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Distributor indexing deviceDistributor indexing device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080064516, Distributor indexing device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001]This invention claims the benefit of, and the priority date of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60,581,408 filed Jun. 21, 2004. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002]This invention relates generally to automatic pin-setting machines used in the sport of bowling. Such machines are also referred to as pin-spotting machines. [0003]The present invention also relates generally to pin distribution systems that are used in such machines for filling a generally triangular-shaped pin storage magazine that is disposed above that portion of the bowling lane where the bowling pins are set or "spotted" after they have been knocked down by a bowling ball. More particularly, it relates to a distribution indexing device, an electromechanical device that can be added to such a machine to replace a portion of the mechanical structure of the pin distribution system and, in particular, the mechanical clutch thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004]In the sport of bowling, a bowling lane is provided where one end of the lane is used by the bowler as the point at which a bowling ball is released. The opposite end of the lane is used for placement of a set of ten bowling pins, the pins being arranged in a generally triangular-shaped pattern as viewed from above the lane, with the pins being the target of the released bowling ball. The goal is to knock down as many pins as possible with each release of the ball. After the pins have been knocked down, and particularly following a given frame, a pin sweeper pushes all of the pins towards the rear of the machine and into a pit. The downed bowling pins are then delivered, one at a time, to an elevating conveyor. At the uppermost portion of the elevating conveyor, the pins are distributed, also one by one, into a pin-storage magazine for placement of the pins onto the lane. This process is repeated many times over, for as long as the lane continues to be used. [0005]In at least two particular models of pin-setting machine, referred to here as the AMF 82/70 and the AMF 82/90 pin-spotters, the pin-distributing mechanism comprises an elongated arm or boom which is constructed and mounted for limited side-to-side movement above the pin-storage magazine. The boom of this pin-distributing mechanism is also extended or retracted in order that pins can be delivered, one by one, from the end of the boom into selected pockets or compartments according to a predetermined delivery pattern. This side-to-side and inward-outward movement of the boom is purely mechanical and is brought about by means of a gear with two cams, preferably formed integrally with the gear, one cam being formed on each face of the gear. These cams can be considered as pin delivery program cams because they effect the delivery of pins to pockets of the magazine as described above. This camming action is essentially purely mechanical in design. [0006]The boom of the distributing mechanism also includes a longitudinally-extending and continuously-driven belt along which pins are received at a proximal end, foot-end first, and delivered to a distal end of the boom, also foot-end first. The distal end of the boom includes a pair of parallel trip arms. The trip arms are mounted pivotally at the end of the boom which results in movement of a rod and actuation of a trip lever along the boom as the arms are rotated downwardly. As each pin reaches the distal end of the boom and is urged onto the trip arms, the weight of the pin gently moves the trip arms downwardly toward a pocket or compartment such that the pin can slide into that assigned magazine pocket or compartment. This action is also purely mechanical in design. [0007]There is also an electromechanical component to the above-described distributing mechanism. That is, towards the proximal end of the boom is a transversely-disposed 115 volt AC electric motor. The motor accomplishes two very. important functions. First, it insures the movement of the continuously-driven belt along which pins are delivered. Second, it allows for the actuation of a friction-driven, mechanical clutch and for the rotation of a pinion gear. The mechanical clutch and pinion gear are also actuated when the trip arms are rotated downwardly, which results in movement of a rod and actuation of a trip lever along the boom as mentioned above. When the mechanical clutch is actuated by a bowling pin being lowered off of the distal boom end, this causes the pinion gear to engage the gear and move the cams as previously mentioned. That is, the friction-drive clutch is used to index the boom of the distributing mechanism from one location to another throughout the ten pin distribution cycle. [0008]In the experience of these inventors, problems are frequently experienced with use of the friction-drive clutch as identified above. The friction-drive clutch has been an unreliable system because of many factors. Ambient temperatures, as well as humidity, along with dirt and grease in the working environment, together with poor housekeeping, are the main reasons for failure of the friction-drive clutch. The friction-drive clutch is also a part of the distributing mechanism that requires wholesale replacement from time to time. What is needed is an alternative device or mechanism which would minimize these problems, or avoid them altogether. What is also needed is such a mechanism that uses the current distributing mechanism as is and with a minimal amount of alteration to it. [0009]Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful bowling pin distribution indexing device that allows for the indexing of the distributing mechanism as intended. It is another object to provide such a device which also allows for the replacement and elimination of certain mechanical components within the distributing mechanism that are prone to wear and which require constant maintenance. It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a device that runs off of the primary electrical power supply provided with the pin-setting machines of current manufacture. It is yet another object to provide such a device that uses a minimal number of parts and elements to accomplish the intended structure. It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a device that requires a minimal number of steps to use the structure for its intended purpose. It is yet another object to provide such a method and apparatus that is easily adaptable for use, with pin-setting machines of current and existing manufacture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010]The device of the present invention has obtained these objects. It provides for a distribution indexing device that is attachable to pin-setting machines of current manufacture. This device allows for the indexing of the distributing mechanism as originally designed and intended. The device of the present invention accomplishes this by allowing for the replacement and elimination of certain mechanical components within the distributing mechanism that are prone to wear and which require constant maintenance. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a drive structure and an electrical contact structure. The drive structure is attachable to the distributing mechanism at a point at which a drive gear engages the indexing gear. The electrical contact structure includes two contacts, one that is attachable to a stationary component of the distributing mechanism and one that is attachable to a moving component of the distributing mechanism. As a pin moves onto and is lowered into the pin magazine by the trip arms, the trip arms cause the movable contact to engage the stationary contact, thus generating an electrical signal to the drive structure. Following a short time delay, the drive structure moves the indexing gear a pre-determined amount such that the indexing cams are allowed to function as intended. [0011]The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012]FIG. 1 is a left side elevational view of a bowling pin distributing mechanism constructed in accordance with prior art. [0013]FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the mechanism as modified by the addition of the distribution indexing device of the present invention to it. [0014]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2 and showing other components of a pin-setting machine in which the distributing mechanism and the distribution indexing device is used. [0015]FIG. 4 is an enlarged top, front and left side elevational view of that portion of the mechanism and device shown in FIG. 2. [0016]FIG. 5 is a further enlarged and exploded top, front and left side perspective view of the drive structure for the distribution indexing device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0017]Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numbers represent like elements throughout, FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevational view of a bowling pin distributing mechanism, generally identified 10, that is constructed in accordance with the prior art. The distributing mechanism 10 shown is essentially the same in construction and operation as element D shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,526,401, which is described in substantially greater detail starting at Col. 3, Line 64 to Col. 7, Line 47 thereof and which is incorporated herein by reference, but with element numbers as assigned herein. For brevity, the essential elements and function of the distributing mechanism 10 will be presented here for purposes of understanding the relation between component parts that remain the same in the preferred embodiment of this invention, as well as those that are replaced by it. [0018]As shown, the distributing mechanism 10 includes a boom 12 having a proximal portion 16 and a distal portion 14. The proximal portion 16 of the distributing mechanism 10 is that part of the boom 12 at which pins P, shown in phantom view, are received one by one from the pin elevating conveyor 6. See FIG. 3. Each pin P is transported longitudinally along the boom 12 by means of a continuously-moving and endless belt 18. Moving from the point of initial placement of the pin P onto the belt 18, guide means are provided to ensure that the pin P does not roll sideways off of the belt, the pins P, being circular in cross-section. Specifically, a pin guide 32 and, a pair of opposing pin guide plates 34 are provided at the proximal portion 16 of the boom 12 and a pair of opposing guide rails 36 are provided at the distal portion 14 of the boom 12. The guide rails 36 are longitudinally movable, together with other structure,. in relative position to the other guide means 34, 36 as will be seem further in this detailed description. [0019]At the distal portion 14 of the boom 12, each pin P engages a pair of parallel-disposed trip arms 22 which are provided for the purpose of gently lowering the pin P into a pocket 8 of a pin magazine 4, all of which is contained within a frame 2. Again, see FIG. 3. The trip arms 22 are spring-loaded such that the normal position of the arms 22 is as shown in FIG. 1. As a pin P is advanced forwardly and outwardly between the trip, arms 22, the weight of the pin P overcomes the pre-loaded spring force and the arms 22 are allowed to rotate slightly downwardly, thereby lowering the pin P into a desired pocket 8. This action is mechanical and occurs with the re-setting of each pin P into a respective pocket 8 until the pin magazine 4 is fully loaded. with the ten pins P that are required to begin a new frame. Continue reading about Distributor indexing device... Full patent description for Distributor indexing device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Distributor indexing device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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