Method and apparatus for controlling a bowling ball lift mechanism

In a ball lift mechanism for the ball return chute of a bowling alley having a continuous belt interconnecting a pair of pulleys for lifting each returning ball and an induction motor having a run winding and a start winding for driving said pulleys, the improvement comprising, means for detecting the approach of a returning ball and producing a trigger signal, first timer means activated by said trigger signal for producing a first timing signal, second timing means in response to termination of said first timing signal for producing a second timing signal, third timer means activated by said trigger signal for producing a third timing signal for a sufficient length of time to energize said start winding of said motor, means for delaying and delivering an inhibit signal to said third timer means in response to either of said first and second timing signals whereby said third timer means will remain inhibited for the period of time covered by the operation of said first and second timer means in succession after said start winding is energized, said first and second timing means being reactivated in succession upon a second ball being detected by said light sensitive means prior to terminating of the output signal of said second timing means thereby continuing the delivery of said inhibit signal, and means in response to the presence of a first or second timing signal for energizing said running winding of said motor.