Abstract: A pinball machine includes a game cabinet supporting a playfield having a target and ramp assembly mounted to the playfield. The target and ramp assembly includes a carriage rotatably mountable to the playfield and an actuator operatively coupled to the carriage for rotating the carriage about a rotating axis between a first position and a second position. A target assembly is mounted to a portion of a periphery of the carriage and a ball path, such as a ramp is defined by at least one upstanding wall extending perpendicular from the carriage. In the first position, the target assembly is in a first location relative to the playfield and In the second position, the ball path is in the first location and the target assembly is in a second location relative to the playfield.

Abstract: A collapsible ramp assembly for use with a pinball machine having a playfield and a ball which moves across a surface of the playfield. The collapsible ramp assembly includes a base mountable to the surface of the playfield, a first ramp portion pivotally coupled to the base and including a first ramp surface, a second ramp portion pivotally coupled to the base and comprising a second ramp surface, a slidable shaft pivotally couplable to the first ramp portion and having a longitudinal axis extending through the playfield and being movable between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis, a rigid link pivotally coupled to both the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion, and an actuator coupled to the slidable shaft to move the slidable shaft between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A ball momentum transfer assembly for a pinball machine includes a guide assembly, a travel ball, a target element and a magnetizable impact object. The travel ball is located within a captive ball travel area defined by the guide assembly such that the travel ball rests against the impact object to receive momentum from an impact against the impact object when the impact object is struck by a game ball moving across the playfield to cause the travel ball to impact the target element and upon impact, selectively magnetize or demagnetize the impact object. A ball sensor assembly may be mounted adjacent the guide assembly and configured to detect the presence of the game ball moving proximate the impact object and divert the game ball as desired.

Abstract: A rotatable ball momentum transfer assembly for an amusement gam, such as a pinball machine includes an impact ball mounted to an inclined playfield and a shaft mounted to the playfield proximate to the impact ball. A travel ball is coupled to the shaft such that the travel ball rests against the impact ball during gameplay to receive momentum from the impact ball when the impact ball is struck by a game ball, causing the travel ball to at least partially rotate about the shaft. In one example, the travel ball rotates in a fixed arc towards one of two resting positions on either side of the impact ball. These two resting positions both open or close different shot paths available during gameplay.

Abstract: A method of determining duration of a play session is described herein using a ball saver. An elapsed game time is tracked and a current round of play identified. Using the current round of play and the elapsed game time, a save time is determined. Finally, an autosave for a duration equal to the save time is activated using mechanical stop, flippers, or programmatic solutions.

Abstract: A method of determining duration of a play session is described herein using a ball saver. An elapsed game time is tracked and a current round of play identified. Using the current round of play and the elapsed game time, a save time is determined. Finally, an autosave for a duration equal to the save time is activated using mechanical stop, flippers, or programmatic solutions.

Abstract: A target assembly includes a target post mounted to an underside of a playfield and sized to extend through an opening in the playfield. A centering device is mounted to the target post between a first end of the target post and a second end of the target post and a centering plate secures the target post to the underside of the playfield, wherein the centerplate and the centering device form a fulcrum for the target post to pivot as a lever. Impact of a ball with any portion of the target post, and in any direction, above the playfield causes the target post to pivot about the fulcrum, where a sensing switch senses the target post movement. A biasing element coupled to the centering device biases the target post into a rest position and returns the impacted target lever towards the rest position after impact by the ball.