U.S. patent application number 11/698806 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for safety and interlock system for use with an automatic bowling pinsetter.
Invention is credited to Robert J. Prinz, Troy A. Recknagel, Michael R. Resterhouse, David M. Sella.
Application Number | 20080182676 11/698806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39668637 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080182676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Recknagel; Troy A. ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
Safety and interlock system for use with an automatic bowling
pinsetter
Abstract
A safety and interlock system for use with an automatic bowling
pinsetter is provided. In one embodiment, a safety interlock system
is provided comprising a bowling pinsetter, a masking unit, a
sensor configured to provide an indication after the masking unit
is moved from a first position, and circuitry configured to disable
the bowling pinsetter in response to the indication provided by the
sensor. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is
provided comprising a bowling pinsetter defining a bowling
pinsetter area, a sensor positioned to detect movement into the
bowling pinsetter area, and circuitry configured to disable the
bowling pinsetter in response to an indication provided by the
sensor.
Inventors: |
Recknagel; Troy A.;
(Muskegon, MI) ; Sella; David M.; (Spring Lake,
MI) ; Resterhouse; Michael R.; (Muskegon, MI)
; Prinz; Robert J.; (Muskegon, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
39668637 |
Appl. No.: |
11/698806 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63D 5/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/73 |
International
Class: |
A63D 5/08 20060101
A63D005/08 |
Claims
1. A safety interlock system for a bowling pinsetter, the safety
interlock system comprising: a bowling pinsetter; a masking unit
disposed in a first position near the bowling pinsetter, wherein
the masking unit is movable from the first position; a sensor in
communication with the masking unit, wherein the sensor is
configured to provide an indication after the masking unit is moved
from the first position; and circuitry in communication with the
sensor and configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in response
to the indication provided by the sensor.
2. The safety interlock system of claim 1, wherein the bowling
pinsetter comprises a controller, and wherein the circuitry is
configured to disable the bowling pinsetter by disrupting a
communications loop connected to the controller.
3. The safety interlock system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
comprises a switch.
4. The safety interlock system of claim 1, wherein the circuitry
comprises a controller.
5. The safety interlock system of claim 1, wherein the sensor
comprises an opto-electrical sensor comprising at least one of a
transmitter and a receiver.
6. The safety interlock system of claim 5 further comprising a
reflector disposed on the masking unit and positioned to receive a
light beam generated by the transmitter when the masking unit is in
the first position.
7. The safety interlock system of claim 1, wherein the sensor
comprises a mechanical sensor.
8. A method for providing a safety interlock system for a bowling
pinsetter, the method comprising: positioning a sensor in
communication with a masking unit when the masking unit is in a
first position near a bowling pinsetter, wherein the masking unit
is movable from the first position, and wherein the sensor is
configured to provide an indication after the masking unit is moved
from the first position; and positioning circuitry in communication
with the sensor and the bowling pinsetter, wherein the circuitry is
configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in response to the
indication provided by the sensor.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the bowling pinsetter comprises a
controller, and wherein the circuitry is configured to disable the
bowling pinsetter by disrupting a communications loop connected to
the controller.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the circuitry comprises a
switch.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the circuitry comprises a
controller.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor comprises an
opto-electrical sensor comprising at least one of a transmitter and
a receiver.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising positioning a
reflector on the masking unit to receive a light beam generated by
the transmitter when the masking unit is in the first position.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor comprises a
mechanical sensor.
15. A safety interlock system for control of a bowling pinsetter,
the safety interlock system comprising: a bowling pinsetter
defining a bowling pinsetter area; a sensor positioned to detect
movement into the bowling pinsetter area, the sensor configured to
communicate an indication representative of movement into the
bowling pinsetter area; and circuitry in communication with the
sensor and configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in response
to the indication provided by the sensor.
16. The safety interlock system of claim 15, wherein the bowling
pinsetter comprises a controller, and wherein the circuitry is
configured to disable the bowling pinsetter by disrupting a
communications loop connected to the controller.
17. The safety interlock system of claim 15, wherein the circuitry
comprises a switch.
18. The safety interlock system of claim 15, wherein the circuitry
comprises a controller.
19. The safety interlock system of claim 15, wherein the sensor
comprises an opto-electrical sensor comprising at least one of a
transmitter and a receiver.
20. The safety interlock system of claim 19 further comprising a
reflector disposed on the masking unit and positioned to receive a
light beam generated by the transmitter when the masking unit is in
the first position.
21. The safety interlock system of claim 15, wherein the sensor
comprises a mechanical sensor.
22. A method for integrating a safety system into a bowling
pinsetter, the method comprising: positioning a sensor to detect
movement into a bowling pinsetter area of a bowling pinsetter, the
sensor configured to provide an indication representative of
movement into the bowling pinsetter area; and positioning circuitry
in communication with the sensor and the bowling pinsetter, wherein
the circuitry is configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in
response to the indication provided by the sensor.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the bowling pinsetter comprises
a controller, and wherein the circuitry is configured to disable
the bowling pinsetter by disrupting a communications loop connected
to the controller.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the circuitry comprises a
switch.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the circuitry comprises a
controller.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein the sensor comprises an
opto-electrical sensor comprising at least one of a transmitter and
a receiver.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising positioning a
reflector on a masking unit to receive a light beam generated by
the transmitter.
28. The method of claim 22, wherein the sensor comprises a
mechanical sensor.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Automatic bowling pinsetters automatically organize, orient,
and position bowling pins without the need for manual intervention
or control. Some automatic bowling pinsetters are mechanically
driven and controlled and include one or more cams, gears, and
pulleys to control the timing and movement of the pinsetter. Other
automatic bowling pinsetters are computerized or
electrically-controlled and include a controller or logic system
that is programmed to monitor and direct the mechanical components
of the pinsetter. Both mechanically-driven and computer-controlled
automatic bowling pinsetters have numerous moving parts and
elements that may be dangerous to maintenance personnel, machine
operators, casual observers, and others who are in proximity to the
equipment. While some automatic bowling pinsetters have manual
switches to turn off these moving parts, injury may still occur
when a person is in proximity of the moving parts and is unaware of
or chooses not to use the switch.
SUMMARY
[0002] The present invention is defined by the claims, and nothing
in this section should be taken as a limitation on those
claims.
[0003] By way of introduction, the embodiments described below
provide a safety and interlock system for use with an automatic
bowling pinsetter. In one embodiment, a safety interlock system is
provided comprising a bowling pinsetter; a masking unit disposed in
a first position near the bowling pinsetter, wherein the masking
unit is movable from the first position; a sensor in communication
with the masking unit, wherein the sensor is configured to provide
an indication after the masking unit is moved from the first
position; and circuitry in communication with the sensor and
configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in response to the
indication provided by the sensor. In another embodiment, a safety
interlock system is provided comprising a bowling pinsetter
defining a bowling pinsetter area; a sensor positioned to detect
movement into the bowling pinsetter area, the sensor configured to
communicate an indication representative of movement into the
bowling pinsetter area; and circuitry in communication with the
sensor and configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in response
to the indication provided by the sensor. Other embodiments are
disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or
together in combination.
[0004] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the
attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an
automatic bowling pinsetter;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
masking unit that may be utilized with the automatic bowling
pinsetter shown in FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a safety
system that may be utilized with the automatic bowling pinsetter
shown in FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged top view of the safety system
shown in FIG. 3;
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a
safety system;
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart representative of one
operational embodiment of the safety system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The present disclosure provides examples and embodiments of
safety systems and/or interlocks that may be designed or
retrofitted into new or existing automatic bowling pinsetters. It
will be understood from the examples discussed below that the
safety systems and interlocks may be implemented individually or
may be implemented cooperatively depending on the type of pinsetter
equipment, the safety applications, and/or the applicable
regulations or standards.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an automatic bowling
pinsetter (or "pinsetter") 100. The pinsetter 100 is mounted
adjacent to the end of an elevated bowling lane surface 102. The
pinsetter 100 includes a sweep 104 configured to push one or more
bowling pins 106 towards a ball pit conveyor 108 disposed
substantially adjacent to, and below the level or plane defined by,
the elevated bowling lane surface 102. A pin elevator 110 is
arranged to receive and vertically transport the individual bowling
pins 106a supplied by the ball pit conveyor 108. The individual
bowling pins 106a are supplied by the pin elevator 110 to a
pivotable tray or shark switch 112 that guides or directs bowling
pins 106 to a desired station on a pin distributor 114. The bowling
pins 106 may be supported within the pin distributor 114 until they
are required by a pin table 116 for placement on the elevated
bowling lane surface 102.
[0013] In operation, a player (not shown), from a position distal
to the pinsetter 100, rolls a bowling ball (not shown) along the
lane surface 102 towards a rack, i.e., grouping of bowling pins
106, disposed within a pin or pinsetter area PA. The impact of the
bowling ball and the bowling pins 106 may knock or scatter one or
more of the individual bowling pins 106a out of the pinsetter area
PA along the surface of the bowling lane 102 or out of the
pinsetter area PA towards the ball pit conveyor 108. The sweep 104
may be deployed along the surface of the bowling lane 102 to slide
the remaining displaced bowling pins 106 towards the bowling pit
conveyor 108 and to protect against the possibility of additional
balls thrown by the player. The individual bowling pins 106a are
moved towards the pin elevator 110 where they are supported and
carried between a base position B toward a top position T.
[0014] The bowling pins 106, upon nearing the top position T, are
delivered to the pivotable tray 112. The pivotable tray 112 shifts
or indexes to deliver the pins 106 to an appropriate or desired
location within the pin distributor 114. The bowling pins 106 may
then be transferred to the pin table 116 for placement onto the
surface of the bowling lane 102. In particular, the pin table 116
and the supported bowling pins 106 vertically shift in the
direction indicated by the arrow A from the retracted position
shown in FIG. 1 to a position adjacent to the bowling lane surface
for placement of the rack. Upon placement of the rack of bowling
pins 106, the pin table 116 retracts towards the pin distributor
114 and clears the lane for the next cycle.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a masking unit 200
that may be mounted in front of the pinsetter 100 to camouflage the
mechanism and provide an aesthetically-pleasing display or fascia
to the player. The masking unit 200, as shown in FIG. 1, is mounted
away from the pinsetter 100 and the pinsetter area PA along the
lane surface 102. The illustrated masking unit includes a vertical
frame 202 configured to support or carry a first panel 204 and a
second panel 206 above the lane surface 102. In this exemplary
embodiment, the first and second panels 204, 206 are slideably
mounted relative to each other. In particular, the second panel 206
is fixedly attached or mounted to the frame 202, and the first
panel 204 is slideably mounted to the frame 202. Thus, when access
is desired to the pinsetter 100, the first panel 204 may be raised
vertically to a position adjacent to the second panel 206.
[0016] Alternatively, the first panel 204 could be hinged or
pivotable along a top edge 208 to a position above and
substantially parallel to the lane surface 102 such as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,346, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference. Similarly, the first and second panels 204,
206 could be replaced with a single panel (not shown) and pivotable
in the manner described above. In yet another alternative, the
first panel 204 could include or be divided to include a pair of
sub-panels (not shown) hingedly attached to the frame 202 along the
sides edges 210, 212. In this configuration, the sub-panels (not
shown) could swing away from each other to provide access to the
pinsetter 100.
[0017] As noted above, the pinsetter 100 has numerous moving
components that may be dangerous to a person if he were in
proximity to those moving components. The masking unit 200 acts as
a barrier to prevent a person from entering into the pinsetter area
and potentially being injured by those moving components. However,
because the masking unit 200 is movable, a person can move this
barrier and expose himself to danger. While some automatic bowling
pinsetters have manual switches to turn off these moving parts,
injury may still occur if the person is unaware of the danger or
chooses not to employ the switch.
[0018] To address this concern, a safety interlock system can be
used to automatically disable the pinsetter 100 after the masking
unit 200 is moved from a first position. The "first position" can
be the position of the masking unit 200 when it is properly mounted
in a "normal" position or otherwise disposed to act as a barrier to
the pinsetter 100. In general, the safety interlock system includes
a sensor that is in communication with the masking unit 200 and is
configured to provide an indication after the masking unit 200 is
moved from the first position. The safety interlock system also
includes circuitry in communication with the sensor and configured
to disable the bowling pinsetter in response to the indication
provided by the sensor. In this way, whenever the masking unit 200
is moved from the first position, thereby exposing a person to
potential harm from the moving parts of the pinsetter 100, the
safety interlock system will automatically disable the pinsetter
100 to prevent injury.
[0019] It should be noted that any type of sensor can be used in
the safety interlock system. For example, the sensor could be an
opto-electric sensor such as, for example, an infrared (IR) energy
source and (separate or integral) receiver. In some embodiments, a
reflector 304 is attached to the back of the masking unit 200 to
reflect the energy beam sent or provided by the energy source back
to the receiver. However, in other embodiments, the back of the
masking unit 200 can be made of a reflecting material, thereby
eliminating the need for a separate reflector. As another example,
the sensor can be a mechanical switch in communication with the
masking unit 200 via a wire or other mechanical connection (e.g.,
attached to a frangible coupler). For instance, a mechanical or
spring-loaded plunger sensor can be used. As yet another example,
the sensor can be a magnetic or Hall-effect switch mounted to the
frame 202 in a position substantially in contact with one or more
of the panels 204, 206 of the masking unit 200. A metallic portion
of the panels 204, 206 can cooperate with the magnetic sensor to
indicate the presence or absence of the panels 204, 206 in a
desired location. Since many different types of sensors can be
used, the term "sensor" used in the claims should not be
interpreted as requiring a specific type of sensor unless
explicitly recited in the claims. Also, while a single sensor can
be used, more than one sensor can also be used, as described
below.
[0020] The sensor provides an indication after the masking unit 200
is moved from the first position. This indication may take any
suitable form. For example, the sensor may be configured to provide
a signal only when it receives a reflected light beam (indicating
that the masking unit 200 is in the first position). In this
situation, the "indication" provided by the sensor would be the
absence or lack of the signal. As another example, the sensor may
be configured to provide a signal only when it does not receive a
reflected light beam (indicating that the masking unit 200 was
moved from the first position). In this situation, the "indication"
provided by the sensor would be the presence of the signal.
[0021] As mentioned above, the safety interlock system comprises
circuitry that is configured to disable the bowling pinsetter in
response to the indication provided by the sensor. The circuitry
can disable the pinsetter 100 in any suitable manner. In one
embodiment, the circuitry disables only some of the components of
the pinsetter 100, e.g., some or all of the moving parts that can
cause injury, while, in another embodiment, the circuitry disables
all of the components of the pinsetter 100, e.g., by removing power
to the pinsetter 100.
[0022] It should be noted that "circuitry" can take any form. For
example, circuitry may take the form of a simple switch that is
opened in response to the indication from the sensor. "Circuitry"
can take other forms, such as, but not limited to, an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic
controller, an embedded microcontroller, a single-board computer,
or, more generally, a processor and computer-readable medium
storing computer-readable program code that is executable by the
processor. Accordingly, the term "circuitry" should not be limited
to any particular type of implementation, described herein or
otherwise. Further, "circuitry" should not be limited to performing
the functions described herein. For example, when circuitry takes
the form of a processor executing software, it should be understood
that the processor can perform functions in addition to the ones
described above.
[0023] It should also be noted that the safety interlock system can
be provided along with the pinsetter 100 and/or masking unit 200,
to be installed at the same time as those components, or can be
provided separately and retrofitted to a previously-installed
pinsetter and/or masking unit. Accordingly, "positioning" the
various components, as that term is used herein, is intended to
cover both situations. Examples of pinsetters that can be used or
retrofitted with a safety interlock system include, but are not
limited to, a Model GSX Automatic Pinsetter and a Model A Automatic
Pinsetter, both manufactured Brunswick Corporation. U.S. Pat. No.
5,429,554, which is also assigned to Brunswick and is hereby
incorporated by reference, discloses another suitable pinsetter. Of
course, the safety interlock system of these embodiments can be
used with other pinsetters by Brunswick or other different
manufacturers. As mentioned above, "circuitry" can take any
suitable form. Accordingly, for older pinsetters that may use a
very simple control system and not have a controller, the
"circuitry" can include a controller that would cut power to the
pinsetter.
[0024] Returning to the drawings, FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate an
example of a safety system 300 of an embodiment. The exemplary
safety system 300 includes a sensor 302 mounted or positioned
adjacent to the pinsetter 100 and the pinsetter area PA. The sensor
302 in this embodiment is an opto-electric sensor such as, for
example, an infrared (IR) having an integral transmitter 502 and
receiver 504 (see FIG. 5). The sensor 302 is arranged and aligned
in communication with a reflector 304 positioned on the masking
unit 200. As noted above, other types of sensors can be used, such
as a mechanical switch in communication with the masking unit 200
via a physical component, such as a wire.
[0025] The illustrated embodiment depicts the sensor 302
communicating a beam or emitted signal 306 to the reflector 304
disposed or carried by the back surface of one or more of the
masking unit panels 204, 206. The beam or emitted signal is, in
turn, passively reflected back to the sensor 302. In this way, the
presence or absence of one or more of the panels 204, 206 can be
determined. For example, if the beam is emitted and received by the
sensor 302, it can be assumed that the reflector 304, and the panel
204 to which it is mounted, is present and in a desirable location
(i.e., the "first position"). Alternatively, if the beam is emitted
but is not received by the sensor 302, it can be deduced that the
panel 204 is absent or in an undesirable position (i.e., a position
other than the first position).
[0026] The sensor 302 may be a normally opened device or contact
that provides an indication or signal, such as a change in current,
when the emitted beam is not returned or detected. In other words,
when one of the panels 204, 206 is removed or misaligned, the
sensor 302 will not detect the beam 306. The failure to detect the
beam 306, in turn, causes the normally open sensor 302 to prevent
or change the flow of current therethrough. Thus, if the first
panel 204 were vertically displaced to a position adjacent to the
second panel 206, the connection or communication established by
the beam 306 between the sensor 302 and the reflector 304 would be
severed or broken. This loss of communication provides an
indication of a disturbance related to the masking unit 200 and may
be utilized by circuitry to disable or shut down the moving
components or elements of the pinsetter 100, as described
below.
[0027] A similar indication can be provided when a mechanical
sensor is used. For example, a spring-loaded plunger sensor can be
placed in physical contact with the panel 204 of the masking unit
200, such that the spring-loaded plunger is depressed. The
depressed plunger, in turn, can generate a signal or close a
circuit to transmit a current that provides an indication that the
panel 204 is in a desired location. Alternatively, the removal or
displacement of the panel 204 (e.g., by accident or for maintenance
reasons) can release the plunger to generate or transmit the
indication. Regardless of how the signal is generated, the
indication may be utilized to disable or shutdown the pinsetter 100
upon removal or movement of one or more of the panels 204, 206. For
example, the indication, signal, or simply the change of state of
the sensor 302 may be utilized by circuitry to disable the
pinsetter 100.
[0028] As mentioned above, the sensor 302 is in communication with
circuitry, which is configured to disable the pinsetter 100 in
response to the indication provided by the sensor 302. FIG. 5
illustrates one example of this circuitry and how it disables or
controls the pinsetter 100. Before turning to these specifics, an
overview of the overall system 400 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4,
in this system 400, a pair of pinsetters 100 are arranged in a
side-by-side relationship and identified as the pinsetters 100A and
100B, respectively. The system 400 includes a controller 402, which
is configured to control the operation of some or all of the
components of both the first and second pinsetters 10A, 10B. The
controller 402 is, in this exemplary embodiment, communicatively
coupled to a first safety (or communications) loop 404
corresponding to the pinsetter 100A and a second safety loop 406
corresponding to the pinsetter 100B. In order to clearly identify
like components within the safety loops 404, 406, "A" and "B"
identifiers are appended to the components based on their
connection or cooperation with individual pinsetters 100A and
100B.
[0029] The first safety loop 404 is configured to communicatively
couple the controller 402 to the sensor 302A, a first interlock
408A (the "division interlock"), a second interlock 410A (the
"elevator interlock"), and a third interlock 412A (the "return
interlock"). These interlocks 408A, 410A and 412A are serially
arranged to ensure that the failure or opening of any one of the
interlocks 408A, 410A, and 412A will disrupt communications along
the entire first safety loop 404. The controller 402 may monitor a
ground signal provided via the first safety loop 404 such that a
change in state of any of the interlocks 408A, 410A, and 412A can
be utilized to disrupt the ground signal. Accordingly, these
interlocks disrupt the operation of the pinsetters 100A, 100B in
response to a detected problem with the division, elevator, and
return components, respectively. The second safety loop 406
operates in a like manner to the first safety loop 404. In this
configuration, an error or indication provided by the sensor 302B
that trips any one of the interlocks 408B, 410B, and 412B in either
of the safety loops 404, 406 allows the controller 402 to disable
both of the bowling pinsetters 100A and 100B.
[0030] In this embodiment, the safety system 300 is provided as an
additional interlock in the first and second safety loops 404, 406.
FIG. 5 illustrates an electrical schematic of a safety
configuration or system 500 illustrating how the safety system 300
is integrated with the other interlocks 408, 410, 412. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 302 (specifically identified
as the sensor 302A cooperatively coupled to the first safety loop
404) includes an emitter 502 configured to generate and transmit an
energy beam 306 towards the reflector 304. The sensor 302 further
includes a receiver 504 configured to receive the reflected beam
306 returned from the reflector 304. As previously discussed,
transmission and reception of the beam 306 indicates that the
reflector 306, the panel 204, or other movable object to which the
reflector 304 may be attached is in a desired ("first")
position.
[0031] The change of state of the sensor 302A in the safety loop
404 is initiated by a disruption of the beam 306 adjacent to the
pinsetter area PA (e.g., by movement of the panel 204 away from the
first position). This change of state causes the sensor 302A to
provide an indication to circuitry configured to disable the
pinsetter in response to the indication. Here, the circuitry takes
the form of a switch 506, which opens when the indication is
provided by the sensor 302A. As with the other interlocks 408A,
410A, and 412A, the opening of the switch 506 disrupts the
continuity of the entire first safety loop 404, which causes the
controller 402 to disable the pinsetter. As noted above, the
controller 402 can disable the pinsetter in any suitable manner,
such as disabling only some of the components of the pinsetter
(e.g., just some or all the moving parts that can cause injury) or
disabling all of the components of the pinsetter (e.g., by removing
power to the pinsetter).
[0032] It should be noted that a variety of alternatives can be
used with these embodiments. For example, while the light source
502 and receiver 504 of the sensor 302 and the switch 506 were
shown in a single casing or component 510, one or more of these
elements can be provided in different components. Also, while
disruption of the safety system and the interlocks 408, 410, 412
resulted in the same type of response by the controller 402 in the
above example, the controller 402 can be configured to provide
different types of reactions depending on what component was
disrupted.
[0033] In another alternative embodiment, instead of or in addition
to detecting movement of the masking unit from the first position,
the safety system can be used to to establish a safety barrier B
(see FIG. 3). The safety barrier B in this embodiment is defined by
the path of the beam 306 along the side of the pinsetter 100. This
safety barrier B may be arranged to act as a "trip wire" to detect
any encroachment on the pinsetter area PA from the direction
indicated by arrow C. For example, if maintenance personnel were
attempting to access the pinsetter area PA, the beam 306 would be
disturbed and communications between the sensor 302 and reflector
304 would be lost.
[0034] The pinsetter area PA as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 may
be the physical area or boundaries beneath and around the pin
distributor 114 and/or the pin table 116. Alternatively, the
pinsetter area PA can be expansively defined to include any area or
access to pinsetter 100 that allows a person to potentially come
into detrimental contact with one or more of the moving components
thereof. For example, if the area behind the pinsetter 100 and
adjacent to the pin elevator 110 did not include physical guards or
barriers a person could potentially be injured by the moving
elevator components. Thus, the pinsetter area could include this
potential hazard, and the safety system 300 could be configured to
protect against the occurrence of an incursion into this area. For
example, emitting sensors 302 such as the above-described IR
sensors and beams 306, light curtains and/or physical sensors such
as pressure sensitive mats, or plunger switches may be positioned
and arranged around the pinsetter 100 (100A and 100B) in an attempt
to guard against accidental incursions from the top, front, back
and sides of the equipment. It will be understood that the
placement of these sensors 302 may be determined by a number of
factors such as, but not limited to, the physical configuration and
orientation of the pinsetter 100; the nature and severity of the
potential injury to be guarded against, applicable safety laws and
regulations, and implementation and retrofitting costs.
[0035] For example, if the pinsetter area PA is defined to include
the area between the pinsetter 100 and the masking unit 200, a
light curtain or pressure sensitive system may be employed. The
light curtain may be vertically arranged in a manner substantially
parallel to the frame 202 and panels 204, 206. In configuration,
the light curtain can be utilized to establish a barrier B'. The
barrier B' can be defined by positioning a first transceiver module
(not shown) opposite a second transceiver module (not shown). These
modules, in turn, actively receive and transmit discrete signals
and indications therebetween. In addition, individual transmission
and reception elements (not shown) of the modules can be configured
or "taught" to ignore disturbances, such as the passage of a
bowling ball. Thus, the light curtain (not shown) could be place in
close proximity to the lane surface 102 and configured to allow and
ignore certain types of known disturbances. This capacity allows
customized safety areas to be established around or above the
pinsetter 100 without affecting the operation of the unit.
[0036] In another embodiment, the pinsetter area PA may be defined
as the position next to or between the individual pinsetters 100A
and 100B. In this instance, pressure mats or pressure switch may be
deployed in the particular area. These mats or switches can be
utilized to indicate when a person enters a potentially dangerous
area. These mats or switches may be calibrated to allow the weight
or pressure of the bowling balls, pins etc. to pass unnoticed while
indicating that a person, i.e., an object above a predefined or
established weight limit, may be too close to a potential
hazard.
[0037] Regardless of the specific implementation, the sensor 302,
as discussed above, can be configured to disable the pinsetter 100
when the masking unit 200 is moved from the first position and/or
when the beam 306 is interrupted. For example, if a person removes
the masking unit 200, thereby disabling the pinsetter 100, and
turns towards another the pinsetter adjacent thereto, the sensor
and beam associated with the second pinsetter can deactivate
disable that device as well. In this way, if a person enters
pinsetter area PA of the pinsetter 100 or passes through the
barriers B, B', an indication will be generated by the interruption
of the beam 306.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a functional flowchart representative of
the operations or steps that may be executed in conjunction with
the safety system 300. The steps or elements may be represented as
computer code or logic stored on a memory and executable on a
processor. Alternatively, these steps may be provided by a control
panel assembled from physical switches, relays, and timers arranged
to provide a desired functionality.
[0039] At block 600, the pinsetter 100 and safety system 300 are
powered up from a main power trunk such as for example a 240 VAC
power supply. It will be understood that the pinsetter 100 may
utilized both direct and alternating currents for the control and
operation of the mechanical and sensing equipment. For example, the
controller 402 and sensor 302 may operate on a 12 or 24 VDC
circuit, while the sweep 104, bowling pit conveyor 108, etc., may
operate on the 240 VAC circuit or power supply.
[0040] At block 602, the controller 402 and pinsetter 100 may
perform a system check to determine the status of the sensor 302,
interlocks 408 to 412, and equipment 104, 108, to 116.
[0041] At block 604, the queried status of the controller 402 and
the pinsetter 100 may be determined. If the status is acceptable or
passes, meaning that the pinsetter 100 is determined to be
operational and the sensor 302 and interlocks 408 to 412 are
properly engaged, then at block 606, a normal bowling cycle may be
initiated. If, however, the status is unacceptable or fails,
meaning that the pinsetter 100 is determined to be nonoperational
or fault state, and/or the sensor 302 and interlocks 408 to 412 are
tripped or not properly engaged, then at block 608, the pinsetter
100 and/or the controller 402 may be disable.
[0042] Assuming that a fault or error has been generated, or
detected by the removal of the masking unit 200 or the interruption
of the beam 306, the controller 402 or other circuitry can disable
the pinsetter 100. For example, the fault may cause the 240 VAC
circuit or power supply to be immediately disconnected. The
disconnection of this power circuit could cause any of the
electrically connected equipment to immediately cease motion.
Alternatively, the fault may cause the controller 402 or other
circuitry to execute a shutdown subroutine to immediately cause the
pinsetter 100 to stop in a desired location or position. It will be
understood that the power can be maintained in the 12 or 24 VDC
circuit to ensure that the circuitry can perform an orderly shut
down of the pinsetter 100.
[0043] At block 610, once the fault state has been resolved and/or
all of the interlocks have been returned to a safe or engaged
state, the pinsetter 100 may be reset and re-engaged. Until a
discrete reset or restart command or signal is provided via the
controller 402, the pinsetter 100 remains disabled to prevent an
unintentional start or injury. Upon receipt of the reset or restart
command or signal, bowling cycle may continue or be initiated as
shown at block 612.
[0044] Returning to block 604, as previously discussed, once the
pinsetter 100 is determined to be operational and the sensor 302
and interlocks 408 to 412 are properly engaged, the bowling cycle
may be initiated at block 606.
[0045] At block 614, the scores and results of one frame or cycle
of a game may be recorded and/or displayed to the player.
[0046] At block 612, the ongoing status or completion of the game
may be determined. If the bowling cycle or game is unfinished, the
system may restart with another system check at 602 and interlock
query at 604. If the bowling cycle or game is finished, the system
ends at 616.
[0047] It will be understood that system may continuously query the
sensor 302 and interlocks 408 to 412 to ensure that the pinsetter
area PA and/or the masking unit 200 are clear and in a safe
condition.
[0048] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended
advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
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