleeve support
members 90 which mount it loosely for turning 25 time in the operation of ‘the machine by means
of ducts H6 connecting the several pin spotting
movement on hollow shaft 84. The ends of shaft
cups |19 to a source of supply conduit |22
86 are secured to shoes 83 slidably supported in
through a solenoid operated control valve
of
vertical guide channels 88 forming a, part of the
conventional design, preferably supported on the
frame work of the machine.
A gear 92 attached to or formed integrally on 30 table T, as shown in Figure 3).
The respotting cups ||2 on the opposite side
one of the support members 90 (Figure 2) meshes
of table T are also supplied with suction through
with a gear segment 92% pivotally mounted on a
an interconnected series of conduits |20 (Figure
stud 96 secured to a bearing plate 98 slidable in
3) from the source of supply conduit |22 through
one of the Vertical guide channels 88 (Figures 1
and 4). Gear segment 00 is provided with an ac 35 a solenoid operated suction control valve 33S
of conventional design also secured to table T.
tuating arm |50 (Figures 1 and 4) connected by
Suction supply conduit |22 (Figure 3) is con
adjustable rod M32 with one arm of lever |04.
The other arm of lever |02 carries a cam fol
lower |06 which runs in a'cam track 106er in cam
nected to a suitable source of suction, such as a
suction pump of known design (not shown).
Locking mechanism is provided for the purpose
'54. The rocking motion imparted by lever |04 40
of maintaining table T in proper spotter loading,
to gear segment 90 effects a 180° turning of the
and spotting and respotting positions. For this
pin setter table T, back and forth in the direc
purpose, gear 92 is provided with a disk 93 at
tions indicated by arrow AA (Figure 1).
tached to or formed integrally therewith having
Cam ‘E0 which is loosely mounted on the main
two peripheral notches 95 spaced 180° apart with
cam shaft 23 is provided with a hub forming a
which in spotter loading, spotting and respotting
part of a suitable solenoid operated clutch K4
positions engages the nose of a spring biased
such as a well known Bliss clutch, which clutch
lock arm l-l‘i pivotally mounted on one of the pin
when actuated effects an engagement or dis
setter table guide shoes t5. Lock arm 91 which
engagement of cam 'it from the main cam shaft
28. Clutch K4 is actuated selectively in accord 50 is urged by spring 91a towards locking position
relative to notches t5 in disk 93 is provided with
ance with requirements arising as a result of the
a control arm 50 mounting on its free end a roller
number of pins knocked down by each ball of a
19|. When arm 50 is engaged and depressed by
frame during the operation of the machine to
control finger |53, the nose of lock arm 97 is
turn table T from pin receiving position relative
to transfer grippers 03 in order to locate pins 55 disengaged from a notch 95 of disk 93 and table
T is then free to turn. When released from en
held in spotters H0 butt end downward for de
gagement with finger |03, spring biased lock
livery to the playing bed of the bowling alley, and
arm El rides on the periphery of the control disk
also to move the table back through 180° in the
S3 until a notch 95 is moved beneath the nose of
illustrated embodiment at the conclusion of the
pin spotting operation in order to relocate the 60 lock arm 97, at which time spring 91a pulls it’
into locking engagement therewith. Control
spotters in pin receiving position relative to the
ñnger |03 (as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4) is
pin transfers 00. The contour of cam track Iota
mounted on a short shaft |05 supported by a
accomplishes these desired turning movements of
suitable bearing bracket attached to the frame
the table.
of the machine. Shaft |05 is actuated to lock
Table T is turned to position a set of pins held
and unlock the table turning mechanism by lever
in spotters H0 with their butt ends depending
|97 attached to an adjustable link |09 connected
downwardly up-on the alley every time a set of
to a lever 1|! mounted on a short shaft |15
pins is to be conveyed to and spotted on the alley.
mounted in a suitable lug extending from one of
This condition arises after the throwing of the
the side guide channels S3. Shaft |13 is rocked
ñrst ball of a frame if a strike is made or after
the throwing of the second or last ball of a
frame depending upon the number of balls
allowed per frame. The specific control mecha
nism for controlling the operation of the ma
chine insofar as the relation to the’selective op
>at the proper time by a cam lever l|5 attached
thereto. Lever | l5 carries a cam follower ||7
engaging a cam track IIS in cam 14.
Cam 'M is provided with cam tracks |06a and
Ht. One of thesetracks |06a is designed to
2,578,319
7.
8
effect. the turning operation> of the pin setter
28|)> can move into engagement with pins in the
loading station for repositioning the same.
H-member 295 is supported at its ends for ver
table T at the proper time inthe sequence of
operations of the machine. The other cam
track H6 mentioned hereinabove controls the
tical movement in channels in brackets 244 se
locking mechanism of pin setter table T.
cured to the side frames of the machine.
The operations of frame N and transfer grip
In operation, whenever a set of pins is to be
pers 59 carried thereby are resolved into two dis
removed from the loading station and conveyed
tinct motions; the back. and forth movement of
by transfer grippers |58 to spotters ||il, cam i4
the grippers S8 between magazine M and pin dc,
is clutched to shaft 28, spreaders 28s move up
livery position above setter table T, and the< up lil Wardly to relocate the pins and at substantially
and down movement of the frame N and the
the same time cam surface 29| and cam 294 raise
grippers ÉS for removing pins from the magazine
ifi-member 295 to lift the pins a short distance
M and for delivering the same into the spotter
above spirals 38 so that as the transfer grippers
cups lit on the table T. At. the predetermined
time in the cyclic operation of the machine,
move into engagement with the butt ends of the
r- repositioned pins in the loading station or maga
suction is created in cups H5 to grip pins con
zine M, downward pressure by the transfer
veyed thereto by grippers 69. After locating pins
in spotters Ht, frame N is raised, and the pins
being gripped and held. by spotters> l It are pulled
grippers 68 and pins against spirals 38, which
out of grippers' 98 and remain held in cups H9
awaiting delivery to the alley.
The operation
would tend to bow the latter outwardly is pre
vented and at the same time the pins are prop
erly located for positive engagement by the
transfer grippers 68.
Since cam ‘le is clutched to shaft 23 only after
and control of clutch K4 is such that whenever
spotter cups llt are empty after the first ball
the first ball of a frame is rolled, it is evident
that the spreaders 28S and pin support or H
of a frame is rolled, regardless of the number of
pins knocked down, a new set of pins is removed 25 member 295 are operated only at this time. In
this way the spreaders 23% are prevented from
from magazine M and delivered into cups Htl.
moving upwardly relative to spirals 3S and inter
rf‘his means that the speed of operation of the
fering with the movement of pins into the load
machine is greatly accelerated because pins do
ing station or magazine M after the throwing
not remain in chamber 3 at the rear of bumper
W until at the end of a frame a new set of 30 of subsequent allotted balls of each frame and
hence there will be no obstruction to the move
pins is delivered to the setter cups llt. Instead
ment of pins into the loading station.
pins are continuously being returned from cham
The back and forth motion of the pin grippers
ber to spirals '£9 and made available for delivery
Si; on transfer frame N is effected by means of
to the spotters with a minimum loss of time.
cam lever |2ß provided with cam follower' i226
Due to the fact that usage of pins results in
running in cam track |2ï in cam |23 mounted
a decrease in their diameter and because there
on cam shaft 28. Cam lever |24 is provided with
is some variation in diameters of new pins, when
an arm i3d having pivotally connected thereto
the reduiredy number of pins is located between
gear rack |32 meshing with a gear |33 (Figures
spirals 3E in the loading station or magazine M,
the pins may not be located properly with respect il) 4 and 5) loosely mounted on stud |34 supported
in a suitable bracket secured to bracket 82 on
to the several pin grippers âä. Mechanism is,
one of the side frames.
therefore, provided for repositioning the pins
Gear §53 is formed integral with a gear [email protected]
prior to their removal from the loading station
meshing with gear |33 integral with sprocket Idil
by the grippers fît in order that each pin may
properly gripped and delivered to the spotters.
on which runs a chain |132 from a sprocket [email protected] on
shaft itâ'. it will be evident that the rotation
of cam |29, through its coaction with cam fol
lower i215 on cam lever |2lä, eiïects the oscilla
tion of shaft Uit rotatably supported in ver
upwardly between'the depending handle ends of 50 tically movable arms ‘i3 to move pin grippers et
back and forth on frame N. This operation re
pins supported by spirals 38 into engagement
As shown in Figure 4 there are provided a plu
rality of pin relocators or spreaders 28|). In the
illustrated embodiment, nine spreaders 28€! are
employed and are mounted on shaft 23| to move
with the pins and shift them laterally relative
to the spirals into positions directly in the paths
of movement of the centers of the transfer
grippers 63. Fixed to shaft 28| is a bell crank
lever
to one arm of which is connected an
adjustable rod ‘E93 pivoted at its other end to
lever 2te on shaft 235 on which is ñxed a lever
23S provided with a cam follower 281 running in
’a cam track 233 on cam i4.
The other arm of
sults in the movement of grippers S3 holding
pins removed from magazine M from aligned side
by side arrangement to triangular arrangement
above spotter cups H53 and the return thereof to
a point adjacent magasine M where a dwell in
track |231" in cam |28 positions them until in the
cycle of operation of the machine grippers E8
again move back and forth along support bars
255 on frame N.
However, if a new set of pins
lever 232 has pivotally connected thereto a link
293 which in turn is pivotally connected to a lever
299 mounted on a shaft 292 extend-ing trans
versely across the machine beneath the spirals
Lever 299 is provided with a cam surface
Edi adapted to engage with a transverse bar 293
fixed to the underside of an H-member 295
is to be removed from the magazine and trans
ferred to the setter table T, the up and down
movement of grippers 58 is effected as described
hereinafter, and such pins are placed in spotters
H9.
The up and down motion of frame N and grip
pers 68 carried thereby is effected by a cam lever
adapted to slide vertically under the influence of
1D. Cam follower l2 on an arm of lever 'i9 runs
in a track 7| in cam it. The other arm of lever
10 is connected by link it to an arm of lever ‘i9
cam surface 29| and cam 294 secured to shaft 292
adjacent the opposite side of the machine.
H -member ‘295 is provided with spaced transverse
guides 29S, 297 (as shown in Figure 4) for guiding
the heads of pins moving into the loading station
between spirals 28.. Guide 291 is provided with
cut-outs or openings 298 through which spreaders 75
which imparts the vertical up and down motion
to frame N and pin grippers 68 at the proper
time when clutch K4 is engaged. Cam lever 7U is
loosely mounted on cam lever supporting shaft
80 supported. at each end by suitable bearing
2,578,319
10
brackets 82 secured to the frame of the machine.
As shown in Figures 4 and '5, there are ten
transfer grippers 68. The construction of these
grippers is the same throughout so that only one
need be described in detail. Each gripper 68 con
sists of a carriage member 6| provided with
iianged rollers 263 running on rails 265 supported
by transverse end and center frame members 261
of frame N. Attached to each carriage 6| is a
cable 69 running on a driven pulley 21| and a
the cable being secured to a pin setter table guide
shoe 86, mentioned heretofore.
A balance spring |64 encircling shaft |58 (Fig
ure 3) is provided to counterbalance the weight
of the pin setter table T. One end of spring |64
is anchored to the frame of the machine; the
other end is attached to a flange |66 secured to
shaft |58. Pin setter table T carries a cam wedge
|68 (Figure 2) employed for the purpose of clos
ing the pin setter table control limit switch 298
suitable driving pulley 13. Preferably pulleys 13
when the table reaches its lowermost or pin en
(Figure 5) have a plurality of grooves in order to
gaging and lifting position.
obtain the desired frictional engagement between
cables 69 and the surfaces of pulleys 13. Since
Main cam shaftl 28 mounts a cam |19 provided
with cam tracks |1|, |13 on its opposite faces.
some of the carriages 6| travel a greater distance
than others, rails 265 are of different lengths, as
Cam track |1| in one face of cam |10 is tracked
by a cam follower |12 on cam lever |14 which
shown in Figure 5. Driving gears |4|, |43, |45
operates the ball lift or cradle L. Cam track |13
and |41 are of varying diameters in order to ef
on the other side is tracked by av cam follower
|16 on cam lever |18 which operates the pit or
fect the required differential movement of the
several carriages 6| from the aligned position
shown in full lines to the triangular arrange
ment, shown in broken lines in Figure 5. Each
pin lifting apron A. Apron A and ball lift L are
of the same general construction and operation
as disclosed in the Schmidt Patent 2,389,643,
granted November 27, 1945. The front end of
of these gears drives an appropriately sized gear
the pit apron A is elevated by means of a pair of
on a stud shaft supporting one of the pulleys 13.
Since the construction of all is the same, only 25 cables |80, each of which is secured to a pulley
|82 mounted adjacent an end of horizontal shaft
one is described in detail. In Figure 4, gear |41
|84 which is oscillated by means of a gear |86
is shown meshing with gear |49 on shaft |49a
(Figure 1) actuated by a reciprocating gear rack
suitably mounted on frame N.
|88, the free end of which is pivotally connected
Frame N which supports carriages 6| and the
associated supporting and driving mechanisms 30 to cam lever |18. The rear end of the pit apron
A is wound up on a cylindrical roller |90 mounted
described is mounted for oscillatory movement in
a generally arcuate path in a manner similar to
that shown in Rundell patent, No. 2,388,707,
on a shaft |92. The latter is oscillated by means
of a sprocket |94 and a chain |96, driven by a
sprocket |98 mounted on the oscillating shaft
Y
It will be evident from the foregoing that the 35 |84. The ball cradle L is also raised and low
ered by a pair of cables 268, each of which is
clutching and unclutching of cam 14 to shaft 28
secured to a pulley 202, both of which are mount
due to the operation of solenoid actuated clutch
ed on a horizontal shaftl 204, oscillated by means
K4, controls the up and down movement of frame
of a gear 206 which is actuated by a reciprocat
N, also the turning of table T, and the locking
mechanism therefor, and the operation of the 40 ing gear rack 208 pivotally connected to the free
end of cam lever |14. The design of cam tracks
pin spreaders or relocators 280 and the pin sup
|1|, |13 is such that after each ball of a frame
porting device 296.
is thrown, the ball lift L and apron A are raised
All other mechanisms of the machine, such as
to discharge a ball and pins from the pit for re
the sweep F and associated guard G, the pin lift
ing pit apron A, ball cradle L, which delivers balls 45 turn to a player, and magazine M, respectively,
after which apron A and cradle L are returned to
to transverse runways 6, 1, and the several de
the pit 5 (as shown in Figure 1).
vices for effecting the down and up movement of
Secured to main cam shaft 28 is a cam 2|0
table T to and from the alley, and the back and
having cam tracks 2| |, 2|3 provided on its oppo
forth movement of pin grippers 68 on frame N
granted November 13, 1945,
are actuated by means of suitable cams secured 50 site faces. Cam track 2| | on one side is tracked
by a cam follower 2|2 pivotally mounted on cam
to the main cam shaft 28.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, one end of frame
N is supported by a pair of spaced levers 15 piv
otally mounted on studs 11 in brackets 19 fixed
to uprights 88. One end of each of the levers 15
is pivotally connected to a stud 8| in a bracket
83 suitably secured to frame N. The other end
of each of the levers 15 is pivotally connected to
an adjustable connecting rod 85 attached to the
end of the lever 18 loose on shaft |39. A counter
balancing spring 81 is attached to each of the
levers 15 and to the side frame of the machine.
The movements of table T to and from the pin
lever 2|4 which is responsible for the movement
of guard G to and from the alley after each ball
is thrown during the operation of the machine.
Cam track 2|3 on the other side of cam 2|0 is
tracked by a cam follower 2|6 on cam lever 2|8
which actuates the sweep mechanism of the ma
chine. The guard as well as the sweep are of
the same general construction as disclosed in
Rundell patent, No. 2,250,503, issued July 29, 1941.
The guard G consists chiefly of a guard plate 220
(Figure l) attached at each end to an arm 222,
each arm being mounted on a bracket 224. One
resetting pins are effected by means of a cam |48
bracket 224 is pivoted to a stud 226 held by av
bearing bracket 228 (Figure 2), While the other
which in the illustrated embodiment is formed
integrally with cam |28. Cam |48 is tracked by
bearing bracket 228. . The brackets 224 are con
a follower |58 on lever |52 fulcrumed on shaft
nected to each other by a tie bar 232 to which
80. One arm of _lever |52 is pivotally connected
to a rod |53 provided with gear rack |54 mesh
ing with gear |56 fixed to a horizontal shaft |58
are fastened two cables 233 which in turn are
connected to a third cable 284 which runs over
supporting bed of the alley for setting and/or
supported by suitable bearings attached to the
main frame of the machine. On each end of
shaft |58 is secureda pulley |60 to which is at
- tached one end of a cable |62, the other end of
is pivoted to a short shaft 230 also held by a
an idler or guide pulley 235 and is anchored to
the free end of cam lever 2|4. Guide pulley 235
is loosely mounted on a horizontal shaft 236 sup
ported in suitable bearings secured to the frame
of the machine.
.
2,578,319
11
12
Sweep F (Figure 1) is interconnected with
operating fingers (not shown) are enclosed in
a housing H (Figures 2 and 3). Sprockets 252
and 255. driving the control cam shaft 225 are
in a 1:2 ratio, i. e., for every two revolutions of
the main cam shaft 23, the control cam shaft
255 makes only one revolution. This mechanism
is shown and described in the co-pending
guard G and consists of a sweep board 23'! which
at each end is supported by a bracket 238. Each
bracket 232 is pivoted to a stud projecting from
an endless chain 239, reciprocated by a sprocket
248 mounted on horizontal shaft 2li! supported by
a pair of suitable bearingr brackets attached t0
arms
222.
Both chains
229
run
over
Broekhuyse-n application, above referred to. Since
it is not a part of the present invention, further
idler
sprockets 242 each pivotally mounted on a stud
carried by one end of one of the links 243. The 10 description and showing thereof is omitted in
other end of each link 2653 is pivoted to a suitable
the interest of brevity.
_
supporting bracket 2154 secured to the frame of
the machine. ShaftJ 24| is oscillated by means
Figure 7 shows diagrammatically a, combined
wiring diagram and control for the machine.
of a sprocket 2425i which through a chain 265 is
A ball dropping into the pit â effects a clos«
driven from a sprocket 246 (Figures l, 2 and 3) 15 ing of contacts 392e and Silla of wires 322 and
mounted on shaft 22€) on which one of the sweep
B2i, respectively, which in turn causes the en»
arm brackets 224 is pivoted (Figure 2'). To shaft
gagement of the solenoid operated main clutch
239 is secured a sprocket 2li? which through a
K1 located in the hub of gear 24 which is loose-r
chain 242 is driven by a sprocket 2&9 mounted on
ly mounted on shaft 22 continuously driven by
the horizontal shaft 236. The latter carries a 20 worm wheel 2i? engaging with worm i8 mounted
gear 250, the hub of which is provided with a
on shaft I6. Shaft It has ñxed thereto pulley
solenoid operated sweep control clutch K3 by
le driven through a belt I2 by a pulley i2 on
means of which the gear 252 is engaged with or
the shaft of motor i. The engagement of the
disengaged from the shaft 235, in a manner sim
main clutch Ki causes gear 2d to be driven by
ilar to that shown and described in the above 25 shaft 22. Gear 24 in turn drives gear 2S mount
mentioned co-pending Broekhuysen application
ed on main cam shaft 2S to which are secured all
mechanical cams of the machine with the ex
for incapacitating the sweep if a pin or pins
should walk or move out of the range of the re
ception of cam 'is which is engaged with and
disengaged from cam shaft 23 by means of sole
prevent it from moving into pin lifting position 30 noid operated clutch K4 attached to the hub of
relative to the alley after the first ball of a frame
said caïn M, as described hereinabove.
is rolled. Gear 250 is oscillated by a gear rack
Shaft l5 has secured thereto a sprocket 2S
251, the free end of which is pivoted to the cam
which through chain EU drives sprocket 32 loose
lever 218.
ly mounted on the loading conveyor mechanism
If a pin or pins being removed from the alley 35 driving shaft 34 which at the proper time dur
spotting cups H2 of the pin setter table T and
is not properly positioned relative to the sweep,
ing the operation of the machine is engaged
it may not be pushed into the pit of the alley at
the end of the sweep operation. In such case, on
the return movement of the sweep it may press
with or disengaged from constantly rotating
sprocket 32 by means of a solenoid operated
loading clutch K2 attached to the hub of said
on or bear against a curved surface of a pin, or 40 sprocket 32.
jam against a pin with such pressure that break
age of parts an-d damage to the machine result.
In order to overcome this condition and allow
sweep 231 to yield upwardly away from an ob
struction to its return movement a suitable sweep 45
safety mount is provided.
yAs mentioned hereinabove, brackets 238 which
support sweep 23? are pivotally mounted on side
The machine is provided with suitable controi
mechanism for automatically controlling the op--
chains 239. The desired transverse arrangement
of the sweep relative to the alley to be swept is
maintained by side links 259 attached to each
side bracket 239. Since the side supporting links
and their associated
only one is described
in Figure 6, one end
to a chain 239. The
As described hereinabove, the machine is also
provided with a solenoid operated sweep clutch
K3 attached to the hub of gear 252 for the pur
pose of engaging or disengaging gear 259 from
its support shaft 2355 in order to impart the de
sired oscillating motion to the sweep mecha
nism shown in Figure 1.
eration of the machine in order to carry Out its
prescribed operations as the play of a game
progresses. Since the specific control mecha
nism does not form a part of my invention, flu'
connections are the same,
herein. As shown in detail
of each link 26€! is pinned
other end is provided with
ther showing and description thereof is omitted
in the interest of brevity. Reference is made to
co-pending Broekhuysen application, Serial No..
an elongated slot 25! which slides over an elon
627,605 ñled November 9, 1945; now _Patent No,
gated guide block 266 ñxedly secured to bracket
2,559,274, granted July 3, 1951 for a full descrip'
238 by pin 268. The length of slot 26! is suf
tion and illustration of the control mechanism.
ficient to allow sweep .231 to clear any obstruc 80
In Figure 'l there is shown shaft 255 which
tion in its return path of movement, as by swing
supports a plurality of control cams (not shown)
ing upwardly in the direction of arrow Y. A
spring ‘2 'i3 encircling link 250 and having its ends
enclosed in housing H. Shaft 255 carries a
sprocket 25d which drives the control cams (not
shown) in synchronism and proper ratio by
bearing against washers 215, also encircling -link
260 vand held against pins 26S and 2711 on block
means of a chain 253 engaging with a sprocket
252 secured to the main cam shaft 28. The con»
256 and link 260, respectively, urges sweep 231
downwardly into normal operative position.
All cam levers £24, £52, HG, lf3, 2id and EIS
trol box 8 contains all other electrical controlapparatus and devices (not shown). These mayv
are loosely mounted on the cam lever supporting
be similar in construction and operation to those
shaft 3G. To the main cam shaft 28 is also se 70 disclosed in the above mentioned Broekhuysen
cured a sprocket 252 which by means of a chain
253 drives a sprocket 25d secured to the elec
trical control cam shaft 255 on which all elec
trical control cams (not shown) are mounted.
These cams, as well as their electrical cdîllìëiît
application.
A wire conduit I l connecting the _housing YH
and the control box ß is provided. All solenoids
of the solenoid operated clutches K1, K2, `Ks and
e
K4 are; connected to a suitable power ‘line 500
2,578,s19
13
14
which also supplies the control box 8 with the
necessary current. The action of clutches K1,
K2, K3 and K4 is controlled through wires 50|,
502, 503 and 50d respectively, all leading into
At this time respotters H2 are inoperative to
lift such standing pins and, therefore, do not pick
them up. Table T then ascends, and all pins
fallen and standing are swept into the pit 5.
control box 0 and connected with their respec
Table T, carrying ten pins in its spotter cups,
tive relays and control apparatus (not shown).
then turns 180° since at that moment the sole
Low voltage wires 30€! and 30| and wires 5&0 and
noid operated clutch K4 is engaged again, and
5H also connected to the control box lead to
descends to place the ten pins in playing or on
the pit switch and the table limit switch 293,
spot positions on the alley for the next play and
respectively.
10 the pins are released from spotters H0, after
At the beginning of a game before throwing a
which table T ascends again and turns 180° to
ball, the motor switch is on so that shafts l5 and
resume its original position. In the meantime
22 are rotating, due to their connection with
all pins are elevated by conveyor E and con
motor pulley lo described heretofore. The de
veyed by conveyor C into the magazine M which
sired number of pins, usually ten, are standing
now again holds eleven pins ready for the next
in playing arrangement on the alley, and eleven
play. At the time pins are delivered to maga
pins are stored in the loading station or maga
zine M. As the ball B is thrown and drops into
pit 5, a closing of contacts Billie and Silla of
wires 300 and 3M, respectively, is effected after
zine M spreaders 280 and H-member 2&5 are
inoperative. This makes it possible for any pins
conveyed by conveyors C and E to move into
magazine M without interference. After the
which the energization of a suitable time relay
completion of the cycle, the machine stops and
is ready for a new play.
(not shown) located in the control box 3, causes
an engagement of the solenoid operated clutch
The operation of the machine, as described
K1. Through gears 24 and 20 in the manner
above, takes place during a normal two ball
described, main cam shaft 28 rotates and effects 25 frame. If a strike is made on the first ball and
the following operation of the machine: After
all pins are knocked down thereby, the ball ar~
the pins have come to rest, table T descends and
riving in pit 5 closes contacts 300er and 30m of
picks up any standing pins, after which the table
wires 300 and 30| in the same manner as in
ascends again. Sweep F then sweeps any fallen
the case of the ñrst ball of any frame, thereby
pins on the alley or in the gutters into pit 5. 30 causing the operation of solenoid operated clutch
Spreaders 280 and support 295 are operated so
K1 and the main cam shaft 28 rotates. Table
that pins in magazine M are repositioned and
'I' descends, the annunciator (not shown) indi
supported as. described hereinabove. As the
cates that a strike has been made and table T
table moves to its uppermost position, the pin
ascends to locate pin spotters l I0 carried there
grippers 00 which have, in the meantime, lifted 35 by in pin receiving position relative to grippers
ten properly positioned pins out of the magazine
05 which have moved with the required numb-er
M, move into pin playing arrangement above
of located pins from magazine M into pin deliv
ering position above the spotters H0. Sweep
table T, and deposit the pins carried thereby into
the spotter cups H0. Since at this time solenoid
F then sweeps the fallen pins from the alley or
K4 is energized, frame N is raised leaving a set 40 gutters into pit 5. Frame N which supports the
of pins in spotter cups Ill), and grippers 68 are
grippers 68 is lowered relative to the spotters
returned to their original positions adjacent
||0 and a new set of pins is delivered to the
magazine M. As soon as grippers Sil have re
spotters. The frame N is then moved upwardly
away from the pins which are gripped by the
turned to this position, the solenoid of clutch
K4 is de-energized to effect a disengagement of 45 spotters H0. As soon as the grippers S8 have
returned to their original position adjacent the
cam 'I4 from the main cam shaft 28 thereby in
magazine M, clutch K4 is engaged, again table
capacitating the mechanism which raises and
T is turned 180°, and the table descends to place
lowers frame N relative to spotter cups H0.
the ten pins carried in the spotters lili in play
Table T then descends again and respots the
pins picked up before on the alley, and ascends 50 ing or on spot position, and the pins are re
leased from the spotters H0 upon the alley after
again. During this movement table 'I' also car
ries the ten pins deposited in the spotter cups
which table T ascends again and turns 180° to
resume its original position. In the meantime
H0 by the grippers 68. As soon as ten pins are
lifted out of the spirals 38 by the grippers 153 and
all pins are elevated from chamber 3 back of
have moved clear thereof, the solenoid of the load 55 bumper W by conveyor E and conveyed by con~
veyor C into the magazine M. There are now
ing clutch K2, on sprocket 32 is energized. This
ten pins standing on the alley and the machine
effects the drive of shaft 34 which actuates the
is ready for the ñrst ball of the next frame.
loading conveyor mechanisms C, E and 38 and
The solenoid controlled sweep clutch K3 is
feeds pins from chamber 3 back of bumper W
only disengaged at the occasion of an off-center
towards and into magazine M. As soon as re
spotting cups H2 have respotted the pins on the
pin after the ñrst ball of a frame is rolled, when
the operation of the sweep is undesirable.
alley, table T ascends again and since the first
cycle is now completed, all solenoid operated
The invention above described may be varied
clutches are disengaged through the electrical
in construction within the scope of the claims,
for the particular device, selected to illustrate
control mechanism. The player then throws
the second ball which ball, upon landing in pit
the invention, is but one of many possible con~
crete embodiments of the same. It is not, there
5, closes contacts 30011 and 35m, effecting again
fore, to be restricted to the precise details of
the engagement of the solenoid operated main
the structure shown and described.
clutch K1 on gear 24 which in turn through
gear 26 drives the main cam shaft 28. The
What I claim is:
operation of the machine is now as follows:
l. In a bowling pin setting machine, a maga
zine for holding a plurality of bowling pins, a
After the ball is thrown and the pins have come
to rest, table T descends and the positions of
any standing pins are made known to the player
by means of a suitable annunciator (not shown) .
pin setter, pin spotters mounted on said setter,
lpin transfers for gripping, removing and trans
ferring pins from said magazine to said spotters,
2,578,819
16
mechanism .for actuating .said transfers ‘after
fers, Va single cam shaft to which said cams are
each ñrst ball of .la frame >is thrown and vprior
to the rolling of the îsecond ball >of .a normal two
ball frame or :the first ball of the next `frame if
secured, means for driving said shaft cyclically,
strike occurs to Aremove a new set .of pins from
magazine and .deposit said set of pins in
said spotters, and selectively operated means
adapted to move said setter to pin spotting
osi tion adjacent a bowling alley and locate said
po ters in pin delivering position relative to
`aid alley.
2. In a bowling pin setting machine having a
magazine adapted to hold a plurality of bowling
pins in side by side upright aligned arrangement,
a pin setter, vspotters kon said pin setter, indi
vidualiy and differentially movable pin trans
fers for gripping and moving pinsv from said
magazine into pin delivery arrangement above
said spotters, and mechanism operative only
after each first ball `of' a frame is thrown and
before the next ball of the same frame is rolled
in a normal two ball frame .for actuating said
transfers to effect relative -vertical movement
between said transfers `and said spotters where
by said pins in said transfers are removed from
said magazine and delivered by said transfers
into said spotters and released from said trans
fers. ,
2i. Én a bowling pin setting machine having a
magazine adapted to hold a plurality `of bowling
pins in side by side upright aligned arrangement,
a pin setter, spotters on ksaid pin setter, indi
vidually and differentially »movable pin transfers
for gripping and moving pins from said maga
zine into substantially triangular arrangement
above said spotters, 'mechanism for actuating
transfers after each first ball only of a frame
is thrown and prior to .the rolling of the next
ball of said frame, said mechanism including
means for moving said transfers horizontally,
means to effect relative vertical movement
between said transfers and said spotters where
by said pins in said transfers are delivered into
said spotters, and selectively operated mecha
nism actuated in response to the number of pins
knocked down by the first ball of a frame for
controlling the movement of said pin setter to
a cam for imparting substantially vertical move
ment to said transfers loosely mounted on said
cam shaft, and selectively operated clutch mecha
nism for connecting said last-named cam to said
shaft whenever pins are to be conveyed by said
transfers into said spotters, said cams for im
parting substantially straight line movement to
said transfers and said cam loosely mounted on
said shaft being constructed and arranged to
coast and provide a combined substantially arcu
ate path of movement to said transfers in remov
ing pins from said magazine and delivering said
pins to said spotters when said loosely mounted
cam is connected to said shaft.
G. In a bowling pin setting machine for use
with a bowling alley, said machine having a pin
loading station including' means for supporting
a plurality of bowling pins, a pin setter, pin
spotters mounted on said setter, pin respotters
also mounted on said setter for replacing pins in
on or off-spot playing positions on said alley, pin
transfers for transferring pins from said load
ing station to said spotters, mechanism for mov
ing said setter to a position adjacent said alley to
locate said respotters in position to grip stand
ing pins after the throwing of each first ball of
a frame and for raising said setter, and means
for actuating said transfers after the raising of
said setter to effect the removal of a set of pins
from said station, and the delivery thereof by
said transfers into said spotters, said setter mov
ing mechanism including means operative after
the delivery of a set of pins to said spotters to
lower said setter containing a set of pins in said
spotters and lifted pins in said respotters to re
place said lifted pins held in respotters on said
alley, said last-named mechanism also includ
ing means for lowering said setter after the roll
ing of the last ball of a frame, and means for
spotting said pins in said spotters on said alley.
'7. In a bowling pin setting machine having a
pin magazine, a pin setter having a plurality of
pin spotters, conveying means for removing pins
from the pit of a bowling alley, and returning
said pins to said magazine, a pin transfer includ
place a new set of pins on said alley or reset pins
ing travelling pin grippers for conveying pins
remaining standing on said alley after a first
from said magazine to said spotters, and mecha
nism for actuating said transfer after the first
ball of a frame is thrown.
In a bowling pin setting machine having a
in loading station and a pin delivery station,
in transfers for removing pins from said load
'
station and conveying said pins 'to said de
:very station, mechanism for actuating said
‘ansfers to effect >the movement of pins to said
eiivery station after each first ball of the frame
s rolled and before the next ball is rolled, said
mechanism for actuating said transfers includ
ing a cam shaft, a cam ñxed to said shaft, a
cam loosely mounted on said shaft, and means
connecting said last named cam to said shaft
only after each ñrst ball of a frame is rolled.
5. fin a bowling pin setting machine having a
ball of a frame is rolled regardless of the number
of pins knocked down thereby to remove a set
of pins from said magazine and convey
said set of pins to said spotters, said mechanism
iva including a selectively operated device for im
parting vertical movement to said transfer and
grippers, said actuating mechanism also includ
ing means for imparting back and forth move
ment to said grippers, and means operative
only when pins are to be delivered from said
magazine to said spotters for actuating said
mechanism and said last-named means
move
vice for removing pins and balls from the pit of
a bowling alley, and transfers for conveying
bowling pins from a loading station and deliver
ing the same into said spotters, transfer actuat
said transfer grippers in a substantially arcuate
path of travel and deliver pins from said maga
zine into said spotters.
8. In a bowling pin setting machine having a pin
loading station, and conveying mechanism for
conveying pins from the pit of a bowling alley
to said station, a pin setter, pin spotters mounted
on said setter, pin respotters also mounted on
ing means, cams for actuating said sweep, said
said
pin setter, said setter being provided with pin
spotters and respotters, a sweep, a guard, a de
resetter,
setter
operating
mechanism,
means for operating said mechanism after the
ñrst ball of a frame is rolled for >moving said
,fer actuating means including a cam for operat
setter to a position adjacent said alley to locate
ing said transfer actuating means for imparting
substantially straight line motion to said trans 75 said respotters in position to test for any stand
and said device, respectively, said trans
2,5%,316
17
18
ing pins, means for operating said respotters to
from said magazine and delivering said pins to
grip and hold any standing pins, means for rais
ing said setter to cause said respotters to lift
said standing pins, a pin transfer, means for
said spotters when said loosely mounted cam is
connected to said shaft.
10. In a bowling pin setting machine having
a pin loading station, and conveying mechanism
for conveying pins from the pit of a bowling
actuating said transfer after the first ball of a
frame is rolled and While said last-,named pins
are held by said respotters to deliver a set of
pins from said station into said spotters, said
alley to said station, a pin setter, pin spotters
mounted on said setter, pin respotters also mount
ed on said resetter, means operative after
setter operating mechanism including means to
the first ball of a frame is rolled for moving
lower said setter prior to the rolling of the next
said setter to a position adjacent said alley to
ball of the same frame with a set of pins in said
locate said respotters in position to test for any
spotters and reset any lifted pins on said alley
standing pins, means for operating said respot
in on or off-spot positions, means for operating
ters to grip and hold said standing pins, mecha
said respotters to release said lifted pins for re
location on 4said alley in said on or oñ-spot p‘osi 15 nism for raising said setter to cause said re
spotters to lift said standing pins, a pin trans
tions, and means for actuating said setter 0p
fer, means for moving said transfer to convey
erating mechanism to move said setter to pin
a set of pins from said station to said spotters
delivery position adjacent said alley for placing
While said setter is raised and said pins in said
a new set of pins on said alley.
9. In a bowling pin setting machine having a 20 respotters are held thereby, said last-named
pin setter, said setter being provided with pin
spotters and respotters, a sweep, a guard, a de
vice for removing pins and balls from the pit
of a bowling alley, and transfers for conveying
bowling pins from a loading station and deliver
ing the same into said spotters, transfer actuat
ing means, a cam shaft, cams fixed to said shaft
for actuating said sweep, said guard, said de
vice and said transfer actuating means for im
parting' substantially straight line movement
to said transfers respectively, a cam loosely sup
ported on said shaft, said cam having a track for
turning said setter to locate said spotters in posi
tion to receive pins from said transfers and in
position to deliver pins held in said spotters to
said alley, said cam also having a track to im
part substantially vertical movement to said
transfers to effect relatively vertical delivery
movement between said transfers and said setter
in delivering pins to said spotters, and selectively
operated clutch mechanism for connecting said
cam to said shaft, said cams for imparting sub
stantially straight line movement to said trans
fers and said cam loosely mounted on said shaft
being constructed and arranged to coact and 4
provide a combined substantially arcuate path
of movement to said transfers in removing pins
mechanism being also constructed and arranged
to move said table downwardly to reset said pins
on said alley and upwardly with pins in said spot
ters to a position of dwell above said alley,
. means for actuating said transfer moving means
only after the first ball of a frame is rolled to
cause said transfer to deliver a full set of pins
from said station into said spotters, to make
available said pins in said spotters for setting
and clear said station for the return of pins
knocked down by the first ball of a frame, and
means for actuating said setter operating mecha
nism to move said setter to pin delivery position
adjacent said alley to place a set of pins on said
f alley.
GOTTFRIED J. SCHMIDT.
REFERENCES CITED
The following references are of record in the
ñle of this patent:
UNITED STATES PATENTS
Number
Name
Date
2,017,143
2,298,718
2,388,708
2,411,348
Bentz ___________ _- Oct.
Nejedly __________ __ Oct.
Bates __________ __ Nov.
Turner _________ __ Nov.
15,
13,
13,
19,
1935
1942
1945
1946