Abstract: In a machine to dispense balls (spherical or near-spherical objects such as gumballs) wherein means is provided to play a game with one of the balls before it is dispensed, a temporary holding chamber is provided for a ball by two blades of a paddle-wheel-like wheel which coact with stationary surrounding side members. A latch engages a wheel portion to prevent the wheel's rotation except in response to the actuation of a target by a rolling ball in play on a playfield. By providing such a chamber in this manner, unwanted release of a ball in response to even extreme tilting or shaking of the machine is prevented because the apparatus can easily be made so that no amount of shaking or tilting will change the characteristics of the chamber to make it possible for a ball to exit the chamber except in response to actuation of the latch.

Abstract: Machine to dispense spherical or near-spherical objects such as gumballs or rubber balls. A reservoir holds the balls and a sloping playfield is provided. After a coin is inserted a ball from the reservoir is dropped onto the playfield. A player can then use flippers to try to hit a target with the ball before the ball falls through one of the holes which the playfield contains. If this happens the ball is dispensed and the player no longer has an opportunity to hit the target. If the player is able to hit the target with the ball that ball is dispensed. At the same time, a second ball is dispensed as a prize.