Automatic Pinsetter Automatische Kegelaufsteller Planteuse Automatique

Patentamt Europaisches || || 1 1| || || || || || || 1 1| || || (19) J European Patent Office

Office europeen des brevets (1 1 ) EP0 705 123 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publicationation and mention (51) |nt. CI.6: A63D 5/08 of the grant of the patent: 28.10.1998 Bulletin 1998/44 (86) International application number: PCT/CA94/00368 (21) Application number: 94920355.8 (87) International publication number: (22) Date of filing: 17.06.1994 WO 95/00219 (05.01.1995 Gazette 1995/02)

(54) AUTOMATIC PINSETTER AUTOMATISCHE KEGELAUFSTELLER PLANTEUSE AUTOMATIQUE

(84) Designated Contracting States: • SIMARD, Carol AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL Beaupre, Quebec G0A 1 E0 (CA) PTSE • DION, Jean- Yves St-Jean Chrysostome, Quebec G6Z 2V5 (CA) (30) Priority: 18.06.1993 US 79164 • ROCHEFORT, Lucien 17.06.1994 US 261725 Beauport, Quebec G1 E 5L4 (CA)

(43) Date of publication of application: (74) Representative: Watkins, David 10.04.1996 Bulletin 1996/15 Urquhart-Dykes & Lord, 91 Wimpole Street (73) Proprietor: MENDES INC. London W1M8AH(GB) Ste-Foy, Quebec G1P 3X2 (CA) (56) References cited: (72) Inventors: CH-A- 306 671 DE-A- 1 038 466 • DELANEY, Francois DE-A- 1 703 165 DE-A- 1 922 299 L'Assomption, Quebec J0K 1G0 (CA) US-A- 1 524 241 US-A- 2 726 086 • VIATEUR, Guay Charlesbourg, Quebec G1H 4B4 (CA)

CO CO CM o Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in o a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. Q_ 99(1) European Patent Convention). LU Printed by Xerox (UK) Business Services 2.16.3/3.4 1 EP 0 705 123 B1 2

Description ing pins on the bowling alley in bowling array employing magnetic means. This invention relates generally to automatic pinset- A further object of the present invention resides in ters of the type which retrieve bowling pins from a pit the provision of an automatic pinsetter having magnetic area adjacent a rear end portion of a bowling alley and s means for picking up and raising remaining upright which deposit the same in bowling array on the rear end bowling pins after a first ball has been thrown, thus portion of the bowling alley. accommodating clearing of the bowling alley of fallen Automatic pinsetters heretofore available have bowling pins, and for replacing the bowling pins on the employed mechanical means for retrieving, manipulat- bowling alley. ing and orienting bowling pins as required to re-position w A still further object of the present invention resides or "set" the same in a desired bowling array on a rear in the provision of an automatic pinsetter having mag- end portion of a bowling alley. The pinsetters also netic means for efficiently picking-up remaining upright mechanically retrieve and raise remaining upright pins "off spot" bowling pins, raising the same and thus after a first ball has been thrown, the alley thus being accommodating clearing of fallen pins from the bowling cleared of fallen pins or "deadwood", and thereafter is alley and for replacing the bowling pins on the alley pre- replace the upright pins on the bowling alley. cisely in their "off spot" positions. While pinsetters of the type mentioned have been Still another object of the present invention is to satisfactory in general, they are usually highly complex provide magnetically responsive bowling pins highly mechanical devices, necessarily expensive with regard efficient in their co-operation with magnetic means in an both to manufacture and initial cost as well as repair and 20 automatic pinsetter and which yet act and react pre- maintenance throughout their useful life. For example, it cisely in the same manner as conventional bowling pins. is known that repair and maintenance costs associated A still further object of the present invention resides with available automatic pinsetters usually constitute in the provision of bowling ball retrieval apparatus of a the most expensive single item in the operation of a simplified and yet highly efficient and reliable construc- bowling alley. 25 tion. It is a general object of the present invention to pro- A still further object of the present invention is to vide an automatic pinsetter of greatly simplified design provide a simplified design and construction as afore- and construction which is capable of manufacture at said and which is extremely compact in configuration economic advantage and which exhibits a high degree particularly in the longitudinal direction of the bowling of durability over a long service life, repair and mainte- 30 alley. nance costs thus being minimized. The most relevant prior art to the present invention Another object of the present invention is to reduce is believed to be Patent Specification DE-A-1 922299, the number of moving parts in a simplified and yet highly the disclosure in which forms the basis for the preamble efficient pinsetter to a few hundred, prior art pinsetters to the characterizing clause in Claim 1 hereof. A partic- having employed moving parts in the thousands. 35 ular disclosure in this prior art is the use of magnetically Another object of the present invention is to elimi- responsive bowling pins with the automatic pinsetter, nate the purely mechanical and rather awkward manip- the latter having displaceable magnets for the purpose ulation and orientation of bowling pins and to substitute of carrying the pins in an upstanding condition from the at least in part the use of magnetism. elevator mechanism and depositing them in the verti- Still another object of the present invention is to 40 cally moveable pinsetting mechanism. provide an automatic pinsetter and a plurality of magnetically responsive bowling pins for use therewith, the SUMMARY OF INVENTION pinsetter serving to retrieve bowling pins from a pit area adjacent a rear end of a bowling alley and manipulating According to the present invention, there is pro- and orienting the same magnetically for deposit in a 45 vided an automatic pinsetter for retrieving magnetically desired bowling array on a rear end portion of the alley. responsive bowling pins in disarray from a pit area adja- A still further object of the present invention resides cent a rear end of a bowling alley and for depositing the in the provision of an automatic pinsetter for retrieving same on a rear end portion of the bowling alley in a magnetically responsive bowling pins from a pit area bowling array; said pinsetter comprising an elevator adjacent a rear end of a bowling alley for transporting so mechanism operable to retrieve bowling pins from the and arranging the same in an upright attitude and in a pit area and transport the same upwardly to a pin dis- desired bowling array above a pre-selected area of the charge station, a transfer mechanism operable to bowling alley, and for precisely depositing the same on retrieve bowling pins from said elevator mechanism at the area in bowling array. said discharge station and to transfer the pins generally A still further object of the invention resides in the ss horizontally to a pin delivery station and a vertically provision of a pinsetter for both retrieving magnetically movable pinsetting mechanism operable to accept the responsive bowling pins from a pit area employing mag- pins at the pin delivery station and to deposit the pins on netic means and for handling and depositing the bowl- the bowling alley; characterized in that said transfer

2 3 EP 0 705 123 B1 4 mechanism receives the bowling pins from the elevator veyor forming a part of the elevator mechanism. The mechanism and transfers the pins forwardly of the bowl- elevator mechanism extends generally vertically from a ing alley to locate the pins in bowling array beneath said loading station adjacent the pit area to the aforesaid pin pinsetting mechanism at the pin delivery station and discharge station with the magnets and support lines wherein said pinsetting mechanism includes magnetic 5 spaced apart therealong. The flexible lines supporting means for selectively magnetically holding and releas- the magnetics accommodate horizontal movement of ing the magnetically responsive pins to lift the pins from the magnets in "seeking" or "fishing" for magnetically the transfer mechanism at the delivery station and responsive pins at the pin loading station. Permanent thereafter to deposit the pins in bowling array on the magnets are presently preferred in the pin retrieval bowling alley. ro means but it is also possible to employ electro-magnets The automatic pinsetter of the present invention is with the flexible support lines for the magnets compris- capable of accommodating all presently known types ing flexible electrical conductors and with a commuta- and configurations of bowling pins and it is contem- tion track extending along and adjacent the endless plated that it be readily adapted to any further bowling conveyor. Short conductors extending from the flexible pins. 15 conductors and slidably received in electrically conduc- Further said mechanism is to be moveable toward tive relationship with the commutation track may also be and away from the bowling alley and includes magnets employed. for selectively holding and releasing the magnetically At the pin discharge station at least one gate is pro- responsive pins whereby to pick-up the pins and to vided and is operable to discharge pins from the con- deposit the same on the bowling alley, and wherein the 20 veyor to a pin transfer mechanism. The pin transfer pinsetting mechanism includes means associated with mechanism is adapted at a loading station adjacent the the magnets to provide for limited horizontal movement pin discharge station to selectively receive bowling pins of the magnets and thereby a pin head seeking opera- seriatim from the conveyor and is adapted further to tion by the magnets for "off spot" pins prior to a pin hold- transfer the pins in bowling array to a pin delivery sta- ing operation of the magnets. 25 tion. An indexible rotary table having a plurality of For this a plurality of magnetically responsive bowl- upwardly open cradles thereon for receiving and holding ing pins are provided and may take the form of conven- bowling pins in an upright attitude preferably forms a tional bowling pins having metal or other magnetically part of the transfer mechanism. The cradles are responsive material embedded therein. In accordance arranged to receive and hold a like plurality of bowling with the presently preferred practice, conventional bowl- 30 pins in a bowling array and the aforementioned gate and ing pins are provided at upper end portions with mag- table are operable in timed relationship whereby to netic means which may be small permanent magnets deposit an individual bowling pin in each cradle. embedded therein, a multiplicity of small particles of Preferably, the conveyor extends generally horizon- magnetic material dispersed throughout an upper end tally and linearly for a substantial distance at the pin dis- portion thereof, etc. While magnetically responsive 35 charge station and there are at least two horizontally means may be otherwise incorporated into the bowling spaced apart gates at said station adjacent the linear pins, it is also presently preferred that such means be path of movement of the conveyor. A fixed stop is also located at the upper end portions or heads of the bowl- provided above the center of the rotary table and is also ing pins. The types of bowling pins so treated may vary in alignment with the linear path of movement of the widely within the scope of the invention and may include 40 conveyor. The gates are operable selectively when a all presently known as well as future types and configu- cradle is moved by an indexing movement of the table to rations of bowling pins. obstruct the passage of a bowling pin and to cause the The automatic pinsetter comprises initially an ele- pin to disengage from its magnet and to fall into the cra- vator mechanism which retrieves bowling pins seriatim dle. Thus, in operation the gates are operable to cause from a pit area adjacent a rear end portion of a bowling 45 bowling pins to fall into radially spaced cradles on the alley and which transports the same upwardly for deliv- table along and beneath the linear path of movement of ery to a pin discharge station. A pin retrieval means the conveyor. Similarly, the fixed stop above the center operatively associated with the elevator mechanism of the table causes a pin carried by a magnet on a flexi- picks up bowling pins individually from the pit area and ble line beneath the conveyor to be obstructed in its in accordance with one presently preferred practice, the so movement and to fall into the center cradle on the table. pin retrieval means includes magnetic means for picking When ten (10) magnetically responsive bowling up bowling pins magnetically responsive at upper end pins are provided in a conventional triangular arrange- portions and for carrying the same in an upright attitude ment there are, of course, ten (1 0) cradles on the rotary during transport to the pin discharge station. More par- table in similar arrangement with the two gates operable ticularly, the pin retrieval means comprises a series of 55 on table indexing movements of 30° and multiples magnets each adapted to pick-up an individual bowling thereof so as to fill all cradles on the table. pin in an upright attitude and each supported by a flexi- The rotary table of one preferred transfer mecha- ble line attached at an upper end to an endless con- nism is also adapted to be moved bodily between its

3 5 EP 0 705 123 B1 6

loading station and a delivery station, the latter being seeking the same as aforesaid. spaced above and in precise vertical alignment with a In addition to aiding in the release of the bowling desired location of the bowling array on the bowling pins from the magnets, the separator means also serve alley. At its delivery station, the transfer mechanism co- to steady remaining upright pins after a first ball has operates with a vertically moveable pinsetting mecha- 5 been thrown and it is desired to pick-up such pins for an nism which is adapted to accept and lift the pins in bowl- alley clearing or sweeping operation therebeneath and ing array from the rotary table and to lower and deposit thereafter return the same to the bowling alley. Thus, the same in bowling array on the bowling alley. The pin- individual separator plates engage the heads of remain- setting mechanism includes magnetic means for selec- ing upright pins, the magnets of the pinsetting mecha- tively magnetically holding and releasing magnetically w nism then exert reduced magnetic influence thereon responsive pins whereby to lift the same from the trans- moving horizontally if the pins are in an "off spot" posi- fer mechanism and thereafter to deposit the same on tion, the pins are raised for the alley clearing operation, the bowling alley. More particularly, the pinsetting mech- and the pins are thereafter replaced precisely in their anism includes a plurality of magnets in substantially "off spot" positions. co-planner horizontal arrangement and in bowling array 75 The automatic pinsetter of the present invention corresponding precisely with the cradles on the table may also include an improved bowling ball retrieval and the bowling alley therebeneath. At an intermediate apparatus which grips and holds a bowling ball for trans- position of the pinsetting mechanism above but closely port. The apparatus comprises a suction cup having a adjacent the rotary table, the bowling pins are removed plurality of vacuum compartments therewithin, vacuum upwardly from their cradles by the magnets of the pin- 20 generating means selectively connectable therewith setting mechanism and, on movement of the rotary and a support means for the cup moveable between cup table away from the delivery station toward its loading loading and unloading stations. A small percentage of station, the pinsetting mechanism is further moveable the compartments in the cup provide sufficient gripping vertically downwardly to a lowermost or discharge posi- action on a bowling ball to hold the same irrespective of tion for deposit of the pins on the bowling alley. 25 the position of finger holes in the ball. Thus, the appara- The pinsetting mechanism also preferably includes tus causes the cup to engage a ball and automatically separator means between its magnets and the tops of transport the same through an opening in a "kickback" sub-adjacent heads of bowling pins together with a to a ball return mechanism. means for effecting at least limited generally vertical In a second embodiment of the invention, a some- upward movement of each magnet. The separator 30 what conventional elevator is provided and is mechani- means serves to obstruct corresponding upward move- cal in construction and operation with a magnetic ment of a bowling pin head and thereby causes the transfer mechanism adapted to accept bowling pins magnet to release the pin. When the magnet is moved seriatim from the elevator at a discharge station. The downwardly into close proximity with the separator transfer mechanism includes a conveyor having "pick- means the latter is rendered ineffective allowing the 35 up" and "discharge runs" with magnetic means in the magnet to magnetically hold the sub-adjacent bowling form of permanent magnets spaced therealong. Bowl- pin. Various means for vertically moving the magnets ing pins delivered to the discharge station in upright atti- take the form of individual support lines for each magnet tude by the elevator are engaged and picked up by the and actuator means for raising and lower the support permanent magnets and are transported to the dis- lines in unison, an individual housing for each magnet 40 charge "run" of the conveyor. A series of discharge and an associated vacuum chamber with means for devices spaced along the discharge run are operable selectively evacuating the chambers and thus raising selectively to dislodge bowling pins from their magnets and lowering the magnets, and a carrier supporting the and to cause the same to fall into individual holders of a magnets in common and providing the necessary rela- bowling pin collator. The discharge devices include a tive vertical movement between the magnets and the 45 "knife like" separator which enters between the head of separator means. The last mentioned device employing a bowling pin and its associated magnet for positive dis- the carrier is present preferred and includes spring bias- charge of the bowling pins. The collator includes a linear ing means for individual separator plates co-operable series of pin holders and preferably has seven (7) such with small containers containing liquid and magnets pin holders each with an associated moveable gate. equipped with float means. The floating magnets pro- so The gates of the pin holders are operated selectively to vide for horizontal magnet movement in a slightly ele- load a plurality of bowling pins into cradles of a carrier vated position whereby the magnets seek the heads of also forming a part of the transfer mechanism. "off spot" pins rather then tilting or otherwise moving the The carrier portion of the transfer mechanism is pins. Similarly, the magnets suspended on flexible lines adapted for horizontal movement and is expandable and the vacuum equipped magnets tend to move and 55 and contractible horizontally whereby to selectively seek such "off spot" pins. An electro-magnet system arrange a plurality of upwardly open cradles thereon in may also be employed and provided with high and low a conventional triangular bowling array and in a plurality voltage sources respectively for holding pins and for of linear series or rows of cradles. When ten (10) pins

4 7 EP 0 705 123 B1 8 bowling pins are provided in a conventional arrange- Fig. 5 is a top view of a rotary indexible table form- ment, the carrier contracts from its expanded triangular ing a part of a transfer mechanism of the present inven- array condition to arrange its cradles in two series or tion. rows with three (3) cradles in a front row and seven (7) Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the rotary indexible cradles in a rear row. The three cradles of the front row 5 table of the automatic pinsetter. comprise the front cradle of the triangular arrangement Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view and the two cradles of the second row of the triangular of a gate operable at a pin discharge station. arrangement. The seven cradles of the rear row com- Fig. 8 is an enlarged top view of the gate of Fig. 7. prise the three cradles of the third row of the triangular Fig. 9 is a perspective of a supporting structure for bowling arrangement and the four (4) cradles of the 10 the rotary indexible table of Figs. 5 and 6. fourth and rearwardmost row of the triangular arrange- Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view in elevation of ment. a first form of a pinsetting mechanism. As will be apparent, the expansion and contraction Fig. 1 1 is a view of the pinsetting mechanism of Fig. of the carrier of the transfer mechanism provides for a 1 0 but with the elements thereof in different operating substantial reduction in the length of the mechanism 15 positions. and thus a corresponding reduction in the overall length Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the pin- of the pinsetter, a desirably compact construction and setting mechanism of Figs. 10 and 11. arrangement of the pinsetter being thus achieved. Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sec- In its expanded condition the carrier of the transfer tional view of a portion of a second embodiment of a mechanism presents the bowling pins in conventional 20 pinsetting mechanism of the present invention. triangular array beneath a pinsetting mechanism for Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 but with the ele- subsequent deposit in bowling array on the alley there- ments of the pinsetting mechanism in a different operat- beneath. The pinsetting mechanism comprises ten (10) ing position. magnetic means in triangular bowling array as in the Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 13 but with the ele- foregoing embodiment, but the arrangement of the mag- 25 ments of the pinsetting mechanism in a different operat- netic means is simplified and yet highly efficient in oper- ing position. ation. A small container is provided with a permanent Fig. 16 is a further enlarged view of the mechanism magnet fitted with a float disposed in the container in a of Fig. 15 with the elements in like position. liquid permitting a degree of horizontal movement of the Fig. 1 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of an alter- magnet as well as vertical movement thereof to the bot- 30 native form of a conveyor employed in an elevator tom of the container for the application of magnetic mechanism and incorporating electro-magnets. holding force on the head of a bowling pin therebe- Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken generally as indi- neath. As described above, horizontal movement of the cated at 18,18 in Fig. 17. magnets and their floats accommodates a "seeking" Fig. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a single operation of the magnets relative to the heads of "off 35 electro-magnet forming a still further embodiment of the spot" bowling pins. The vertical movement of the mag- magnet means in the pinsetting mechanism. nets to the bottom of the containers accommodates a Fig. 20 is a schematic view of electrical connections "pick-up" operation of the magnets relative to the bowl- for the electro-magnet of Fig. 19. ing pins. Release of the bowling pins is accomplished by Fig. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a head a rapid upward acceleration of the pinsetting mecha- 40 portion of a bowling pin showing a permanent magnet nism at the beginning of an upward movement of the embedded therein. mechanism. Such initial rapid acceleration or "snap- Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 21 but showing an ping" movement results in separation of the bottom of alternative form of magnetic means in the head of a the containers from the heads of subadjacent bowling bowling pin. pins with the magnetic force of the magnets thus being 45 Fig. 23 is a vertical section taken through an overcome by the weight and inertia of the bowling pins. improved bowling ball retrieval apparatus; not being part of the claimed invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 24 is a vertical section of the bowling ball retrieval apparatus Fig. 23 taken at right angles to the Fig. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view showing so Fig. 22 view. the automatic pinsetter of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a further view similar to Fig. 24 but show- Fig. 2 is a further perspective view similar to Fig. 1 ing the elements of the ball retrieval apparatus in a fur- but showing a transfer mechanism in the pinsetter at a ther operating position. delivery station beneath a pinsetting mechanism. Fig. 26 is a schematic view in block diagram form of Fig. 3 is a partially schematic side view of the pin- 55 a controller for the automatic pinsetter of the present setter of Figs. 1 and 2. invention. Fig. 4 is a rear end elevational view of the automatic Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing an automatic pinsetter. pinsetter forming a second embodiment of the present

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invention. ence numeral 12. The elevator mechanism operates to Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing an elevator retrieve bowling pins seriatim from a pit area 14 adja- mechanism of the Fig. 27 embodiment of the automatic cent a rear end of a bowling alley 1 6 and to transport the pinsetter. same upwardly for delivery to a pin discharge station A. Fig. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation s A transfer mechanism indicated generally at 1 8 is move- showing a portion of a transfer mechanism including a able between a loading station B therefor adjacent and conveyor, a discharge device for removing bowling pins beneath the pin discharge station A to a pin delivery sta- from the conveyor, a holder forming a part of a collator, tion C spaced horizontally forwardly from the loading and an upwardly open cradle for receiving a bowling pin. station B and above the bowling alley 16. The transfer Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing a series of pin w mechanism receives the bowling pins seriatim from the holders forming the collator of the present invention. elevator mechanism at its loading station B and trans- Fig. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of a single fers the pins in bowling array to the pin delivery station pin holder of Fig. 30. C. At the pin delivery station C a vertically moveable pin- Fig. 32 is a fragmentary perspective view of a car- setting mechanism indicated generally at 20 is adapted rier forming a part of the transfer mechanism of the pin- is to accept the bowling pins in bowling array and then setter and including a plurality of cradles on the carrier thereafter to deposit the same in bowling array on the in an expanded and a conventional triangle bowling bowling alley therebeneath. When the automatic pinset- array. ter is provided with a plurality of magnetically respon- Fig. 33 is a side view of the carrier and cradles of sive bowling pins as aforesaid, the pinsetting Fig. 32 with the carrier and cradles in expanded condi- 20 mechanism is provided with magnetic means for selec- tion and with the cradles in triangular bowling array. tively magnetically holding and releasing the magneti- Fig. 34 is a view similar to Fig. 33 but with the cra- cally responsive pins whereby to remove the same from dles and carrier in an intermediate position. the transfer mechanism 1 8 and to deposit the same on Fig. 35 is a view similar to Fig. 34 but with the car- the bowling alley 16. The pinsetting mechanism is rier and cradles in a contracted position with the cradles 25 moveable downwardly from its elevated position shown in first and second linear series or rows. to an intermediate position above the transfer mecha- Fig. 36 is a top view of the carrier and cradles of nism 18 shown in Fig. 2 at the delivery station C. At its Figs. 32 through 35 with the carrier and cradles in the intermediate position the pinsetting mechanism mag- contracted condition of Fig. 35 in broken line and in the netically engages the bowling pins in bowling array and expanded condition of Figs. 33 and 34 in full line. 30 then lifts the same to allow the transfer mechanism 1 8 to Fig. 37 is a fragmentary perspective view of the be withdrawn rearwardly to its loading station B. The interior of a vertically moveable pinsetting mechanism pinsetting mechanism thereupon moves vertically and showing a plurality of small containers for holding downwardly again to deposit the bowling pins on the floatable magnets. bowling alley 16. Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the pinsetting mech- 35 Reverting now to the elevator mechanism 10 and anism from beneath the same with the containers pro- with particular reference to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be jecting downwardly from the mechanism. observed that the elevator mechanism comprises an Fig. 39 is a schematic view showing a head portion endless conveyor which may comprise a chain or belt of a bowling pin and an enlarged container and floatable but is shown in the form of a sprocket chain 22 which magnet of the pinsetting mechanism, the head of the 40 extends generally vertically from a loading station D bowling pin being disposed beneath and in spaced rela- therefor adjacent the pit area to the pin discharge sta- tionship with the container. tion A. More particularly, the conveyor chain 22 is Fig. 40 is a view similar to Fig. 39 but with the head arranged in a generally rectangular configuration of the bowling pin engaging the bottom of the container viewed from the rear of the pinsetter and is provided holding the floatable magnet. 45 with four (4) sprockets 24,24 at its corners. The con- Fig. 41 is a perspective view of an electric motor veyor may be driven, for example, by a direct current and pulley forming a part of a power operating means electric motor operatively associated with one of the for the pinsetting mechanism. sprockets 24,24 and, as illustrated, the conveyor Fig. 42 is a somewhat schematic side view of a ball progresses in a clockwise direction with a leftwardly retrieval device, not being part of the claimed invention, so moving substantially horizontal lower run 26 and a rightwardly moving substantially horizontal upper run 28. As DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI- best illustrated in Fig. 3 the conveyor is inclined for- MENTS wardly above the pin discharge station A to provide clearance for depending magnets 30,30 to be described Referring initially to Figs. 1 through 4, it will be ss hereinbelow. observed that an elevator mechanism is indicated gen- In one preferred form of the present invention, both erally by the reference numeral 1 0 as forming a part of the elevator mechanism 10 and the pinsetting mecha- an automatic pinsetter indicated generally by the refer- nism 20 employ magnetic means for lifting, manipulat-

6 11 EP 0 705 123 B1 12 ing, and transporting magnetically responsive bowling provided with a plurality of upwardly open cradles 36,36 pins, the pins preferably being magnetically responsive for receiving and holding bowling pins in upright atti- at upper end portions thereof. Further, in the embodi- tude. When the desired bowling array comprises ten ment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, perma- (10) bowling pins in a conventional triangular arrange- nent magnets 30,30 are employed and each magnet is 5 ment, ten (10) cradles are, of course, provided as illus- supported by a flexible line 32 attached at an upper end trated in conventional triangular arrangement, Figs. 5 to the conveyor and carrying the depending magnet 30 and 6. at its lower end. Between five (5) and nine (9) magnets Reverting now to the pin discharge station A, at and support lines are provided in substantially equally least one gate 38 is provided at the station and is oper- spaced relationship along the conveyor chain 22 and, w able to cause bowling pins to be discharged from the more particularly, eight (8) such magnets and flexible conveyor 22 to the transfer mechanism 18 and, more support lines are illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. As the specifically, to the cradles 36,36 on the rotary table 34. magnets 30,30 move leftwardly along the lower run 26 When ten (10) pins and cradles are provided as in Figs. of the conveyor 22 through the pin loading station D in 5 and 6, two (2) horizontally spaced apart gates 38,38 the pit area 1 4 , the magnets tend to "seek" or "fish" for 15 are provided adjacent and in alignment with the linear and pick-up bowling pins residing in indiscriminate ori- path of movement of the upper run 28 of the conveyor entation in the pit area 14. That is, the flexible lines 22. Further, a fixed stop 40 is also preferably arranged 32,32 allow the magnets to move in a generally horizon- above the center of the table 34. Both the gates 38,38 tal plane whereby to seek and attach to the head of a and the fixed stop 40 operate to disengage and thus dis- bowling pin therebeneath. 20 charge bowling pins from their carrying magnets 30,30 Referring particularly to Fig. 2, it will be observed by obstructing the rightward movement thereof as the that a rotary table 33 is provided in the pit area 14 adja- associated magnet continues to move and thereby cent the rear end portion of the bowling alley 16. The causing the bowling pin to disengage and fall from its table 33 rotates in a clockwise direction in Fig. 2 and magnet into a cradle 36 positioned therebeneath. accepts bowling balls and fallen bowling pins from the 25 As best illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, a representative rear end portion of the bowling alley 16. The table 33 gate 38 has a swingable gate member 42 shown in has a slight downward inclination toward the left as operative or pin obstructing position in full line in Fig. 8 viewed from the front in Fig. 2 whereby to cause bowling and in broken line at its inoperative or open position. A balls to roll leftwardly for a purpose to be described bias spring 44 urges the gate member 42 to its opera- hereinbelow. 30 tive position for latching engagement by a plunger 46 In its clockwise rotation, fallen bowling pins are car- shown in operative position in broken line and retracted ried rearwardly into engagement with a barrier means or inoperative position in full line. The plunger 46 is which serves to obstruct the movement of the pins on operated by a solenoid 48 and a bias spring 49 so as to the table and to thus provide for collection of the pins be moved to its broken line operative or latching position and the establishment of the pin loading or pick-up sta- 35 in Fig. 8 and to be retracted to its full line inoperative tion D. As best illustrated in Fig. 2, the barrier means position in Figs. 7 and 8. In its operative or latching posi- takes the form of a vertical rear wall 35 which extends tion, a front end portion of the plunger 46 engages the transversely over a rear portion of the table 33 and a gate member 42 and prevents the same from swinging short connected side wall 37 forming a corner with the open in a clockwise direction so as to accommodate the wall 35. As will be apparent, the bowling pins tend to 40 free passage of a bowling pin through the gate assem- collect in the corner defined by the walls 35,37 and will bly 38. reside in indiscriminate orientation in the corner at the As will be apparent, the gates 38,38 and the index- loading or pick-up station D, Fig. 4. Preferably a number ible rotary table 34 can be readily operated in timed of additional or surplus pins are provided so that there relationship so as to fill each of the cradles 36,36 on the will always be sufficient pins on the rotary table 33 for 45 table with a bowling pin. In Fig. 5 the rotary table 34 pick-up by the magnets 30,30 and for delivery of the resides at an index position where a cradle 36 beneath same to the transfer mechanism 18, the pins thus being the left-hand gate 38 is positioned so that a bowling pin held in readiness in bowling array on the transfer mech- can be disengaged from its magnet and dropped verti- anism for immediate delivery to the pinsetting mecha- cally into the cradle. Accordingly, the left-hand gate 38 nism when the rear end portion of the bowling alley has so in Fig. 5 is closed so as to engage the head of a bowling been cleared of bowling pins. pin such as a pin 50 in Fig. 7 and to cause the same to As best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the pin dis- disengage from its magnet 30 and fall into the cradle 36. charge station A is located above and in spaced rela- On opening of the left-hand gate 38 and with the table tionship with the bowling alley. More particularly, the pin 34 remaining in the Fig. 5 position, the next succeeding discharge station A resides beneath the upper horizon- 55 bowling pin 50 will engage the fixed stop 40 and thus be tal run 28 of the conveyor 22 and above the transfer discharged into the center cradle 36 therebeneath. mechanism 18 and a rotary indexible table 34 which Still referring to Fig. 5, it will be observed that the forms a part of the transfer mechanism. The table 34 is table 34 can next be indexed through thirty degrees

7 13 EP 0 705 123 B1 14

(30°) in a clockwise direction whereby to bring an outer- above and in spaced relationship with the delivery sta- most cradle 36 at a rear right-hand corner of the triangu- tion C, Fig. 2. lar arrangement beneath the right-hand gate 38. With As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the pinsetting the gate 38 closed, the next succeeding bowling pin will mechanism 20 takes a generally triangular configura- engage the same, disengage from its magnet 30, and 5 tion viewed from above and is supported for vertical fall into the outermost cradle 36. A succeeding 30° movement by three (3) vertically extending rods 82,82. clockwise indexing movement of the table 34 will bring That is, slide members 84,84 mounted on the pinsetting the cradle 36 immediately to the left of the outermost mechanism 20 and engaged with the rods 82,82 pro- cradle 36 in Fig. 5 to a loading position beneath the left- vide for the precise vertical sliding movement of the hand gate 38. Thus, in this index position of the table 34 w mechanism 20. Stops 86,86 on the slide rods 82,82 the right-hand gate 38 is open and the left-hand gate 38 cooperate with the slide members 84,84 to establish a is closed, the next succeeding bowling pin engaging the precise lowermost or discharge position of the pinset- left-hand gate 38 and falling into the cradle 36 therebe- ting mechanism for depositing pins on the bowling alley neath. The next indexing movement of the table 34 com- 16. A first raised or intermediate position of the pinset- prises a 60° clockwise movement whereby to bring the 75 ting mechanism above the rotary table 34 may be estab- cradle 36 at approximately eleven o'clock in Fig. 5 lished by vertically extending stop members 88,88 on beneath the left-hand gate 38. As will be apparent, all of the table 34, Figs. 2, and 6. the cradles 36,36 will be filled on completion of nine (9) The pinsetting mechanism 20 also has a second movements of the table indexing 34, eight (8) thirty raised position as illustrated in Figs. 1 , 2, and 3 above degree (30°) and one (1) sixty degree (60o) indexing 20 the table 34 when the latter is at its delivery station C. movement, with an additional 60° movement to bring As will be apparent, bowling pins engaged and lifted the number one pin to the front position. from the cradles of the table 34 by the pinsetting mech- Indexing movements of the table 34 may be pro- anism at its intermediate position are held above the vided by a small drive roller 52 engaging the periphery table during a return or rearward movement of the table of the table and operated, for example, by a direct cur- 25 to its loading station. The pinsetting mechanism may rent electric motor 53. thereafter be lowered to its aforementioned lowermost Fig. 9 illustrates a supporting structure for the table position for deposit of the pins on the bowling alley. 34 which accommodates the rotary indexing movement The means for raising and lowering the pinsetting thereof and which also provides for transfer of the table mechanism may vary widely within the scope of the bodily between its loading station B and its delivery sta- 30 invention but in the presently preferred form comprises tion C. As illustrated, a supporting framework is pro- a plurality of three (3) cables 90,90 operated by a drive vided with a plurality of small support rollers 54,54 for pulley 92 and extending over idler pulleys 94 and 96. A the table 34 together with a central stub shaft 56 about single idler pulley 94 is disposed above a front end por- which the table rotates in its indexing movements. The tion of the pinsetting mechanism 20 for attachment of a framework of the supporting structure is provided with 35 cable depending from the pulley to a front end portion of its own rollers 58,60 arranged at right angles and at the mechanism. A pair of spaced pulleys 96,96, Fig. 1 , opposite front end portions thereof for movement in one are provided over the rear corner portions of the pinset- and an opposite direction along parallel front to rear ting mechanism 20 so that cables 90,90 can extend frame members 62,62, Fig. 2. At a rear end portion of downwardly therefrom for attachment to the mecha- the structure right angularly arranged rollers 64,66, Fig. 40 nism. Drive means for the pulley 92 may take the form of 4, move in one and an opposite direction along parallel a direct current electric motor 98. As will be apparent, frame members 68,68 of the pinsetter, Fig. 9. A chain 70 operation of the motor in one and an opposite direction has an idler sprocket 72 at a front end portion and a will result in the required vertical movement of the pin- drive sprocket 74 at a rear end portion with a small con- setting mechanism to and from the aforesaid positions. necting link 76 between the chain 70 and element 79 of 45 In accordance with the present invention, the pin- the supporting structure. As will be apparent, a drive setting mechanism includes a plurality of magnets in means such as a direct current electric motor, not substantially co-planner horizontal arrangement and in shown, may be connected with the rear sprocket 74 to bowling array corresponding precisely with that of the drive the sprocket chain 70 and thereby cause the table cradles on the rotary table and the bowling alley there- support frame and the table 34 to be moved from the so beneath. When there are ten (10) bowling pins in con- loading station B to the delivery station C, Fig. 3. At the ventional triangular arrangement, the pinsetting delivery station C the rotary table 34 is in precise verti- mechanism 20 includes ten (10) magnets in precisely cal alignment with the desired location of the bowling the same arrangement with two (2) such magnets being array on the bowling alley 16 therebeneath. Further, the illustrated at 100,100 in Figs. 10 and 11. Each of the pinsetting mechanism 20 is moveable vertically in pre- ss magnets 100 has a small casing 102 associated there- cise vertical alignment with the table 34 and the desired with which defines a vacuum chamber 1 04 thereabove location of the bowling array on the bowling alley, an and which has a vacuum line connected therewith and uppermost position of the pinsetting mechanism being supporting the casing and the magnet. The vacuum

8 15 EP 0 705 123 B1 16 lines 106,106 extend to small connector elements 100,100 and casings 102,102 initially descend to the 108,108 and then, to an actuator 110. The actuator 110 Fig. 1 1 position atop the separator plates, the magnets serves both to selectively evacuate the chambers are at first retained in their upper positions as in Fig. 10. 104,104 and to raise and lower the connectors 108,108 In their upper positions, the magnets may exert a limited whereby to raise and lower the casings 102,102 and 5 degree of magnetic influence, short of their full influ- their magnets 100,100. Extending upwardly from each ence, and will tend to "seek" the heads of bowling pins connector 108 is a support line 112 which has associ- therebeneath and on the opposite sides of the separator ated pulleys 1 14 and 116 and which is connected to a plates. Thus, the right-hand bowling pin in Fig. 1 1 is dis- manifold 1 1 8 at an upper end portion of the actuator placed from the center of its separator plate 124 and 110. As will be apparent, the actuator 110 may be w may be said to be in an "off spot" position. That is, the expanded as illustrated in Fig. 1 1 whereby to allow the pin may constitute a remaining upright pin after a first support lines 1 12,1 12 to move upwardly at the manifold bowling ball has been released by a bowler with the pin 1 18 and thus to allow the magnets 100,100 and casings having been jostled so as to be moved slightly from its 102,102 to move downwardly to the position shown in spot on the bowling alley but with insufficient force Fig. 1 1 . On contraction of the actuator 1 1 0, as illustrated 75 exerted on the pin to topple the same. As will be appar- in Fig. 10, the lines 112,112 are drawn downwardly by ent in Fig. 11, the associated magnet 100 and casing the manifold 118 whereby to elevate the casings 1 02 move laterally from the center of the separator plate 102,102 and the magnets 100,100 as illustrated. As rather than causing the pin to tilt or otherwise displacing also illustrated in Fig. 10, the magnets 100,100 are the pin as might occur if the full influence of the magnet moved upwardly within their casings 102,102 by evacu- 20 were exerted immediately upon the pin. Thus, when the ation of the chambers 104,104 in the casings. Evacua- actuator 110 has completed its movement and has tion is accomplished through the vacuum lines 106,106 released the vacuum in the chamber 1 04 of the casing and by operation of the actuator 1 10, a vacuum cham- 102, the magnet 100 descends to the Fig. 11 position ber within the manifold 118 connecting the lines now exerting its full influence on the "off spot" bowling 106,106 to a vacuum generator, not shown. The con- 2s pin 50 therebeneath and, on subsequent elevation of nectors 108,108 also carry annular weights 120,120 the pinsetting mechanism the magnet raises the pin in which are supported by a plurality of lines 122,122 the "off spot" position. extending therefrom to the connectors. The weights When fallen bowling pins have been subsequently 120,120 serve as downward biasing means for separa- cleared from the bowling alley therebeneath, the pinset- tor means in the form of small plates 124,124. The 30 ting mechanism may again be lowered to its lowermost plates 124,124 are arranged for limited vertical move- or discharge position whereupon the right-hand pin 50 ment between the lower positions shown in Fig. 10 and will be deposited on the bowling alley in precisely the the upper positions shown in Fig. 11. Shoulders same "off spot" position occupied prior to raising of the 126,126 formed on annular support members 128,128 same. As will be seen, the sequential operation of the for the plates 124,124 limit the upward movement 35 actuator in first lowering the magnets and casing with thereof. Downward movement of the plates is limited by the magnets elevated within the casings by evacuation annular members 130,130 therebeneath. of the chambers in the casings, followed by the down- Referring again to Figs. 10, 11, and 12, the opera- ward release of the magnets is important in the efficient tion of the pinsetting mechanism will be apparent. In handling of "off spot" bowling pins. Operation is identical Fig. 10, the pinsetting mechanism is moving down- 40 for the magnet and casing second from the left in Fig. 1 1 wardly above an array of bowling pins 50,50. Such but with the bowling pin remaining centered or on "spot" movement may occur with pins on the rotary table 34, or the magnet merely drops vertically within its casing to with the pins on the bowling alley 16. The actuator 10 is exert its full influence on the bowling pin. There is no in its contracted position with the magnets 100,100 "seeking" operation necessary during the instantane- raised within their casings 102,102. The biasing weights 45 ous upward retention of the magnet in its casing. 120,120 are also elevated above the separator plates It will also be apparent from the foregoing that a 124,124. similar result can be achieved without the use of vac- In Fig. 11, the pinsetting mechanism has uum generating means and the vertical sliding move- descended to its pin engaging and pick-up position ment of magnets 100,100 in their casings 102,102. either above the rotary table 34 or the bowling alley 16. so Merely by employing a very slow increment of final The heads of the bowling pins 50,50 are now in engage- downward movement of the magnets or, perhaps an ment with the separator plates 124,124 urging the instantaneous stop and go movement of the magnets in plates upwardly and the weights 120,120 have close proximity to the separator plates, the magnets can descended to their biasing position atop the plates be caused to "seek" the head of an "off spot" bowling 124,124. In this position of the separator plates and 55 pin prior to engagement with the separator plates and weights, the plates serve to steady the bowling pins thus avoid tilting or otherwise displacing such bowling therebeneath prior to the full influence of the magnets pins. on the heads of the pins. That is, when the magnets The foregoing operation may, of course, occur in

9 17 EP 0 705 123 B1 18

elevating a full complement of ten (10) bowling pins vertical movement therewith relative thereto, and with above a table 34 at its delivery station and thereafter the pinsetting mechanism 20a. depositing the pins on the bowling alley. Similarly, when Each of the magnet assemblies 138 includes a a first ball has been thrown by a bowler, and when one small container 140 at least partially filled with a liquid or more bowling pins remain upright, the pinsetting 5 142 and containing a magnet 144 equipped with a float mechanism may be lowered to its lowermost position means 146. The container 140 is provided with a cover whereupon the heads of such remaining pins will be 148 and is slidable vertically within a sleeve 150. The engaged as illustrated in Fig. 1 1 , gripped and held mag- sleeve 150 has an annular flange 152 at an upper end netically for elevation of the same by subsequent portion with biasing means in the form of one or more upward movement of the pinsetting mechanism. Upon 10 springs 154, one shown urging the flange and sleeve clearing of the bowling alley of fallen bowling pins, the downwardly. Adjustment springs 156,156 are also oper- pins may be deposited or reset on the bowling alley and ative^ associated with the springs 154,154 in the as explained, precise resetting of the pins will be embodiment shown. A separator plate 158 is provided achieved. beneath the container 140 and is engageable by the The release of bowling pins by the magnets 15 sleeve 1 50 at a lower end portion of the latter. 100,100 may also be accomplished by a variety of other Referring now to Fig. 13, it may be assumed that means for causing limited vertical movement of the the pinsetting mechanism 20a has reached a limit of magnets relative to the heads of the pins and the sepa- downward travel as illustrated by the arrow 160. That is, rator plates 124,124. That is, the magnets 100,100 and the pinsetting mechanism may have reached a stop as their casings 102,102 may be elevated by the lines 20 described above in downward movement above the 106,106 whereby to cause the separator plates to rotary table 34 or in downward movement above the engage the shoulders 126,126, thus limiting upward bowling alley 16. Limited continued downward move- movement of the separator plates and, on continued ment of the cables 90,90 will now allow the carrier 136 upward movement of the magnets and casings, first to move downwardly within the pinsetter carrying the reducing and then eliminating the influence of the mag- 25 magnet assemblies 138,138 therewith. Thus, magnet nets on the heads of the bowling pins. It should also be assembly 138 will operate as illustrated in Figs. 13 and noted that the separation and release of the bowling 14, with the head of a bowling pin 50 in engagement pins can be accomplished by a judicious combination of with the separator plate 1 58, an initial steadying opera- physical movement of the magnets by the lines 106,106 tion of the separator plate on the bowling pin being thus and evacuation of the chambers 104,104 in the magnet 30 achieved. In Fig. 14, container 140, in its downward casings 102,102. That is, the actuator 1 10 and its asso- movement within the sleeve 150, remains in spaced ciated vacuum generator may be operated to evacuate relationship above the separator plate 158 but the the chambers 104,104, whereby to raise the magnets sleeve 150 resides in engagement with the separator 100,100 within their casings absent upward movement plate and serves to bias the same downwardly at the of the lines 106,106. On elevation of the magnets 35 urging of the biasing springs 1 54, 1 54. On further down- 100,100 within the casings 102,102 and on reduction of ward movement of the carrier 136 and the magnet the magnetic influence thereof with respect to the heads assembly 138 to the Fig. 15 position, the container 140 of the bowling pins 50,50, the pinsetting mechanism 20 reaches the lower limit of its travel and engages the sep- may be elevated with the pins released and deposited arator plate 158 as illustrated. The magnet 144 in the therebeneath. Accordingly, raising the lines 106,106 40 container thereupon moves downwardly overcoming the alone, evacuating the chambers 104,104 alone, or a upward biasing force of its float 146 and engages the combination of both such actions may be employed in bottom of the container 140 whereby to magnetically releasing bowling pins from the magnets 100,100. grip and hold a bowling pin 50 beneath the separator Figs. 13 through 16 illustrate the pinsetting mecha- plate 158. The bowling pin 50, shown in full line in Fig. nism and its magnet, separator means etc. in the pres- 45 15, may be regarded as an "on spot" bowling pin ently preferred form. The aforementioned cables 90,90, whereas the bowling pin 50 shown in broken line may are attached within pinsetting mechanism 20a to a be regarded as an "off spot" bowling pin. Thus, when an frame member 132 first extending about small pulleys "off spot" bowling pin is encountered, magnet 144 and 134,134 mounted on a carrier 136 which is moveable float 146 will move laterally in the liquid 142 in the con- vertically within the pinsetting mechanism. That is, the so tainer 140 to a broken line position in Fig. 15 whereby to three (3) cables 90,90, one shown, have associated magnetically grip and hold a bowling pin therebeneath respectively therewith three (3) pulleys 134,134 without tilting or otherwise displacing the pin. Partial arranged in horizontally spaced relationship within the magnetic attraction occurring in Fig. 14 prior to the Fig. pinsetting mechanism 20a and with the cables extend- 1 5 position causes the magnet and float to move later- ing thereabout and fixedly connected to frame mem- 55 ally as stated. The further enlarged view of Fig. 1 6 illus- bers, one shown, such as the member 132. Ten (10) trates elements in the Fig. 15 position but with an "on magnet assemblies indicated generally at 138, one spot" bowling pin only. shown, are supported in common by the carrier 136 for On reverse movement of the cables 90,90 in the

10 19 EP 0 705 123 B1 20 upward direction, the foregoing sequence is of course a low level of magnetic influence over the sub-adjacent reversed with the magnet assemblies 138 being carried bowling pin whereby to cause the magnet to "seek" the upwardly by the carrier 136. In Fig. 14, it will be noted head of the pin. Thereafter, when the magnet is ener- that the sleeve 150 retains the separator plate 158 in its gized at the higher voltage level, the magnet will of lowermost position while the magnet 144 has been 5 course serve to magnetically grip and hold the bowling moved sufficiently upwardly to release its magnetic hold pin. The foregoing may obviously be accomplished on the bowling pin 50 therebeneath. Continued upward absent significant vertical movement of the magnet. The movement of the carrier thereafter returns the magnet simple switching operation may of course be accom- assembly 1 38 to the Fig. 1 3 position whereupon the car- plished by a conventional controller associated with the rier 136 engages the frame members 132,132 and the w automatic pinsetter. entire pinsetting mechanism 20a is elevated as The manner in which a conventional bowling pin is described. rendered magnetically responsive may also vary widely The foregoing has dealt exclusively with the use of in accordance with the present invention. As best illus- permanent magnets in the automatic pinsetter of the trated in Fig. 21 a small permanent magnet 186 may be present invention but it will be obvious that electro-mag- 15 embedded in an upper end portion or head of a magnet nets can also be employed. Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate the 50 and the magnet may be of the recently developed use of electro-magnets in the elevator mechanism of the anodyne type. A variety of other types of small powerful present invention. Thus, a conveyor chain 22a, partially magnets, may of course, also be employed. shown in Fig. 1 7, has an associated commutation track As illustrated in Fig. 22 it is also possible to provide 162 which is also partially shown but which extends 20 magnetically responsive bowling pins by providing a along and adjacent the conveyor chain throughout its multiplicity of small particles 188,188 of magnetic mate- length. Small electro-magnets 164,164 are suspended rial dispersed throughout an upper end portion of a on flexible electrical conductors 166,166 from the chain bowling pin. The magnetic particles may for example be 22a. Additional conductors 168,168 extend from the dispersed in a resin of which the bowling pin is formed. conveyor chain to the commutation track and may 25 A sweeper mechanism for removing fallen bowling include T-shaped end portions 170,170 as illustrated in pins from the bowling alley is or may be conventional Fig. 18. With the T-shaped end portions 170,170 in slid- and as best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, a sweeper ele- ing electrically conductive relationship in the commuta- ment is provided at 1 90 and is pivotally mounted on a tion track 162 it will readily be understood that the conveyor chain 192, partially shown in Fig. 1. The electro-magnets 1 64, 1 64 can be maintained in an ener- 30 sweeper element is moved in one and an opposite gized state throughout their path of movement on the direction by reversing movement of the conveyor chain conveyor chain 22a. Construction and operation may be whereby to sweep fallen bowling pins from the bowling otherwise identical with the permanent magnet system alley rearwardly onto the table 33 and to return to its described above. start position. At the start position a small cam member In Fig. 19, a small electro-magnet 172 is shown 35 1 94 causes the sweeper element 1 90 to swing upwardly suspended from a flexible electrical conductor 1 74 in a so as not to interfere with bowling balls in progress pinsetting mechanism of the type illustrated in Figs. 10 down the bowling alley. through 12. That is, vacuum lines 106,106 are replaced The automatic pinsetter of the present invention by flexible electrical conductors 174,174. Separator may also include an improved bowling ball retrieval plates may be provided as at 1 76 in association with the 40 apparatus for gripping bowling balls and for holding the magnets. As will be apparent, the magnets 172,172 same during transport. Figs. 23, 24 and 25 illustrate the may be energized and de-energized as required to ball retrieval apparatus adjacent a side wall or "kick- magnetically grip and release magnetically responsive back" 196 having an opening 198 therethrough. The bowling pins. The electro-magnets 172,172 may be opening 1 98 accommodates the passage of a bowling moved vertically in the manner described for the perma- 45 ball outwardly therethrough for deposit on a ball return nent magnets above or, the variable influence of the mechanism indicated generally at 200, the latter being magnets causing them first to "seek" the head of a sub- conventional. As best illustrated in Fig. 23 a bowling ball adjacent bowling pin and thereafter to magnetically grip on the aforementioned rotary table 33, due to the slight the same can be accomplished merely by selectively leftward inclination of the table moves to a position adja- connecting the magnets to a high and low voltage so cent a back-up plate 202 having an associated switch source as illustrated in Fig. 20. Thus, a magnet 172 has 204. The plate 202 holds the ball in a corner defined an associated high voltage source 1 78 and a low volt- between the plate and the kickback 196. Thus, a bowl- age source 180 with a switch 182 operable to selectively ing ball such as the ball 205 in Figs. 24 and 25 is accu- connect the electro-magnet 172 through a line 184 with rately positioned beneath a suction cup 206 carried by a the two voltage sources. The switch 1 82 also operates 55 vertically moveable rod 208. Rod 208 is operated by a to disconnect the electro-magnet from both voltage fluid cylinder 210 and a swingable arm 212 is carried by sources as illustrated at an intermediate position. Thus, the rod 208 and has an associated horizontally extend- the magnet may be energized at low voltage to provide ing fixed arm 214. As best illustrated in Fig. 23, the arm

11 21 EP 0 705 123 B1 22

214 carries a small magnet at an end portion thereof at below a rear end of a bowling alley 248 so as to effec- 216 and the magnet serves to secure the swingable arm tively receive all bowling pins falling from a rear end por- 212 in the horizontal position shown in full line in Fig. 23. tion of the alley. An actuating or release pin 218 mounted on a frame At an upper end portion of the elevator 232, pins part 220 and projecting downwardly through an opening 5 such as the uppermost pin 236 in Fig. 28 are urged for- in the arm 214 engages the arm 212 when it reaches wardly by a pusher means not shown so as to fall the uppermost position illustrated in Fig. 23. Thus, the anguarly downwardly through left or right-hand chute arm 212 is urged downwardly to break the magnetic devices indicated generally at 250,252. Chute devices holding force exerted by the magnet 216 and the arm 250,252 accept bowling pins 236,236 and direct the and ball swing at the urging of gravity downwardly and 10 same leftwardly or rightwardly depending upon the ori- leftwardly in Fig. 23 whereby to transport the bowling entation of the pins on the shelves 234,234. That is, pin ball 205 outwardly through the opening 198 for deposit 236 with its head end shown at the left and its butt end on the ball return mechanism 200. at the right, due to the weight of the butt end exceeding As will be apparent, the switch 204 can be the weight of the head end will obviously fall down- employed in operating a vacuum generating means, not 15 wardly to the right in the chute 252 onto a platform 254 shown, for the creation of a vacuum within the suction in arriving in an upright attitude. The next succeeding cup 206 and also for the actuation of the fluid cylinder pin 236 on shelf 234 beneath the top pin, due to the 210 in the raising and lowering of the cup 206 and the weight of its butt end, will fall down the left-hand chute arms 212 and 214. Preferably the suction cup 206 is 250 so as to arrive in an upright position as shown by provided with a plurality of compartments with each 20 the upright pin 236 on platform 255 at a lower end por- compartment connected with the vacuum generating tion of the chute 250. means individually. Thus, even though there may be In Fig. 29, a bowling pin 236 is shown on the right- only a small percentage of the compartments engaging hand platform 254 of Fig. 28 and in position to be and gripping the bowling ball, the gripping action is nev- picked-up by bowling pin handling device indicated gen- ertheless sufficient to hold the ball, finger holes in the 25 erally at 258. The handling device 258 includes a con- ball thus being readily accommodated. Preferably there veyor which may take a chain or belt form at 260 and are between nine and fifteen compartments in the suc- which includes a loading or pick-up run 262 which tion cup with twelve compartments being provided in the extends horizontally across the pinsetter and a dis- cup 206 shown. charge run 264 which also extends horizontally across Referring now to Fig. 27 et sequa, a second 30 the pinsetter and which moves in an opposite direction embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the with respect to the run 262. The conveyor 260 may be form of an automatic pinsetter indicated generally at operated continuously by power drive means such as a 230. The pinsetter has an elevator mechanism indicated DC motor not shown and carries a plurality of magnet generally at 232 in outline form in Fig. 27 and in more means in the form of permanent magnets 266,266 detail in a somewhat schematic perspective view in Fig. 35 mounted on a similar plurality of carrier bars 268,268 28. The elevator mechanism 232 is or may be conven- each of which also carries a depending cam follower tional and includes a vertically extending series of 270. The carrier bars 268 are pivotally mounted as at "flights" or shelves 234,234 which are spaced apart and 272 with the magnets 266 and cams 270 depending adapted to carry bowling pins 236 individually with the therefrom in spaced relationship. pins oriented in either direction horizontally. That is, the 40 A plurality of permanent magnets 266, carrier bars bowling pins 236 may have their head and bottom or and cams are similarly mounted in spaced relationship "butt" ends in reverse orientation as in the two bowling and progress along both the loading and discharge runs pins shown on upper shelves 234,234 in Fig. 28. A pyr- of the conveyor as illustrated in Fig. 29. Depending pin amid shaped baffle or buffer element 238 disposed in guide elements 274 are also provided and each perma- front of the elevator at its lower end portion tends to pre- 45 nent magnet device has an associated guide element vent jamming of bowling pins on a rearwardly moving which may take the form of a wire or rod which extends belt 240 and assists in the delivery of the pins to the downwardly and which has a generally U-shaped por- upwardly moving shelves 234,234. The shelves tion 276 at a lower end to partially envelop and guide a 234,234 may be belt or chain driven by conventional bowling pin 236 held by a magnet 266. Especially on means not shown for continuous upward movement so pick-up of a bowling pin there may tend to be a degree within side frames 242,242 of the elevator. Spaced for- of swaying of the pin which might result in an inadvert- wardly of the pyramid shaped element 238 is a bridge ent dislodgment from its magnet and guiding of the pin member 244 which engages and directs bowling balls as well as retention of the same in vertical attitude is such as the ball 246 in a leftward direction in Fig. 28 insured by the members 274,276. across the belt 240 but which is elevated above the belt 55 The bar 268, magnet 266 and cam 270 shown in full 240 a sufficient distance to allow bowling pins 236 to line in Fig. 29 and with the magnet 266 in engagement pass therebeneath. The belt 240 is inclined leftwardly with the head of pin 236 on the platform 254 is illus- and has its front end portion adjacent and somewhat trated in the process of picking-up or "loading" the pin

12 23 EP 0 705 123 B1 24

236 onto the conveyor. The left-hand broken line cam 286,286 of the collator 284. Pins may be discharged follower 270a in Fig. 29, shown in a vertical position, is individually or two or more or as many as seven pins associated with a cam 280 and is shown passing above may be discharged substantially in unison from the con- the cam 280 with a permanent magnet 266a attached to veyor 260 to the collator 284. As will be explained more a bowling pin 236a illustrated behind bowling pin 236. 5 fully hereinbelow, three (3) pins are collected or collated The weight of the bowling pin 236a on the assembly by the collator 284 at the center portion of the collator in comprising the magnet 266a, its cross bar 268a and one discharge operation and seven (7) bowling pins are cam follower 270a causes the follower to ride over the collected or collated in the collator 284 in another dis- top of cam 280 with a small biasing force in the mount- charge operation. Control may of course be exercised ing of the bar 268a overcome by the weight of the pin 10 by an appropriate controller operating to move cams 236a. That is, a small biasing spring or the like may be 281 ,281 from their full line inoperative positions to their provided adjacent the pivot 272 to cause the permanent upper and broken line operative positions. magnets and supporting bars to take an intermediate Reverting now to Fig. 29, the full line pin 236 shown position such as illustrated at 268b for the bar, 266b for at the left-hand side of the view falls from its magnet 236 the magnet and 270b for the cam follower. In the inter- 15 at the urging of the knife or knife-like element 282 into a mediate position shown, cam follower 270b will obvi- pin holder 286 disposed therebeneath. Each pin holder ously engage a rear portion of the cam 280 as the 286 comprises front and rear rollers 288,290 spaced conveyor 260 moves toward the viewer in Fig. 29 and an and arranged at an angle so as to allow the bowling pin incline, not shown, on a rear portion of the cam will to swing downwardly and leftwardly in Fig. 29 for reten- cause the follower to move to the position of the full line 20 tion by a bale or hook 292. That is, bale or hook 292 follower 270. This results in the magnet 266 being piv- receives and holds an upper end portion of a bowling oted to its full line position shown in Fig. 29 for pick-up pin with a lower or butt end portion thereof engaging the of the bowling pin 236 as aforesaid. rollers 288,290 in a pin holder. The lower end portion of The bowling pin 236, having been picked-up or the bowling pin such as broken line pin 236d is loaded onto the conveyor 260 as described, proceeds 25 restrained by a small gate roller 294 so as not to fall out forwardly and thence leftwardly to the position shown at of its pin holder. Thus, it will be readily understood that the left-hand position of Fig. 29 in broken line at 236c. A three (3) pins can be held in the three centermost pin cam shown in an inoperative and lower position at 281 holders 286,286 or seven (7) pins may be held in the forms a part of a discharge device and is moveable seven pin holders 286,286. upwardly to a broken line position at 281a. At position 30 Release of the bowling pins from their holders will 281a the cam engages the cam follower shown in bro- best be understood with reference to Fig. 31 . An actuat- ken line at 270c and causes the same to pivot to the full ing arm 296 has a rear end portion provided with a small line position 270. This in turn causes the permanent counterweight 298 and has an associated solenoid 300 magnet to move upwardly and leftwardly to the full line with a plunger 302 moveable toward and away from a position 266 and a fixed knife or knife-like separator ele- 35 position above the counterweight 298 as illustrated by ment 282 enters the crevice thus provided between the arrows 304. The actuating arm 296 at its front end por- head of bowling pin 236 and permanent magnet 266 to tion, is welded or otherwise attached to shaft 306 asso- dislodge the bowling pin from the magnet. Continued ciated with the front and lower roller 288 of the pin upward and leftward movement of the permanent mag- holder 286 and shaft 308 associated with gate roller 294 net to the broken line position 266c insures a clean and 40 which retains the bowling pin in the pin holder. The effective separation of the bowling pin from its support- weight of the bowling pin against the roller 294 will tend ing magnet 266. to pivot the actuating arm 296 upwardly at a rear end Referring now to Fig. 30, a collator for the bowling position as illustrated by arrow 310. With the plunger pins discharged from the conveyor and handling device 302 in the position shown, however, the actuating arm is 258 is indicated generally at 284 and preferably com- 45 prevented from so moving and the roller 294 is held in prises a series of seven (7) bowling pin holders 286,286 position to secure the lower end portion of a bowling pin as illustrated. The pin holders 286,286 are arranged 236d in the pin holder. On withdrawal of the plunger 302 horizontally and laterally in series in the pinsetter as rightwardly in Fig. 31 , the rear end portion of the actuat- illustrated in Fig. 27 and preferably have associated ing arm 296 will pivot upwardly with the shaft 306 turn- therewith a series of seven (7) discharge devices as so ing in a clockwise direction in Fig. 31 whereby to described above. That is, bowling pins 236 are dis- similarly rotate the roller 288 and to swing the gate roller charged from the conveyor 260 by the dislodgment of 294 in the direction shown by the arrow 312 downwardly the pins from the permanent magnets at seven (7) sta- and forwardly thus releasing the lower end portion of the tions spaced apart along the conveyor and extending bowling pin. The slight rotation of the roller 288 will also across the automatic pinsetter. Substantially more than 55 tend to cause the lower end portion of the bowling pin to seven (7) permanent magnets may of course be pro- fall from the pin holder 286 as better illustrated at 236e vided on the conveyor so as to provide for a ready sup- in broken line form in Fig. 29. When the lower end por- ply of bowling pins for discharge to the pin holders tion of the bowling pin has been released by the roller

13 25 EP 0 705 123 B1 26

294 the counterweight 298 returns the actuating arm upper and lower runs on each side of the carrier. The 296 and the roller 294 to the position shown in Fig. 31 belts or chains 330 may be operated by a suitable DC and the plunger 302 is once again returned to the left- electric motor 332 in Fig. 27 through appropriate gear- hand or extended position shown retaining the counter- ing 334. With a forward end portion of the carrier adja- weight 298 and the actuating arm 296 and the roller 294 5 cent the slat 318 attached to a lower run of belt or chain in the full line position of Fig. 31. 330, and with the lower run moving rearwardly as in Fig. Returning now to Fig. 29, the bowling pin shown in 34, the slats 318 and 322 will be moved rearwardly as broken line at 236e, having been released from the pin illustrated whereby to bring the slats 318 and 320 in holder 286, tends to swing in a clockwise direction about close proximity to each other and the slats 322 and 324 its upper end portion at the urging of gravity whereby to 10 similarly in close proximity. In this arrangement of the assume a substantially vertical position as illustrated at slats, the cradles 314 on the slats 318 and 320 are 236f with its butt end portion deposited in an upwardly aligned laterally in a series of three as illustrated in Fig. open cradle 314. A small guide member 316 at a rear 36 and the cradles on the slats 322 and 324 are aligned end portion of the cradle may assist in directing the in a series of seven cradles. In Fig. 36, a series of small lower or butt end portion of the bowling pin into the cra- 15 rollers 332,332 travel along side rails 334,334 to sup- dle in its descent from an associated pin holder 286. port the slats 318-324 and their cradles 314,314 and, a Figs. 32 through 36 illustrate a carrier and a cradle pair of the rollers 336,336 serve to operate a latching assembly also forming a part of the transfer device of mechanism. That is, the rollers 336,336 co-operate with the present invention and which is expandable and col- small inclined members 338,338 on forward and rear- lapsible horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the 20 ward movement of the slats to unlatch and latch the automatic pinsetter whereby to contribute importantly to slats 318,320. In Fig. 33 the rollers 336,336 have been the compact longitudinal configuration of the pinsetter. raised by the inclined members 338,338 to lift small In Fig. 32 ten (10) upwardly open cradles 314,314 are associated latches 340,340. The latches 340,340 drop provided for a conventional triangular bowling array with into operative position to engage shaft 342 of the for- ten (10) bowling pins. The cradles are so shown in Fig. 25 wardmost rollers 332,332 as illustrated in Fig. 34 when 32 for removal of bowling pins from the carrier by a pin- the carrier is retracted rearwardly to the Fig. 34 position. setting mechanism and for the subsequent deposit of Thus, with the latches engaged with the shaft 342, the the pins on the bowling alley therebeneath following slats 318,320,322,324 are retained in their relative posi- horizontal withdrawal of the carrier. Carrier elements in tion on further movement of the slats rearwardly to the the form of horizontal and laterally extending slats 30 position of Fig. 35. On subsequent forward movement of 318,320,322,324 are provided for supporting the cra- the forwardmost slat 318 at the urging of the lower run dles 314,314. The slat 318 supports the front or "lead" of the belt or chain 330, the small cam rollers 336,226 cradle 314, while the slat 320 supports the second row again engage the inclined members 338,338 and of two (2) cradles, the slat 322 the third row of three (3) release the shaft 342 of the forwardmost rollers 332,332 cradles and the slat 324 the fourth and rearwardmost 35 whereby to allow full expansion of the carrier with the row of four (4) cradles. The slats 318 and 322 are con- cradles arranged as illustrated in Figs. 32 and 33. nected together longitudinally by connector elements The reason for the aforementioned deposit of three 326 as are the slats 320 and 324 by longitudinal con- (3) bowling pins at the center portion of the collator 284 nector elements 328. Further, the cradles 314,314 are in the holders 286,286 of the collator will now be better mounted on small platforms 330,330 which project lat- 40 appreciated. The forwardmost series of cradles in Fig. erally from their respective slats so as to offset the cra- 35 including three (3) cradles as illustrated in Fig. 36 dles laterally from the slats in opposite directions on reside initially in a loading operation at the position of adjacent slats. That is, the cradle 314 on the slat 318 is the cradle 314 in Fig. 29. As will be apparent actuation offset laterally rearwardly relative to its slat with two (2) of the solenoids 300,300 of the three (3) centermost pin cradles 31 4,31 4 on the slat 320 offset laterally forwardly. 45 holders will result in discharge of three pins from the The three (3) cradles 314, on the slat 322 are offset lat- holders and deposit of the same in the three cradles erally rearwardly with the four (4) cradles 314, on the 314,314. Subsequently, and on completion of a limited slat 324 offset forwardly. Due to the offset of the cradles forward movement of the lower run of the chain 330 and the corresponding conventional spacing of bowling bringing the rear seven (7) cradles to the position of the pins in a triangular array, the cradles on the slats 318 so front three cradles in Fig. 35, seven (7) bowling pins and 320 can be aligned in a series or row of three (3) may be deposited in the cradles from the collator 284. In cradles extending laterally of the automatic pinsetter. the interim, it is of course necessary to refill the three Similarly, the cradles on the slats 322 and 324 can be centermost holders of the collator for the discharge in aligned in a series or row of seven (7) cradles extending unison of seven (7) pins from the collator to the seven laterally of the pinsetter. The manner in which this is 55 rear cradles on the carrier. accomplished is described hereinbelow. A desired mode of operation will now be readily Referring now to Figs. 32 and 33, it will be observed apparent with three (3) cradles filled from the collator that chain or belt drives 330 extend horizontally with 284 initially followed by the filling of the seven (7) rear-

14 27 EP 0 705 123 B1 28 wardly disposed cradles and the subsequent full for- lowering the pinsetting mechanism to an appropriate ward movement and expansion of the carrier to the Fig. level, the bowling pins therebeneath will be engaged by 32 and 33 condition. With the carrier expanded, the the bottom walls of the containers 366 with their associ- desired triangular array of the bowling pins on the bowl- ated magnets 372 exerting the necessary force on the ing alley is simulated and it is possible for the bowling 5 magnetically responsive bowling pin heads to effect a pins to be removed from their cradles in unison and in pick-up or attachment operation. In the simplified con- the desired arrangement by a pinsetting mechanism of struction of the present embodiment, separating and the machine. other means are found unnecessary in thereafter A pinsetting mechanism indicated generally at 344 detaching the bowling pins from the magnets and con- in Fig. 27 is similar to those described above and is 10 tainers 366,366. That is, it has been found that a sharp moveable vertically from a position above the carrier upward acceleration of the pinsetting mechanism and cradles 31 4 as illustrated to cause magnets thereon achieved by a fast start of the DC motor 346 is capable to lift pins from the cradles 314. Thereafter and on rear- of a "snap action" release of the bowling pins. The ward removal of the carrier, the pins are deposited on weight and inertia of the bowling pins is sufficient to the bowling alley in bowling array as illustrated. Further, 15 cause the bowling pins to be released or detached from the pinsetting mechanism can be lowered to cause its the containers 366 in an efficient manner with such magnets to engage the heads of one or more pins which rapid upward acceleration. Thus, after a carrier and cra- may remain standing after a first ball has been thrown. dle unloading operation and subsequent to the deposit Pins, whether "on spot" or "off spot" can then be raised of the pins in bowling array on the bowling alley, the pin- to allow "deadwood" to be cleared from the alley by a 20 setting mechanism can be rapidly accelerated in its ini- sweeper not shown but which may be conventional in tial upward movement to cause a "snap action" release configuration. of the bowling pins. Similarly, in a deadwood clearing Fig. 41 illustrates a DC motor 346 operating a pul- operation, a rapid upward acceleration of the pinsetting ley 348 having three (3) lines 350,352,354 operatively mechanism achieves the desired release of replaced or associated therewith for raising and lowering the pinset- 25 reset bowling pins. ting mechanism. Preferably, a line 356 extends rear- In Fig. 42, there is illustrated a bowling ball retrieval wardly to a counterweight 360 as best illustrated in Fig. mechanism which operates in conjunction with the fore- 27. A suitable controller for the motor is of course pro- mentioned bridge 244 and inclination of the conveyor vided to cooperate with an overall machine controller in serving to direct a ball such as the ball 246 in Fig. 28 the timed raising and lowering operation of the pinset- 30 toward a side wall of the bowling alley. An opening 380 ting mechanism. in the side wall has an associated sensor or switch Each of the lines 350-354 is attached to the frame member 382 which controls operation of a door or gate by means of a relatively stiff spring 362, two shown. Ten 384. The door or gate 384 may be operated by a belt (10) similar openings 364 arranged in triangular bowling 386 and pulley 388 for a single revolution in the disarray in the frame 360 receive ten (10) small containers 35 charge of each bowling ball 246 to a ball return con- 366 best illustrated in Fig. 38. As shown, the small conveyor (not shown) which may be conventional. The door tainers 366 may be mounted on and carried collectively 384 closes the opening 380 in its broken line position by a plate 368. Each of the containers 366 has a float 384a and in its full line position 384b opens the door for 370 therein which carries a small permanent magnet the passage of a bowling ball. Preferably, the door is 372 best illustrated in Figs. 39 and 40. Further, a liquid 40 rotatable in a clockwise direction with a concave front or 374 in the container causes the float to assume a nor- leading edge at 390. The concave leading edge 390 mal or inoperative elevated position of Fig. 39 when the tends to deflect bowling pins which may inadvertently magnet 372 is spaced from a magnetically attractive reach the area of the door opening 380. Thus, the inad- material. The liquid may comprise water mixed with vertent or unintended discharge of bowling pins through ordinary automotive anti -freeze. 45 the opening 380 is prevented. As will be apparent, the magnet float assemblies Control means for the pinsetter may vary widely 370,372 are capable of a limited degree of horizontal within the scope of the invention and may take the form movement as required in seeking the head of a bowling of a conventional microprocessor appropriately pro- pin which is in an "off spot" position on the bowling alley grammed to time and interrelate the various machine in a deadwood clearing operation. When a bowling pin so functions described above. A camera 222 is illustrated is "on spot" or arranged in a cradle 314 as illustrated in schematically in Fig. 1 , arranged to view the rear portion Figs. 39 and 40, the float 370 and its magnet 372 merely of the bowling alley 16 together with pins thereon, and moves vertically downwardly to engage the lower wall of may form a part of a control means in co-operation with its container 366 whereby to exert magnetic influence a controller 224 in Fig. 26. As mentioned, drive means and holding force on the magnetically responsive head 55 for the various pinsetter elements may take the form of of a bowling pin therebeneath. DC motors and accordingly, the controller has both The mode of attachment or pick-up of a bowling pin input and output signals for the various DC motors. will now readily apparent from the foregoing. Merely by Position, speed, acceleration, and other feedback sig-

15 29 EP 0 705 123 B1 30

nals may of course be provided to the controller from (A) and to transfer the pins (50) generally horizon- the various motors as well as the control signals from tally to a pin delivery station (C) and a vertically the controller to the motors. For example, it may be movable pinsetting mechanism (20) operable to desirable to supply the controller with a signal repre- accept the pins (50) at the pin delivery station (C) sentative of the indexed position of the table 34 in deter- 5 and to deposit the pins (50) on the bowling alley mining the appropriate control signal to be sent to (16); solenoids of the gates 38,38. Similarly, control signals to CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said transfer the cable drive DC motor in raising and lowering the pin- mechanism (18) receives the bowling pins (50) setting mechanism must of course be coordinated with from the elevator mechanism (1 0) and transfers the the control signals to a DC motor operating the sweeper 10 pins forwardly of the bowling alley (1 6) to locate the mechanism. A ball switch signal to the controller is of pins (50) in bowling array beneath said pinsetting course necessary in the timing of the control signals to mechanism (20) at the pin delivery station (C) and the vacuum generator for the suction cup and the fluid wherein said pinsetting mechanism (20) includes cylinder for the rod carrying the cup. Other similar timed magnetic means (100) for selectively magnetically and interrelated functions may be attended to by the 15 holding and releasing the magnetically responsive controller in a conventional manner. pins to lift the pins (50) from the transfer mecha- The camera 222 has not been mentioned above nism (18) at the delivery station (C) and thereafter and serves to enhance the operating efficiency of the to deposit the pins (50) in bowling array on the automatic pinsetter. For example, if a bowler throws a bowling alley (16). "gutter ball" on his first attempt, there is no need for the 20 pinsetting mechanism 20 to descend and raise the 2. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 1, in remaining upright pins for a sweeping operation. which the bowling pins (50) are magnetically Accordingly, on receipt of such a signal the controller responsive at upper end portions (186) and the pin- advises the pinsetting mechanism to remain in its ele- setting mechanism (20) includes a plurality of mag- vated position and significant savings in time in the 25 nets (100) in a substantially co-planar horizontal cycle of operation of the setter is achieved. Similarly, arrangement corresponding with a desired bowling after a second ball has been thrown, the camera may array on the bowling alley (16) therebeneath. inform the controller whether or not upright or fallen pins remain on the bowling alley and the sweeping mecha- 3. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in either Claim 1 nism is operated accordingly. Still further, when a 30 or Claim 2, in which the pinsetting mechanism (20) "strike" is thrown by the bowler, the controller is so has an intermediate position above the transfer advised and operates the pinsetter to immediately pro- mechanism (18) at the pin delivery station (C) for vide a new bowling array on the alley through operation the pick-up of bowling pins (50) from the transfer of the transfer mechanism, pinsetting mechanism etc. mechanism, said pinsetting mechanism (20) being Other refinements in operation are also possible with 35 movable upwardly in a pin pick-up operation from the camera 222 and the controller 224. the transfer mechanism (18) and, on linear move- From the foregoing it will be apparent that the auto- ment of said transfer mechanism (18) substantially matic pinsetter of the present invention is of a relatively horizontally away from its delivery station (C), said simplified and compact design and construction and is pinsetting mechanism (20) is further moveable ver- yet capable of highly efficient operation and long life 40 tically downwardly to deposit the pins on the bowl- with a minimum of maintenance and repair. The number ing alley. of operating parts in the pinsetter is drastically reduced over that in prior art pinsetters from the thousands to the 4. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in any one of the hundreds. preceding Claims and comprising individual pin 45 retrieval means (22,30) operatively associated with Claims said elevator mechanism (10) to pick up bowling pins (50) individually from said pit area (14). 1 . An automatic pinsetter (1 2) for retrieving magnetically responsive bowling pins (50) in disarray from a 5. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 4, in pit area (14) adjacent a rear end of a bowling alley so which the bowling pins (50) are magnetically (16) and for depositing the same on a rear end por- responsive at upper end portions (186), said pin tion of the bowling alley (1 6) in a bowling array; said retrieval means includes magnetic means (30), and pinsetter (12) comprising an elevator mechanism said pins (50) are picked up by said magnetic (10) operable to retrieve bowling pins (50) from the means (30) in upright attitude and are thereafter pit area (14) and transport the same upwardly to a 55 maintained in upright attitude by said elevator pin discharge station (A), a transfer mechanism mechanism (10), said transfer mechanism (18), (18) operable to retrieve bowling pins (50) from said and said pinsetting mechanism (20). elevator mechanism (10) at said discharge station

16 31 EP 0 705 123 B1 32

6. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in either Claim 4 at least one linear row in a contracted condition and or Claim 5, in which the elevator mechanism (10) in a conventional triangular bowling array in an comprises an endless conveyor (22) extending expanded condition, and said transfer mechanism generally vertically from the pit area (14) to said pin (18) also includes a pin handling device (258,284) discharge station (A), the latter (A) being located 5 operable to receive pins (236) from said elevator above and in spaced relationship with the bowling (232) and to deliver the same to said cradles (314) alley (16), and the pin retrieval means comprises a in said linear row arrangement with the carrier (318- plurality of magnets (30) carried by the conveyor 324) contracted, said carrier thereafter being (22), and spaced apart therealong, each of the expanded to deliver the pins (236) in bowling array magnets (30) serving to pick-up a magnetically 10 to said delivery station (C) beneath the pinsetting responsive bowling pin (50) at said pit area (14) in mechanism (20). passage therethrough. 13. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 12, in 7. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 6, in which at least ten bowling pins (236) are provided which ten bowling pins are accommodated by the 15 with said bowling array including ten pins in a con- pinsetter, and from five to nine magnets (30) are ventional triangular arrangement and wherein ten provided in substantially equally spaced relation- corresponding cradles (314) are provided on said ship along the conveyor (22). carrier (318-324) and arranged selectively in two parallel linear rows and in said conventional trian- 8. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in either Claim 6 20 gular array, said two linear rows respectively includ- or Claim 7, in which the bowling pins (50) are mag- ing three and seven cradles (314). netically responsive at upper end portions (186) and are carried in depending upright attitude by 14. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 13, in said pin retrieval magnets (30), and at least one which the linear row of three cradles (314) corre- gate (38) is provided at said pin discharge station 25 sponds to the front pin (236) and the usual second (A) that is operable to discharge pins (50) from said row of two laterally spaced pins (236) disposed conveyor (22) to said transfer mechanism (18). rearwardly of the front pin in a conventional triangular bowling array, and the linear row of seven cra- 9. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in any one of the dles (314) corresponds to the usual third row of preceding Claims, in which the transfer mechanism 30 three laterally spaced pins (236) in the bowling (18) includes an indexable rotary table (34) having array aligned linearly with the usual fourth row of a plurality of upwardly open cradles (36) for receiv- four laterally spaced pins (236) in the bowling array. ing and holding bowling pins (50) in upright attitude, and said discharge station (A) and table (34) are 15. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 14, in operable in timed relationship whereby to deposit a 35 which the carrier includes a forwardmost horizon- bowling pin (50) in each of said cradles (36). tally moveable carrier element (318) mounting the forwardmost cradle (314), a second carrier element 10. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 9, in (320) parallel to and movable horizontally with and which means (56,58,60,62,70) is provided for mov- relative to said forwardmost element (318) and ing said rotary indexable table (34) between the pin 40 mounting said second row of two spaced cradles discharge station (A) and said transfer mechanism (314), a third carrier element (322) parallel to and delivery station (C), the latter being spaced above moveable horizontally with and relative to said first and in precise vertical alignment with a desired and second elements (318,320) and mounting said location of a pin bowling array on the bowling alley third row of three spaced cradles (31 4), and a fourth (16). 45 element (324) parallel to and moveable horizontally with and relative to said foregoing elements 11. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in any one of (318,320,322) and mounting said fourth row of four Claims 1 to 8, in which the transfer mechanism (18) spaced cradles (314). includes a carrier (318-324) with a plurality of upwardly open cradles (314), said cradles (314) so 16. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 15 in being arranged to receive a plurality of bowling pins which the carrier elements comprise elongated par- (236) in upright attitude and to deliver the same to allel slats (318,320,322,324) movable laterally and said pin delivery station (C) beneath said pinsetting having their respective cradles (314) offset laterally mechanism (20). in opposite directions on alternate slats so as to 55 arrange the cradles (314) of adjacent slats in longi- 12. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 11, in tudinal alignment when the slats are moved relative which the carrier (318,324) is expandable and con- to each other into interengaging relationship. tractible horizontally to arrange its cradles (314) in

17 33 EP 0 705 123 B1 34

17. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in any one of lifts bowling pins (236) from the pit (14) at the rear Claims 12 to 16, in which pin handling device of the bowling alley (248) and introduces the same includes a bowling pin collator (284) having a linear to said loading station (254) in an upright attitude series of pin holders (286) adapted to discharge a and wherein said magnetic means (266) engages plurality of pins (236) simultaneously to said cradles 5 the heads of the bowling pins (236) at the loading (314) in the contracted condition of the carrier, and station (254) and holds the same for transport by at least one pin discharge device (258) operable the conveyor (260). selectively to accommodate the passage of bowling pins (236) thereby and to discharge bowling pins 23. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in any one of (236) to said collator (284). 10 Claims 1 to 8, in which transfer mechanism(18) includes a carrier (318-324) with a plurality of 18. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 17 and upwardly open cradles (314), said cradles being comprising a conveyor (260) which extends gener- arranged to receive and hold a plurality of bowling ally horizontally and linearly for a substantial dis- pins (236) in upright attitude and to deliver the tance adjacent the collator (284), and to which 15 same to said pin delivery station (C), beneath said conveyor (260) pins (236) are transferred from the pinsetting mechanism (20), and said transfer mech- elevator mechanism (232) and at least two horizon- anism (18) also includes a bowling pin collator tally spaced apart discharge devices (281) are pro- (284) arranged to discharge pins (236) to said cra- vided adjacent the linear path of movement of said dles (314) and associated pin discharge devices conveyor (260), said devices (281) being operable 20 (258) for loading bowling pins into the collator selectively to deliver pins (236) from the conveyor (284), said mechanism (18) also includes a con- (260) to said collator (284). veyor (260) for receiving bowling pins from an elevator mechanism (232) and for delivering the same 19. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in either Claim to the collator (284) at the urging of said discharge 17 or Claim 18, in which each of said pin holders 25 devices (258). (286) has an associated moveable gate (294) for retaining a bowling pin (236) therein, and a means 24. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 23, in (296,300) for operating each gate (294) is provided which the carrier (318-324) is expandable and con- whereby selectively to discharge bowling pins from tractible horizontally so as to selectively arrange its their holders (286). 30 cradles (314) in linear adjacent rows in a contracted condition and in a conventional triangular bowling 20. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 18 or in array in an expanded condition, and the collator Claim 19, when appendant to Claim 18, in which (284) includes a linear series of pin holders (286) the conveyor (260) includes a plurality of magnetic adapted to discharge a plurality of pins (236) simul- means (266) spaced therealong respectively for 35 taneously to said cradles (314) in the contracted holding magnetically responsive bowling pins (236) condition of the carrier (318-324). in upright attitude and in depending relationship therebeneath, and said discharge devices (281) 25. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in any preceed- include selectively operable means (270) for dis- ing claim, wherein said pinsetting mechanism (20) lodging bowling pins (236) from their magnetic 40 is adapted to be moveable toward and away from means (266) and thereby causing the same to fall the bowling alley (16) and includes magnets (100, into the pin holders (286) of the collator (284), the 144) for selectively holding and releasing the mag- latter being disposed generally beneath the dis- netically responsive pins (50) whereby to pick-up charge devices (281). the pins (50) and to deposit the same on the bowl- 45 ing alley (16), and wherein the pinsetting mecha- 21. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 20, in nism (20) includes means (106, 146) associated which the means for dislodging the bowling pins with the magnets to provide for limited horizontal (236) from the magnetic means (266) comprises movement of the magnets (1 00, 1 44) and thereby a knife-like members (282) each operable in a sever- pin head seeking operation by the magnets (100, ing action adjacent the top of the head of a bowling so 144) for "off spot" pins (50) prior to a pin holding pin (236) and the bottom of a magnetic means operation of the magnets (100, 144). (266) to separate the two and to thereby cause the bowling pin to fall into an adjacent pin holder (286). 26. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the pinsetting mechanism (20) comprises 22. An automatic pinsetter as claimed in either Claim 55 a plurality of small containers (1 40) each containing 20 or Claim 21, in which a loading station (254) is a said magnet (144), said magnets (144) are each provided adjacent the path of movement of said provided with float means (1 46) and said containers conveyor (260), and the elevator mechanism (232) (140) are each at least partially liquid (142) filled,

18 35 EP 0 705 123 B1 36

the magnets (144) thus being free for limited hori- aufstellmechanismus (20) bei der Betatigung fur zontal movement in their respective containers eine Pinaufnahme von dem Transfermechanismus (140) for the pin head seeking operation by the (18) nach oben beweglich ist und der Pinaufstell- magnets (144). mechanismus (20) bei einer Linearbewegung des 5 Transfermechanismus (18) im wesentlichen hori- Patentanspruche zontal weg von seiner Lieferstation (C) weiterhin vertikal nach unten beweglich ist, urn die Pins auf 1 . Automatischer Pinaufsteller (1 2) fur ein magnetisch der Bowlingbahn anzuordnen. ansprechbares Zuriickholen von nicht aufgestellten Bowlingpins (50) aus einem Loch- bzw. Pitbereich 10 4. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach einem der vorher- (14) neben einem riickwartigen Ende einer Bow- gehenden Anspriiche, welcher auch einzelne Pin- lingbahn (16) und fur eine Anordnung derselben an ruckhol mittel (22, 30) aufweist, die mit dem einem riickwartigen Endbereich der Bowlingbahn Hebemechanismus (10) operativ zusammenwir- (16) in einer Bowlingaufstellung, wobei der Pinauf- ken, urn die Bowlingpins (50) einzeln von dem steller (12) einen Hebemechanismus (10) aufweist, 15 Loch- bzw. Pitbereich (14) aufzunehmen. der fur ein Zuriickholen der Bowlingpins (50) aus dem Loch- bzw. Pitbereich (14) und fur einen Trans- 5. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 4, bei port derselben nach oben zu einer Pinfreigabesta- welchem die Bowlingpins (50) an ihren oberen End- tion (A) betatigbar ist, sowie einen bereichen (186) magnetisch ansprechbar sind, Transfermechanismus (18), der fur ein Zuriickholen 20 wobei die Pinriickholmittel eine magnetische Ein- der Bowlingpins (50) von dem Hebemechanismus richtung (30) aufweisen und die Pins (50) durch die (10) an der Freigabestation (A) und fur eine Weiter- magnetische Einrichtung (30) in einer aufrechten gabe der Pins (50) im wesentlichen horizontal zu Haltung aufgenommen und danach in der aufrech- einer Pinlieferstation (C) betatigbar ist, und einen ten Haltung durch den Hebemechanismus (10), vertikal beweglichen Pinaufstellmechanismus (20), 25 den Transfermechanismus (18) und den Pinauf- der zur Annahme der Pins (50) an der Pinliefersta- stellmechanismus (20) beibehalten werden. tion (C) und zur Anordnung der Pins (50) auf der Bowlingbahn (1 6) betatigbar ist, 6. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 4 oder dadurch gekennzeichnet, daB der Transfermecha- Anspruch 5, bei welchem der Hebemechanismus nismus (18) die Bowlingpins (50) von dem Hebe- 30 (10) einen Endlosforderer (22) aufweist, der im mechanismus (10) empfangt und die Pins wesentlichen vertikal von dem Loch- bzw. Pitbe- bezuglich der Bowlingbahn (16) nach vorne weiter- reich (14) zu der Pinfreigabestation (A) verlauft, gibt, urn die Pins (50) in einer Bowlingaufstellung wobei letztere (A) oberhalb und beabstandet zu der unterhalb des Pinaufstellmechanismus (20) an der Bowlingbahn (16) angeordnet ist, und die Pinruck- Pinlieferstation (C) anzuordnen, wobei der Pinauf- 35 holeinrichtung eine Vielzahl von Magneten (30) aufstellmechanismus (20) magnetische Mittel (100) fur weist, die von dem Forderer (22) getragen und ein selektives magnetisches Halten und eine Frei- entlang desselben voneinander beabstandet sind, gabe der magnetisch ansprechbaren Pins aufweist, wobei jeder der Magneten (30) dazu dient, einen urn die Pins (50) von dem Transfermechanismus magnetisch ansprechenden Bowlingpin (50) bei (18) an der Lieferstation (C) anzuheben und 40 dem Durchgang durch den Loch- bzw. Pitbereich danach die Pins (50) in der Bowlingaufstellung auf (14) aufzunehmen bzw. zu ergreifen. der Bowlingbahn (16) anzuordnen. 7. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 6, bei 2. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 1, bei welchem zehn Bowlingpins von dem Pinaufsteller welchem die Bowlingpins (50) an oberen Endberei- 45 aufgenommen werden und zwischen fiinf und zehn chen (186) magnetisch ansprechbar sind und der Magneten (30) entlang des Forderers (22) mit Pinaufstellmechanismus (20) eine Vielzahl von einem im wesentlichen gleichen Abstand voneinan- Magneten (100) mit einer horizontalen Anordnung der vorgesehen sind. in einer im wesentlichen gleichen Ebene aufweist, die unterhalb iibereinstimmt mit einer gewiinschten so 8. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 6 oder Bowlingaufstellung auf der Bowlingbahn (16). Anspruch 7, bei welchem die Bowlingpins (50) an ihren oberen Endbereichen (186) magnetisch 3. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 1 oder ansprechbar sind und mit einer hangenden auf- Anspruch 2, bei welchem der Pinaufstellmechanis- rechten Haltung durch die Pinriickholmagnete (30) mus (20) eine Zwischenposition oberhalb des 55 getragen werden, wobei wenigstens eine Schranke Transfertmechanismus (18) an der Pinlieferstation (38) an der Pinfreigabestation (A) vorgesehen ist, (C) aufweist fur eine Aufnahme der Bowlingpins die fur eine Freigabe der Pins (50) von dem Forde- (50) von dem Transfermechanismus, wobei der Pin- rer (22) an den Transfermechanismus (1 8) betatig-

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bar ist. hen sind, die selektiv mit zwei parallelen linearen Reihen und in der herkommlichen dreieckformigen 9. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach einem der vorher- Aufstellung angeordnet sind, von welchen die bei- gehenden Anspriiche, bei welchem der Transfer- den linearen Reihen drei bzw. sieben Gestelle mechanismus (18) einen indexierbaren Drehtisch 5 (314) aufweisen. (34) mit einer Vielzahl von nach obenen offenen Gestellen (36) fur eine Aufnahme und ein Halten 14. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 13, bei der Bowlingpins (50) in der aufrechten Haltung auf- welchem die lineare Reihe der drei Gestelle (314) weist, und die Freigabestation (A) und der Tisch dem vorderen Pin (236) und der gewohnlichen (34) zeitlich abgestimmt betatigbar sind, urn in 10 zweiten Reihe der beiden seitlich beabstandeten jedem der Gestelle (36) einen Bowlingpin (50) Pins (236) entspricht, die riickwarts von dem vorde- anzuordnen. ren Pin bei einer herkommlichen dreieckformigen Bowlingaufstellung angeordnet sind, und die 10. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 9, bei lineare Reihe der sieben Gestelle (314) der welchem eine Einrichtung (56, 58, 60, 62, 70) vor- 15 gewohnlich dritten Reihe der drei seitlich beabstan- gesehen ist fur eine Bewegung des indexierbaren deten Pins (236) in der Bowlingaufstellung ent- Drehtisches (34) zwischen der Pinfreigabestation spricht, die linear mit der gewohnlich vierten Reihe (A) und der Transfermechanismus-Lieferstation (C), der vier seitlich beabstandeten Pins (236) in der wobei letztere mit einem Abstand oberhalb und mit Bowlingaufstellung fluchten. einer genauen vertikalen Fluchtung in Bezug auf 20 eine gewunschte Lokalisierung einer Bowlingpin- 15. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 14, bei aufstellung auf einer Bowlingbahn (16) angeordnet welchem der Trager ein horizontal bewegliches Tra- ist. gerelement (318) aufweist, welches am meisten vorne ist und an welchem das am meisten vorne 11. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach einem der 25 angeordnete Gestell (314) befestigt ist, ein zweites Anspriiche 1 bis 8, bei welchem der Transferme- Tragerelement (320) parallel zu und horizontal chanismus (18) einen Trager (318-324) mit einer beweglich mit und relativ zu dem vordersten Ele- Vielzahl von nach oben offenen Gestellen (314) ment (318), an welchem die zweite Reihe der bei- aufweist, wobei die Gestelle (314) angeordnet sind den beabstandeten Gestelle (314) befestigt ist, ein zur Aufnahme einer Vielzahl von Bowlingpins (236) 30 drittes Tragerelement (322) parallel zu und horizon- in einer aufrechten Haltung und fur eine Lieferung tal beweglich mit und relativ zu den ersten und derselben an die Pinlieferstation (C) unterhalb des zweiten Elementen (318, 320), an welchem die Pinaufstellmechanismus (20). dritte Reihe der drei beabstandeten Gestelle (314) befestigt ist, und ein viertes Element (324) parallel 12. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 11, bei 35 zu und horizontal beweglich mit und relativ zu den welchem der Trager (318, 324) horizontal ausfahr- vorstehenden Elementen (318, 320, 322), an wel- bar und zuriickziehbar ist, damit seine Gestelle chem die vierte Reihe der vier beabstandeten (314) in einem zuriickgezogenen Zustand in wenig- Gestelle (314) befestigt ist. stens einer linearen Reihe und in einem ausgefahrenen Zustand in einer herkommlichen 40 16. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 15, bei dreieckformigen Bowlingaufstellung angeordnet welchem die Tragerelemente aus langlichen paral- sind, und der Transfermechanismus (18) auch eine lelen Metallstaben (318, 320, 322, 324) bestehen, Pinhandhabungsvorrichtung (258, 284) aufweist, die nach der Seite beweglich sind und bei denen die bei zuriickgezogenem Trager (318-324) zun ihre betreffenden Gestelle (314) bei den aufeinan- Empfang der Pins (236) von dem Heber (232) und 45 derfolgenden Metallstaben seitlich in entgegenge- zur Lieferung derselben an die Gestelle (314) der setzten Richtungen versetzt sind, so daB die linearen Reihenanordnung betatigbar ist, wobei der Gestelle (314) von benachbarten Metallstaben in Trager danach ausgefahren wird, urn die Pins (236) der Langsrichtung fluchten, wenn die Metallstabe mit einer Bowlingaufstellung an die Lieferstation (C) fur eine wechselseitig zusammenwirkende Bezie- unterhalb des Pinaufstellmechanismus (20) zu lie- 50 hung relativ zueinander bewegt werden. fern. 17. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach einem der 13. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 12, bei Anspriiche 12 bis 16, bei welchem die Pinhandha- welchem wenigstens zehn Bowlingpins (236) bei bungsvorrichtung einen Bowlingpinordner (284) mit der Bowlingaufstellung vorgesehen sind, wobei 55 einer linearen Reihe von Pinhaltern (286) aufweist, diese zehn Pins eine herkommliche dreieckformige die fur die Freigabe einer Vielzahl von Pins (236) Anordnung aufweisen und zehn entsprechende gleichzeitig an die Gestelle (314) in dem zuriickge- Gestelle (314) auf dem Trager (318-324) vorgese- zogenen Zustand des Tragers angepaBt sind,

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sowie wenigstens eine Pinfreigabevorrichtung vorgesehen ist und der Hebemechanismus (232) (258), die selektiv zur Anpassung des Durchgangs die Bowlingpins (236) von dem Loch oder Pit (14) der Bowlingpins (236) betatigbar sind und damit zur an dem riickwartigen Ende der Bowlingbahn (248) Freigabe der Bowlingpins (236) an den Ordner nach oben anhebt und sie in die Ladestation (254) (284). 5 in einer aufrechten Haltung einfiihrt, wobei die magnetischen Mittel (266) in der Ladestation (254) 18. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 17, mit den Kopfen der Bowlingpins (236) zusammen- welcher auch einen Forderer (260) aufweist, der wirken und die Pins fur den Transport durch den generell horizontal und linear uber eine betrachtli- Forderer (260) halten. che Entfernung neben dem Ordner (284) verlauft, to wobei zu diesem Forderer (260) die Pins (236) von 23. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach einem der dem Hebemechanismus (232) weitergegeben wer- Anspriiche 1 bis 8, bei welchem der Transferme- den und wenigstens zwei horizontal beabstandete chanismus (18) einen Trager (318-324) mit einer Freigabevorrichtungen (281) neben der linearen Vielzahl von nach oben offenen Gestellen (314) Bewegungsbahn dieses Forderers (260) vorgese- 15 aufweist, wobei die Gestelle fur eine Aufnahme und hen sind, wobei diese Vorrichtungen (281) selektiv ein Halten einer Vielzahl von Bowlingpins (236) in fur eine Lieferung der Pins (236) von dem Forderer einer aufrechten Haltung und fur deren Lieferung (260) zu dem Ordner (284) betatigbar sind. an die Pinlieferstation (C) unterhalb des Pinaufstell- mechanismus (20) angeordnet sind, der Transfer- 1 9. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 1 7 oder 20 mechanismus (18) auch mit einem Anspruch 1 8, bei welchem jeder der Pinhalter (286) Bowlingpinordner (284) versehen ist, der fur eine eine zugeordnete bewegliche Schranke (294) fur Freigabe der Pins (236) an die Gestelle (314) und das Zuriickhalten eines Bowlingpins (236) aufweist die zugeordneten Pinfreigabevorrichtungen (258) und eine Einrichtung (296, 300) fur eine Betatigung angeordnet ist, urn die Bowlingpins in den Ordner jeder Schranke (294) vorgesehen ist, wodurch die 25 (284) zu laden, und der Mechanismus (18) auch selektive Freigabe der Bowlingpins von ihren Hal- einen Forderer (260) zur Aufnahme von Bowling- tern (286) erhalten wird. pins von einem Hebemechanismus (232) und zur Freigabe derselben an den Ordner (284) auf Veran- 20. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 18 oder lassung der Freigabevorrichtungen (258) aufweist. Anspruch 19 in der Riickbeziehung auf Anspruch 30 18, bei welchem der Forderer (260) eine Vielzahl 24. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 23, bei von magnetischen Mitteln (266) aufweist, die uber welchem der Trager (318-324) horizontal ausfahr- seine Lange voneinander beabstandet sind fur ein bar und zuriickziehbar ist, so daB seine Gestelle Halten der magnetisch ansprechbaren Bowlingpins (314) in einem zuriickgezogenen Zustand in linea- (236) in einer aufrechten Haltung und nach unter- 35 ren benachbarten Reihen angeordnet werden halb davon nach unten hangenden Beziehung, sowie in einem ausgefahrenen Zustand in einer wobei die Freigabevorrichtungen (281) selektiv herkommlichen dreieckformigen Bowlingaufstel- betatigbare Mittel (270) fur eine Ablosung der Bow- lung, wobei der Ordner (284) eine lineare Reihe lingpins (236) von ihren magnetischen Mitteln (266) von Pinhaltern (286) aufweist, die fur eine Freigabe aufweisen, urn sie dadurch in die Pinhalter (286) 40 einer Vielzahl von Pins (236) gleichzeitig an die des Ordners (284) fallen zu lassen, wobei letzterer Gestelle (314) in dem zuriickgezogenen Zustand generell unterhalb der Freigabevorrichtungen (281) des Tragers (318-324) angepaBt sind. angeordnet ist. 25. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach einem der vorher- 21. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 29, bei 45 gehenden Anspriiche, bei welchem der Pinaufstell- welchem die Mittel zum Ablosen der Bowlingpins mechanismus (20) fur eine Bewegung gegen die (236) von den magnetischen Mitteln (266) aus mes- Bowlingbahn (16) und weg von dieser angepaBt ist serahnlichen Gliedern (282) bestehen, die jeweils und Magnete (100, 144) aufweist fur ein selektives fur eine trennende Wirkung neben dem oberen Halten und eine Freigabe der magnetischen Ende des Kopfes eines Bowlingpins (236) und dem so ansprechbaren Pins (50), wodurch die Pins (50) Boden eines magnetischen Mittels (266) betatigbar aufgenommen bzw. ergriffen werden und sie eine sind, urn beide zu trennen und dadurch den Bow- Anordnung auf der Bowlingbahn (16) erfahren, und lingpin in einen benachbarten Pinhalter (286) fallen bei welchem der Pinaufstellmechanismus (20) Mit- zu lassen. tel aufweist (106, 146), die den Magneten zugeord- 55 net sind, urn eine begrenzte horizontale Bewegung 22. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 20 oder der Magnete (100, 144) zu schaffen und dadurch Anspruch 21, bei welchem eine Ladestation (254) einen Pinkopf-Suchbetrieb durch die Magnete neben der Bewegungsbahn des Forderers (260) (100, 144) fur "auBerhalb angeordnete" Pins (50)

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noch vor einer Pinhaltebetatigung der Magnete ment, au niveau des parties extremite superieures (100, 144). (186), et le mecanisme de mise en place de quilles (20) comprend une pluralite d'aimants (100) places 26. Automatischer Pinaufsteller nach Anspruch 25, bei dans un agencement horizontal sensiblement welchem der Pinaufstellmechanismus (20) eine s coplanaire, correspondant a une zone de bowling Vielzahl von kleinen Behaltern (140) aufweist, von souhaitee sur la piste de bowling (16) se trouvant denen jeder einen dieser Magnete (144) enthalt, au-dessous. wobei die Magnete (144) jeweils eine Flottierungs- einrichtung (146) aufweisen und die Behalter (140) 3. Une machine automatique de mise en place de jeweils wenigstens teilweise mit einer Flussigkeit 10 quilles selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle (142) gefullt sind, so daB sich so die Magnete (144) le mecanisme de mise en place de quilles (20) a in ihren Behaltern (140) fur den Suchbetrieb eines une position intermediate situee au-dessus du Pinkopfes durch die Magnete (144) begrenzt hori- mecanisme de transfert (18), sur le poste de fourni- zontal bewegen konnen. ture de quilles (C), pour le prelevement des quilles 15 de bowling (100) du mecanisme de transfert, ledit Revendications mecanisme de mise en place de quilles (20) etant deplagable vers le haut dans une operation de pre- 1. Une machine automatique pour mettre en place levement de quilles a partir du mecanisme de trans- des quilles (12), destinee a recuperer des quilles de fert (18) et, en effectuant un deplacement lineaire bowling (50) reagissant magnetiquement placees 20 dudit mecanisme de transfert (18) sensiblement en desordre, depuis une zone de fosse (1 4) adja- horizontalement pour I'ecarter de son poste de cente a I'extremite arriere d'une piste de bowling fourniture (C), ledit mecanisme de mise en place de (16) et pour deposer celles-ci sur une partie extre- quilles (20) est en outre deplagable verticalement, mite arriere de la piste de bowling (16) dans une vers le bas, afin de deposer les quilles sur la piste zone de bowling; ladite machine (12) etant consti- 25 de bowling. tuee d'un mecanisme elevateur (1 0) pouvant fonctionner pour recuperer des quilles de bowling (50) 4. Une machine automatique de mise en place de depuis la zone de fosse (14) et transporter celle-ci quilles de mise en place selon I'une quelconque vers le haut a un poste de decharge de quilles (A), des revendications precedentes, et comprenant un mecanisme de transfert (1 8) pouvant fonction- 30 des moyens de recuperation individuelle de quilles ner pour recuperer des quilles de bowling (50) (22, 30) associes fonctionnellement audit meca- depuis ledit mecanisme elevateur (10) au niveau nisme elevateur (10) pour prelever les quilles de dudit poste de decharge (A) et transferer les quilles bowling (50) individuellement a partir de ladite zone (50) de fagon globalement horizontale, a un poste de fosse (14). de fourniture de quilles (C), et un mecanisme de 35 mise en place (20) deplagable verticalement, pou- 5. Une machine automatique de mise en place de vant fonctionner pour accepter les quilles (50) au quilles selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle les niveau du poste de fourniture de quilles (C) et quilles de bowling (50) reagissent magnetiquement deposer les quilles (50) sur la piste de bowling (16); au niveau de leurs parties extremites superieures caracterisee en ce que ledit mecanisme de 40 (186), lesdits moyens de recuperation de quilles transfert (18) regoit les quilles de bowling (50) comprennent des moyens magnetiques (30) et les- depuis le mecanisme elevateur (1 0) et transfere les dites quilles (50) etant prelevees par lesdits quilles vers I'avant a la piste de bowling (16) pour moyens magnetiques (30) en une attitude dressee placer les quilles (50) en une zone de bowling au- et sont ensuite maintenues en attitude dressee par dessous, ledit mecanisme de mise en place (20) au 45 ledit mecanisme elevateur (10), ledit mecanisme de niveau du poste de fourniture de quilles (C) et dans transfert (18) et ledit mecanisme de mise en place laquelle ledit mecanisme mise en place (20) com- de quilles (20). prend des moyens magnetiques (100) destines a maintenir et relacher magnetiquement, selective- 6. Une machine automatique de mise en place de ment, les quilles reagissant magnetiquement, afin so quilles selon la revendication 4 ou 5, dans laquelle de soulever les quilles (50) du mecanisme de trans- le mecanisme elevateur (10) comprend un transfert (18) au niveau du poste de fourniture (C), puis porter sans fin (22) s'etendant globalement verti- de deposer les quilles (50) dans la zone de bowling calement depuis la zone de fosse (14) vers ledit de la piste de bowling (16). poste de decharge de quilles (A), ce dernier (A) 55 etant place au-dessus et en relation espace vis-a- 2. Une machine automatique de mise en place de vis de la piste de bowling (16) et les moyens de quilles selon la revendication 1 , dans laquelle les recuperation de quilles comprenant une pluralite quilles de bowling (50) reagissent magnetique- d'aimants (30) portes par le transporteur (22) et

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espaces les uns des autres sur celui-ci, chacun des 12. Une machine automatique de mise en place de aimants (30) servant a prelever une quille de bow- quilles selon la revendication 1 1 , dans laquelle le ling (50) reagissant magnetiquement au niveau de support (318, 324) peut se deployer et se contrac- ladite zone de fosse (14), au cours d'un passage tor horizontalement pour agencer ses berceaux fait a travers celle-ci. 5 (314) en au moins une rangee lineaire dans un etat retracte, et dans une piste de bowling triangulaire 7. Une machine automatique de mise en place de classique dans un etat deploye, et ledit mecanisme quilles selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle dix de transfert (1 8) comprend egalement un dispositif quilles de bowling sont logees par la machine de de manipulation de tiges (258, 284) susceptible de mise en place de quilles et de cinq a neuf aimants 10 fonctionner pour recevoir des quilles (236) venant (30) sont prevus en relation espacee sensiblement dudit elevateur (232) et pour les fournir auxdits ber- egalement, sur le transporteur (22). ceaux (314) dans ledit agencement en rangee lineaire, le support (318-324) etant contracte, ledit 8. Une machine automatique de mise en place de support ensuite etant deploye pour fournir les quilles selon la revendication 6 ou la revendication is quilles (236) dans la piste de bowling audit poste de 7, dans laquelle les quilles de bowling (50) reagis- fourniture (C) se trouvant au-dessous du meca- sent magnetiquement, au niveau des parties extre- nisme de mise en place de quilles (20). mite superieure (186) et sont portees en une attitude dressee, pendante, par lesdits aimants de 13. Une machine automatique de mise en place de recuperation de quilles (30) et au moins une porte 20 quilles selon la revendication 12, dans laquelle au (38) est prevue au niveau dudit poste de decharge moins dix quilles de bowling (236) sont fournies, de quilles (A), pouvant fonctionner pour decharger ladite piste de bowling comprenant dix quilles dans des quilles (50) dudit transporteur (22) vers ledit un agencement triangulaire classique et dans mecanisme de transfert (18). laquelle dix berceaux (314) correspondants sont 25 prevus sur ledit support (318-324) et agences 9. Une machine automatique de mise en place de selectivement en deux rangees lineaires paralleles quilles selon I'une quelconque des revendications et en adoptant la forme de ladite zone triangulaire precedentes, dans laquelle le mecanisme de trans- classique, lesdites deux rangees lineaires compre- fert (18) comprend une table rotative indexable (34) nant respectivement trois et sept berceaux (314). ayant une pluralite de berceaux (36) ouverts vers le 30 haut, destines a recevoir et a maintenir des quilles 14. Une machine automatique de mise en place de de bowling (50) en une attitude dressee et ledit quilles selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle la poste de decharge (A) et la table (34) etant suscep- rangee lineaire de trois berceaux (314) correspond tibles d'etre actionnes en relation positionnee tem- a la quille avant (236) et la rangee usuellement en porellement, pour deposer une quille de bowling 35 deuxieme position, constitute de deux quilles (236) (50) dans chacun desdits berceaux (36). espacees lateralement, etant disposee a I'arriere de la quille avant, dans une piste de bowling trian- 10. Une machine automatique de mise en place de gulaire classique, et la rangee lineaire constitute quilles selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle des de sept berceaux (314) correspond a la troisieme moyens (56, 58, 60, 62, 70) sont prevus pour depla- 40 rangee usuelle constitute de trois quilles (236) cer ladite table indexable rotative (30), entre le espacees lateralement, dans la zone de bowling poste de decharge de quilles (A) et ledit poste de alignee de fagon lineaire vis-a-vis de la rangee qui fourniture a mecanisme de transfert (C), ce dernier est usuellement la quatrieme et qui est constitute etant espace au-dessus et en alignement vertical de quatre quilles (236) lattralement espactes, prt- precis avec un emplacement souhaite vis-a-vis 45 vues dans la zone de bowling. d'une piste de bowling pour quilles, sur la piste de bowling (16). 15. Une machine automatique de mise en place de quilles selon la revendication 14, dans laquelle le 11. Une machine automatique de mise en place de support comprend un tltment support (318) depla- quilles selon I'une quelconque des revendications 1 so gable horizontalement a la position la plus avancte, a 8, dans laquelle le mecanisme de transfert (18) servant au montage du berceau (314) le plus comprend un support (318-324) dote d'une pluralite avanct, un deuxieme tltment support (320) paral- de berceaux (314) ouverts en partie haute, lesdits lel, et dtplagable horizontalement avec et par rap- berceaux (314) etant agences pour recevoir une port audit tltment le plus avanct (318) et servant pluralite de quilles de bowling (236) en attitude 55 au montage de ladite deuxieme rangte, constitute dressee et pour fournir celles-ci audit poste de four- de deux berceaux espacts (314), un troisieme tlt- niture de quilles (C), se trouvant au-dessous dudit ment support (322) plact parallelement et dtplaga- mecanisme de mise en place de quilles (20). ble horizontalement avec et par rapport audit

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premier et deuxieme elements (318-320) et servant de bowling depuis leurs supports (286). au montage de ladite troisieme rangee constitute de trois berceaux espacts (314) et un quatrieme 20. Une machine automatique de mise en place de element (324) parallele a et deplagable horizontale- quilles selon la revendication 18 ou la revendication ment avec et par rapport audit element (318, 320, 5 19 dtpendant de la revendication 18, dans laquelle 322) precedents et servant au montage de ladite le transporteur (260) comprend une pluralite de quatrieme rangee constitute de quatre berceaux moyens magnttiques (266) espacts sur sa lon- espacts (314). gueur respectivement pour maintenir des quilles de bowling (236) rtagissant magnttiquement en atti- 16. Une machine automatique de mise en place de 10 tude dresste et en relation de dtpendance au-des- quilles selon la revendication 15, dans laquelle les sous d'eux et lesdits dispositifs de dtcharge (281) tltments support comprennent des lames (318, comprennent des moyens (270) actionnables 320, 322, 324) paralleles allonges deplagables late- stlectivement afin de dtloger les tiges de bowling ralement et ayant leurs berceaux (314) respectifs (236) de leurs moyens magnttiques (266) et provo- dtcalts lattralement dans les directions oppostes 15 quer de cette maniere leur chute dans les supports sur des lames alterntes de maniere a agencer les de quilles (286) du classeur (284), ce dernier ttant berceaux (314) appartenant a des lames adjacen- dispost globalement au-dessous des dispositifs de tes dans un alignement longitudinal, lorsque les dtcharge (281). lames sont dtplactes les unes par rapport aux autres dans une relation d'inter-engagement. 20 21. Une machine automatique de mise en place de quilles selon la revendication 20, dans laquelle les 17. Une machine automatique de mise en place de moyens de dtlogement des quilles de bowling quilles selon I'une quelconque des revendications (236) vis-a-vis des moyens magnttiques (266) 12 a 16, dans laquelle le dispositif de manipulation comprennent des organes (282) analogues a des de quilles comprend un classeur de quilles de bow- 25 lames pouvant fonctionner chacun en provoquant ling (284) ayant une strie lintaire de supports de une action de stparation agissant en position adja- quilles (286), adaptts pour dtcharger une pluralite cente en partie haute de la tete d'une tige de bow- de quilles (236) simultantment a destination des- ling (236), et la partie inftrieure des moyens dits berceaux (314) dans I'etat retractt du support magnttiques (266), afin de stparer les deux et de et au moins un dispositif de dtcharge de quilles 30 cette maniere provoquer la chute de la quille de (258) pouvant fonctionner stlectivement pour loger bowling dans un support de quilles (286) adjacent. le passage des quilles de bowling (236) de cette maniere et a dtcharger les quilles de bowling (236) 22. Une machine automatique de mise en place de audit classeur (284). quilles selon la revendication 20 ou la revendication 35 21 , dans laquelle un poste de chargement (254) est 18. Une machine automatique de mise en place de prtvu en position adjacente a la trajectoire de quilles selon la revendication 17, et comprenant un dtplacement dudit transporteur (260) et le mtca- transporteur (260) qui s'ttend globalement horizon- nisme tltvateur (232) leve les quilles de bowling talement et lintairement sur une distance substan- (236) depuis le puits (14) a I'arriere de la piste de tielle, en position adjacente au classeur (284) et 40 bowling (248) et I'introduisant audit poste de char- transporteur (260) sur lequel des quilles (236) sont gement (254) dans une attitude dresste, et dans transftrtes du mtcanisme tltvateur (232) et au laquelle les moyens magnttiques (266) mettent en moins deux dispositifs de dtcharge (281) espacts prise les tetes des quilles de bowling (236) au horizontalement sont prtvus en position adjacente niveau du poste de chargement (254) et maintien- de la trajectoire lintaire du dtplacement dudit 45 nent celles-ci pour le transport par le transporteur transporteur (260), lesdits dispositifs (261) ttant (260). actionnables stlectivement pour fournir des quilles (236) depuis le transporteur (260), a destination 23. Une machine automatique de mise en place de dudit classeur (284). quilles selon I'une quelconque des revendications 1 50 a 8, dans laquelle le mtcanisme de transfert (18) 19. Une machine automatique de mise en place de comprend un support (318-324) ayant une pluralite quilles selon la revendication 17 ou la revendication de berceaux (314) ouvert en partie haute, lesdits 18, dans laquelle chacun desdits supports de berceaux ttant agencts pour recevoir et maintenir quilles (286) a une porte (294) associte, deplaga- une pluralite de quilles de bowling (236) en attitude ble, destinte a retenir en son sein une quille de ss dresste et pour fournir ceux-ci audit poste de four- bowling (236) et des moyens (296, 300), destints a niture de quilles (C), se trouvant au-dessous dudit actionner chaque porte (194), ttant prtvus de mtcanisme de mise en place (20), et ledit mtca- maniere a dtcharger de fagon stlective des quilles nisme de transfert (1 8) comprenant tgalement un

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classeur de quilles de bowling (284) agences pour decharger des quilles (236) a destination desdits berceaux (314) et des dispositifs de decharge de quilles (258) associes afin de charger les quilles de bowling dans le classeur (284), ledit mecanisme 5 comprenant egalement un transporteur (260) congu pour recevoir les quilles de bowling venant d'un mecanisme elevateur (232), et pour fournir celles-ci au classeur (284) lors du deplacement desdits dispositifs de decharge (258). w

24. Une machine automatique de mise en place de quilles selon la revendication 23, dans laquelle le support (318-324) est deployable et retractable horizontalement pour agence selectivement ses 15 berceaux (314) en des rangees adjacentes lineaires dans un etat retracte dans une zone de bowling triangulaire classique dans un etat deploye, et le classeur (284) comprenant une serie lineaire de supports de quilles (286) adaptes pour decharger 20 une pluralite de quilles (236) simultanement audit berceau (314) dans I'etat retracte du support (318- 324).

25. Une machine automatique de mise en place de 25 quilles selon I'une quelconque precedentes, dans laquelle ledit mecanisme de mise en place de quilles (20) est adapte pour etre deplagable pour se rapprocher et s'ecarter de la piste de bowling (1 6) et comprend des aimants (100, 144) destines a 30 maintenir et relacher selectivement les quilles (50) reagissant magnetiquement de maniere a prelever les quilles (50) et a les deposer sur la piste de bowling (16) et dans lequel le mecanisme de mise en place de quilles (20) comprend des moyens (106, 35 1 46) associes aux aimants pour produire un deplacement horizontal limite des aimants (100, 144) et, de cette maniere, une operation de recherche de tete de quilles par les aimants (100, 144) pour des quilles (50), "hors zone" avant une operation de 40 maintien de quilles des aimants (100, 144).

26. Une machine automatique de mise en place de quilles selon la revendication 25, dans laquelle le mecanisme de mise en place de quilles (20) com- 45 prend une pluralite de petits recipients (140) conte- nant chacun un dit aimant (144) lesdits aimants (144) etant chacun dotes de moyens flotteurs (146) et lesdits recipients (140) etant chacun remplis au moins partiellement de liquide (142), les aimants so (144) etant ainsi libres de se deplacer horizontalement de fagon limitee dans leurs recipients (140) respectifs pour I'operation de recherche de tete de quilles par les aimants (144).

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FIG. 29

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