Ball (e.g., Pin Ball) Patents (Class 200/61.11)
  • Patent number: 10328335
    Abstract: A target assembly includes a target post mounted to an underside of a playfield and sized to extend through an opening in the playfield. A centering device is mounted to the target post between a first end of the target post and a second end of the target post and a centering plate secures the target post to the underside of the playfield, wherein the centerplate and the centering device form a fulcrum for the target post to pivot as a lever. Impact of a ball with any portion of the target post, and in any direction, above the playfield causes the target post to pivot about the fulcrum, where a sensing switch senses the target post movement. A biasing element coupled to the centering device biases the target post into a rest position and returns the impacted target lever towards the rest position after impact by the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Stern Pinball, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Elwin, John Harrison Drake, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9814966
    Abstract: A rollover switch has a housing carrying a depressible cover coupled to a switch whereby a depression of the cover in response to contact being made between the cover and an object movable across a first surface of a playfield of an amusement game functions to activate the switch. A mounting collar is sized to be positioned within an opening formed in the playfield wherein the opening extends between a second surface of the playfield and the first surface of the playfield. The mounting collar and the housing of the switch assembly have cooperating features that allow the switch assembly to be adjustably mounted within the mounting collar to thereby allow the cover to be positioned at a desired location relative to the first surface of the playfield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Stern Pinball, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Gomez, Thomas M. Kopera
  • Publication number: 20090048039
    Abstract: A system for tracking balls in sports in which players kick, pass, bounce, strike or carry a ball. The ball is equipped with two beacons pulsing in the 5-10 Hz range at a frequency which is not attenuated by the body of the players. one beacon has a very short range of 40-120 cm and the other has a range of 1-5 metres. A data logger worn by the players includes a clock, location and speed sensors, a receiver for the beacon signals and a micro controller to record the data from all the sensors. The micro controller is able to record whether the player is in possession of the ball or is contesting the ball. The path of the ball from player to player is tracked relative to the playing field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: CATAPULT INNOVATIONS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Shaun Holthouse, Igor van de Griendt
  • Patent number: 6630635
    Abstract: A tilt contact switch for kinetic activity amusement games, for example pin ball games. A spherical tilt element is confined within a spherical socket and mounted below an opening in a game board surface panel. A contact bumper is mounted by the spherical tilt element and extends above the game board surface for engagement by a moving ball or the like. A wobble plate is fixed to the spherical tilt element and positioned closely adjacent to a switch element molded of soft, elastic silicone rubber material formed with spaced contact bumps. Tilting of the wobble plate, as a result of contact with the bumper, will deform and depress one or more of the contact bumps, serving to complete an electrical circuit through circuit contacts underlying a depressed contact bump. The resiliency of the contact bumps serves to bias the wobble plate to a normal or rest position when tilt forces are removed from the contact bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Connector Set Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Matthias F. W. Doepner