Abstract: A pinball machine has a horizontal playfield as well as a vertical playfield. The playfields are preferably integrated to permit a ball put into play on the horizontal playfield to be carried into the vertical playfield for continued play of the same ball. An elevator mechanism is therefore provided in the form of an electromagnet carried by a motor driven winch. The electromagnet carries the ball from the horizontal playfield along a vertical path for release on a retractable landing. The ball rolls off the landing into play, with one or more flippers on the vertical playfield used to propel the ball under player control. "Mouseholes" are further provided on the vertical playfield which lead to hidden conduits behind the playfield surface through which the ball rolls. Scoring displays set flush with the vertical playfield surface form part of the playfield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a play feature for a pinball game able to assume a plurality of scoring positions. Various embodiments are disclosed, including two-position targets and four-position targets. The devices are actuated by a solenoid which cooperates with a cam to provide linear or rotary output to change the target position. The solenoids are actuated by a switch associated with the targets. The positions of the targets are sensed to provide different scoring values for each of the different positions.

Abstract: A drop target assembly for a pinball type amusement game includes a frame that is mounted to the under surface of a play field. An elongated target extends through a slot in the play field and is reciprocally mounted in the frame. The target is moveable from a position below the play field to a latched position above the play field by a resetting assembly. In a position above the play field, the target may be struck by a playing object which will release the target causing it to drop to the position below the play field. The resetting assembly includes a target stop member mounted on the frame for reciprocating movement vertically relative to the play field. The target stop member holds one end of the target in the position below the play field and is out of engagement with the target in the position above the play field. The resetting assembly further includes a solenoid with a plunger coupled to the target stop member. The plunger extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the target.

Abstract: A dual-coil solenoid for actuating pin ball game flippers having a high actuation and ball propelling force and a lower flipper and ball holding force. The solenoid includes low and high resistance coils placed in electrically parallel relationship across a source of electrical energy upon actuation of a flipper switch by a game player. Upon full deflection of the flipper and solenoid, an end of stroke switch automatically removes electrical energy from the low resistance coil thereby leaving only the high resistance coil energized to hold the flipper and game ball in position. A capacitance is positioned across the end of stroke switch to absorb electrical energy from the low resistance coil and to protect the switch. Diodes further protect both switch and the capacitor from excessive voltage transients.

Abstract: This invention relates to a play feature for a pinball game. The invention includes a plurality of targets mounted on a target carrier. The target carrier can be raised above the surface of the playfield where the targets can be hit by a ball or lowered below the playfield so that the ball will pass over the targets. Located behind this first set of targets on the playfield is a second set of targets. This second set of targets is either covered by a visor or exposed to be contacted by a ball. The visor is operatively connected to the target carrier such that downward movement of the target carrier results in upward movement of the visor. In this manner, the two target areas are alternately exposed to the player to vary the scoring opportunities.

Abstract: A microprocessor system monitors operation of an amusement device, such as a pinball machine, to detect inoperative switches and the like associated with game features, such as drop targets. Inoperability is assumed if the switch has not been activated after a statistically significant number of game plays. When an inoperative switch is detected, an audio/visual announcement is generated to advise the operator that repair is necessary. In addition, the microprocessor alters the game rule operation to compensate for the inoperative switches to avoid player dissatisfaction. The processor system includes a microprocessor and associated memory and interface devices for connecting the game elements to the processor system.

Abstract: A microprocessor computer system includes random access and read only memories and a set of operator switches permitting the storage of game play information. During operation of the amusement device, game play is monitored and the score required to receive a free play is periodically adjusted to maintain a selected free play percentage. The percentage is determined by either the factory setting or the operator through the operator switches. The data used to compute the free play percentage is constantly checked by the system to insure that it is valid.

Abstract: A flipper game having a plane-sloped playing plate arranged in a housing on which obstacles for the run of the ball are arranged. The ball enters at the head end of the playing plate and runs in the direction of the slope down to a target opening arranged at the foot end of the playing plate. The slope of the playing plate can be regulated thereby altering the running velocity of the ball for production of varying degrees of difficulty. The slope of the playing plate can be manually set or incremented automatically depending on the score.

Abstract: A modular display assembly for mounting as a unit in the display cabinet of a pinball machine, includes digital display units mounted on three printed circuit display boards which are secured to a frame by a pair of interconnect printed circuit boards each of which electrically interconnects printed wiring conductors on a pair of adjacent display boards and each of which carries indicator lamps. An opaque display panel mounted on the front of the frame encloses the display boards, the display panel having clear areas in registration with the display units and bearing game status indicia which is backlighted by the indicator lamps for indicating game status.

Abstract: A transducer converts the amount of mechanical displacement of a member into an electrical signal by magnetic induction. Two fixed coils different in winding direction from each other are spaced apart from each other by a suitable distance and connected in series. Inside the fixed coils, a movable coil is disposed which moves in cooperative association with the member whose amount of movement is to be detected. With the movable coil supplied with an a.c. current, the fixed coils produce an induction current whose amplitude varies with the relative position of the movable coil. A signal processing circuit generates a pulse having a duty ratio corresponding to the amplitude of the induction current. This pulse is converted into a d.c. current in a smoothing circuit to obtain a d.c. voltage corresponding to the amount of mechanical displacement.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a plurality of inclined playfields is provided. The adjacent playfields are linked by at least one path allowing a ball to descend to the lower playfield and a path allowing a ball to be propelled by a player controlled flipper to the upper playfield.

Abstract: Two cylindrical stator magnetic poles are disposed with a suitable space therebetween, and a plunger is movably disposed within the two stator magnetic poles. A coil is wound around the outer periphery of the two stator magnetic poles, and a current flowing in the coil causes the plunger to advance forward. The current flow is interrupted before the plunger reaches the intermediate position between the two stator magnetic poles, and the plunger thereafter further advances by inertia and strikes a ball. After the ball is struck, the coil is again supplied with a current, and the plunger is in turn supplied with a magnetic force in a retreat direction.

Abstract: A pinball type game includes a play surface having at least one target thereon adapted to be engaged by either of two game balls which can be propelled onto the play surface so as to traverses the play surface and return to a return end thereof. The two game balls are distinguished from each other by color or other indicia and each has a corresponding return and ejector mechanism controlled by a control circuit which enables only one ball to be on the play surface at any given time. The control circuit is operatively connected to the targets so as to receive a signal when a target is engaged by a game ball, and is operative to increase the normal game score so as to provide a bonus score when the targets are engaged by a selected one of the balls when on the play surface, thus providing an increase in scoring opportunity should the selected one of the balls being placed in play during a player's turn.

Abstract: A ball detector senses and signals the presence of a metal containing ball near preselected points on a game playfield. The ball detector is positioned to avoid contact with the ball and includes an electromagnet for generating a magnetic flux near the preselected points on the game playfield and a sensor for measuring the time rate of change of the magnetic flux induced by passage of the ball through the magnetic flux.

Abstract: A drop target assembly for a pinball game having a series of vertical sliders each having a target at its upper end and movable between an upwardly projecting play position and a drop position, each slider having a latch for latching the same in play position. A reset device is provided on the frame for thrusting all of the sliders upwardly to set the latches with all of the targets in play position, so that when one of targets is subsequently hit by the ball rearwardly during the course of play, the latch is released resulting in dropping of the target. Each of the sliders has an associated electromagnet including a movable armature adjacent the latch and coupled to the upper end of the slider to release the latch. A remote ball-operated device on the play field has a switch which is connected by circuitry to at least one of the electromagnets so that when the remote device is actuated the electromagnet is energized for artificially dropping the associated target.

Abstract: A pinball game, in addition to having an aspect in which a real projectile, i.e., a pinball, is manipulated to strike various targets, has a simulated projectile aspect in which a projectile is simulated by stepwise illumination of lights on an array. Events, in the simulated aspect, such as initiation of the simulated aspect, result from events on the playfield of the real projectile, such as retention of the projectile by a projectile-capture target, and events, such as release of the projectile from the projectile-capture target, result from events in the simulated aspect, such as completion or noncompletion of a maze. The player's total score is reflective of events on both the real and simulated aspect of the game.

Abstract: A game gate device having a variable width passageway for passage of a game ball. The gate device is pivotable for variable passageway spacing between a wide open and a narrow open position, wherein the spacing in both the wide open and narrow open positions are both sufficient to allow passage of the game ball through the gate device. In the preferred embodiment, the gate device is for use in a game having a ball and a downward sloping playfield having an upper and lower portion, the gate device being positioned between the upper and lower portions of the playfield. The gate device is comprised of first and second arms in spaced relationship with one another and aligned lengthwise extending down the playfield, the arms being pivotable at one end between a first and a second position for selectively providing the variable width passageway at the other end of the arms. The relative difficulty of passing the ball through the passageway is determined by the arm positions in either the first or second position.

Abstract: A pin ball game includes a ball receptacle which has associated therewith a rotary oscillating shooter for propelling the ball from the receptacle and along the playfield board in the direction of a predetermined axis which oscillates with the shooter. When the ball drops into the receptacle it actuates a drive motor for oscillating the shooter and enables a manually-operated trigger switch. When the shooter axis is pointing in the desired direction, the user manually operates the trigger switch to actuate the shooter, which in turn operates to stop the shooter oscillation and disable the trigger switch.

Abstract: A ball striking mechanism for use in an amusement game machine of the type which has an inclined playfield and at least one ball that moves on the playfield. The striking mechanism is mounted for lateral movement relative to the inclined playfield and is adapted to strike the ball and propel it along the playfield when properly laterally positioned to intercept the ball. In the preferred embodiment, the striking mechanism is activated by the ball. The mechanism is laterally positioned by operator manipulation and the mechanism includes a shock absorbing mechanism which prevents excessive energy applied to the handle from being transmitted to the internal mechanism to thereby protect the same from damage.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a playfield on which at least one drop target is supported for selective actuation relative to the playfield. The drop target includes a post having a conical shaped flange at its upper end, the post being moveable between a position wherein the flange and a portion of the post are disposed above the playfield for impingement by a game ball, and being responsive to impact by the game ball for movement to a position wherein a planar surface on the upper flange is substantially flush with the playfield so as to enable the game ball to pass freely thereover. Movement of the drop target from its raised position to its lowered position upon impact by a game ball serves to propel the ball away from the target.

Abstract: A play feature for a pinball machine includes one or more movable bumper posts placed near entrances to passages through which a ball will exit from the play of the game. When the bumper post is not actuated the ball can pass freely through a passage entrance. Actuation of the bumper post moves the post parallel to the surface of the playfield to a position hindering ball access to the passage. Bumper post motion may be sufficiently rapid to impart a considerable component of momentum in the direction of motion of the bumper post to the ball when the post contacts the ball.

Abstract: A playing field board for pinball game machines which is assembled with a playing surface thereof inclined, and along the inclined playing surface of which a round ball rolls downwardly by gravity and is driven upwardly by means of kicker apparatus, is made of a steel sheet and a transparent plastic layer of synthetic resin, e.g. urethane, disposed on the surface of the steel sheet. Between the steel sheet and the plastic layer of synthetic resin comprising the playing field, a buffer such as paper sheeting is interposed to dampen the noises made by a ball rolling along the playing surface of the playing field. Such paper sheeting can be in the form of a sandwich of metal foil between two paper sheets. The steel sheet contains a hole which is located beneath the transparent layer of plastic, and the hole is filled by a transparent plug. A metal hole is welded to the underside of the steel sheet. The holder supports an electric light bulb which shines upward through the transparent layer of plastic.

Abstract: A pinball machine controlled by a micro computer including a micro processing unit. A display in the pinball machine comprises an infinity box including a one-way mirror, a two-way mirror disposed in spaced, parallel relation to the one-way mirror, and a plurality of lamps disposed in the space between the two mirrors. A plurality of switches are provided for energizing respective lamps, the micro processing unit being connected to the plurality of switches so as to actuate the plurality of switches in a predetermined sequence whereby the lamps are energized in the predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A pinball machine having multi-level playfields with a transparent window mounted in at least an upper level playfield to allow observation therethrough to a lower level playfield. The window is mounted on a ledge in an opening in the upper level playfield with compressible rings and screws extending through the window, rings and ledge to compress said rings until the window is in the same plane as said playfield.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing a spectator-controlled game including a playfield and an object (e.g. a ball) which is movable over the playfield under the control of an audience of spectators. The playfield described includes selectively controllable means for impelling a ball and means for obstructing the ball, and various non-controllable forms of ball obstructing devices. The spectators have control devices having push-buttons for selecting one of a plurality of output `vote` signals, for obstructing the ball, or impelling it in any one of four specific directions. A programmable controller embodying a decision-making logic system provides control signals for activating the respective impelling and obstructing devices in response to predetermined majorities of vote signals provided by the spectators' control devices, so that the ball is impelled and obstructed in accordance with the majority wishes of the spectators.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of pinball machine flippers. Each flipper is operated in response to the energization of a single solenoid coil in which the same winding is energized to place the flipper in an actuated position and to hold the flipper in the actuated position. When a flipper switch is activated, a full wave rectified voltage is applied to the solenoid coil to place the flipper in an actuated position. When the flipper has been sensed to be in the actuated position, only a partial phase controlled voltage is applied to the solenoid coil to hold the flipper in the actuated position until the flipper switch is deactivated.

Abstract: A pinball type game including an oval-shaped playing field having two or more flipper-equipped, player-goal positions disposed on opposite sides of the field and having score accumulating switches disposed around the perimeter of the field such that as a ball is caused to roll around the perimeter, the game monitoring electronics will accumulate score until one player or the other causes the ball to pass into the goal of his opponent. At that time the accumulated score is awarded to the scoring player. The playing field is generally dome-shaped so as to slope from the middle toward the goal positions and is decorated to resemble a roulette wheel.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus comprising both video game play and pinball game play. Operation of the video game play is enabled by game play conditions of the pinball game play and visa versa. Video game play is implemented using a CRT supported by a housing common to the pinball game.

Abstract: Magnetic control of a ball on a pinball playfield is provided by an electromagnet located on the playfield and a mechanism manually operable by a player for energizing the electromagnet. The energizing mechanism includes a first switch external on the playfield operable by player and a second switch on the playfield which is activated by a ball hitting a target thereon. The first and second switch are connected in series with the electromagnet to control the latter. A timing mechanism is provided to limit the energization of the electromagnet to a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A projected gaming method and apparatus including a projector, a screen, one or more three-dimensional games and display apparatus, such as a pin ball game and display, a game changer device, a game selector mechanism and player control units. Each interchangeable projectable three-dimensional game and display apparatus is connected to the projector. Each three-dimensional game and display apparatus includes a printed game control system circuit on a printed circuit board, a complete three-dimensional game mechanism and a game display means attached to the other top side of the printed circuit board, all of which are interconnected. The game mechanism and game display means are displayed on the remote screen by the projector. Each game and display is automatically moved into and out of the projector for placement on the screen by the game changer device that is activated by a player actuating the game selector mechanism.

Abstract: A pinball game machine is provided with a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) visual display unit for indicating simultaneously scores in digital display corresponding to each of the players who are playing at one time. A player-related total score operated by a micro-computer is indicated on the screen of the CRT visual display unit in digital display. Upon using the CRT visual display unit, total scores, each of them corresponding to each of a plurality of players, may be simultaneously indicated. In this display, the score indication of the player who is up is performed using large digits so as to enable players to distinguish it easily from the scores of the other players.

Abstract: A pinball game has game play determined primarily by time rather than the number of ball plays. A specifiable amount of game play time is originally accorded to a given player. The game play time is reduced at an instantaneous rate which changes according to how actively he plays and scores. The more active the ball play, the slower the game play time is reduced. In another feature, the pinball game machine is controlled by a digital processor which also participates as a contestant against the human player. As another feature, upon certain playfield achievements, a given player is entitled to operate a mechanism which alters the playfield conditions of another player. Yet another feature includes the provision of multiple independent playfield areas on a common playfield. Each playfield area is self-contained, having its own captured ball, flipper mechanism, and scoring targets. Preferably, the areas having the captured balls are enabled for ball play only for specified periods of time.

Abstract: A rollover switch for pinball game includes a yieldable, and preferably elastic surface deformable between a position substantially level with the playfield surface and a position above the playfield surface. In one embodiment, the elastic surface is defined by a plurality of members connected by a hinge to support structure. The support structure defines a periphery, and the members extend inwardly from the hinged periphery. A plunger is provided to engage switch contacts as the members are advanced about the hinged connection. In another embodiment, the elastic surface is defined by a stretchable membrane which is deformable between a position substantially flush with the surface of the playfield and a position above the playfield.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a novel play feature is disclosed. The play feature comprises a tubular member having an entrance and an exit and being downwardly inclined from the entrance to the exit so that gravitational forces will cause a ball entering the tubular member by the entrance to roll to the exit. The play feature further comprises an entrance ramp extending from the playfield to the entrance of the tubular member to allow a ball from the playfield to roll up into the tubular member. If desired, a plurality of lights may be located along the bottom of the tubular member and, in order to actuate the lights, a switching member may be provided at the entrance of the tubular member.

Abstract: A pinball game apparatus is disclosed that has a housing in which a sloping playing surface is suitably supported. On the playing surface targets are provided and at least one is movable and coupled to an electric switch. If the player is successful in hitting the movable target, the switch actuated thereby turns on a film projector, which projects an image onto a matte pane screen located in the playing surface. A stepper motor is provided to control the projector so that each time the movable target is struck, a new image is projected upon the matte pane screen.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a steel ball traveling along the playing surface of a pinball machine may selectively drop through apertures into one of several aligned cups resulting in movement of the cups by gravity, the closing of a circuit for scoring and the operation of a mechanical linkage for causing rapid arcuate movement of the cups to "throw" the ball back into play.

Abstract: An audio and/or visual signal device is mounted on a pinball machine for signaling to the area surrounding the machine that a replay game or the like has been awarded. The signal device is connected through a relay to a source of electric power. The relay is energized by a magnetic reed switch adapted to be mounted in close association with a solenoid operated knocker within the machine so that the switch is magnetically closed when the knocker is operated.

Abstract: A game apparatus is disclosed in which a playing piece such as a ball, puck and the like is adapted to move over or strike a playing surface in turn formed by one of a pair of flexible sheets on which electrical circuitry is disposed. Another sheet having openings at preselected areas is disposed between the flexible sheets so as to normally maintain pairs of contact portions of the circuits in opposed spaced relationship to each other. As a playing piece moves over such preselected areas, its weight causes the first flexible sheet to become downwardly depressed such that a contact pair of circuits is electrically closed and a game event is signalled thereby. The game may be a pinball machine including electronic/microelectric circuitry, as a game processor input subsystem, and an alpha-numeric score-keeping readout and may also include audio and visual signals.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a main body with a circular upper margin and a conical playing surface extending downwardly from said upper margin and inwardly toward the center of the body. The body has a ball-actuating plunger and curved track near said upper margin so that a ball can be propelled in a circular path along said upper margin and away from the track so that the ball can follow a spiral path and strike one or more targets as it moves over the surface toward the lower extremity thereof. A bumper is mounted on the body near the lower extremity of the conical surface, and the bumper has a shiftable element which is manually actuated by a push-button switch to cause an outward force to be exerted on a ball as the ball approaches the bumper near the lower extremity of the conical surface. The element applies a force to the ball in a certain direction to cause the ball to move upwardly on the conical surface and to strike one or more targets on the conical surface.

Abstract: A pinball machine incorporates a ball playing field that may be varied, as by the user, for heightened interest in and attraction of the machine. The machine includes multiple deck elements removably carried by a support for the machine. These deck elements may be rearranged and replaced by substitutes. Different obstructions are typically carried by different deck elements so that a player or owner may rearrange the deck or play surface to change the playing field, and thereby alter the challenge of the game, at will.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinning target which is accurately responsive to the force of impact of a pinball on the target. A generally flat target element is suspended above the playfield so that it is rotatable about an axis parallel to the playfield and sufficiently above the field so that the pinball can pass below when the target element is in a horizontal configuration. The target element has a principal axis of inertia generally coincident with the axis of rotation of the target element. The target element is biased so that it is maintained in a vertical configuration until impacted by the pinball. A pair of weights which have a mass density relatively greater than the mass density of the target element are embedded in the target element in its respective extremities. The weights are symmetrically disposed relative to and remote from the principal axis of the target element.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for use in pin-ball games. The bumper assembly includes a plurality of bumpers that are connected by shafts to a kicker arm which is fixed to the core of the solenoid such that the plurality of bumpers are controlled together by the solenoid and only a single solenoid is required for all the bumpers. The playing surface and bumper are electrically conductive and are electrically connected to the solenoid. The ball played with the game is electrically conductive and will complete the electrical circuit between the bumper and playing surface to cause energization of the solenoid which will cause the bumper to move downwards and further cause the ball to be projected away from the bumper.

Abstract: A target assembly for use in games for personal entertainment and particularly pinball games, in which an electrically conductive ball traverses the base layer of a game board said base layer being electrically insulated from a contact plate. A multiscore plate is electrically connected to the contact plate and has a plurality of fingers that extend into a channell formed between the multiscore plate and a guide member such that, when the ball traverses the channel, it contacts the fingers of the multiscore assembly to complete an electrical current path between the contact plate and the base layer to trigger a scoring mechanism.

Abstract: A ball bumper structure primarily intended for use in pinball type games can be constructed so as to utilize first and second members mounted so as to be capable of being pivoted relative to a platform. The first member includes a bumper surface exposed at the front of the platform and the second member includes another bumper surface located opposite the first bumper surface. When an object such as a ball contacts the first bumper surface the weight of the object and/or the force of such contact is employed to move the first movable member so as to discharge a latch structure. When the latch structure is disengaged an actuation structure including an impulse drive rapidly moves the second bumper surface toward the first. These surfaces are preferably tapered so that when a ball is caught between the two bumper surfaces as the second is being moved toward the first the ball will be forced outwardly away from the bumper structure.

Abstract: A drop target assembly for a pinball game having a series of vertical sliders each having a target at its upper end and movable between an upwardly projecting play position and a drop position, each slider having a latch for latching the same in play position. A reset device is provided on the frame for thrusting all of the sliders upwardly to set the latches with all of the targets in play position, so that when one of targets is subsequently hit by the ball rearwardly during the course of play, the latch is released resulting in dropping of the target. Each of the sliders has an associated electromagnet including a movable armature adjacent the latch and coupled to the upper end of the slider to release the latch. A remote ball-operated device on the play field has a switch which is connected by circuitry to at least one of the electromagnets so that when the remote device is actuated the electromagnet is energized for artificially dropping the associated target.

Abstract: A pinball game in which several rear re-projectors are actuatable by a single solenoid which is acted upon by a single switch for re-directing the ball toward the back of a playing surface. Each movable element includes a lost motion connection, whereby when a ball contacts a given re-projector, only that re-projector will be actuated by the single solenoid.

Abstract: A ball bumper for a pinball machine or the like having an inclined playing surface over which a metal ball travels for scoring purposes, the ball bumper including a plurality of post members secured to the playing surface, the post members having suspended therebetween an at least partially conductive resilient bumper member yieldable under impact by a rolling ball. Disposed rearwardly of the bumper member and in proximity to the bumper member is a solenoid actuated kicker arm. On the playing surface in proximity to the resilient bumper member is a conductive strip, the strip and the bumper member being connected to an electrical circuit which is completed by contact of the metal ball with the strip and bumper member to actuate the solenoid to drive the bumper member outwardly to thereby redirect the ball. The resilient bumper member may take the form of a rubber ring made of conductive rubber.

Abstract: An improved flipper bar used with a pinball game apparatus allowing increased challenges for skilled players and increased unpredictability in ball trajectory for unskilled players, comprising a cantilevered arm having a series of undulations on one side and disposed perpendicular to the playing field.

Abstract: A pin ball machine which incorporates a micro processor instead of relays and hard wiring wherein the processor is programmed such that when the coin switches, the flipper switches and the various scoring switches of the machine are energized the computer accumulates and drives indicators to indicate the score as well as drives the flippers, the sling shots and other units of the playfield to provide an improved machine.

Abstract: A pinball game has a playing field with ball directing lanes and targets and flipper elements for returning the ball. A programmed logic array is connected to the switches, response lamps, digit scoring lamps, and audible devices. A matrix circuit is connected to the switches and places information into a memory, the output of which is connected through to activate lamps and audible devices which produce a continuous output if energized. A scanning decoder coupled to the matrix circuit is driven from the programmed logic array.