Abstract: The disclosed device relates to an improved system for mounting a game playfield within a game cabinet. The device provides pivotal and sliding movement of the playfield with respect to the cabinet while allowing quick removal of the playfield entirely from the game cabinet. The game cabinet is provided with a groove on each side thereof and spring-biased pivot pins are mounted on the playfield for travel within a respective groove in the cabinet.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention comprises a ball well and electromagnetic coil. A ball sensor is located near the well entrance to signal when a ball is detected. The electromagnet, disposed at the well entrance, attracts the ball from the playfield into the well where it is retained. To eject the ball, the magnet is reenergized and the ball is ejected form the well onto the playfield.

Abstract: The ball trough is of a unitary construction such that it is mounted directly to the underside of the playfield as a single piece. The ball trough consists of a generally U-shaped channel that is mounted to the underside of the playfield and extends between the drain hole and the shooter lane. The bottom surface of the channel is inclined relative to the horizontal such that a ball entering at the drain hole will roll under the force of gravity toward the shooter lane. When activated, the solenoid plunger will kick the ball located adjacent the shooter lane up through an aperture in the playfield and into the shooter lane. A series of optical switches are mounted on the channel and arranged such that each switch will detect the presence or absence of the ball in the queue.

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: The play feature of the invention consists of a ball projecting mechanism mounted for rotary motion about an axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the playfield. When a ball enters the projecting mechanism, a motor is activated which rotates the projecting mechanism about the axis. The player, by pressing a button, can control when the projecting means is fired thereby to control the direction of travel of the ball. A series of play features can be located at a position on the playfield spaced from the projecting mechanism to provide targets for the player.

Abstract: A ball accelerator mechanism employs one or more electromagnetic coils in combination with sensor elements to accelerate a rolling ball made of ferro-magnetic material. As a ball approaches the coil, it operates the sensor applying a DC current pulse to the coil. As the ball enters the coil, it is magnetically accelerated until it clears the sensor at which time the current is turned off. The length of the current pulse is thus a function of ball velocity. Preferably to maximize acceleration, the width of the coil is an integral multiple of the ball diameter.