Abstract: This invention provides fault tolerant capability for a Versa Module Eurocards backplane system design for high reliability applications. An approach of connecting two independent backplanes together electrically, but providing isolation capabilities in the event of a failure was developed. The electrical connection or integrated bridge design provides a virtual connection between the two VME backplanes that is transparent to the end user. The integrated virtual VMEbus design provides a low latency, high bandwidth interconnect between modules whether located on the same local bus or the electrically isolateable bus. This dual-VME fault tolerant backplane design eliminates complete system failures due to single event failures.

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 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A target for a pinball game utilizing a pinball rolling on a game surface is provided. The target includes a single pallet having disposed thereon a first display and a second display. A mask is disposed in overlapping relation with the single pallet. A pinball activatable switch is used for generating a detection signal. A solenoid is used for changing the overlapping relation between the mask and the single pallet in response to the detection signal between a first relationship wherein only the first display is visible and a second relationship wherein only the second display is visible.

Abstract: A pinball game for creating an optical illusion in which a real pinball normally enters a saucer cup held on a stage during a first operating state, During a second operating state, the stage screens are closed and the pinball enters a lift mechanism held behind the stage. A false pinball is displayed in the saucer cup and is raised by the lift mechanism to create the illusion that the real pinball is floating in defiance of gravity. After the false pinball and the real pinball are in the loft area above the stage, the real pinball is guided to a ramp which returns the real pinball to the playfield.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for control of an anode voltage power supply for reduction of fluctuation in anode power supply output during the vertical retrace period, resulting in improvements in overall CRT display performance parameters.