US3048397A - Bowling pin elevating mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 7, 1962 R. l.. HOLLOWAY BOWLING PIN ELEVATING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 27, 1958 INVENTOR ROBERT L. HOLLOWAY ATTORNEY Aug. 7, 1962 R. L. HoLLowAY BOWLING PIN ELEVATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 27, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 lNvEN-roR ROBERT l.. HOLLOWAY ATTOR Y R. L. HOLLOWAY BOWLING PIN ELEVATING MECHANISM Aug. 7, 19.62

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 27, 1958 wml INVENTOR ROBERT L. HOLLOWAY ATTORNEY Unite States Patent i 3,048,397 BOWLING PIN ELEVATING MECHANSM Robert L. Holloway, Snyder, NPY., assigner to American g/Iaehine & Foundry Company, a corporation of New ersey Filed Feb. 27, 1958, Ser. No. 717,894 9 Claims. (Cl. 273-43) This invention relates to automatic bowling pin spotting machines and more particularly to novel means for conveying bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley to a delivery station for delivery to a pin-spotting device for placement on the playing bed of a bowling alley.

The invention in general comprises improvements to existing types of bowling pin conveying mechanisms for use in conveying bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley to a point of delivery therefrom into pin distributing mechanism. In accordance with the present invention, the means for holding pins which are delivered into the conveyor are independently actuated and are effective to hold pins in the conveyor as the result of the travel of the conveyor; the holding means being moved progressively into and out of holding engagement with pins positioned in the conveyor.

The conveyor embodying the invention consists of an annular or centerless wheel provided with a series of pockets, each pocket having associated therewith a pin gripping or holding arm. The pin gripping arm is so constructed and arranged that as the result of the rotary motion of the wheel, each arm is travelled or moved over a stationary cam located adjacent the wheel. Means are provided on the cam for normally moving successive pin gripping arms into engagement with a pin seated in the pin supporting suction of the wheel or pocket with which the particular arm is associated, and the pin is so held from the point at which the arm becomes operative until the pin held thereby reaches a predetermined delivery station where it is discharged.

Further, bowling alley proprietors often desire to use pins according to the demands of play at a particular time. In open play fairly old or used pins may be satisfactory. In league play new or fairly new pins are required. Then from time to time changes of pins are necessary. Mechanism is provided in the present invention for automatically removing pins from the elevating mechanism before delivery to the discharge station. This permits safe and rapid pin changing in a bowling pin spotting machine employing an elevating device embodying the present invention since an attendant can feed new pins into the machine while it is operating and as the old ones are automatically being removed therefrom.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pin elevating member provided with novel pin supporting means.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a pin elevating member employing independently actuated means for holding pins in the member for delivery to a discharge station.

An yadditional object of the invention is to provide a pin elevating member provided with cam actuated pin holders which selectively grip pins carried in the pin elevating member.

It is an added object of this invention to provide a rotary pin elevating member employing cam `actuated pin securing means operative to selectively release pins from the elevating member `at a predetermined location on its path of travel.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved bowling pin elevating device comprising an annular wheel wherein the wheel is provided with a channel having a plurality of pin receiving seats or pockets and novel pin holding and releasing means associated with each of 3,048,397 Patented Aug. 7, 1962 said seats or pockets for holding pins therein from the point of receipt of pins in each pocket until the wheel has moved to locate each seat or pocket carrying a pin at a predetermined point of delivery spaced from the pit whereupon such pin is released by the holding means and is delivered into a distributor for delivery to a pin setting mechanism.

A further object of the present invention is to provide novel selectively operable means for ensuring the positive delivery of pins from the pin elevating mechanism into the pin orienting and transfer device of an automatic pin spotting machine.

It is an added object of this invention to provide automatic means for effect-ing the removal of pins from the elevating member to facilitate pin changing while the elevating member is in operation.

With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists in certain combinations and constructions which will be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth in the claims hereunto append-ed.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification and in which like characters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

FIG. l is a front elevation of a rotary pin elevating member provided with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation of the mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is `a detailed view partially in section, of one of the novel pin gripping devices.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the pin gripping device actuating and release means.

FIG. 5 is a view taken along line 5 5, FIG. 4.

Referring to the drawings, the pin elevating mechanism, designated generally M, chosen to illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown mounted between kickbacks K of a conventional bowling alley (not shown). Bowling pins 10 and balls (not shown) remo-ved into pit P from the playing surface of the associated alley are deposited onto the upper lap of a pit-wide conveyor or travelling apron 12. Conveyor 12, which preferably is continuously in motion in pit P, describes a path of travel around rollers 14, only one of which is shown, mounted on shafts 16, (only one shown) suitably supported in kickbacks K at the front and rear of pit P. Rollers 14 are driven in `any convenient manner in the proper direction to deliver pins 10 and balls (not shown) deposited on conveyor 12 to the rear of pit P. Platform 18, suitably secured between opposed `faces of kickbacks K, supports and prevents the upper lap of conveyor 12 from sagging under the load or impact of pins 10 and balls deposited thereon.

Balls deposited on conveyor 12 are separated from pins 10 by any suitable means and conducted to a ball return track (not shown) for eventual return to the bowler. Pins 1-0, thus separated from the balls, are delivered on conveyor 12 to a chute (not shown) at the rear of pit P and adjacent mechanism M on which they slide or gravitate into pin elevating device M.

Plows 22 and 24 suitably secured to the respective inner faces of kickbacks K act to divert pins 10 away from kickbacks K Ifor discharge by conveyor 12 down the chute into pin elevating mechanism M. Plows 22 and 24 have surfaces 26 which conform generally with the curve of the outer periphery of pin elevating mechanism M. Thus, `any pin 10 not properly 1-aligned or positioned in pin elevating mechanism M with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel with the circumference of mechanism M slides downwardly over surfaces 26 into the lowermost part of mechanism M for repositioning for proper elevation.

Conveyor 12, and plows 22 and 24 may be similar in also (see iFIGURE 2).

construction and operation to those shown in Holloway et al. Patent 2,767,983 for Bowling Pin Elevating Mechanisrn and further disclosure or description thereof is omitted.

A preferred embodiment of pin elevating mechanism M comprises a rotary member 28 preferably of circular contour mounted to rotate in a substantially vertical plane. Rotary member 28 is formed of sheet metal parts, or sections, although it may be made of light castings or otherwise produced to perform its desired functions. As shown in FIGURE 2, rotary member 28 is provided with a circular marginal rim or ring 30 which is attached to a pin receiving annular channel or wheel 36, although it may be formed las an integral part `of channel or wheel 36, if desired.

Rotary member 28 is supported on spaced sheaves 38, 40, 42 and 44 rotatably mounted on horizontal shafts 46, 48, 50 and 52 respectively. Upper shafts 46 and 48 are fixed to upper crossframe S4 secured transversely at the rear of rotary member 28 to kickbacks K. Lower shafts 50 and 52 are fixed to lower crossframe 56 secured transversely at the rear of rotary member 28 to kickbacks K Inclined supports 51 and 53 are secured -at their upper ends to each side of crossframe 54 and at their lower ends to each side of cross frame 56 adjacent kickbacks K, adding structural rigidity to the entire framework. In the illustrated embodiment, upper sheaves 38 and 40 engage the inner periphery of rim 3i) which is preferably of circular cross-section adjacent each side `of pin discharge station S2, while lower sheaves 42 and 44 engage the inner periphery of lim 39 adjacent each side of pin pick-up station S1. Sheaves 38, 40, 42 and 44 thus support rotary member 28 for rotation in a substantially vertical plane. Y

Channel 36 is generally U-shaped in cross-section `and preferably is formed with lan outer marginal flange 58 which accommodates belt 60. Belt 60 runs on and is driven by lsheave 62 fixed to shaft 63 of a suitable power source (not shown). Belt 60 is driven preferably continuously thus rotating member 28 through pit P in la substantially vertical plane in the direction of arrow A, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

Fillers 64 and cleats 65 are secured to rotary member 28 and equidistantly spaced in channel 36 to provide suitably shaped pin holding sections, such as seats or pockets 66. Seven pockets 66 have been found to `operate satisfacto-rily and for the purpose of illustration are shown employed in rotary member 28 illustrated in FIGURE 1. However, if desired, the number of pockets could be increased or decreased depending firstly, upon the diameter `of pin elevating member M and secondly, the type of bowling pins handled; namely, ten pins, duck pins, candle pins `or others.

Pins delivered to station S1 on conveyor 12, as described hereinabove, move into channel 36 of member 28. Pins 10 seated in channel 36 of member 28 are carried upwardly either butt end rst or handle end first in pockets 66 in the `direction of arrow B in FIGURES l and 2 to pin discharge station S2. At station S2 pins 10 when released, as described hereinbelow, gravitate out of pockets 66 onto pin aligning and transfer mechanism T (partially shown) as the rotation member 28 travels each pocket 66 in succession therepast. Pin aligning and transfer mechanism T may be similar in construction and operation to that shown in Zuercher Patent 2,767,984 for Pin Distributing and Spotting Mechanism for bowling pin spotting machines and only so much as is required for a proper understanding of the present invention is included herein.

As indicated in FIGURE l, pockets 66 are so constructed that they readily receive pins 10 lying lengthwise along and within channel 36 such that the axis of pins 10 lie in a plane generally transverse to the 'axis of rotation of member 28. Pins 10 discharged by conveyor 12 moved into proper position therein or fall back upon conveyor 12 until they are properly delivered into a pin pocket 66.

Referring to FIGURE l, pin discharge station S2 is shown substantially directly over station S1. If desired, station S2 may be located at some other position along the path of travel of channel 36 as long as space is provided for the release of pins 10 from pockets 66 into pin aligning and transfer device T.

As pin elevating mechanism M rotates with pins 10 located in its pockets 66 from pin pick-up station S1 toward discharge station S2, gravity will tend to dislodge pins 10 from their seated positions. To prevent this, a pin gripping device 68 is provided for each pocket 66 to hold its respective pin 10 in pocket 66 from removal therefrom as it travels toward discharge station S2.

Since pin elevating mechanism M is shown with seven equidistantly spaced pockets 66, seven pin gripping devices 68 are provided, one for each pocket 66. The construction and operation of each device 68 and its operating mechanism is the same. Therefore, in the interests of brevity, only one is described in detail.

Referring to FIGURE 3, each device 68 includes a clamp rod 71D mounted, as described hereinbelow, at the rear of member 28 and disposed radially relative thereto. Clamp rod 70 is attached at its outer end to the lower end of extension 72. At its upper end, extension 72 is pivotally attached adjacent the free end of lever 74 by pin 73. Lever 74, in turn, is pivotally mounted on stud 76 secured to bracket 78 which is mounted at the rear of channel 36 and is supported on the outer periphery of rim 30.

Both rod 70, extension 72 and lever 74 are mounted for movement into and out of pocket 66 through elongated opening 80 in channel 36. The inner end of clamp rod 70 is loosely carried in swivel block 82 and is provided with collars 84 and 86, adjacent the top and bottom of swivel block 82 which limits its radial movement relative thereto. A coil spring 88 surrounds rod 70 and bears against upper collar 84 and extension 72 to compensate for any variation in pin diameter of pins 18 in pocket 66.

Secured transversely in swivel block 82 are one end of shaft 90 and sleeve 92 with a roller 94 rotatably mounted on the free end of shaft 90 adjacent the free end of sleeve 92. Arm 96 is pivotally mounted at one end on sleeve 92 and pivotally mounted at its other end on shaft 98 supported in bracket 161). Bracket 106 is attached to the rear of channel 36 as shown in FIG. 2 and rotates therewith. An anchor 102 is fixed to bracket 100 and secures one end `of spring 184 while the other end of spring 194 is fastened to eye 166 on arm 96.

Rotary member 28 is provided with a stationary circular cam track, designated generally 108, secured to cross frame 56 and inclined supports 51 and 53 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Cam track 108 is generally L-shaped in cross section and is provided with an outer peripheral support surface 11G having openings 112, 114, 116 and 118 as shown in FIG. 4.

In the operation of the associated machine, rotary member 28 is rotated through pit P, as described hereinabove. Pins 10 delivered on conveyor 12 to station S1 become seated in pockets 66 for delivery to discharge station S2. Clamping devices 68 on channel 36 are normally in released position as channel 36 passes station S1. In this position, shown in FIG. 2, each roller 94 is adjacent the inner periphery of cam track 108 and rod 70, and extension 72 and lever 74 have been withdrawn through opening Sil out of its associated pocket 66, thereby furnishing an unobstructed path for any pin 10 entering a pocket 66.

As channel 36 is rotated elevating a pin 10 in a pocket 66 from station S1 to station S2, its roller 94 contacts inclined section 121) of cam track 108, generally positioned midway between stations S1 and S2. Roller 94 travels along the lower face of cam section 120` as viewed in FIG. 4 through opening 112 onto the outer peripheral support surface 110 of cam track 108. As roller 94 travels on cam section 120 onto surface 11d, it pivots arm 96 about shaft 98 against the action of spring 104. The movement of arm 96 moves sleeve 92, shaft 90 and swivel block 82 radially relative to channel 36, extending clamp rod 741, extension 72 and lever 74 through opening 80 and into pin engaging position with a pin 1'11 pocket 66, as shown in FIG. 3. Roller 94 carried on channel 36 then travels on support surface 118 of cam track 168, holding clamp rod 70, extension 72 and lever 74 in pin engaging position in pocket 66, preventing the removal of pin 18 therefrom. Thus pins 1i) will be retained in their respective pockets 66 for elevation from station S1 to S2 and hence to -pin aligning and transfer mechanism T.

At station S2, a selectively operable release mechanism is provided to release pins 1t? from their respective pockets 66 when such pins are required during the cycle operation of the associated bowling pin spotting machine. The release mechanism in the illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a movable section 122, mounted on stud 124 for movement into and out of opening 114 of support surface 110. Section 122 when occupying a position in opening 114, is aligned with the rest of the outer peripheral support surface 110 of track 188, as shown in FIG. 3. Shaft 124 is rotatably supported in sleeve 126 adjacent station S2. Lever 128 ixed to the other end of shaft 124, controls the movement of section 122 in and out of opening 114. Solenoid 130 is mounted on bracket 132 adjacent station S2 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. The external end of armature 134 of solenoid 130 is fastened by spring 136 to one end of lever 128. A stud 129 at the other end of lever 128 secures one end of spring 138 while the other end of spring 138 is connected to anchor 139 of bracket 132.

When during the cyclic operation of the associated bowling pin spotting machine, pins are required by the pin spotting mechanism thereof, a control device (not shown) completes a circuit energizing solenoid 130. When solenoid 138 is energized, armature 134 thereof is retracted, and spring 136 rotates lever 128, in sleeve 126, extending spring 138 attached to the other end of pivot 128. This rotation of lever 128 causes shaft 124 to move section 122 out of opening 114, as shown in FIGURES 2 and 4. Roller 94, traveling along support surface 11i) will be urged through opening 114 by spring 104 and along arm 144) toward the inner periphery of cam track 168. This `action of roller 94 moves clamp rod 70, extension 72 and lever 74 through opening 80 and out of pin engaging position in pocket 66. Pins 1t) carried in pockets 66 will thus be allowed to gravitate into pin aligning and transfer device T. This transfer device may be similar in construction and operation to that shown in Zuercher Patent 2,767,984. Since it forms no specic part of the invention, further disclosure thereof is omitted.

When the pin spotting mechanism, (not shown) no longer requires that pins be discharged at station S2, the control device (not shown) breaks the circuit energizing solenoid 130. Since solenoid 130 no longer holds armature 134, spring 138, extended when solenoid 130 was energized, operates to rotate lever 128, returning armature 134 to its extended position. This in turn rotates shaft 124 causing section 122 to be returned to position in opening 114 and aligned with the rest of the outer peripheral surface 110` as shown in FIGURE 3. Roller 94 carried by channel 36 past station S2 will be supported on section 122 holding clamp rod 70, extension 72 and lever 74 in pin engaging position adjacent a pin 10 in pocket 66. Pins 10 will thus be carried by station S2 and returned to station S1, rotary member 28 acting as a pin storage member until such time as solenoid 130 is again energized as described hereinabove.

To permit pin changing while member 28 is in operation, mechanism is provided `to automatically remove unwanted pins from the machine. The pin changing mechanism comprises a second movable section 142 supported for movement into and out of opening 116 in the outer peripheral support surface of cam track 108. Section 142 is fixed to one end of a rotatable shaft 144 adjacent opening 116. Shaft 144 is secured to `one end of sleeve 146 suitably mounted in cam ltrack 108. A handle 148 is provided at the other end of sleeve 146 to control the movement of section 142.

When it is desired to remove pins from play, handle 148 is rotated, which in turn rotates shaft 144 in sleeve 146 moving section 142 out of opening 116. As pins 10 held in pocket 66 as described hereinabove are elevated toward station S2, roller 94 traveling along support surface 118 will be urged through opening 116 by the action of spring 184 along inclined surface 149 toward the inner periphery of cam track 108. This action of roller 94 moves clamp rod 70, extension 72, and lever 74, through opening 811 in channel 36 and out of pin engaging position in pocket 66. Pins 1t), thus released gravitate out of pockets 66 and into chute 159 suitably secured by bracket 152 to an inner peripheral personnel guard 154 provided for rotary member 28, as shown in FIGS. l and 2. Chute 1519 delivers all unwanted pins 19 thus discharged from rotary member 28 rearwardly into a suitable pin receptacle (not shown). When all unwanted pins have been taken out of play, handle 148 is again rotated, moving section 142 into opening 116 of surface 110 and supporting roller 94 across `opening 126 of surface 110 to permit delivery of pins 10 in pockets 66 to station S2. Pins required for continued play, such as league pins, are then dumped into the machine in any suitable manner, as from the rear of the machine through the opening in member 28.

Both arm and inclined surface 149, are provided to insure a gradual release of pins 11i by clamping device 68. Such gradual release is more desirable than the rapid release which would occur if these members were omitted. Further, arm 140 is pivotally mounted on stud 141 to provide clearance at station S2 for `roller 94 and its associated members when the pin changing mechanism has been actuated as described hereinabove. It will likewise be noted that clamp rod 78 is loosely held in swivel block 82 and collars 84 and 86 are positioned on rod 7i) slightly above and below swivel block respectively. In this manner the necessary `degree of lost. motion is provided for clamp rod 70 as it moves into and out of opening 80.

When pins 10 are carried past station S2 as described hereinabove, means is provided to release the clamping device 68 before its associated Pocket 66 is returned to station S1. Support surface 110 is provided with a fourth opening 118 adjacent station S1 as shown in FIGURE 4. Arm 156 is pivotally mounted on stud 158 for movement into and out of opening 118. A roller 94 traveling along surface 116 and having its associated mechanism in pin engaging position as described hereinabove, will be urged through opening 118 by the action of spring 104 and toward the inner periphery of cam track 108. Thus any pins 1i) in pockets 66 will be released, and each pocket 66 will be ready to receive pins 1i) at station S1. It will be apparent that if pins 1t) are released at station S2, roller 94 and its associated mechanism n-ow adjacent the inner periphery of cam track 108 will be able to move freely past pivoted arm 156.

Thus, a novel and efficient mechanism is provided for accomplishing pin elevation and pin changing in a bowling pin spotting machine employing a pin elevating mechanism embodying this invention.

What I claim is:

1. In a bowling pin spotting machine for use in a bowling alley installation having a pit, the combination of a framework rigidly secured adjacent to said pit;

a rotary, annular channel member mounted on said framework for rotation about the axis of said channel member and. in a vertical plane located adjacent to said framework, said channel member having a plurality of peripherally extending pockets each adapted to receive a bowling pin for elevation thereof, and

a central aperture having a diameter such that the periphery of the aperture is closer to the external diameter than tothe axis of said channel member, said diameter of said aperture being sufficiently great to afford access through said framework and said channel member into said pit;

said framework being arranged to afford access to said aperture;

driving means for rotating said channel member;

a plurality of pin retaining members each pivotally mounted on said channel member adjacent to a different one of said pockets for pivotal movement in a plane which extends transversely of the one of said pockets associated therewith,

each of said pin retaining members being movable between a plurality of positions including a first position engageable ywith a pin in -the one of said pockets associated therewith for retaining such pin in Said pocket during elevation thereof and a second position in which such pin is released for discharge; and

mechanism for actuating said pin retaining members,

comprising a plurality of cam followers mounted on said channel member for movement therewith, each of said cam followers being spaced from the axis of rotation of said channel member a distance approximating the internal radius of said channel member and each being operatively connected to actuate a diiferent one of said pin retaining members,

and cam means mounted on said framework adjacent to said channel member for actuating said cam followers,

said actuating mechanism, said pin retaining members and said driving means being constructed and arranged to permit access through said framework and said channel member into said pit.

2. A bowling pin spotting machine in accordance with claim 1 and including chute means extending through said aperture and said framework for delivering pins discharged thereon through said channel member and said framework away from said pit, said cam means being operable to cause lselective discharge of pins onto said chute means.

3. A -bowling pin spotting machine in accordance with claim l and including a plurality of discharge stations,

a pin delivering chute mounted adjacent one of said stations and extending through said aperture and said framework `for moving pins discharged at said one station away from said pit,

said cam means being arranged to actuate said cam followers to selectively discharge pins at said discharge stations.

4. A bowling pin spotting machine in accordance with claim 1 including a plurality of rollers mounted on said framework, and a circular support on said channel member engaged with said rollers for mounting said channel member on said framework via said support and said rollers.

5. In a bowling pin spotting machine Ifor use with a bowling alley having a pit at one end, the combination of:

a framework rigidly mounted adjacent to said pit, a rotary annular channel member having a plurality of pockets each adapted to receive for elevation a pin having its axis perpendicular to the taxis of said channel member and pointing in the direction of movement of the pin during elevation, and

a central aperture having a diameter such that the periphery of the aperture is closer to the external diameter than to the axis of said channel member, said diameter of said aperture being sufficiently great to aiord access through said channel member into said pit;

said framework being arranged to afford access to s-aid aperture;

a circular support on said channel member, said support being of a diameter at least as great as the diameter of said aperture;

a plurality of rollers mounted on said framework and arranged substantially coplanar, said rollers engaging said support at spaced points for supporting said channel member on said framework for rotation in a vertical plane, at least one of said rollers being above the axis of rotation and at least another one of said rollers being below the axis of rotation;

a plurality of pin retaining members for retaining pins in said pockets during elevation of such pins, each of said pin retaining members `being pivotally mounted on said channel member adjacent to a different one of said pockets for movement transversely of the one of said pockets associated therewith between a plurality of positions including a first position engageable with a pin in the one of said pockets adjacent thereto for retaining such pin in said pocket during elevation thereof and a second position in which such pin is released for discharge;

mechanism for moving said pin retaining members,

comprising a plurality of cam followers mounted on said channel member for movement therewith, each of said cam followers being spaced from the axis of rotation of said channel member a distance approximating the the internal radius of said channel member and each being operatively connected to actuate Xa different one of said pin retaining members, and

cam means mounted on said framework adjacent to said channel member for actuating said cam followers; and

driving means for rotating said channel member; said moving mechanism, said rollers, said pin retaining members and said driving means being constructed and arranged to permit access -through said channel member into said pit.

6. In a bowling pin spotting machine for use in a bowling alley installation having a pit, the combination of a framework rigidly secured adjacent to said pit;

a rotary, annular channel member for elevating bowling pins from a pin receiving station located adjacent to the bottom of said pit to at least one pin discharge station spaced above said pin receiving station, said channel member being mounted on said framework for rotation about the axis of said channel member and in a substantially vertical plane located adjacent to said framework, said channel member having a plurality of peripherally extending pockets each adapted to receive a -bowling pin at said pin receiving station for elevation of such pin, and

a central aperture having la diameter such that the periphery of the aperture is closer to the external diameter than to the axis of said channel member, said diameter of said aperture being suiciently great to afford access through said framework and said channel member into said pit;

said framework being arranged to Iafford access to said aperture;

driving means `for rotating said channel member;

means for moving pins in said pit into said pin receiving station;

a plurality of pin retaining members each pivotally mounted on said channel member adjacent to a different one of said pockets for pivotal movement in a plane which extends transversely of the one of said pockets associated therewith,

each of said pin retaining members being movable between a plurality of positions including a first position engageable with a pin in the one of said pockets associated therewith for retaining such pin in said pocket during elevation thereof and a second position in which such pin is released for discharge; and

mechanism for actuating said pin retaining members,

comprising a plurality of cam followers mounted on said channel member for movement therewith, each of said cam followers being spaced `from the axis of rotation of said channel member a distance approximating the internal radius of said channel member and each being operatively connected to actuate a different one of said pin retaining members,

and cam means mounted on said :framework adjacent to said channel member for actuating said cam followers,

said actuating mechanism, said pin retaining members and said driving means being constructed and arranged to permit access through said framework and said channel member into said pit.

7. A bowling pin spotting machine in accordance with claim 6 and including a second discharge station, and

10 chute means associated with one of said discharge stations, said chute means extending through said aperture for delivering pins discharged thereon away from said pit.

8. A bowling pin spotting machine in accordance with claim 6 wherein the plane of rotation of said channel member extends transversely across the rear of said pit.

9. A lbowling pin spotting machine in accord-ance with claim 8 and including chute means associated with said discharge station, said chute means extending through said aperture for delivering pins discharged thereon rearwardly from said pit.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,815,428 Hedenskoog Sept. 24, 1935 2,729,449 Montooth J an. 3, 1956 2,786,679 Strauss et al. Mar. 26, 1957 2,911,218 Scherzinger Nov. 3, 1959 2,932,313 Patterson Apr. 12, 1960

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