US2118303A - Coin control for bowling alleys - Google Patents

Description

May 24, 1938. 1.. F. HEHN COIN CONTROL FOR BOWLING ALLEYS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 9, 1934 May 24, 1938. HEHN 2,118,303

COIN CONTROL FOR BOWLING ALLEYS Filed April 9, 1934 6 Sheets-Shet 2 May 24, 1938. I L. F. HEHN 2,118,303

- COIN CONTROL FOR BOWLING ALLEYS Filed April 9, 19:54 '6 Sheets-Sheet 5 4 TTaE/yEJ May '24, 1938. I F. HEHN 1 2,118,303

' cow CONTROL FOR BOWLING ALLIEYS Filed April 9, 1934' Y s Sheets-Sheet 4 L. F. HEHN 2118303 COIN CONTROL FORBOWLING ALLEYS Filed April 9, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 //w//vm/? 1 ATTORNEY May 24, 1938.

May 24, 1938. vL. F. HEHN 2,118,303

' 'CQIN CONTROL FOR BOWLING ALIIJEYS Filed April 9, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 54 1Q 10. I 27614 J4 L I i 1.04/49 l-T HEHN //v l/EN TH.

"ATTORNEY Patented May 24, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2.118.303- 'COIN CONTROL FOR BOWLING ALLEYS Louis F. Helm, Chicago, 111., 'assignor of one-half 18 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved coin.- operated control for-bowling alleys and has for one of its principal objects, the provisionof a device whereby play on a bowling alley will be permitted upon the insertion of a coin into such an apparatus connected with the alley, and whereby play will be automatically indicated as terminated after the bowler has completed the usual 'ten frames regardless oi the number of balls thrown by the bowler.

One of the important objects of this'invention is to provide a coin-controlled attachment for bowling alleys which will enable any number of players from one to five inclusiveto bowl on an alley in regular rotation or otherwise, this'play being permitted by the insertion of a required number of coins into the device corresponding to thenumber of players desiring to participate.

Another important object of the invention resides in the provision of means, in an automatic coin control for bowling alleys, whereby play will be automatically indicated as stopped after all the players have completed their allotted ten frames regardless of the number of balls used, 25 this depending upon the number of strikes, spares and other scores made.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an automatic coin control for bowling alleys whereby the players will be automatically notified when the alley is ready for action and will also be automatically notified after play is terminated according to the rules.

Another and still further important object of the invention resides'in the provision of a. coin control attachment for bowling alleys which may be used with equally good results on alleys where pin boys are employed and also on alleys where the setting of the pins and the return of the balls is automatic or semi-automatic. The device wili operate equally as well with bowling alleys employing what is known as tethered pins and also the ordinary ten pins, duck-pins or the like, re gardless of size. v

The apparatus may also be employed with 5 miniature bowling alleys and with slight adaptations may be used with other games and for other p mq Other and further important objects of this invention will be apparent from the accompanying 50 drawings and following specification.

The invention, in a preferred form, is hereinafter more fully described.

, In the drawings: v i V Figure 1 is a front elevation of the improved coin control for bowling alleys of this invention.

til

Michael '1. Lane, Chicago, Ill. 1

Application April 9, 1934, Serial No. 719,688'

Figure 2 is a right-hand end view of the same'. Figure 3 is a left-hand end view. Figure 4 is a top view of the device.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of certain portions ofthe coin control shown in Figure 4.-

Figure 6 is a detail view of a portion of the coin control shown in another position from that illustrated in Figure 4. 1

' Figure 7 is a detail view of a portion of the regulating release mechanism for the control wheel.

Figure 8 is' a detail endview of this control mechanism.

. Figure 9 is a detail view of a locking device for the control mechanism, showing the same in its v relationship to the control wheel.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the wiring connections.

Figure v11 is a detail view of a',means for preventing rebound of the control wheels.

Figure 12 is a partial view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, but illustrating the control wheel and its appurtenances in a diflerent POSI- tion.

Figure 13 is a side elevation in more detail of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure. 2 illustrating more particularly the release mechanism for the control wheel. 1

Figure 14 is a bottom view of this release mechanism, also showing part of Y the control wheel and some of its appiu'tenancesv Figure 15 is a detail side view of the coin control mechanism somewhat similar to that shown in Figure 1, but illustrating the same in the position of Figure 6.

As shown in the drawings:

The reference numeral 60 indicates generally 'the supporting plate for the improved coin control apparatus of this invention, the same having a pin i2 positioned centrally thereof and pro- 40 jecting forwardly therefrom as best shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4. 1

Upon this pin 52 is rotatably mounted a control wheel E4, the same being provided with teeth l6 extending around its periphery, the teeth I6 being one hundred and five in number, and thereby making provision for the playing of a maximum number of twenty-one balls each by a number of players ranging from one to five inelusive.

The toothed wheel :4 is adapted to be rotated about the shaft [2 in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed as shown in Figure 1 by means or a pawl i8,-which pawl is operated by means of a relay 2!, this relay being set into operation by M means of electrical contact elements in the ball return way and which contacts are closed wheni ever a ball is returned to thebowler via the runway.

There are two of these contacts in the runway, one being'indicated at 22 in Figure 10 and the other at it.

Were each player to use a predetermined number of balls in bowling against ten frames, the problem of automatic coin control would be quite simple, but on account of the rules of bowling and also on account of the various possibilities of play, thenumber of balls used by a player in bowling against ten frames may vary from a minimum of twelve to a maximum of twenty-one.

In the game of duck pins, as sometimes played, the maximum number of balls rolled may be thirty, and the machine .of this invention can be readily made to handle this contingency.

In order to accommodate the control means to these variousexigencies, a supplementary control element comprising a sectional gear 23, (Figure 1) is also rotatably and independently mount-- ed on the shaft i2 adjacent the main control wheel is and having a diametrically opposite extension it which is for the purpose of preliminarily setting the device to accommodate any desired number of players from one to five inclusive.

The segmental gear 26 is provided with fifteen peripheral teeth 3d of the same size as the teeth it on the main control wheel M, and this segmental gear is moved in a counter-clockwise direction at predetermined times along with the main control wheel it by means of a pusher pin 32 positioned on the main control wheel and which, at'predetermined times, contacts a combined pushing and locking elementt t pivotally mounted on thesectional gear 2t. 7

This combined pushing and locking element 36 ispivotally mounted at at on the segmental gear 2% and includes an inwardly turned hook element 38 into which the pin 32 rides when approaching the segmental gear 28. The plate at with its hook 3B is normally held in a. retracted position to receive the pin at by means of a spring till, and as soon as the pin 32 contacts the hook 88, it moves the plate 34% about the pivot point 8t against the tension of the spring to until such time as the plate at can move no further inasmuch-as the oven-hanging edge of the hook 38 has contacted theedge of the segment 26. When this occurs, a

, spring-impelled latch it pivotally mounted on the under-iaceof the segment 26 fits under a corresponding extension of the plate 8%, (Figures 1 and 9) thereby locking the plate M in this position and preventing the pin 32 from moving out of the hook 38. This action locks the segment 26 to the main wheel iii and causes them to move together from that time on.

A pawl M is also provided adapted to ride in the teeth 30 of the segmental gear 26 whereby undesirable retroactive movement of both the wheel It and the segment 36 is prevented until such time as this pawl is released.

After the segment 26 has been thus locked into position to move along with the main wheel it, further operation of the pawl i8 causes both these elements to move along together until such time as an outwardly turned extension M8 on the end of the lever 62 contacts a stop H9 (Figure l), whereupon the latch 42 is again moved to the dotted line position shown in Figure 1, releasing the correspondingly in-turned locking end of the aliases clockwise movement or the entire mechanism and correspondingly indicates the end of play, after which the insertion of additional coins into the device is necessary before play can be resumed.

At about the same time that the pin 32 is entering the hook 38, another pin I36 on the main control wheel M is riding over the cammed face of an element ltd (Figure 9), which element is pivotally mounted at I31 to the rear face of the segment 25. This cam action pushes a hook element I38 on the further end of the lever I36 upwardly, allowinga locking pin its which is fastened on the element M to ride out from under the hook E38, accordingly permitting movement of the end of the latch t2 into the full line position shown in Figure 1, thereby allowing the locking relationship between the'segment 26 and the control wheel it heretofore described.

While the control wheel I is being moved in a counter-clockwise direction by the action of the pawl it, it operates to tension a helical spring 65 (Figures 3 and 4) connected therewith and with the plate it and positioned about the shaft i2, and the tension of this spring thereupon acts to return the control wheel to its normal original position upon release of a locking pawl t8 (Figures 2, 8, and 9) which acts against the control wheel i i in a manner similar to the action of the pawl iii! against the segmental gear 26.

These two pawls it and it are both pivotally mounted on a carriage 5% which carriageincludes a pair of sleeves 52 slidably mounted on shafts M and spring-pressed into normal retracted position by means of a spring 56.

Also mounted on the carriage fill-E2 is a pinion 68 which goes into mesh with the teeth on the segment 2% when the carriage, Bil-52 is pushed to the left as shown in Figure 2, which movement at the same time releases the pawls 4i and i8 from contactwith their respective toothed wheels rearwardly. extending pin 80 which operates against a stop 82 which stop is so positioned with regard to the pinion 68 that the same is allowed a maximum rotation of only three teeth upon being meshed with the teeth of the segmental gear 26 after the substantially simultaneous release of the pawls M and 68 contingent upon the outward shifting movement of the carriage Et-M. The pinion 58 with its pin 60 is normally retracted against a stop 83 by a spring 65 on the shaft 59.

'I'his outward shifting movement of the carriage 50-52 is, accomplished by means of an offset bell crank lever 67-69 pivoted at 64 (Figure 2) and which is pivotally connected adjacent its forward end to a link 66, this link, in turn, being pivotally mounted on the upper end of the armature 68 of a control magnet or relay I0.

This relay ill is directly connected to the coincontrol and is operated every time an individual coin is inserted intoa coin opening H and the operating lever i2 pushed inwardly. (Figures 4 and 6.) v

The coin-control mechanism includes, besides the opening ii in the slide I2, a pivoted guard it (Figure 2) which is for the double purpose of preventing operation without a coin and also to prevent operation of the device by means of metal washers. This ,pivoted guard l5 drops into the opening H upon inward motion of the slide 12 in the event that there is no coin in the plate M. This marks the end of the counter-'- "opening or if the same contains a washer having 10 i coin is forcibly pushed downwardly by means of such time as the slot with the contained coin comes directly over a corresponding. opening I! in the plate beneath the slide 12 whereby the a spring-pressed finger 19 which is released for this purpose by reason of the fact thata support 2| which forms an extensionof a pivoted plate 23 from contact with a spring-pressed latch 33 (Figure 1), which latch 33 then rides inwardly into operative contact with a coin shelf 35, (Figure 2) which coin shelf has been depressed by the action of the finger l9 pushingagainst a coin thereon, and the latch 33 operates to hold this shelf in such depressed position until the slide 12 has had an opportunity to be returned to normal outward position by action of its spring 31.

In order to allow sufllcient time for operation of the various parts between successive insertions of coins, a speed governing mechanism is attached to the slide 12, (Figure this being in the form of a rack 13 fixed on the slide, which rack is in mesh with a pinion on a gear 14, the gear, in turn, driving a speed governor 15 of any approved or conventional design. The liberated coin drops into a chute H.

Depression of the coin shelf 35 also operates a cam 39 which is integral therewith (Figure 2) which cam acts to accordingly close the contactsof an electric switch. This switch is also shown in Figure as connected to the magnet 10. Therefore, each time a coin is placed in the device and the slide 12 operated, the magnet 10 is electrically-connected to a source of current, and this, through the [bell-crank lever 61-69, moves the carriage 50 outwardly, allowing the segment 26 to shift clockwise for a distance corresponding to three of its teeth. Aspring 43 is 5052 is shifted to the left. The control wheel i4 is provided on its rear face with five pins 45 held in position by means of nuts 41 andspaced equi distantly apart, the space between each of the pins corresponding to twenty-one of the teeth [6. The wheel [4 being, therefore, free to move, it is rotated in a clockwise direction by means of the tension of its spring 46, and this motion continues until one of the pins 45 contacts a receiving slot formed in a stop element 49 mounted on the carriage 50 as best shown in Figure 8, the

carriage 50 being then in its forward position.

This stop element is pivotally mounted on the carriage Bil at El and is held in position to receive any one of the pins 45 by means of a spring 53 and a stop pin 55 which operates against an extension of the element 49. A cushion 51 is 'iixed in a holder on the carriage 50 so as to eliminate undue noise in this operation.

A latch I8 is pivotally mounted on a bracket I45 which bracket is fixed on the plate I 0, and this latch 16 is mounted adjacent the cammed lower end of the pivoted locking element 49 for the main control wheel I4 (Figure 11). The lower and of the latch '85 is also cammed so as to readily ride over the correspondingly curved face of the lower end of the element l9,'this occurring whenever one of the looking pins 4,5 on the control wheel [4 fits into the slotted upper end of the element 49 and tiltsit about its pivot 5| into position with the bumper 51. (Figure '8.) The latch iii-then assumes the position shown in Figwe 11, looking the element 43 in position against the bumper or stop 51 and retaining the pin 45 between the two extensions i 46 and I41 on the element 49. This prevents either backward or forward movement of the wheel (4 until such time as the carriage 50-4 is released by the de-energizing of the magnet 10, whereupon the element 49 moves rearwardly out of engagement with the pin 45, and also out of engagement with the latch 16, thereby allowing this element 49- to resume its normal position as indicated in Figure 8, and permitting a further movement either backward or forward of the wheel H, depending upon whether play is begun or whether still another coin is inserted into the device to provide for an additional player.

It will thus be seen that the control wheel I is allowed to move in a clockwise direction for a space of twenty-one teethevery time a coin is inserted in the mechanism, and at the same time, the segment 26 is allowed to move in a clockwise direction for a space of three teeth. Obviously, if five coins are inserted, the wheel l4 makes a complete revolution and the segment it moves the entire limit of its possible shifting motion of fifteen teeth, and if any intermediate number of coins is inserted, a correspondingly intermediate movement takes place. While the segment 25 is thus moving clockwise, its complimentary ment 28 with five large teeth 'i'l thereon (Figure l) is moving with it, and-the teeth ii will, in turn, ride over a pivoted cam 18 mounted on a bracket I9 which is, in turn, pivoted at 86 on supports 8| on the main plate l0. (Figure 3.) The relationship of the teeth "IT and the cam 'IB is such that no positive action of any associated parts takes place at this time.

0n the return movement of the segment 28, however, the cam 18, being allowed to pivot. in only one direction on account of encountering a stop 82 (Figure l), necessarily rides under the inclined faces of the teeth 11, and its pivoted supporting bracket, together with the associated stop 82, is pushed outwardly, thereby making a contact between two points 83 of a'spring switch 84 (Figures 1 and 3). The bracket I9 is held in normal position by means of a spring 85.

Also, when the bracket 19 is being moved rearwardly by the action of the teeth 11 in their counter-clockwise movement, this bracket contacts a pivoted arm 86 which, in turn, forms .part of a lever 81, the lever being pivotallyi' mounted on a .post 88 fixed on the plate M (Fig- I This lever $1 has a bent-over inner end on which the arm 85 is pivotally mounted by means of a screw or the like ti, and a spring @2 tends to force the arm 86 into close relationship with the bracket 19 at all times. Obviously, an outward movement of the bracket 19 turns the arm 86 about its pivot point M, thereupon allowing the spring 89 to move the upper end of the lever 81 inwardly about its pivot 88. If, as shown in Figure 1, the switch contact spring 93 is in lifted position on account of a projection as .of an armature Q5 contacting therewith, the insulating end 96 of the lever 31 will ride under the spring switch element 53, and accordingly keep it away from a corresponding switch contact element 91. If, however, the arm 95 is in downward position on account-of the energizing of the magnet 98, which takes place when any pin is standing, the end of the arm 8'3 will simply abut against the up-turned end of the switch spring 93 which thereby prevents any further inward movement of this arm and the switch t3-tl thereupon remains closed.

This magnet 98 is in circuit with a. series of ten contact elements mounted in the spots upon which the bowling pins are positioned on the bowling alley and which series of contacts is indicated at 99 in Figure 10. When any or all the pins are in position, current is delivered to the magnet 98 which accordingly draws its arm 95 downwardly whereupon any action of the arm 81-96 to hold open the switch contact 93-9115 prevented.

'The magnet H5 is operated only when the players are bowling against their last frame or frames, and if a player makes a strike on this last frame, the pins, being all knocked down, circuit to the magnet 98 is broken and the armature 95 is raised, opening the'switch 93--l. If the player makes a spare, this same action takes place on his second ball. i

Therefore, when the switch 93-91 is open, the end 96 of the arm 87 is allowed to ride under the element 93, thereby holding this switch open, permitting play of one more ball. This is ac-' complished because the switch 83-91 is in the same circuit as the second ball contact element 2d which otherwise would operate the pawl it moving the wheel M up a final notch and thereby opening the switch I2I-I22 and shutting off the p ay.

As best shown in Figure l, the pawl I8 which is operated by means of the magnet 20 shifts the feed wheel It in a counter-clockwise direction through a distance equal to the extent of one of its teeth every time an electrical current is caused to flow through the magnet 20, this being accomplished whenever a ball is returned to the bowler, inasmuch as the bail runs over a switch contact element 22 positioned in the runway. Aseconcl contact switch element 2 4 is also positioned in the runway but, at any time before the last frame, does not operate the magnet 21] unless the switch 99 is open which means that all of the pins have been knocked down by one ball. In this event, the'pawl i8 is given two impulses, and the wheel It is accordingly moved through a distance of two of its teeth. The two switches 22 and 26 can be reversed, dependingv upon the original positioning of a switch I08.

The pawl It operates against a stop I00 adapted to prevent over-throw, and the link ml, by means of which this pawl is operated, is connected by means of a link I02 to a device which alternately opens and closes a switch ass. This alternate switch I53 is either definitely open or closed immediately after the insertion of acoin into the device, the open positioning being accomplished byreason of the end Mil of the arm -81 (Figure 2) pushing the end of a trip MI downwardly,-in the event that this trip is in an upper position at that time, thereby preparing in advance for the contingency ofthe player making what is called a strike on the first ball.

If it is desired that this switch be preliminarily in closed position, this can be accomplished by an according regulation of the trip element MI and its associated parts together with a reversal of the relativeposition of the switches 22 and 24 in the return gulley, all as explained above.

In addition to having the magnet 98 in the pin circuit, a magnet I I2 is also in this circuit'and its armature M2 is in downward position when any pin is standing. This position opens a switch lit-lid which is normally closed (Figure 10), when no pins are standing. The switch I It-I It is on the same line as the switch I03 and also in this circuit is a switch construction Its-I27 (Figure 1) mounted on the segment Mi. when all three of these switches are closed, a ball passing over the second contact 24 in the returnway will again actuate the magnet, as the contact 26 is also in this circuit. This is the reason for the alternately operating switch M3, as it is not desired to have the contact 24 operate the pawl It if a second ball is used. on any frame.

If, however, the player does not succeed in knocking down all the pins, the pawl I8 is operated only once by the first ball rolling over the first contact 22, and this pawl I8, through its associated links IQI and I02, pulls the switch closing element I06 around its pivot point I05, thereby closing the switch I03. At the same time, a pivoted arm I06 has its inner end moved downwardly by the action of the link I02 and the outer end Ml of this arm thereupon contacts the lowermost element of the switch I03 and holds the switch in closed position. At the next operation of the magnetfili, the link I02, again moving downwardly, carries the finger cam i0! along with it, the end of which finger cam operates in a slot formed in the end of ,a pawl I08 which pawl is pivotally mounted on the end of the element MI, the rear end of whichis formed with a notch vIIB into which a pin fixed on the rar face of the element I06 fits when the-inner end of the element M8 and the inner end of the element I98 are both in lowermost position.

The finger Ifl'l operates to contact the end of the element I06 and push the same downjwardly upon each alternating movement of the finger, this downward pushing operation being prevented upon every other alternate movement oi the linger on account of its having ridden onto the slot in the end of the pawl I08, and its downward movement out of this notch itself is such that it.rides overthe face of the element I08 rather than contact the edge thereof.

When the player is nearing the end of his game, and is bowling against-the last frame with his second ball, the switch 03 is closed, and currentfirst ball in the last frame, he is entitled to roll a second ball in any event. If he then makes a 75 spare, he is entitled to a third ball. But, ii. he

makes neither a spare nor a strike on his last V frame,the operator of the magnet II5 automatiswitches just described will automatically take care of any such contingency of play.

After all the balls have been ,rolled, and depending upon the nature of the game played, the segment 26 will have been returned to its normal position by the action of the wheel I6 carrying the same along with it in its rotation after the pin 32 contacts the stop 38 and the device shall then have reassumed the position shown in Figure 1 wherein the segment 26 contacts the end of a link I20 which is mounted on one element I 2I of a switch I2'I-I22 (Figure 4) which switch is then opened, shutting ofi the entire device and a signal light I23 which was lighted when the operation was instituted upon the insertion of the first coin.

If the bowling alley is of the sort known as automatic or semi-automatic which are operated by means of a motor, such a motor may be inserted into the circuit as shown at I24, and this, of course, is also automatically started .and stopped in conjunction with the signal light I23. At the same time that the pin 32 contacts the stop 38 (Figures 1 and 12) and begins to put the segment 26 into motion, an insulated breaker element I25 separates thecontact. elements I26 and I21 of the switch which is mounted on the segment in the form of the two arcuate metal bands I28 and I29, and with which there are always in contact two corresponding metal arms I30 and I3I respectively. The opening of this switch breaks the circuit to the second contact 24 in the returnway, eliminating this circuit when the players start in the last frames. At this time, the circuits associated with the magnets 98 and H5 are put into operation.

Referring to Figure '10, it will be'seen that when the shelf 35-is depressed, following the insertion of a coin into the mechanism I2, an electrical connection is made between the switch points 4 I thereby energizing the magnet I0, this magnet being connected directly into the main power line I50, as shown, bymeans of wires I5I and I52. Energization' of the magnet I operates the lever 61, shifting the carriage 50, whereby the main control wheel I4 is released and allowed to move in a': clockwise direction for a distance of 21 teeth, as previously described. Insertion of another coin allows a further movement of the main wheel I4 for a distance of another 21 teeth, and upon each of these operations, the segment 26 with its. opposed attached segment 28, is correspondingly moved in a clockwisedirection through.

a distance equal to one of the teeth I! the coin I8 fitting into a corresponding notch upon each such movement. Y

The initial clockwise movement of the when I4 and the corresponding motion of the projection I20 thereon, effects a closing of the main switch I2I-I22, as-illustrated, and the pins I53 beingon and depressing the" contacts 99, a current flow is also accordingly established through these contacts through the wire I54 and thence,

through thewire I55, to the magnet II2, which moves its armature I42 to the lowered position,

as shown, whereby the switch II3-II4 is disconnected. The current also fiows on up to the;

armature II5, but on account of the fact that the wire I56, leading from this armature, terminates at the open switch point 83, no action results here at thistime. The current also goes on to the armature 98 and thence through the wire I51 to the signal light I23 and/or the inc-- tor I24.

In the position of the element 81-96 "shown, depression of the armature 95 closes the switch 93--9I, the contact point 91 being connected by means of a wire I63 to the wire I54, which branches to the main switch contact/I22 on the one hand and to the . ball contacts 22 and 24 on the other hand, also to the pin switch contacts 99 and the.alternately operated switch contact However, owing to the fact that the switch II6Il| is open at this time, no action results from the closing of the contacts 93 91.

The branch wire I58 leading to the switch point which accomplish this alternate opening and closing being best shown at the right in Figure 1. Some of the essential parts are also fllustrated in Figure 10.

When the bowling operation begins, it may be assumed that some of the pins I53 are knocked down upon the rolling of the first ball I59 which is then returned to the bowler, and in its progress along the return rails, passes over .the contact point. 22 closing this connection as shown in Figure 10. The wire I64 leads from thisswitch 22 up to the magnet 20 and thence through a wire I65 down to the corresponding branch of the main line I50. The other side of the switch leads through a wire I66 and I6! to the switch I'I3 which, because of the fact that the pins remain on the points 99, is still open.. Also another branch I68 of the wire leads to the switch contact II'I which'is also open. Hence, no action results from the contact of the ball I59 with the switch 22 if any pins I53 are left standing on the area. The ball, however, on its further progress down the return rail; closes the switch 24 which is also connected to the same wire I64 leading to the magnet 20 and thence back to themain line. The other side of this I switch 24 is connected with the wire I54 which runs upthrough the closed switch I 2I-I22 and opened so that if the bowler does succeed in knocking down the remaining pins'on the next shot, his return ball will not operate the pawl I8- through the closing of the switch 22, but-the closing of the switch 24 will operate in the same manner as before.

However, should the bowler at thisor any other time, make what is known as a strike,

namely the knocking down of all the pins upon the rolling of one ball, the contacts 99 will be opened,- thereby releasingthe solenoid of the ing the wheel it through the distance of two notches whenever. a strike is made. In the meantime, of course, the preceding operation of the magnet 20 and the pawl It with associated parts will close the switch ms-ms. In other words, the switch Hit-I08 must be always closed at the beginning of each so-called "frame". This is to assure against an extra operation of the switch 22 when the pins have been knocked down on the second shot, making what is known as a spare", thereby closing the switch lit-H6 and whichconnectionwould normally again operate the magnet 20 if it were not for the fact that the switch lit-4M was openat that time.

At the beginning of the tenth frame, there are several possibilities which may occur.- The bowler may knockvdownall the pins with his first ball,-in which event'he is entitled to two more shots, or he may make what is known as a spare on his second bail, thereby entitling him to one extra shot. .It is here that the pawl I8 comes into play, but this does not occur until after the last ball on the ninth frame has been rolled'and returned, and passes over the contact 2i, Movement of the sector 28 due to contact of the projection 82 with .the element 24 caused by the operation of the pawl i8 following aforesaid closing of the switch 24 which preliminarily separates the contacts WG-42? andbecause of the operation of the pawl It, will then cause the pawl F8 to ride part way out of the particular I notch II in which it may be situated at the time depending upon the number of the players, and

this outward movement closes the switch 82-84, and at the same time operates to force the jointed'lever 88-81-98 inwardly. This is the first operation. due to the return of the first ball of the last frame for a corresponding number of players depending upon the number of players who started. Opening of the switch fli -I21 will eliminate any further current-carrying operations of the intermittent switch flit-4M regardless of its physical position from that time I on and will also eliminate any electrical operation of the wires connected to the switch points 8 and H4 regardless of the physical position of the armature I52.

Current flowing through the wire I58 from the main line IN) to the switch point 86 will then pass to the wire {56 through the solenoid H5 operating its armature i it and closing a switch i ii. Current flows from the solenoid i it through the wire We to thepin contacts, and if these [are closed, back to the main line. However, this positioning does not occur until after the rolling and return of the first ball in the last frame because the contact 32 moves the element 36-38 upwardly'through the distance of one notch .in

the wheel it before contact is made with the sector 26. vIn this manner, the switch l26-i27 is opened by the last mu of the ninth frame, and the closing of the switch 88-83 does not take place until after'the return of the first ball in the tenth frame. If the pins are not all knocked down upon the rolling of the first ball in the last frame, the return of the ball when passing ovrtheswitch 22 will not operate the pawl it. When the switch H1 is closed-due to the presence of pins on the alley and after operation of the-switch 2t by the first hall the the pins completely.

a,11s,sos. J

l'ast frama'a connection will 'bemade through the wire I66 to the first ball contact switch 22, and thence by wayof the wire itd to the solenoid 20 and the wire l65.bac k to the main line. On the other side, current .will flow through the switch 93-41 through the wire I63 back through v the switch i2il22 to the main line. i of course, will operate the solenoid 20 when the This,

ball contacts the first switch 22, and obviously the second ball switch will always be operated This, occurs if neither astrike nor a spare is made in the last frame, whereupon these two movements of the control wheel H4 willbring it back to its original position opening the switch l2i-l22 which thereupon shuts off the mo- Closing of the switch 24, however, will operate the pawl 18 moving the sector 28 through afurther distance and causing the element 82 to force the jointed lever 86-46 beneath the extension of the switch contact 93, thereby holding the switch 93-91 openregardless of the position of the armature 96. This eliminates operation of the switch 22 before the return of the following two balls or the remainder of that frame.

. In the event that the player makes a spare, namely, knocking down part of the pins on the first ball and the remainder'on the'seoondball, "the contacts 98 are closed for the first ball, thereby, on the second ball opening the switchii'l and-also opening the switch 33-", the contact 22 being broken, nothing ppensat this point, but on closing of the swi 24. the ele- 93 on the first ball, and the pins being knocked ofi in making a spare, breaks the circuit "-11, permitting the element 08 to ride beneath the projection of the contact a, thereby holding the circuit open, permitting the playof one more ball.

Itwillbeseenthsthereinisprovideds posi-- tive coin control for bowling alleys which will automatically take care of the needs of any num-" ber of players from one to five upon the insertion of the corresponding number of coins into the device and which will operate pomtiveiy and correctly regardless of the variations in play caused by the luck or skill of the players and-the corresponding rules'oi' the game applicable to manner in handling the exigencies of play which may occur toward the end of each playerfs frame constitutes another important feature as the apparatus automatically provides for a required or necessary number of balls to complete the play of each and every individual user m rdless of whether he makes strikes, spares or even misses 'The apparatus will also properly take care of the play of any number of players from one to five regardless of whether or not they observe a predetermined sequence in rolling'their balls. against the pin. with slight mdifications and variations, this coincontrol an attendant countins mechanism maybe apment' 9% rests against the end of the projection direction upon the insertion of a coin into the plied to operations and games other than bowling and is particularly applicable whenever an automatic control is required for a variable or varying number of operations which cannot be predetermined in advance, but which by their own.

variations cause themachine to assume and control certain situations as they arise.

I am aware that many changes may be made and numerous details of construction varied throughout a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and I, therefore, do not purpose limiting the patent granted herein otherwise than as necessitated by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a bowling alley, having the usual pins;

pin-spots, balls and return gulley, electrical contacts forming part of the pin spots on the alley. and controlled by the pins, electrical contacts in the gulley controlled by the balls as they return through the gulley, means for automatically indicating the stopping of the play at the end often frames for each player regardless of the number of balls used in said frames, said means including a notched control wheel and an electrical circuit, coin-controlled means for preliminarily moving the wheel a predetermined distance in a clockwise direction and closing the circuit, and electrical connections, between the wheel and pin spots, said connections including magnets and associated pawls for operating the toothed wheel. 2. In a bowling alley, having-the usual pins, pin-spots, balls and return gulley, electrical contacts forming part of the pin spots in the alley, further electrical contacts on the gulley controlled by the balls returning through the gulley,

means for automatically indicating the stoppingof the play at the end of ten frames for each player regardless of the number of balls used in said frames, said means including toothed control wheels and an electrical circuit, release, coin-controlled means for preliminarily moving at least one of the control wheels a predetermined distance in a clockwise direction and closing thecircuit, means for allowing the'wheels to'move in one direction, magnets for the release means, and contact elements in the coin control connected to the magnets.

3. In a bowling alley, having the usual pins, pin-spots, balls and return gulley, electrical contacts forming partof the pin spots in the alley,

further electrical contacts onthe gulley controlled by the balls returning through the gulley, means for automatically indicating the stopping of the play at the end of ten frames for each player regardless of the number of balls used in.

said frames, said means including toothed control wheels and an electrical circuit, release, coincontrolled means for preliminarily movingatleast one of the control wheels a predetermined distance in a clockwise direction and closing the circuit, means for allowing the wheels to move in one direction, magnets for the release means, and I device, and closing the circuit and contact plates forming part of the pin spots in the alley, a return'gulley for, the balls, ball-operated switches in the return gulleys, magnets and pawls assoe ciated with the toothed device for forward release and rearward operation of same,and electrical connections between the contact plates, return gulleys and magnets.

5. In a coin-operated bowling alley, having the usual pins and balls, metallic spots for the pins and a return gulley for the balls, a pair of electrical contacts in the return gulley, controlled by the balls as they return through the gulley means for indicating stopping of play at the end,

of ten frames for each player regardless of the number of balls used in the frames, said means including a notched control wheel and an electrical circuit, coin-controlled means for moving the notched wheel a predetermined distance in a clockwise direction upon the insertion of a single coin into the device, and at the same time, closing the circuit, and means for moving the control wheel further predetermined distances upon the insertion of additional coins, the circuit remaining closed means for feeding the wheel a step at a time in a counter-clockwise direction upon the return of each ball rolled, and means for moving the wheel two notches upon the return of a ball whenever a play occurs which eliminates the necessity of rolling a second. ball to complete a frame, said means including a magnet and pawl associated with the wheel/and i the end of ten frames for eachplayer regardless of the number of balls used in the frames, said means including a notched control wheel, coincontrolled means for preliminarily moving the notched wheel a predetermined distance in a clockwise direction and closing the circuit, means for feeding the wheel a step at a time in a counter-clockwise direction upon' the return of each ball rolled, and means for moving the wheel two notches upon the return of a ball whenever a play occurs which eliminates the necessity of rolling a second ball to complete a frame, said means including a magnet and pawl associated with the wheel and electricalconnectlons between the pin spots and the switches in the ball return gulleys.

7. In a coin-operated device for bowling alleys having the usual pins, pin spots, balls and return gulley, means for indicating the stopping of play at the end of ten frames for each player regardless of the number of balls used in a frame,

. said means including a notched control wheel and an electrical circuit, means for preliminarily, moving the wheel a predetermined distance in a clockwise direction upon the insertion of a coin into the device, contact means associated with each pin on the alley, further contact means in the ball return gulley, and magnet-operated pawls electrically connected with said contact means for feeding the wheel in a counter-clockwise direction upon the return of each ball together with an auxiliary alternately operated switch operated in conjunction with the magnet and pawl and connected to the switches in the return gulley for controlling extra ball operation.

or play at the end of tenframes for each player regardless of the number of balls used in a frame,

said means including a notched control wheel and an electrical circuit, means for preliminarilymoving the wheel a predetermined distance in a clockwise direction upon the insertion of a coin into the device, contact means associated with each pin on the alley, further contact means in the ball return gulley, and magnet-operated pawls electrically connected with said contact means for feeding the wheel in a counter-clockwise vdirection upon the return of each ball, an

- auxiliary alternately operated switch operated in conjunction with the magnet and pawl and connected to the switches in the return gulley for controlling extra ball operation, and means for preliminarily setting saidswitch into a predetermined position immediately after the inser-z tion or a coin into the device. I

9. In a coin-operated device for bowling alleys having the usual pins, pin spots, balls and return gulley, means for indicating the stopping of play at the end of ten frames for each player regardless of the number oi balls used in a frame, said means including a notched control wheel and an electrical circuit, means for preliminarily moving the wheel a predetermined distance in a clockwise direction upon the insertion ,of a coin into the device, said means including a switch associated with and operated by the coininlet, a magnet and pawls for releasing the wheel for clockwise motion, electrical connections between said magnet and the coin-controlled switch, electrical contact means associated with each pin on the alley, further contact means in the ball return gulley. and magnet-operated pawls electrically connected withsaid contact means for feeding the wheel in a counter-clockwise direction upon the return of each ball, an auxiliary alternately operated switch operated in conjunction with the magnet and pawl and connected to the switches in the return gulley for controlling extra ball operation, and means tor preliminarily setting said switch into a predetermined position immediately after the insertion oiia coin into the device. v

10. In a coin-operated bowling alley control,

"means for indicating the stopping of play. at the end of ten frames for each player regardless of l -the number or ballsused in a frame, said means including anotched control wheel, electrical contact means associated with each pin on the alley together with ffurther electrical contact means in the ball return gulley. and magnet-operated pawls I electrically connected with said contactmeans for feeding the wheel in a counter-clock wise directionupon the return of each ball, an

auxiliary alternately operated switch operated in conjunction with the magnet and pawl and connected to, the switches in the return gulley for controlling extra ball operation, means-for preliminarily setting saidswitoh into a predetermined position after the insertion of a coin-into the device, a further switch associated with and operated by the coin inlet, a

magnet and pawls for releasing the wheel for clockwise motion,"electrical connections between said magnet and the coin-control switch, a main switch, and means for automatically closing the main switch upon the first clockwise movement of the control whwl.

anaeos 11. In a bowling alley having the usual pins, pin-spots, balls and return gulley, means for indicating the stopping of play at the end of ten frames for each player regardless of the number '0! balls used in a frame, said means including a notched control wheel and an electrical circuit.

coin-controlled means for preliminarily moving the wheel a. predetermined distance in a clockwise direction upon the insertion of a coin, electrical contact means associated with each pin I I on the alley, further contact means in the ball return gulley controlled, by the balls as they return through the gulley. and magnet-operated 'pawls electrically connected with said contact means for feeding the wheel in a counter-clockwise direction upon the returnof each ball together with an auxiliary alternately operated switch operated in conjunction with the magnet and pawl and connected to the switches in the return gulley for controlling extra ball operation, means for preliminarily setting said switch into a predetermined position immediately after the insertion of a coin, a switch associated with and operated by the coin inlet, a magnet and pawls last playing ball down the return gulley.

12. In a bowling alley having the usual pins, pin spots, balls and return gulley, coin-controlled means associated with the alley for automatically indicating the number of balls to be used according to the' play, said means including a toothedv wheel, and means for preliminarily set-' ting the wheel according to the number oi players, said means including a coin-operated switch;

a magnet electrically connected to the switch, and a set of release pawls and ratchet wheels operated by the magnet and operatively associated with the periphery oi the toothed wheel, together with a segmental wheel rotatably mounted for operativeassociation with the toothed wheel, and electrical switch opening and closing means on the segmental wheeL'and two sets of auxiliary control teeth in said segmental wheel, one set of control teeth being larger than the others, and a pawl operatively associated with said larger teeth, and meansfor releasing the sector for movement over the pawl audits interfitting into a corresponding space between the teeth on the insertion of'each coin into the machine.

13. In a bowling alley having the usual pins, pin

spots, balls and return gulley, coin-controlled means associated with the alley for automatically indicating the number of balls to be used according to the-play, said means including a toothed wheel, and means for preliminarily setting the wheelfaccording to the number of players, said means including a coin-operated switch, a magnet electrically connected to the switch, and a set of. release pawls and ratchet wheels operated by the magnet and operatively associated with the periphery of the toothed wheel, together with a segmental wheel rotatably mounted for operative association with the toothed wheel, and electrical switch opening and closing means on the segmental wheel. and two sets ofauxiliary control teeth in said segmental wheel, one set oi control teeth being larger than the others, and

a pawl operatively associated with said larger teeth, and means for releasing the sector for movement over the pawl and its interfitting into a corresponding space between the teeth on the insertion of each coin into the machine, and switch means for regulating the play of extra balls associated with the pawl.

'14, In -a bowling alley having theusual pins, pin spots, balls and return gulley, coin-controlled means associated with the alley for automatically indicating the number of balls to be used according to the play, said means including a toothed wheel, and means for preliminarily setting the wheel according to the number of.players, said means including a coin-operated switch, a magnet electrically connected to the switch, and a set of. release pawls and ratchet wheels operatedby the magnet and operatively associated with the periphery of the toothed wheel, together with a segmeans associated with the ,alley for automatically. indicating the number of balls to be used according to the play, said means including a toothed wheel, and means for preliminarily setting the wheel according to the number of players, said means including a coin-operated switch, a magnet electrically connected to the switch, and a set of release pawls and ratchet wheels operated by the magnet and operativ'ely associated with the periphery of the toothed wheel, together with a segmental wheel rotatably mounted for operative association with the toothed wheel, the segmental wheel being in a plane parallel to the plane of the toothed wheel but freely rotatable relatively thereto, and means for rotating the segmental wheel concurrently with the toothed wheel beginning with the playing of the tenth frame, to-

gether with current-carrying switches on the segmental wheel, and mechanical means for automatically opening andclosing said switches upon movement of the segmental wheel into a predetermined position.

16. In a bowling alley having the usual pins, pin spots, balls and return gulley. coin-controlled means associated with the alley for, automatically indicating the number of balls to be used according to the play, said means including a toothed -wheel, and means for preliminarily setting the wheel according to the number oi players, said means including a coin-operated switch, a magnet electrically connected to the switch, and a set of release pawls and ratchet wheels operated by themagnet and operatively associated with the periphery of the toothed wheel, together with a segmental wheel rotatably mounted for operative association with the toothed wheel, the segmental wheel being ina plane parallel tothe plane of. the toothed wheel but freely rotatable relatively thereto, and means for rotating the segmental wheel concurrently with the toothed, wheel beginning with the playing of the tenth v 9 frame, together with current-carrying switches on the segmental wheel, and mechanical means for automatically opening .and closing sfiiid ,switches'upon movement of the segmental wheel into a predetermined position, and control magnets connected with the switch contacts on said segmental wheel.

1'7. In a bowling alley having the usual'pins, pin spots, balls and return gulley,.coin-controlled means associated with the alley for automatically indicating the number of balls to be used according to the play, said means including a toothed wheel, and means for preliminarily set-.

ting the wheel according to-the number of players, said means including a coin-operated switch, a magnet electrically connected to the switch, and a set of release pawls and ratchet wheels operated by the magnet and operatively associated with the periphery of the toothed wheel, together with a segmental wheel rotatably mounted for operative association with the toothed wheel, the segmental wheel being in a plane. parallel to the plane of the toothed wheel but freely rotatable relatively thereto, and means for rotating the segmental wheel concurrently with the toothed wheel beginning with the playing of the tenth frame, together with currentcarrying switches on the segmental wheel, and

mechanical means for automatically opening and closing said switches upon movement of the segmental wheel into a predetermined position, and

, control magnets connected with the switch-contacts on said segmental wheel, electrical contact means for the pins on the alley, and current-- carrying connections between the switches on the segmental wheel and the pin contact means.

18. In a bowling alley having the usual pins, pin spots, balls and return g'ulley, coin-controlled means associated 'with the alley for automatically indicating the number of balls to be used according to the play, said means including a toothed wheel, and means for preliminarily setting the wheel according to the number of players,

said means including a coin-operated switch,a magnet electrically connected-to the switch, and a set of release pawls and ratchet wheels operated by the magnet and operatively associated with the periphery of the toothed wheel, together with a segmental wheel rotatably mounted for operative association with the toothed wheel. the segmental wheel being in a plane parallel to the plane of the toothed wheel but freely rotatable relatively thereto, and means for rotating the segmental wheel concurrently with the toothed wheel beginning with the playing of the tenth frame, together with current-carrying switches on the segmental wheel, and mechanical means for automatically opening and closing said switches upon movement of the segmental wheel into a predetermined position, and control magnets connected with the switch contacts on said segmental wheel, electrical contact means for the pins on the alley, and current-carrying connections between the switches on'the segmental wheel and the pin contact means, together withfurther electrical switches in the ball-return gulleys, and connections between said switches and the switches carried on and operated bythe segmental wheel. LOUIS I".

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