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: An improved drop target assembly provides first and second target surfaces for ball engagement at a given drop target location. Only one of the target surfaces is engageable at any given time. Preferably, both target surfaces are on a single, vertically movable support member such that dropping of the member to lower the first target surface to a below-playfield position drops the second target surface into a ball engageable position. One or more switch contacts are provided for indicating ball engagement with the target surfaces and the dropping of the first target surface to the below-playfield position. A housing is provided to shield the second target surface from view when the first target surface is in the above-playfield position.

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.