Abstract: A topper construction for a gaming device or pinball machine, or similar article, has an illuminated pointer/director that utilizes a master-slave, driver-follower arrangement of magnetically linked elements to move over a display field in a pre-programmed manner to cue the player as to attainable goals and places. The master-driver is driven by a dual rack system controlling movement on X-Y axes, or by a cranking mechanism driven in an orbital or circular pattern. The pointer/director is hidden from the player's sight until the bonus round/feature begins.

Abstract: Multiple staged follower magnets in a topper construction each constitute an award in and of itself. When stopped on selected sites assigned designated values increase the follower's value by multiplication in the visible cuing area, thereby increasing the available range of awards exponentially.

Abstract: Multiple staged follower magnets in a topper construction each constitute an award in and of itself. When stopped on selected sites assigned designated values increase the follower's value by multiplication in the visible cuing area, thereby increasing the available range of awards exponentially.

Abstract: A topper construction for a gaming device or pinball machine, or similar article, has an illuminated pointer/director that utilizes a master-slave, driver-follower arrangement of magnetically linked elements to move over a display field in a pre-programmed manner to cue the player as to attainable goals and places. The master-driver is driven by a dual rack system controlling movement on X-Y axes, or by a cranking mechanism driven in an orbital or circular pattern. The pointer/director is hidden from the player's sight until the bonus round/feature begins.

Abstract: A pinball machine comprises a playfield, a shooter for propelling balls on the playfield, and a figure having at least one movable limb. The limb is movable between a first position where the limb is capable of receiving and holding a ball, and a second position where the ball is propelled from the limb onto the playfield. A motor/solenoid and shaft are provided for moving the limb between the first and second positions to propel the ball from the limb, and then to retract the limb back to the first position. A ball delivery trough is positioned to deliver balls to the limb in the first position.

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: A section of the play field is changed during play by replacing components mounted thereon with different components. In other words, the section of the play field is replaced with a new section. Preferably this is done by rotating the section of the play field to expose different components that were previously stored below the play field surface. In a preferred embodiment the section of the play field is coupled by a slip clutch to a continuously running motor, and a solenoid operated catch mechanism stops rotation of the section of the play field when it is approximately parallel to the rest of the play field surface. To change the components included in the play field, the solenoid is energized to release the catch and thereby permit rotation of the section of the play field by approximately 180 degrees.