US2972479A

US2972479A - Bowling pin and ball elevating mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2972479A
Application number: US644493A
Authority: US
Inventors: Henry C Congelli; Robert L Holloway; Alfred E Levendoski
Original assignee: AMF Inc
Current assignee: AMF Inc
Priority date: 1957-03-07
Filing date: 1957-03-07
Publication date: 1961-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 1978-02-21

Description

Feb. 21, 1961 H. c. coNGl-:LLI ErAL 2,972,479

BOWLING PIN AND BALL ELEVATING MEcHANrsM s sheets-sheet 1 Filed March 7, 1957 Feb. 21, 1961 H. c. coNGl-:LLI ErAL 2,972,479

BOWLING PIN AND BALL ELEVATING MECHANISM v Filed March 7, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS HENRY C. CONGELLI ROBERT L. HOLLOWAY Feb. 2l, 1961 H. c. co'NGl-:LLI ErAL 2,972,479

BOWLING PIN AND BALL ELEVATING MECHANISM Filed March 7, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 wmv INVENTORS HENRY C. OONGELLI RQBERT L. HOLLOWAY BY ALRED E. LEVENDOSKI m Feb. 2l, 1961 H. c. coNGELLl ErAL 2,972,479

BOWLING PIN AND BALL ELEVATING MECHANISM Filed March 7, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 M U\\wh,r.1///// o 0J @n wu@ Ng w E NQ m .07h

INVENTORS HENRY C. CONGELLI ROBERT L. HOLLOWAY ALFRED E. LEVENDOSKI 8% Feb. 21, 1961 H. c. coNGELLl ETAL 2,972,479

BOWLING PIN AND BALL. ELEVATING MEcHANIsM Filed March 7, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 NQN m w w? WmQ h, NS.

INVENTORS yHENRY C. CONGELLI ROBERT L. HOLLOWAY BY ALFRED E. LEVENDOSK# Feb. 21, 1961 H. c. coNGELLI ErAL 2,972,479

BOWLING PIN AND BALL ELEVATING MECHANISM Filed March 7, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR S m :Mo LWD LON ELE GLV NOE OHL CLE C.

TD/Mn VIRE RER NBC.. EOL HRAM Feb. 21, 1961 H. c. coNGELLl ETAL 2,972,479

BOWLING PIN AND BALL ELEVATING MECHANISM Filed March 7, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 L L NN @o EN @L s \mv 1 -d :WMM w w...,..um....,.....m.,.......ml Lm Rm u N" .2 N @s @com wk N, we

HENRY C. GONGELLI RT L.. HOLLOWAY ALFRED E. LEVENDOSKI Feb. 21, 1961 H. c. coNGELLl ETAL 2,972,479

BOWLING PIN AND BALL ELNVATING` NECHANISM Filed Maron 7, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTORS HENRY C. GONGELLI ROEERT L. HOLLOWAY By ALFRED E. Leve Dosxl f ,L www Si Il, NN v www 4 3 f M QN u@ @N www www L x f ,www w31 www www mwN ma @QQ SQ www QQ turn the bowling ball.

vBWLING PIN AND BALL ELEVA'UNG MECHANHSM Henry C. Congell, Kenmore, Robert LHolloway, Snyder, and Aifred E. Levendoslri, Depew, NX., assignors to American Machine and Foundry Company, a corporation of New Jersey rires Mai. 7,1957, ser. No. 644,495

1e claims. (ci. 27s- 43) This invention relates to bowling pin spotting machines and more particularly to improvements in mechanism for removing bowling pins and balls from the pit of a bowling alley and elevating them 'to points of discharge above the pit, where preferably first the balls are discharged onto or into a return track for delivery to the bowler and then the pins are discharged into a pin aligning device for 'aligning and transfer to pin distributing mechanism for delivery to a bowling pin spotter. Y

In bowling pin spotting machines and in particular automatic bowling pin spotting machines, it is desirable that bowling pins and bowling balls falling into the pit of a bowling alley be removed as quickly as possible therefrom and the pins delivered toga pin spotter which will spot them on a bowling alley and the balls returned to the bowler in order that the play of a game can continue with a minimum of interruption. In machines provided heretofore for this purpose, in addition to pins and balls having been subjected to hard usage in handling in being conveyed to the pinspotter, an auxiliary device or mechanism has necessarily been employed to elevate and re- The purpose of the present invention therefore is to effect the removal of pins and balls from the pit of a bowling alley by means of a single device or mechanism and the continuous delivery of balls onto the guide rails of a ball return for return to the bowler and the continuous delivery ofthe pins in an aligned arrangement to a pin distributor with a minimum of wear and tear to both pins and balls and a substantial minimization of noise resulting from the h-andling of pins and balls.

According to the preferred form of the present invention pins are delivered from the pit of a bowling alley to a pin and ball handling and conveying mechanism in which each pin is placed or delivered into a double ended pin pocket of the mechanism which is especially adapted for handling duck pins and so designed as to not accept the ball, is firmly held during its transfer from the pit ofl the alley to a point substantially above, where it is released, aligned, and dischargedinto a distributing device for transfer to a pin spotter.

Also, according to the present invention bowling balls are delivered from the pit of a bowling alley to a rotatable pin and ball handling and conveying mechanism having a continuous peripheral channel provided with a-plurality of pin and ball receiving and holding pockets. Each ball placed or delivered into the mechanism is received in a ball pocket preferably spherical in shape and so designed as to accept a ball and reject a pin. Once seated in a pocket a ball will remain therein throughout approximately 90 of rotation of the ent-ire mechanism, at which time-the ball comes in proximity to and, upon further rotation, in contact with a fixed retaining guide rail. The 'aforementioned fixed 4guide rail develops into a pair of horizontal return rails at a point slightly ahead of the pin discharge point thus allowing the ball to roll freely from its carrying pocket and be guided by the return rails in its travel back to ther bowler.

` 2,972,479 Patented Feb. 2li, QS

The present invention also is directed'towards the solution of the problem of providing the least possible restriction to the path of movement of each pin and ball to be handled by the elevating mechanism. This is effected by the use of little or no restrictions or confinements in the area through which each pin and ball is transported or delivered from the pit into the pin and ball elevating mechanism. Y

The invention further consists in the provision of means for so controlling the cyclic operation of the pin and ball elevating mechanism v.that only a predetermined number of pins is discharged therefrom for alignment and distribution, and when such number of pins has been discharged, subsequent pins delivered into the pin elevating member are selectively retained therein for future discharge, 'when in the course of play of the game the necessity of delivering pins to the aligning and distributing means arises. At the same time the invention provides for the continuous acceptance, elevation, discharge, and return of the bowling ball, as another operating function of the mechanism, which continuous function is vital to any bowling ball elevating mechanism due to the rules, regulations, and player customs of the game.

The invention is further characterized by the provision of pin and ball carrying and forwarding units such as spaced circumferential pockets about the circumference or in the periphery of the rotary pin and ball elevating member. Pin holding means are associated with each pocket for firmly holding a bowling pin in a pocket as it travels from the pin of abowling alley upward toa point of discharge into a pin aligning mechanism, and after the elevating mechanism has rotated approximately a fixed retaining guide rail to contact and retain the ball until the ball reaches its discharge point. K

The invention further consists in the provision of a novel pin and ball elevating mechanism having means for positively holding pins and balls during their transfer from the pit of the alley to a discharge point substantially thereabove where balls are discharged at one station for return to the bowler and pins are discharged at another station for delivery to a pin spotter.

The invention is further characterized by the provision of a combination pin and ball pocket that will accept either a ball or a pin, but not both. According to this form of the invention pins and balls are delivered from 'the pit of a bowling alley to a pin and ball handling conveying,` and elevating mechanism in which each pin or ball placed or delivered into the mechanism is firmly held during its transfer from the pit of an alley to a point substantially above where the ball is released into or onto a return track for conveyance back to the bowler, and the pin released, aligned, and discharged into a distributing device for transfer to a pin spotter. The invention also includes a sensing mechanism which eliminates the possibility. of releasing a pin at the ball discharge point or a ball at the duck pin discharge point.

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

in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of 'the :specification and illustrate a preferred embodiment of Figure 4 is a partial sectional side elevation view of the mechanism shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a front view of the rotary pin elevating mechanism showing a modified embodiment of the invention, illustrating double ended pin pockets and separate ball pockets with both the pins and balls held therein.

Figure 6 is a rear View of Figure 5 of the pin and ball holding mechanisms and their associated control mechanisrns.

Figure 7 is a partial sectional side elevation of Fig. 5 showing the manner in which a ball is held in position.

Figure 8 is a partial sectional side elevation of the ball holding actuating mechanism.

Figure 9 is a front View of the cam controlling the holding mechanisms taken on line 9--9 in Figure 7.

Figure l0 is a detail view of the pin clamping mechanism cam follower.

Figure l1 is a plan View of Figure 9 along line 11-11 showing the cam surface detail and cam follower positions.

Figure l2 is a front view of the rotary pin elevating mechanism showing another modified form of the invention illustrating a combination double ended pin and ball pocket with both the pin and ball being clamped into position for elevation.

Figure 13 is a rear view of Figure l2 illustrating a. sensing mechanism for determining the presence of a ball or a pin in a pocket and separate ball and pin release mechanism.

Referring to Figures 1 4 of the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, pins 20 and/or balls 88 falling from or removed from the playing surface of any desired conventional design bowling alley (not Shown) by suitable means (not shown), into pit P after a bowler has rolled a ball, drop upon either the sloping sides of the pit designated generally 22 and roll toward the center of the pit onto or drop directly upon a conveyor belt or traveling apron designated generally 24 as illustrated in Figures l and 3. The sloping pit sides 26 and 23 are attached to the pit framework which consists of

structural members

36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 fastened together in any suitable manner as by welding to form a completely replaceable pit unit for serviceability in repairing the mechanism. The framework of the pit is attached to kickbacks K1 and K2. Due to the angle at which these pit sides 26 and 28 are installed, pins and balls landing thereupon will slide, roll, or gravitate towards the center of the pit and onto pit conveyor 24. Conveyor 24, which preferably is continuously in motion, runs upon pulleys mounted in the rear and front of pit P. Only the rear pulley 3l) is shown in Figures l and 3. The pulleys have extended shaft ends 3?. mounted in bearings 34 which in turn are mounted to sections of the

pit framework

36 and 38. Shafts 32 are driven in any suitable manner (not shownlto afford continuous rotation to pulley 36. Pit conveyor belt 24 travels on the front and rear pulleys (rear 30 only shown) and is prevented from sagging under the load of pins and balls by a bounce platform S0 which is fastened to the frame 36, 33, 4G, 42, 44, and 46 of the pit.

The upper lap of conveyor belt 24 carries all pins and balls rearwardly in the pit onto chute 54 fastened to brackets 58 which are fastened to kickbacks K2 and K1 respectively. rl'he pins and balls slide, roll, or gravitate on chute 54 into the peripheral pockets 62 and 64, respectively of rotary pin and ball elevating mechanism designated generally 60. The face of chute 54 is mounted at an angle and lower than the drop off point, created by belt 24 as shown in Figure 3, so that pins and balls can actually roll down over chute 54 and move or be moved by the action of belt 24 or other balls and pins into the rotary pin elevating mechanism 6d and specifically into pin pockets 62 or ball pockets 64. It follows that pms and balls are delivered to and picked up by rotary mechanism 60 without the use of mechanical adjuncts,

thus reducing the structure to the minimum of parts, subjecting pins and balls to very little wear and agitation insuring their reception into the elevating mechanism be achieved quickly and with a minimum of noise.

Flows 66 and 68 are suitably secured to kickbacks K1 and K2, respectively. They extend outwardly from the corner created by the junction of the rotary pin elevating mechanism 6) and the kickbacks K1 and K2 and act to divert pins and balls away from kickbacks K1 and K2 to either or both the sloping pit sides 26 and 28 or the upper lap of apron 24, for discharge thereby down chute 54 into rotary pin elevating mechanism 60. Plows 66 and 68 are formed with two active pin engaging surfaces 70 and 72 as shown on plow 66, Figures l and 3. Surface 70 extends inwardly and downwardly away from corner created by kickback K1 and rotary mechanism 6@ and directs pins to sloping pit side 26. Surface 72 is curved upwardly from a point created by the outer periphery of the rotary pin elevating mechanism 6l) and sloping pit side 26 and conforms generally with the curve of the outer periphery of the rotary pin elevating mechanism 6l). In this manner any ball not properly seated in its pocket 64 or a pin not properly aligned or positioned either butt end or handle end foremost in pocket 62 in mechanism 60, with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel with the circumference of member 76, slides, rolls, or gravitates downwardly over surface 72 onto chute 54 into, or from surface 72, directly into the lowermost part of mechanism 60 for repositioning for proper elevation. Auxiliary plow 74 shown in Figure 3 is one of a pair used to iill the gap below sloping pit side surfaces 26 and 23 and the outer periphery of the rotary pin elevating mechanism 6@ and acts as a continuation of and performs the same function as surface 72 of plow 66 and corresponding surface of plow 68 (not shown).

in the preferred embodiment pin and ball elevating mechanism 66 comprises generally a rotary member 76 preferably of circular contour mounted to turn on a substantially horizontal axis fixed to flanges of hub 78 (Figure 4) supported by and rotating about horizontal shaft 8) which is provided with collars 82 to retain rotary member '76 in a fixed relationship to chute 54 and plows 66, 68, and '74.

Mechanissm 66 may be driven by a belt 84 riding in a formed channel, recess, or groove 86, as indicated in Figure 3, in the outermost periphery of rotating member 76 or in any other suitable manner and can be run at any desired suitable speed for handling pins 2d and balls 88 in accordance with the cyclic requirements of the pin spotting machine (not shown) with which the invention is associated. Belt 84 is driven as by a pulley 90 connected to a suitable drive system (not shown). The speed of rotation of member 76 is such that pins 2li and balls 88 are handled gently and not hurled at one another or thrown about while being seated in their respective pockets 62 and 64 during the continuous rotation of member 76 while balls 88 and pins 20 are being lifted from the pin receiving station which is at the lowermost point of member 76, designated generally 91, to the ball discharge station designated generally as 92 and the pin discharge station designated generally as 94, as indicated in Figure l, where when released they fall, slide, or gravitate from their respective pockets 62 and 64 to, as in the case of the ball 88, a set of return rails 96 and in the case of the pins 2Q to a pin distributing mechanism 93 as the rotation of member 76 travels each pocket 62 and each pocket 64 in succession to, through, and away from ball discharge station 92 and pin discharge station 94. Pin discharge station 94 and the pin operating and transfer mechanism may be similar in construction and operation to that shown in Zuercher Patent 2,767,984, granted October 23, 1956.

As shown in Figures l and 3, pin discharge station 94 is approximately above the pin and ball receiving station v9i and ball discharge station 92 is vslightly ahead fof pin discharge station 94. '94 may-,be located at someother'position along thepath of travelof pockets as longfas'ball discharge station 92 Iis lahead 'of it and space 'is provided for the ejection of rpins from pockets 62 into pin receiving `and 'aligning If desired, however, ystation mechanism'98 for transfer toa pin spotter (notshown).

One end of shaft 80 is secured to `and supported by an X frame member 100 extending between and attached to the ends of kickbacks K1 vand K2 fat the .back of mechanism 60 as shown-in Figure'Z. The othereend of shaft 8f) is secured to and supported by a horizontal cross frame member (not shown) extending between and attached to the opposite inner faces of rkickbacks K1 and K2.

The axis of the rotary vpin elevating device60 and of shaft 80 is disposed midway between the inner faces of kickbacks K1 and K2, and the periphery of member 76 is of such diameter that it may rotate close to but in clearance with the kickbacks and adjacent the bottom of vpit P with shaft 80 being to a suitable elevation for this purpose.

As shown in Figures l, 2, 3, and 4 rotary pin elevating member 76 is provided with a plurality of pin pockets 62 and alternate ball pockets 64 stamped or otherwise formed in the peripheral outer recessed or channel portion. As exemplified in Figures 3 and 4 the central or body portion of member 76 is of substantially conical form having a circular marginal rim 106, Figures 3 and 4, also of substantially conical form but in the opposite plane, in which pin'pockets l62 and ball pockets 64 are formed and the portion o'f the circular marginal Arim 104 between pockets 62 and 64 that does not receive further forming maintains'a smooth surface about the inner periphery of member 76. An outer marginal rim is further formed into a groove or channel 86 to provide both a means of contact for propulsion and function as a'stiffening band around the entire periphery of member 76. As previously explained member 76 iS rigidly fixed to hub '78 and to afford necessary stiffening to make a strong rigid structure of mechanism 60,ra plurality of generally U-shaped channel brackets 102 are on one end suitably secured as by rivets to the conical body portion of member 76 and the other end suitably secured to the flange of hub 78.

Although Figure 1 shows seven pin pockets 62 and seven ball pockets 64 and this number has been'found to operate satisfactorily, obviously ifdesired, Amore or less pockets could be provided depending to someextent upon the length of the circumference of the rotary pin elevating member 76 and the length and type of bowling pins and size of bowling balls that are being handled.

As previously explained balls slide, roll, or'gravitate on chute 54 from the pit conveyor 24 intothe Alowermost part of rotary pin elevating mechanism 60, which preferably is in continuous rotary motion in Va direction as indicated by arrow on Figure l, and dueto'the re- .-tionfof rotation, fof eachaball pocket-,64, see Figuresl'. -Sincebar 108. extends between the two conical surfaces,

VAangle at Vwhich bar 108 is fixed prevents ball 88 from falling out of pocket 64 as mechanism 60 rotates in the direction as indicated by the directional arrow on Figstricted width of the marginal conical shaped Yrim'section j 106 of rotary member 76, the ball 88 is kept in a position so as to be continuously in the path of the succession of pockets as mechanism rotates. Ball pockets 64 are smaller than a pin 20` and therefore do not permit a pin to become seated and due to the spherical shape of the ball pocket 64,'the pin cannot become partially lodged, wedged, or remain in any ball pocket 64. Ball pockets 64 are of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the bowling ball 88 to be used and -all edges of the pocket are formed with such radii as to prethe back :endfas determined -when considering the' direcure l.

Balls 88`received intheir associated spherical pockets -64 'at'the lowermostpontr of mechanism 60 remain in their respective spherical pockets 64 without assistance throughout approximately 90 of rotation of mechanism v6i) at which time the ball comes in proximity to and Yupon further rotation of mechanism 60 in contact with afixe'dretaining guide` rail 111 whichis then terminated at ball discharge station 92 where a suitable ypair of discharge rails 96 are located, one end of which is attached to guide rail 111, providing a surface to accept bal1`88 when dueto the rotation of mechanism 60, past the upper end of guide rail 111, the angle of bar 108 no longer'offers any retaining resistance to keep ball 8S in pocket 64 and allows ball88 to roll, slide, or gravitate from pocket 64 again, without the employment of mechanical adjuncts, onto or into return trackv96 for eventual return to the bowler in'a manner not shown. The'transfer of ball 88 from pocket 64 to return rails 96 is accomplished gradually and smoothly, so as not to induce any abuse whatsoever to the ball by a combination of thecontrolled speed of mechanism v64), the positioning of bar 108, and the positioning and joining'of return rails 96 with guide rail 111. Should more than one ball reach mechanism'tl at its lowermost 'point at the same time the presence of more than one balland/or pins may offer restrictions to a ball from entering a ,.pocket'64, but dueto the continuous rotation of member 60 they Vwill be carried slightly upward in the 'direction of rotation until under the action of gravity they roll 'back -down the marginalconical surface 106 and eventually becomey seated in a succeeding empty pocket 64.

-In vthis carrying up and rolling down process should a lsive delay find without the assistance of mechanical adjuncts an empty pocket 64 and become seated for elevation. It is the player custom in some bowling games, such yas duck pins, for an individual player to roll or throw more than one ball in succession before the first ball hasbeen returned to him and in many cases these several balls `are private property of the player. It is, therefore, essential and necessary that a ball elevating mechanism, separately or in conjunction with some other elevating mechanism forming part of a ball return system, provide continuous uninterrupted ball return functions in order to expedite the play and conform with the rules and regulations of the game as does the invention herein described. Retaining rail 111 is fastened to bracket 112 such as by welding which is in turn fastened to kickback K1 in any suitable manner not shown.

indicated by arrow on -Figure l and due to the restricted l width and the manner in which it is formed the marginal conical shaped rim -section 166 of rotary member 76 readily and easily receives Vpins lying lengthwise along rim 106, or -With the axis of the pins 'lying'in a plane generally transverse to the axis of rotation-of rmechanisrn 60. Actually pins cannot properly -en'ter'ior 'be properly supported in mechanism 60 for elevation in any other position and if they attempt to enter in any other position the continuous rotation will place them in the desired position. The pin pockets 62 are shaped and disposed to support or accept pins regardless of the direction of pins 20, whether head rst or butt first, and are known as double ended pin pockets, as the belly portion of the pin pocket 62 is of a symmetrical shape conforming to but slightly larger than the general symmetrical shape of a pin 2t?, with a provision in the form of a recess at each end of pocket 62 to accommodate the neck, handle, or smal-ler end of pin 20. The edges of pin pockets 62 are provided with suitable radii in order to prevent damage to pins and balls and the width of the pin pocket 62 is smaller than the mean diameter of balls 88 thereby preventing a ball from seating or becoming lodged in a pin pocket as mechanism 60 rotates past station 91. Each pin pocket 62 is so designed as to invite a pin 28 to be seated therein either handle end or butt end forward providing the axis of the pin is lying in a plane generally transverse to the axis of rotation of mechanism 60.

It is readily apparent that in the operation of the pin and ball elevating mechanism 68 thus far described a plurality of pins 2t) can be present in the area of station 91 adjacent the discharge end of conveyor 24 and chute 54. Due to the movement of rotary device 6i) and to the action of conveyor 24 on pins, agitation of pins will occur, causing movement of some in different directions and rolling, or combined rolling and elevation of others as the pins attempt to seat themselves in pin pockets 62 which seating is accomplished without the aid of any mechanical adjuncts. Pins entering endwise or on top of pins already seated in their pockets may be partially elevated, but since there is no positive restriction to hold them while in elevation, they may slide downwardly along rim l186 seeking the lowermost point of mechanism 6i) or they may be turned or moved towards or back towards conveyor 24, temporarily delaying their time of elevation, at which time the same delaying action will reoccur unless an empty pocket 62 presents itself to the station 91. This grouping of pins 20 at the lowermost part of mechanism 6i) tends to insure a continuous ow of pins through the elevating mechanism as long as pins are available to be elevated, thereby speeding up the game and through gentle handling considerably reducing the wear of pins.

Figure 1 illustrates the manner in which Apins 28, positioned in pockets 62, either handle end or butt end forward in the direction of rotation of mechanism 60, are elevated and conveyed to pin discharge station 94 for delivery into pin receiving and aligning mechanism 98. Each pin 28 remains seated in pocket 62 without assistance as indicated by pins 28(1) and pins 20(2) under rotation of mechanism 6i) until mechanism 60 yhas rotated approximately 90, at which time as mechanism 60 continues its upward rotation, gravity may tend to shift the pin out of its seated position or cause it to fall out of its pocket 62. Therefore, in order to prevent this from happening means are provided to firmly hold each pin in seated arrangement in a pocket 62 as soon as mechanism 60 reaches approximately 90 of rotation, which is approximately midway between pins 20(2) and 28(3) in Figure l, until pin 20 arrives above and opposite pin receiving and aligning device 98 at pin discharge station 94 or for a longer period of rotation to approximately 280 of rotation of mechanism 68 should an intelligence system (not shown but which may be similar in construction and operation to that shown and described in Holloway et al. Patent 2,767,983, granted October 23, 1956, inform mechanism 60 that pins are not to be delivered at pin discharge point 94 into pin receiving and aligning mechanism 98 at that particular moment. The invention therefore acts as a pinstoring mechanism in addition Ato a pin elevating mechanism and it is possible to hold as many pins in the rotating mechanism 60 as there are pin pockets 62 and the invention is designed to handle a number of pins 20 more than there are pockets 62 as those pins 20 in excess of pockets 62 would lie in the pit or be loosely held in the lower portion of mechanism 60 until such time as an empty pocket 62 presents itself to the lowermost portion of mechanism 6i).

In the preferred embodiment selected for purposes of illustration each pocket 62 is provided with a clamping device designated generally 114 shown, in Figure 4, including a movable clamping or gripping rod 116 which secures a pin therein against falling out of pocket 62. Since each pin elevating mechanism 6i) is provided with a plurality of equidistantly spaced pockets 62 and a pin clamping device 114 is provided for each pocket, and the construction and operation of each device 114 and its operating mechanism are the same, in the interest of brevity only one is described in detail. Each device 114 located at the rear of mechanism 60 disposed radially relative thereto, is positioned so as to allow rod 116 to be slidably mounted in a combination bearing and support 120, which is secured to member 76 such as by riveting, for movement into and out of pocket 62.

Lug 122 is attached as by welding to each rod 116, to provide an attachment surface, and extends through a slot in each bearing support 120, to provide a mounting surface external to bearing support 120 and in line with rod l118 of mechanism 114. Lugs 124 are secured to rod 118 such as by welding to form a clevis and are attached to lug 122 by means of a clevis pin 126 to provide a movable swiveling connection at this point. A coil Spring 128, surrounding each rod 118 and bearing between upper collar 130, fixed to each rod 118, and lower collar 132 which slides on rod 118 but rests on lever 134, tends to force rod 118 and through associated connections rod 116 outwardly to carry the free end of rod 116 into pocket 62 and against pin 20 seated in pocket 62 in a manner as shown in Figure 4. This action clamps a pin 20 in a pocket 62 and prevents its dislodgrnent therefrom. Rod 118 extends through lever 134 and spring 128, normally urging

rods

116 and 118 outwardly, is prevented from forcing rod 118 either out of lever 134 or beyond a desirable limit by collar 136 secured to the lower end of rod 118, such as by welding. Collar 136 is brought' into contact with the lower portion of lever 134, by virtue of pressure of K spring 128, and acts as a stop should there be no pin in pocket 62 to limit the travel of rod 116.

Cam follower 138 bolted to lever 134, which in turn is swivelly mounted to support 102, runs on a stationary cam designated generally 140 attached to X frame 100. The major part of cam 140 is concentric with the axis of rotation and has a leading portion 144, and a trailing portion 142, and a retracting portion 148, and an engaging portion 146 positioned so as to be engaged by each cam followers 138 in succession so that as mechanism 60 rotates cam followers 138 successively contact engaging portion 146 of cam 140 and roll thereon along to leading portion 144 compressing spring 128 through lever 134 and collar 132 forcing the outer end of each clamp rod 116 into pocket 62 through pressure applied against upper collar 130, rod 118, lug 124, pin 126, and lug 122. If a pin is seated in a pocket 62, rod 116 will clamp it resiliently in place by virtue of compression spring 128. At the same time compression spring 128 exerts outward pressure eventually against rod 116 and pin 2t), it is extending inward pressure through collar 132 and lever 134 to cam follower 138 and against the contact surface of cam 140 insuring that follower 138 keeps in constant contact with surface of cam 140 unless a machine function, as to be explained later, dictates otherwise.

When pins are being removed from pit P and elevated by pin elevating mechanism 60 for delivery to pin receiving and aligning mechanism 98, it is necessary that s .a 'pinreaches Avdischarge 'station'` 94, itfbe released 'from the pocket 62 in which it is being h'eldby rod 116 for delivery to pin receiving andaligning mechanism 98. Cam 140 is Aprovided vwith a gate or interrupted section 150, directly underneath pin discharge station 94, which is pivotally mounted to cam 140 by shoulder stud 151 and operated by solenoid 152. by an electrical control system (not shown) which may be the same as shown and described in said Holloway et al. patent. When solenoid 152 is energized pulling its armature'inwardly, gate 150 is raised or moved to the-position indicated in Figure 2 disrupting the operating surface of cam 140, and when solenoid 152 is not energized, spring 154 connected to gate 150 and cam 140 pulls or returns gate 150 into nesting position to form a continuous cam -riding surface between leading portion 144 and trailing portion 142 of cam 140.

As previouslyexplained, a pin enters pocket 62 at station 91 at which time pin clamping mechanism 114 is retracted as indicated by rod 116 1), Figure 1, because cam follower 138 is at this point riding on engaging lportion 146 of cam 140. As mechanism 60 rotates, cam

`cam 140 directly beneath pin discharge station 94 permitting spring 156, having one end hooked through a hole in lever 134 and the other end hooked through eye 160'which is fastened to hub 78, at this point under tension to operate pin clamping mechanism 114 and retract rod 116 quickly, at which time pin clamping rod 116 assumes the position as indicated by 116(4), Figure 1, and since the Vforce on this rod alone'was responsible for containing pin 20 in pocket 62, and since this force isno longerpresent pin 20 falls, rolls, slides, or gravitates from pin pocket 62 into pin receiving and aligning mechanism 98 for distribution and transfer to the pin spotting device (not shown).

Should the intelligence system (not shown) dictate that the automatic pin spotter is not in a position to receive pins, as, for example; when the spotting table of the pin spotting machine is lled with ten pins and only part of the secondary set, normally used in automatic pin spotting operations, is removed from the playing deck and the pit P, and into pin elevating mechanism 60, solenoid 52 will not be energized, allowing .spring 154 to close gate 150, thus causing cam follower 138 to ride over gate 150 and onto trailing portion 142 of cam 140. Since trailing portion 142 is concentric with leading portion 144 of cam 140, the same amount of pressure will be exerted by spring 128 through pin clamping mechanism 114 against pin 20 to retain it in its associated pin pocket 62,carrying it past pin discharge station 94 and maintaining pressure against pin 20 until cam follower 138 leaves cam surface 142 and continues n retracting portion 148 at which time pin clamp rod will retract from pocket 62 into bearing support 120 -as indicated by rod 116(7), Figure 1.

'Cam portions 142, 1144, 126, and 143 are formed with ,a continuous flange on which run cam followers 138 .except-for a relief .149 in surface 148. Pin clamping mechanisms 11.4 that have released pins are'retracted by Vsprings 156 at which time collar 136 comes to rest on pad 158 whichis lof a noise silencing vmaterial such as `the .position ofcam follower 138( 1) `onFigure Zandthe relief .149 in the ange Vof surface v148 isso positioned =1as to.y allow :cam followers -in 'theeA position .of :138(1) to 'l pass through.

A modied form of thefinvention iprovidesamechanism in the form ofk a clamp rod to firmly hold the ball f as well asthe pins. 'duringtransfer from the pit'ofalley .from the pit conveyor 24 into the lowermost part of rotary pin elevating mechanism 162 which preferably is in continuous rotary motion in a direction as indicated by arrow in Figurey 5. Balls88 and pins 20 are seated in their associated pockets in the same general manner .as shown in the preferred embodiments. Pins 20 are elevated, clamped, controlled, and released to pin discharge station 94 in the same manner as described in the operation of the preferred embodiment. Each ball 88 remains seated in its associated pocket 64 without assistance under rotation of mechanism .162 until mechanism 162 has rotated approximately 90 at which time as mechanism 162 continues its upward rotation, gravity will tend to shift the ball out ofits seated position or cause it to fall out of its pocket 64. Therefore, in order to prevent this from happening, a holding rod 164 is provided to firmly hold each ball 88 in its associated pocket 64 -as soon as mechanism 162 reaches approximately 90 of rotation from station 91. Each rod 164 associated with each ball pocket 64 extends into ball pocket 64 and/or against ball 88 firmly holding it in pocket 64 (see 164(1), Figure 5) if there is a ball in the pocket, at approximately 90 of rotation of mechanism 162 iirmly clamping ball 88 into pocket 64 until mechanism 162 has rotated to ball discharge station designated generally 92 at which time rod 164 is retracted and since ball 88 is no longer clamped into the pocket, it ispermitted to slide, roll, or gravitate from pocket 64 onto a suitable pair of return rails or track 93 for eventual return to the bowler. Track 93 is secured to and supported by bracket 95 which is supported by a main cross framefmcmber of the bowling pin spotting machine (not shown). A deilector 97 located at the ball discharge station is attached to support 95 and partially surrounds track 93 to insure balls 88 are properly guided onto return track 93 as they are discharged from pocket 64.

Each pin pocket 62 has an associated pin clamping mechanism designated generally 166 and each ball pockety 64 has ka ball clamping mechanism designated generally 168. Both mechanisms 166 -and 168 are constructed and function identically, except for the portion of each mechanism that supports the cam follower, rand are located at the rear of mechanism 162 disposed radially relative thereto and are positioned so as to allow rod 164 to be slidably mounted in a combination bearing and support 174 which is secured to member 176, as by riveting, for movement into and out of pockets 62 and/or 64.

The major part of cam 172 is concentric with the axis of rotation and has 4an engaging portion 178, a leading portion 180, a trailing portion182, and a retracting portion 184 positioned so as to Vbe engaged by cam followers and 186 so Vthat as mechanism 162 rotates, cam followers 170 and v186 successively contact engaging surface 1'78and subsequently leading surface 180 of cam 172 forcing the outerend of each pin clamp rod 164 through pin clamp mechanism `166 and/or ball clamp mechanism -168 into .pin ,62 or'ball `64wpockets .clamping pin,20:and/or ball r88 resiliently infplace vduring theelevation of;pin -20'and/ or ba'll88 as mechanism 162: rotates. -As-mechanism 162 rotates about stationary cam 172,

cam followers

170 and 186 exert outward pressure on their respective

pin clamping mechanisms

166 and 168 as thecam followers leave engaging portion 178 and come in contact with leading portion 180 of cam 172.

Cam followers

170 and 186 are attached to their

respective arms

188 and 190 which are in turn fixed, as by pinning, to a movable sleeve 192, see Figure 8, which is slidably mounted in bearing arm 194 which is suitably secured to support 102 of member 176. Sleeve 192 is also slidably mounted on and around pin clamp rod 164. Collar 198 is pinned to rod 164 acting as a stop for the upper end of coil spring 196 which surrounds each rod 164. The lower end of spring 196 rests on sleeve 192 and, as outward pressure is applied by cam 172 through roller 186 and/or 170, arm 188 and/or 19t) to sleeve 192, sleeve 192 slides upwardly through bearing support 194 and over rod 164 applying pressure against spring 196 which forces the outer end of rod 164 into either ball 64 or pin 62 pockets and, should there be either a ball or pin in its associated pocket, clamp and iirmly hold either a ball or a pin in its respective pocket until pressure on the clamping mechanisms 166 and/or 168 is relieved. As soon as the outward pressure is relieved a return extension spring 202, hooked at one end to pin 289, mounted on collar 198, and the other end hooked to a pin 201, mounted on bearing support 194, immediately retracts the clamping rods 164 of clamping

mechanisms

166 and 168. Cam 172 has a pin clamp rod mechanism cam follower riding surface which is on the inner part of the flange of cam 172 and a ball clamp rod mechanism cam follower riding surface which is on the outer part of the flange of cam 172, see Figure ll. Pin clamp mechanisms 166 and ball clamp mechanisms 168 are radially in line. However, as shown in Figures 8 and l0, each arm 190 is shorter in length causing cam follower 186 to ride on the outer part of the flange of cam 172 while each arm 188 is longer in length causing cam follower 170 to ride on the inner portion of the flange of cam 172.

The pin elevating, clamping, releasing and/or Storing functions of mechanism 162 are substantially identical to those as described in the preferred embodiment and surfaces 178, 180, 182, and 184 of cam 172 as relates to the operation of pin clamping mechanism 166 are essentially the same to

surfaces

148, 146, 144, and 142 of cam 140 and therefore control pin clamp mechanism 166 in the same manner as described for the controlling of pin clamp mechanism 114 in the preferred embodiment. Gate 158 and solenoid 152 are controlled, operated, and perform the same functions as described in the preferred embodiment.

The outer portion or ball clamping control surface of i cam 172 exists on surface 178 and continues on surface 188 only and terminates at point 284 as shown in Figures 6, 9, and ll. Therefore, as mechanism 162 rotates in the direction of arrow, as indicated on Figure 6, each cam follower' 186 will exert and maintain outward pressure on its ball clamp mechanism 168 as it moves from leading surface 178 to engaging surface 180 and rides on the outer portion of the ange of stationary cam 172. This outward pressure will be maintained as indicated by ball clamp mechanism 168(1), Figure 6, firmly securing a ball 88 in its pocket 64 until cam follower 186 approaches point 204 where the outer portion of the ange of cam 172 is discontinued causing cam follower 186 to be retracted by spring 202 and assume the position, as clearly shown by Figure 8 and ball clamp mechanism 168(2), Figure 6, for the balance of rotation of mechanism 162 until cam follower 186 again comes in contact with surface 178 of cam 172. As cam follower 186 drops off the outer portion of the fiange of cam 172 at point 204, the outward pressure against ball 88 in pocket 64 that was applied by the end of rod 164 is immediately relieved, permitting ball 88 to slide, roll, or gravitate from pocket 64 at ball discharge station 92 to 12 a suitable pair of return rails 97 for eventual delivery back to the bowler.

Should there be no ball 88 or pin 28 in their respective pockets 64 and 62, rod 164 will still be forced outwardly by engaging and leading surfaces 178 and 180 of cam 172 and its travel will be limited when collar 198 comes in contact with the back portion of member 176, see Figure 7. In order to prevent arms 188 and 19t) which are pinned to sleeve 192 from rotating, bolt 286 is slidably mounted through a hole in the extended portion of the flange of sleeve 192, and through a hole in the extended portion of bracket 194 and provided with a nut 208 to maintain bolt 206 in its vertical slidable position.

An additional modified form of the invention provides an elevating mechanism generally the same as the elevating mechanism, clamp rod mechanism, and clamp rod control mechanism utilized in the preferred embodiment, except that kthe ball pockets have been combined with the double ended pinV pockets to form a ball and double ended pin pocket 214 and a sensing mechanism has been added to the pin clamp rod mechanism to determine whether a ball or pin is being held in the pocket, in order that the ball might be released at the ball discharge station 92, if in said pocket, but the pin carried past the ball discharge station and released, if desired, at the pin discharge station. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate this form of the invention.

Pins slide, roll, or gravitate on chute 54 from the pit conveyor 24 into the lowermost part of rotay pin mechanism 218 at station 91 which is preferably in continuous motion in a direction as indicated by arrow in Figure l2. Balls 88 and/ or pins 20 become seated in combination pockets 214 in the manner described hereinabove. The double ended pin pockets 214 as shown in Figures 12 and 13 are provided at the center portion 215 Where the belly of a seated pin normally rests with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a ball. Member 212 is generally similar in construction and operation to member 76 described hereinabove except for the elimination of the separate ball pockets 64 and the provision of common pin and ball carrying pockets 214. Pins 20 are accommodated in pockets 214 in the same manner as described for pockets 62 in the form of invention shown in Figures 1-11. However, balls 88 may now become seated in a double ended pin pocket 214, whereas in the other forms of the invention they `were not permitted to seat in pocket 62 due to the restricted width of said pocket. Pocket 214 can accommodate either one pin or one ball, but not both. Pins 20 are elevated, clamped, controlled, and released to pin discharge station 94 or carried past pin discharge station' 94 in the same manner as described in the operation of the preferred embodiment. Balls 88 are elevated, clamped, and released to ball discharge station 92 in the same manner as described in the operation of the first additional form.

The clamping mechanism 114 for clamping balls 88 and pins 20 in pockets 214 is the same as the pin clamping mechanism 114 described in the preferred embodiment and is controlled, when it is clamping a pin 20 in a pocket 214, by cam 140, the surfaces of which and associated interrupted section and control mechanisms are identical to the cam and control mechanism employed in the preferred embodiment and operate in the same manner previously described. However, when pin clamp mechanism 114 is holding a ball in pocket 214, since the diameter of a ball 88 is larger than the diameter of a pin 20, rod 116 does not extend as far into pocket 214 as it would if it were clamping a pin 20.

When clamping mechanism 114 is holding a ball in pocket 214 (see 114(1), Figure 13), cam follower 216 is in a position to contact cam 218, which is attached to bracket 219 which is in turn attached to part of X frame 180. -If a pin 20 instead of a ball 88'were in pocket 214,

cam follower ,216 wouldgnotcomein contact with cam 218, as cam 218 is stationaryand `camfollower .216 would be in -a positionfradially more distant from the center of shaft 80 than Caml-218 is from shaft 80, as the radial distance, from the center of Ashaft 80, ofv cam vfol- `lower 216is controlled by the movement into and away from the center of shaft 80 of clamping mechanism 114. Cam follower 216 is secured to arm 220-which is pivotally mounted to

support

1,02 of member 212 by stud 222. Arm -220 is pivotally mounted to arm 224 which `is also pivotally mounted to collar, 130. Therefore, when cam follower 216 comes in contact with-cam 218, due

rto the rotary motion of mechanism 210, and is forced inward toward the center of shaft 80,-arm 224 pulls on collar 13,0 compressing spring 128 and retracting rod Y116 from pocket 214 releasing ball 88 at discharge station 92 to return rails 93 in the same manner as in the first modified additional form of the invention described hereinabove. After cam follower 216 passes cam 218, the actionof mechanisms 114 is again governed byfoperating surfacesof c am 140.

In the bowling pin spotting machine disclosedand described hereinabove, it will be-apparent that the bowling pins handled are those commonly known as duckpins. In the game of duckpins, Abowling balls employed are only slightly greater in diameter than the maximum diameter of a duckpin. The invention is not intended to be limited solely for use with a duckpin spotting machine Vor means for elevating bowling pins andfbowlingy balls from the pit of a bowling alley because itis con-v sidered that the structure shown and described can be adapted readily for handling other types of bowling pins andbowling balls.

The invention above described may be varied in construction within the scope of the claims. for the particular embodiments selected to illustrate the invention are but a few of the possible concrete forms which our invention may assume. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted to the precise details of the structures shown and described.

We claim:

1. In a bowling pin spotting machine vfor use-with a bowling alley having a pit at one end-mechanism for said member, means for holding pins andballsinrlsaid pockets during at least a portion-of the travel of said pins Yand balls in said pockets to said ball and pin discharge stations, means for effecting the selective delivery of balls 4and pins inwardly from said pockets toward the center of rotation of said memberat said ball discharge station .and at said pin discharge station, said ball and v pin conveying pockets being disposed alternately in said member, each ball receiving and conveying pocket -having a coacting ball support rod lixedly mounted adjacent thereto, said rod being operative to maintain a ball-in said pocket during a part of the travel of a-bal1 therein, and positively actuated members for holding pins seated in said pin pockets for at least a part of the travel of each pin in a pocket, means proximate said ball discharge Vstation for effecting the discharge of balls from said ball vto receive said balls for return to the head vend of'said bowling alley.

'4. A bowling ball and pin elevating apparatusifor use with a bowling pin spotting machine for elevatng'bowling balls and pins from the pit of a bowling alley,comprising a rotary member having radially inwardly directed walls,

and a plurality of alternately 'disposed substantially equielevating bowling pins and balls from said pit comprising v a rotary member including a continuous peripheral generally U-shaped channel having radially inwardly directed wallsand a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced receiving and conveying pockets for bowling articleshaving different contours contained within said walls of said channel, a Vfirst bowling article discharge station, and a second bowling article discharge station located at a distance above said pit, means for delivering bowling articles from said pit into said pockets, means for rotating said membermeans for holding said bowling articlesinsaid pockets during at least a portion of the travel of ksaid yarticlesin said pockets to said first and second discharge stations, and means for eecting the selective delivery of articles of one contour from said pockets toward the center of rotation of said member at said first bowling article discharge station and articles of a different contour at said second bowling article discharge station, said last-named means comprising a stationary cam for each of said stations, said cams having release points spaced circumferentially from each other, and bowling article holding and releasing members coacting with said cams.

2. In a bowling pin spotting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pit at one end, mechanism for elevating bowling pins and balls from said pit comprising a rotary member including a continuous peripheral generally U-shaped channel having radially inwardly directed walls and a plurality of substantially equidistautly spaced pin and ball receiving and conveying pockets contained within said walls of said channel, a ball discharge station, and a pin discharge station located at a distance above said pit, means 4for delivering pins and balls from said distantly spaced ball and double ended pin conveying units, saiddouble ended pin conveying unitsY being constructed and arranged to seat a pin and holdit for movement either head end or butt end forward, a ball discharge station, a pinrdscharge station, means associated with each unit for holding a ball or a pin seated therein -for movement by said member to said ball discharge station and said pin discharge station, and mechanism operative in response to the rotation -of said rotary member for effecting the selective discharge of balls and pins at said ball discharge station and at said pin discharge station radially inwardly towards the center of rotation ofv-said member.

5. In a bowling pin spotting machine pin and ball elevating mechanism for elevating pins and balls from the pit of a bowling alley, a ball discharge station, a ,pin

discharge station, means positioning said ball discharge station and said pin discharge station above said. pit of said bowling alley, a rotary member having radially inwardly directed walls, and having a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced pin and ball receiving carrying pocketsfsaid pin and ball receiving pockets being disposed in alternate arrangement on said member, and said pin pocketsbeingformed to receive and hold a pin'for movement with said member either head end or butt end forward, means in said pit for directing balls and pins into said pockets, means for holding balls in said pockets for at least a part of the travel of balls seated in said ball pockets from said pit to said ball discharge station, means for holdingvpins seated in said pin pockets for at least a part of their travel in their pockets to said pin discharge station, and means operative in response to the rotation of said rotary member for effecting the delivery of balls from said ball pockets at said ball discharge station, and the delivery of pins from said pin pockets at said pin delivery station.

6. The apparatus defined in claim Sfwherein said mechanism comprises a cam, actuating devices for said holding means including cam followers engaging said cam, and a plurality of tracks on said cam engaged by alternate cam followers, said tracks having disengaging points spaced circumferentially from each other Ifor selectively operating said actuating devices of said ball, and said pin holding means.

7. A bowling ball and pin elevating apparatus for use in elevating bowling balls and pins from the pit of a bowling alley comprising a ball discharge station and a pin discharge station located above said pit, a rotary member provided with an annular ball and pin conveying channel, a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced ball and pin receiving and holding pockets in said channel, said pockets being formed to hold a ball, or a pin positioned either butt end or head end forward in the direction of rotation of said rotary member, means for holding balls and pins delivered into said pockets for travel therein from said pit to said discharge stations, and selective mechanism for effecting the discharge of balls from said pockets at said ball discharge station, and pins at said pin discharge station, said pockets being formed with a central ball holding portion greater in diameter than the diameter of a bowling ball, to adapt said pockets to hold either a ball or a pin, and two outwardly extending end portions adapted with said central portion to seat a bowling pin for endwise travel from said pit to said pin discharge station either head end or butt end foremost, and said holding means including ball and pin clamps, and said mechanism comprising a cam having a ball clamp operating surface and a cam having a pin clamp operating surface, and cam followers for said clamps mounted to engage said surfaces for effecting the selective release of balls and pins held in said pockets.

8. A bowling ball and pin elevating apparatus for use with a bowling pin spotting machine for elevating bowling balls and pins from the pit of a bowling alley corn- -prisng a rotary member having a peripheral channel, a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced ball and pin conveying units located in said channel, a ball discharge station, a pin discharge station, holding means operatively associated with each unit for holding a ball or a pin seated therein for movement by said member from said pit to said ball discharge station or said pin discharge station, mechanism operative in response to t-he rotation of said rotary member for effecting the selective discharge of balls and pins at said respective ball discharge and pin discharge stations, said mechanism comprising a stationary cam and means forming a part of said holding means adapted to engage said cam, run therealong and control the operation of said holding means in holding pins in said units, a second stationary cam and operating elements connected to said holding means adapted to engage said second cam in response to the rotation of said member for actuating said holding means to hold balls in said units, said cams having release points spaced circum-ferentially from each other for effecting selective release of balls and pins at their respective discharge stations.

9. A bowling ball and pin elevating apparatus for use lwith a bowling pin spotting machine for elevating bowling balls and pins from the pit of a bowling alley comprising a rotary member having a peripheral channel, a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced ball and pin conveying units located in said channel, Va ball discharge station, a pin discharge station, holding means operatively associated with each unit for holding a ball or a pin seated therein for movement by said 'member from said pin to said ball discharge station or said pin discharge station, mechanism operative in response to the rotation of said rotary member for effecting the selective discharge of balls and pins at said respective ball discharge and pin discharge stations, said mechanism comprising a stationary cam and means forming a part of said holding means adapted to engage said cam, run therealong and control the operation of said holding means in holding pins in said units, a second cam and operating elements connected to said holding means adapted to engage said second cam in response to the rotation of said member for actuating said holding means to hold balls in said units and to release said balls for delivery from said units at said ball discharge station, said holding means comprising an elongated clamping rod, a lever connected to said rod, a cam follower on said lever, means normally tending to move said clamping rod radially into clamping relationship relative to its respective unit, said cam followers being constructed and arranged to engage and run on said rst-named cam, said apparatus also including an operating collar, a link connected to said collar, a second lever pivotally mounted on said member and connected to the other end of said link, and a cam follower on the free end of said second lever adapted to track said second cam and move said clamping rod radially inwardly to release a ball from said unit served by said clamping rod.

l0. The invention defined in claim 9 wherein said iirst-named cam is provided with an operating gate portion and means for disposing said gate portion out of alignment with the surface tracked by said first-named cam follower whereby in response to the release of pins and balls from their respective units in said member, said clamping rods are retained by said first-named cam in inoperative position until in response to further rotation of said member said first-named cam follower is permitted to move radially outwardly and effect the radially outward displacement of said clamping rod into operative clamping position relative to its respective pin and ball holding unit.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,524,241 Hedenskoog Ian. 27, 1925 2,729,449 Montooth Jan. 3, 1956 2,757,001 Janes July 31, 1956 2,767,983 Holloway Oct. 23, 1956 2,786,679 Strauss Mar. 26, 1957