Abstract: The magnetic ball-walker of the invention comprises an L-shaped arm which rotates in a plane perpendicular to the playfield for transporting a pinball between first and second playfield surfaces. The arm carries an electromagnet on one end and a counterweight on the other, the counterweight maintaining the arm in a ball receiving position. In this position, a ferromagnetic ball received from the first surface can be captured by the electromagnet if energized. The momentum of the rolling ball causes the arm to rotate to a ball discharge position so that the ball can be discharged onto the second surface by deenergizing the electromagnet.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of an inclined ramp mounted for tilting motion along a single axis. A reversible electric motor, controlled by the flipper buttons, can pivot the ramp in either direction about the axis. The player, by manipulating the flipper buttons, controls the tilting of the ramp thereby to control the path of travel taken by the ball as it rolls down the ramp. The ramp is provided with a plurality of bumpers, roll over switches and out holes that allow the player to score points if the player traverses the ramp in the manner directed by the game program.

Abstract: The play feature consists of a first surface and second surface for supporting a rolling ball therebetween. The surfaces are made movable relative to one another such that in a first position they support a ball therebetween and in a second position they are spaced far enough apart to allow a ball to fall therebetween. The surfaces are movable relative to one another by a solenoid or other similar driver where the solenoid is controlled by a player operated button. As a ball rides along the first and second surfaces, the player operates the solenoid to move the first and second surfaces apart allowing the ball to fall between the surfaces at a desired location. A plurality of targets, ramps or the like can be provided below the surfaces as target objectives for the player.

Abstract: The player controlled play feature consists of an area on or associated with the playfield which is partially confined by a plurality of bumpers. At least one target is provided in this area and an entrance is provided such that a pinball can enter the area defined by the bumpers. Located in the defined area and supported below the surface thereof are a plurality of electromagnets energized by activation of player controlled buttons mounted on the game's cabinet. The game player can selectively activate the electromagnets to redirect the pinball and propel it toward the provided targets.

Abstract: A pinball machine comprises a frame which carries a playfield, a chute and a driver for launching balls onto the playfield through the chute. A spent ball-receiving aperture in the playfield communicates with a sloped trough positioned under the playfield. The trough is of a length to hold a plurality of balls, preferably more than three balls. An upper end of the trough communicates with the aperture, while the lower end of the trough is positioned adjacent to and below the chute and the ball driver for launching. A solenoid or the like is positioned to vertically elevate the ball occupying the trough lower end, typically by striking it to cause the ball to fly to a new position in the chute for launching. Sensors are present to determine the number of balls in the trough. A microprocessor and other electronics are present for actuating the solenoid or the like for vertically elevating the ball to the chute for launching.

Abstract: The ball diverter of the invention consists of a pivoting cage located above an elevated track. The cage, when in its lowered position, will intercept a ball rolling on the track. The cage can then be pivoted to remove the ball from the track and deposit it on a surface disposed beneath the track. When the cage is in the raised position, the ball is allowed to traverse the track uninterrupted.

Abstract: A pinball machine in which a movable target assembly is provided. The movable target assembly retrieves and seemingly devours the pinball sending the ball to another part of the playfield where it is either put back into play or is removed from action and placed in the ball reservoir. In playing the pinball game, the player attempts to place the ball in a target within reach of the movable target assembly. The assembly then pivots towards and picks up the ball. The ball is then seemingly swallowed by the movable target assembly, and is sent, through the assembly and under the playfield, back out to a second location on the playfield.

Abstract: A planetary ball storage device for a pinball game according to the present invention consists of a horizontally disposed rotating wheel having a plurality of pinball receiving pockets arrayed on the periphery of the wheel. The game player, using the flippers, can direct a ball into an empty pocket when a pocket is in a ball receiving position after a predetermined game objective has been met. Balls are returned to the playfield by the utilization of a magnetic lifter arm controlled by the game microprocessor. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor and its position is detected by an optical switch assembly. A second optical switch assembly generates a signal to energize the magnetic lifter arm.

Abstract: A pinball machine in which a movable ball transfer assembly is provided on the playfield. When a player positions a ball in a selected location on the playfield, the ball transfer assembly is actuated to retrieve the ball, move on the playfield and deposit the ball at different locations on the playfield. The ball deposit location is on a different level of the playfield from the ball deposit location.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention includes an electromagnet mounted below the playfield on a reversible screw. The screw is rotated to propel the magnet along its length relative to the playfield. A pinball disposed on the playfield is attracted by the magnet such that the ball will be dragged across the playfield as the magnet is propelled by the screw. Optical switches are used to provide feedback to the game's microprocessor indicative of the status of the play feature. In the preferred embodiment, the game player attempts to strike the ball as it is dragged across the playfield to put the ball in play and create multiple ball play.

Abstract: The ball delivery system of the invention consists of a ramp located beneath the playfield where the ramp leads from an inlet accessible by the ball in play to at least one play feature to be loaded. At least one ball is stored in the ramp at each play feature such that the stored ball can be loaded into the play feature. A sensor located adjacent the inlet detects the entrance of the ball in play into the ramp and sends a signal to the game microprocessor indicating that a ball has entered the ramp. The microprocessor, upon receiving this signal, immediately loads the desired play feature with the stored ball such that the play feature can be immediately activated. The ball that entered the ramp inlet is then directed to the just activated play feature and becomes the stored ball for that play feature. Thus, the dead time associated with existing ball delivery system is eliminated.

Abstract: A gaming machine combines a random selection feature with a skill feature to allow the player to utilize his ability to manipulate the skill feature to improve his chances of winning on the gaming machine. A reel slot machine is combined with a playing surface using a ball. The reel slot machine is first activated and a combination of slot symbols are randomly selected. The player manipulates a ball about a playing surface and the travel of the ball can result in additional spins of one or more reels of the slot machine so that other winning opportunities can be created. The gaming machine can be operated so that the playing surface is only activated when the player achieves a losing combination on the reel slot machine portion. This allows the player a second chance to win if he can use his skill on the playing surface to respin the reel slots. The player can also win "bonus" amounts as set out on a predetermined schedule of payouts by his skillful manipulation of the ball on the playing surface.

Abstract: The tilt switch/incline indicator of the invention consists of a first support member that is connected to the game cabinet in a known orientation. A second member is pivotably supported on the first member and can be fixed relative thereto at angles corresponding to the desired angle of incline of the playfield. The second member supports a pendulum-type tilt switch similar to that used in the prior art. The pendulum acts like a plumb line to give a visual indication to the game operator that the playfield is at the desired angle set at the second member by observing when the pendulum is centered relative to the contact. The mechanism of the invention uses the tilt switch as the level indicator such that the playfield can be positioned at a known angle without requiring a separate level indicator or the recalibration to the tilt switch.

Abstract: A pinball elevator has an inclined conveyor belt tensioned between two pulleys and driven by an electric motor. The belt is perforated with a series of spaced circular apertures for receiving the pinball. Preferably, the apertures have a diameter of about 80% of the diameter of the pinball. A lower one of the pulleys is rotatably mounted beneath the playfield of the pinball machine, and an upper one of the pulleys is rotatably mounted above the playfield. The ball is received by the belt at an entrance location, and is ejected from the belt at an exit location. The ball passes above and over the upper pulley when being conveyed by the belt from the entrance location to the exit location. The upper pulley has a concave central region to prevent the pinball from being prematurely ejected from the belt by the upper pulley. At the entrance location, the pinball sits on the belt and abuts against a wall of the playfield.

Abstract: A pinball machine has a plurality of ball-deflecting components mounted to a playfield section. The playfield section is selectively translated in response to player input, so that the ball is deflected by the ball-deflecting components to locations selected by the player. The translation of the playfield section, for example, is responsive to the conventional push-button switches that are operated by the player for activating flippers, and in this case the push-buttons activate respective solenoids for translating the playfield section in two different directions. The playfield section, however, could be translated in different directions along two or three orthogonal axes in response to a more complex player-input device such as a joy-stick.

Abstract: A new pinball game includes a playing surface with a plurality of targets disposed on the playing surface. A player actuated flipper is used to propel a ball toward the targets thereby accumulating points in a first fashion. The pinball game also includes a track which has a first position wherein the ball rolls on the track and a second position wherein the ball is dropped off of the track. A mechanism is provided for positioning the ball on the track. At least one target associated with the track is located below the track. A sensor is connected to the target to detect engagement of the ball with the track associated target. The player actuates a button which causes movement of the track from the first position to the second position thereby dropping the ball off of the track. A memory is provided to store the point value of each track associated target each time such target is hit. The player uses the actuation button to try to drop the ball on or over the target.

Abstract: An amusement device has a playfield and a backboard display. The display comprises a display wall having a first image carried thereon, plus a transparent display wall portion. A rotatable arm is positioned behind the transparent display wall portion. The arm is decorated to form an integral part of the first image. For example, the first image may be a cartoon character or other entertainment figure, with the arm depicting an actual arm or leg of the figure and pivotally connected at the shoulder or hip of the first image. Thus, an illusion of image movement can be provided as the arm rotates, typically in response to a predetermined event taking place on the playfield. One or more second images may be carried on one or more panels. The panels are moved between a first position behind the first image and a second position behind the transparent display wall portion. This movement may be coordinated with the motion of the arm.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a ball engaging mechanism is provided such that when a pinball makes contact with a ball engaging mechanism, which propels the pinball, a player feels an impulse from the button that activates the ball engaging mechanism.

Abstract: In an amusement device, for example a pinball game, a rotatable turntable may be provided. A cover has a position for enclosing and retaining a ball rolling on the turntable. A shaft is also provided for raising the cover from that position, to permit the ball to roll outwardly across the periphery of the turntable to another portion of the device. This provides significant variation in the play of the amusement device in that the ball can leave the turntable in any horizontal direction to provide great variation in play of the ball.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a ball engaging mechanism is provided such that when a pinball makes contact with a ball engaging mechanism, which propels the pinball, a player feels an impulse from the button that activates the ball engaging mechanism.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of a rotary wheel having a plurality of ball receiving sockets located therein. The wheel is rotated such that an empty socket is disposed in a ball receiving position. During the course of play, the game player can direct a ball into the socket where it is retained. The wheel is then rotated to expose another empty socket into which a player can direct a second ball. Once all of the sockets are filled with balls, the game's microprocessor will rotate the wheel to return the balls to the playfield for multiple ball play. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor that is controlled by optical sensors.

Abstract: A rotatable member is provided for a rolling ball amusement device. The rotatable member defines a ball receiving aperture which is positioned to receive a rolling ball and to cause transfer of kinetic energy from the ball to the rotatable member, to cause the member to rotate to one of a plurality of discrete, temporarily locked rotating positions, with the selection of the particular rotating position depending on the amount of kinetic energy so transferred. Preferably, switches are provided for identifying to the electronic controls of the amusement device the discrete rotating position occupied by the rotatable member. Upon command, the temporary lock of the rotating positions may be released. A spring or the like then rotates the member back to an original, ball-receiving position upon such release, which propels the ball back onto the playfield with a velocity that depends on the particular discrete rotating position achieved.

Abstract: The visual display of the invention consists of a holographic display projected through the playfield. The display projects an image that is related to the playfield and is mounted on a flexible plate that is flexed by a rotating cam wheel. As the cam wheel flexes the plate mounted image appears to the player to move.

Abstract: A flipper control circuit is disclosed in which at least one flipper is controlled by the game microprocessor which attempts to hit a desired target. The processor activates the flipper in response to playfield sensors which detect the ball in proximity to the flipper. Playfield switches provide feedback to the processor on the accuracy of the shot allowing the processor to correct its "aim" for subsequent shots.

Abstract: A flipper in a pinball machine is rotated by a motor, permitting control of the angular position or velocity of the flipper by the pinball machine in response to player input, ball position or game sequences. The flipper is controlled internally through software of the microcomputer that keeps track of game sequences and the player's score, or externally via a switch or control manipulated by the player. Preferably the angular position of the flipper is sensed, and the motor can rotate the flipper in both a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction. In one embodiment, the flipper is rotated by more than 360 degrees to intermittently permit a timing shot when passage of the ball is synchronized to the rotation of the flipper. For example, the flipper may intermittently open a path for a ball to a target, or may intermittently permit the ball to be deflected by the flipper to a target.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a scoring mechanism is provided such that the player corresponding to the game element that last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points. Such scoring mechanism can be repeatedly biased to allocate points to different players throughout the play of the game. Scoring elements that bias the scoring mechanism in favor of one of the players may include active elements, which also propel the ball, or passive scoring elements.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of a three level target assembly where the uppermost level is mounted on a section of the playfield. The two lower levels are mounted to the underside of the playfield section such that upon activation of the play feature's drive system, the playfield section is raised to sequentially expose the two lower levels. In the preferred embodiment, the upper level includes ball ejector holes, the middle level includes button targets and the lower level includes ball diverting chutes. The game's microprocessor can be programmed to allow the ball ejector holes to eject the trapped ball only after the player completes a predetermined series of shots using a second ball. In such a situation, the ejection of the trapped ball will result in multi-ball play where more than one ball is in play at the same time.

Abstract: The playfield is supported on a moving pivot that allows the playfield to move linearly away from the back box as it rotates away from the cabinet such that the playfield can pivot through an angle greater than 90.degree.. The moving pivot includes a pivot pin fixed to the wall of the cabinet which slidably engages a rail fixed to the underside of the playfield. The rail terminates in a locking mechanism that engages the pivot pin when the playfield is moved linearly to thereby fix the playfield to the pivot pin such that the playfield is capable only of pivoting motion.

Abstract: The cost and complexity of connecting electrically actuated devices to a game control microprocessor in a coin operated amusement game can be reduced by utilizing a standard control assembly including a memory element for each of the devices and where a control circuit is used to connect the assemblies in series with the microprocessor. Data and clock lines in the control circuit are used to transmit control signals to the devices and the control circuit can additionally include power supply lines and a ground line. A similar arrangement can be used to transport data representing the status of game operated switches to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A gate and target assembly is raised from a first position, wherein a target is positioned in a channel on a playfield to interfere with passage of a ball through the channel, to a second position, wherein the target is positioned above the channel so as not to interfere with passage of the ball through the channel. In a preferred construction, a plurality of targets are pivotally mounted between two opposed upright brackets that extend from the playfield and define opposite sides of the channel, and the targets are moved from the first position to the second position by energizing a solenoid that is linked to a swinging crank pin of the assembly. Moreover, the assembly is covered by the simulated head of an animal, such as a hippopotamus, and the simulated animal head pivots up and down with the targets. A timer circuit, for example, keeps the simulated animal head up and the channel open for a predetermined period of time beginning when any one of the targets is struck.

Abstract: A player-operated control system for pinball games includes a plurality of switch assemblies by which the game player communicates information regarding the course of play to a controlling microprocessor. The software in the microprocessor alters the course of play according to the player's command.

Abstract: A ball conveying game apparatus including a plurality of ball support portions provided on a vertical game board surface, a protrusible and retractable plunger provided at at least one of the ball support members, and a manual operating member such as a pressing member linked on an operational basis to the ball support member through a predetermined interlocking mechanism so that a ball can be transferred from one to another of the ball support members along a ball moving course by operating the manual operating member. The ball is conveyed from a starting point to a goal point by a plurality of choosable ball moving courses arranged in the ball moving course. Selection from among the choosable ball moving courses is made by operating the manual operating member. In playing the ball conveying game apparatus, therefore, a player is required to dexterously manipulate the manual operating member. Various ways of playing are possible.

Abstract: An amusement game operates in conjunction with a trading card dispenser to dispense trading cards to game players who achieve predetermined game objectives through skill during the course of game play.

Abstract: A flipper ball game apparatus includes: a ball shooting mechanism for shooting a ball into a playfield; starting condition determiner for determining satisfaction of game starting conditions satisfied by operation of a start button by a player under such conditions, for example, that coins are deposited into the apparatus; and a shooting mechanism automatically controller responsive to a determination output of the starting condition determiner for driving the ball shooting mechanism to automatically flip and shoot the ball. This structure enables the pinball to be automatically flipped into the playfield without any shooting operation conducted by the player.

Abstract: A multi-surface pinball machine, which may be played by one or more players. The surfaces connect at an apex, and one or more players stand at the outer ends of each surface. An automatic flipper actuator is provided for play of the game with the number of players less than the number of surfaces. The machine can operatively be switched from the multi-player mode to as little as a single player mode. In such a mode, software controls the flippers of the missing players. Thus, the multi-surface table allows for either simultaneous competitive play by two or more players, or play by as little as one player competing against the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer-controlled interactive playfield feature for pinball games. The system microprocessor monitors activity on the playfield and controls the interactive playfield feature, directing the player's attention to specific targets and activities on the playfield. The playfield feature operates in conjunction with a speech synthesizer, which may be programmed to taunt and challenge game player, increasing player appeal. In a preferred embodiment, the interactive playfield feature is in the shape of a jocular human head. The mouth, eyelids and eyes are movable under microprocessor control. The mouth serves as a ball target. When the player successfully shoots the ball in the mouth, a solenoid ball ejector returns the ball to the playfield. The eyes may be programmed to follow the travel of the pinball on the playfield.

Abstract: A game playing device comprising a play panel (1); a launching device (8) for launching a coin or the like token (3) into the play panel; and a primary game playing apparatus (4) having an actuator (5) disposed in the play panel on the paths of movement of the tokens, the actuator detecting the passing of tokens therethrough for controlling a prize delivering machinery (7). In order to make the game more versatile and interesting, the game playing device is provided with an additional game playing apparatus in addition to the primary game playing apparatus and corresponding additional actuator (14) detecting the passing of the tokens therethrough and controlling the starting of the operation of the additional game playing apparatus.

Abstract: A play feature for a pinball game having a plurality of wheels rotatable about a horizontal axis and having a plurality of ball receiving sockets formed therein. Each wheel can pick up a pinball from a first position on the playfield and after rotating through approximately 180 degrees discharge the pinball at a second position on the playfield. The wheels are arranged in a series whereby the discharge position of the upstream wheel corresponds to the pick up position of the downstream wheel. In this manner the pinball can be conveyed across the playfield in a stepped fashion as it is transferred from the upstream wheel to the downstream wheel. The rotation of the wheels is coordinated by using a single drive motor operatively connected to each of the wheels by a transmission member.

Abstract: A matrix address decoder for rolling ball games performs decoding of a sequential identification number and a base address into an offset address corresponding to a memory location containing status information for playfield features or switches. The matrix address decoder also generates a mask byte for use in subsequent logical operations involving the status information contained in memory. The decoded information is returned to the main microprocessor via the system bus. An alternate function returns only the mask byte when the offset address is known by the main microprocessor.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a multisurface table which may be used by at least two players to play the game. Multiple surfaces are provided that connect at an apex, which can be lowered to form a flat or inverted playing surface. A scoring mechanism is provided such that the player corresponding to the game element that last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points. Thus, the dual-surface table allows for simultaneous, truly competitive play by two or more players.

Abstract: In a ball shooting game machine, such as a pachinko game machine having winning holes, controls for permitting the player to obtain winning balls regardless of his skill, wherein the controls effect a first state disadvantageous to the player and then a second state advantageous to the player, the controls including means for detecting shot balls reaching the game board, a random number generator for generating a random number when a preselected number of balls are shot, and means for driving or controlling the winning holes to effect the advantageous state in response to the generation of a preset specific number by the random number generator, and means for maintaining or reversing the advantageous state in response to whether or how many winning balls are achieved.

Abstract: A pinball machine defines a play field to receive a rolling ball for pinball play. By this invention, a ball-aperture carries a first ball, a second ball rolling on the play field toward the aperture is prevented from entering the aperture and is deflected away from the aperture in a first direction by collision with the first ball in the aperture. Means are provided for displacing balls from the aperture and causing them to roll on the play field in a direction other than the first direction. Thus, by the improvement of this invention, balls directed at the aperture are sent away therefrom in two different directions, for different play patterns on the play field.

Abstract: A flipper game apparatus comprises an inclined playing surface on which are disposed switches adapted to be operated by balls rolling over the playing surface and encountering the switches. A ball is introduced on to the playing surface by a respective player and rolls down the playing surface towards the outlets, passing the striker switches as they do so. The outlets are flanked by flippers which can be actuated by a respective player. So that two players can play at the same time and in mutual interreaction, the game uses balls of first and second different types, while operatively associated with at least some switches is a sensor which is responsive only to one type of ball. A circuit distinguishes the types of balls from each other upon actuation of a switch, by means of the respective sensors.

Abstract: A pinball machine which may be played by a single player for a pair of players either playing against one another or as a team. The invention comprises a pair of pinball playing fields joined together at one end and having a common scoreboard, typically protruding vertically upward therefrom. The machine may be played by a single player in a mode wherein a divider separates the two playing fields, which can be mirror images of one another, or can be completely different in design or theme. In a dual player mode, the divider is retracted and the player may play on his own field as well as the other field. The flippers on the opposite field may also be controlled by a player. In this manner, the opposing player gains some degree of control over the opposite playing fields to enhance the chances of scoring.

Abstract: A ball diverting playfield feature for pinball games employs a pair of abutting surfaces disposed on or above the playfield, which can be separated to create an alternate ball path. A solenoid mechanism controls the positions of the surfaces.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes apparatus attached to a game element which, when contacted by the ball during play of the game, will detect the contact of the ball. Movement of the apparatus toward the ball is controlled by a player. Preferably, the present invention also provides a scoring mechanism such that the player corresponding to the game element which last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points scored. Another embodiment provides a dual-surface table which may be used by at least two players to play the game.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a first ramp on a play field. The first ramp is positioned so that pinballs may be propelled up the ramp to fly through space before landing again on the play field. Preferably, a second ramp is positioned on the play field to receive at least some of the flying balls launched up the first ramp.

Abstract: A pinball machine defines a play field pivotally carried by a housing to permit pivoting of the play field upwardly to a repair position from a lower, operating position. The housing carries on its lower side a metal bracket defining a downwardly facing base. A retaining aperture is defined in the base of the metal bracket. The support arm is carried by the housing and is pivotable whereby an outer end of the support arm can engage the retaining aperture when the play field is in its repair position, to reliably hold the play field in the repair position. The support arm preferably defines a longitudinally projecting tab of narrower width than the rest of the support arm, the aperture being proportioned to receive the tab while the outer end of the rest of the support arm bears against the base of the bracket when the play field is in the repair position.

Abstract: In a pinball machine a structure holding a ramp and targets is provided on the playfield to create a gate-like covering for an opening and passage to other targets and areas of the playfield. When a ball travelling on the ramp strikes the targets carried by the ramp, the ramp is pivoted to its open position revealing an opening and passage to other targets and areas of the game.

Abstract: A flipper control circuit is provided for a pinball machine having a flippper, a flipper switch for activating the flipper, means for holding the flipper in an actuated position until the flipper switch is deactivated, and a solenoid coil for controlling the movement of the flipper in response to the voltage applied to the solenoid coil. A first voltage is applied to the solenoid coil when the flipper switch is activated. A second holding voltage is applied to the solenoid coil when the flipper is in the actuated position, to hold the flipper in the actuated position until the flipper switch is deactivated. A switch electrically disconnects the first voltage from the solenoid coil when the flipper is in the actuated position.