Abstract: A league and tournament system is disclosed which includes a centralized league machine that transmits data to one or more of a plurality of electronic dart games via modem or using a wireless portable data storage device. Transmission of information from the electronic dart machines can be via modem, facsimile transmission, or using the portable data storage device. The electronic dart machines are configured to receive and utilize league and tournament database information from the league machine for a variety of purposes, including automatic implementation of player handicaps, automatic control of match play, and team and player registration using the dart machine. The dart machine has a monitor that displays context sensitive menus using information obtained from the league or tournament database. The dart machine includes a barked card reader that permits identification of league and tournament participants using barcode cards.

Abstract: A pool table having a playing surface with which ball accomodating pockets are associated. Pocketed balls are conveyed by a runway system via a trap toward a compartment at one end of the table that is accessible to a player. The trap has a gate operable to prevent passage of the object balls into the compartment. The operation of the gate is controlled by a latch which is movable between a first position in which it latches the gate in ball-blocking position and a second position in which it enables balls to pass the gate. The position of the latch is responsive to operation of a latch driving motor.

Abstract: A record operated control system is provided for use with a vending machine and a record reading/writing apparatus having a read/write head for reading and writing data on a record during relative movement between the record and the read/write head. The control system includes a decoding circuit coupled with the read/write head for decoding data read from the record thereby. A data storage circuit is coupled with the decoding circuit for receiving and storing the decoded data. A comparing circuit compares at least a portion of the stored data to predetermined data and produces a compare signal if these data compare. A data altering circuit is responsive to the compare signal for altering the stored data in accordance with the amount of credit required to vend a selected item. An encoding circuit is coupled with the storage circuit and with the read/write head for causing writing of the altered stored data onto the record.