Abstract: An amusement game having a solenoid operated rotating play feature. The solenoid comprises a bobbin having a bore around which is disposed electrical windings for use in creating an electromagnetic force and a plunger disposed within the bore. The plunger is linked to the rotating play feature and is movable in response to the electromagnetic force. The bore and the plunger are sized and arranged to allow the plunger to move laterally within the bore to accomodate the rotational movement of the play feature as the plunger moves in response to the electromagnetic force. An unhanded bracket is supplied to mount the play feature to the playing surface of the amusement game which is adaptable to carry a variety of end-of-stroke sensing switches.

Abstract: A solenoid having a controlled rate of motion is provided. The solenoid includes a housing having a channel disposed therein, a coil disposed around the channel for providing an electromagnetic force in response to a current being supplied therethrough, and a plunger disposed within the channel and movable between a first position and a second position in response to the presence or absence of the electromagnetic force. A dampener is linked to the plunger which creates an atmospheric pressure differential as the plunger moves to one or both of the first position or the second position which pressure differential acts to slow the rate of movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A pinball machine is provided and generally includes a power supply for supplying unfiltered, unregulated DC voltage, a solenoid for activating a play feature device such as a flipper, a microprocessor for controlling game play activities, a clock associated with the microprocessor for supplying a first interrupt signal thereto, a memory device associated with the microprocessor having stored therein a plurality of duty cycle settings, each of the duty cycle settings comprising a predetermined pattern of ON and OFF states, a voltage detection circuit linked to the microprocessor and connected to the power supply for providing to the microprocessor a voltage value indicative of the level of the DC voltage, wherein the microprocessor utilizes the voltage value to select one of the plurality of duty cycle settings, and a driver, responsive to the microprocessor, connecting the power supply to the solenoid for controlling the flow of current thereto based upon a corresponding one of the states of the predetermine

Abstract: A pinball machine is provided and includes one or more solenoids for activating one or more play feature mechanisms and a microprocessor for controlling game play activities. The microprocessor has associated therewith a clock for providing timed signals thereto, a memory device having stored therein a plurality of power setting patterns, and a driver. Each of the power setting patterns generally comprises a series of states (ON and OFF) over a predetermined number of counts of the timed signal. One of these patterns is used for each solenoid desired to be controlled. The driver is responsive to the microprocessor for controlling the flow of current to the desired solenoid wherein the driver utilizes the selected pattern to supply pulse width modulated current to the solenoid as a function of the states in the pattern. Preferably, the pattern selected can be changed as desired.

Abstract: A signaling device for an amusement game including a playfield having a plurality of triggering devices disposed thereon electrically linked to a microprocessor. A plurality of light sources are mounted behind the playfield which are capable of being activated either singularly or in combination by the microprocessor to produce a predetermined color of light. An optical receptor is disposed on the playfield and is optically connected to the plurality of light sources through an optical lead whereby the optical receptor will become illuminated in the color generated by the plurality of light sources. The color generated by the light sources and, therefore, the color in which the optical receptor will illuminate may be changed to either signal a successful activation of a specified triggering device or signal which triggering device should next be activated.

Abstract: A pinball machine cabinet is provided comprising a playfield box and a back box attached thereto. The back box contains electronic driving circuitry and includes a speaker panel attached thereto, the speaker panel being movable between an open position and a closed position for allowing access to the electronic driving circuitry. A hinge is provided to connect the speaker panel to the back box and a clasp is associated with speaker panel for maintaining the speaker panel in the closed position. A pair of stereo speakers and a display unit are mounted to the speaker panel. A pair of speaker cabinets may be disposed within the back box into which are disposed the pair of stereo speakers when the speaker panel is disposed in the closed position.

Abstract: A wand for a pinball game which carries a pinball from one position to another by electromagnetism. The pinball rolls along the bottom surface of the wand as the wand is rotated to move the pinball from one position to another. A platform is provided to orient the pinball with respect to the wand whereby side-to-side movement of the pinball is minimized.

Abstract: A play feature for use in conjunction with a pinball game having an inclined playfield over which a ball may roll is provided. The play feature includes a ball directing member defining an entrance pathway, a first exit pathway, and a second exit pathway. The entrance pathway is provided to direct the ball along a first predetermined line, the first exit pathway is provided to direct the ball along a second predetermined line, and the second exit pathway provided to direct the ball along a third predetermined line. At least one electromagnet is operatively associated with the ball directing member for causing the ball, upon activation thereof, to alter its course of travel along the first predetermined line to a course of travel along the second predetermined line. Optionally, a second electromagnet may be used for causing the ball, upon activation thereof, to alter its course of travel along the first predetermined line to a course of travel along the third predetermined line.

Abstract: A wire form loop for use in conjunction with a pinball machine having a playfield on which is mounted a plurality of game play features. The playfield includes a shooter lane, play area, and drop area wherein at least one game play feature is located in the drop area. The wire form is provided for allowing a pinball to travel from the shooter lane to the play area and includes an entrance in the shooter lane, an exit to the play area, and an open area between the entrance and the exit. A spring biased plunger attached to the shooter lane is used to impart a plurality of speeds upon the pinball such that a first speed will allow the pinball to travel completely along the wire form from the entrance to the exit and a second speed will cause the pinball to fall from the open area of the wire form to the drop area.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet defining a playing area including a plurality of shelves mounted therein where each of the shelves has disposed thereon a plurality of game pieces. A receiving mechanism is attached to the cabinet for accepting a playing piece. A player aimable, launching mechanism is linked to the receiving mechanism for launching the playing piece towards the aimed at location for the purpose of dislodging some of the game pieces. A redemption mechanism may be provided for accepting any dislodged game pieces to provide a reward in exchange therefor.

Abstract: In a pinball machine a ball trough is provided for moving the ball between the drain hole and the shooter lane. The ball trough comprises a channel fixed to the playfield and has a first end adjacent the drain hole and a second end proximate to the shooter lane. A rotatable carrier is movable between a first position and a second position for carrying the ball from the channel to the shooter lane and has a load opening, an exit opening, and a passage therebetwen. The load opening is positioned adjacent to the second end when the carrier is disposed in the first position and the exit opening is disposed adjacent to the shooter lane when the carrier is disposed in the second position. The passage may have an arcuate surface on which the ball will ride as the carrier approaches the second position for urging the ball out the exit opening.

Abstract: A pinball game using a pinball adapted to be propelled along a playfield is provided. The pinball game includes a target mounted above the playfield and first and second movable objects mounted above the playfield which are movable between a closed position wherein the first and second movable objects are disposed substantially adjacent to each other and an open position wherein the first and second movable objects are disposed substantially apart from each other. A solenoid having a plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to contact of the target by the pinball. An arm rotatable about a pivot point having first and second ends displaced from the pivot point is linked to the plunger at a point spaced from the pivot point. A first link connects the first end of the arm to one of the movable objects and a second link connecting the second end of the arm to the other of the movable objects.

Abstract: A pinball machine is provided and includes an inclined playfield for supporting a rolling ball. The inclined playfield has associated therewith at least one flipper, an exit lane, and a drain hole. A door mechanism having a retractable door is positioned adjacent to the exit lane and a holding area is positioned behind the door for allowing a ball to be stored therein whereby the ball is prevented from continuing down the exit lane and into the drain hole. A kicker mechanism is also associated with the holding area for launching the ball from the holding area back through the exit lane and into the play area of the playfield. A first switch is positioned upon the playfield and is operable through contact with the ball for causing the door to move from a first position wherein the ball is prevented from accessing the holding area to a second position wherein the ball is allowed to access the holding area.