Patents by Inventor Steve Ritchie

Steve Ritchie has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20140035227
    Abstract: A coin operated amusement game such as a pinball machine having a playing surface wherein tri-colored LEDs are provided to illuminate the game playing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: STERN PINBALL, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Ritchie, Lyman Sheats
  • Patent number: 5536082
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Ritchie, Peter Piotrowski, Carl Biagi
  • Patent number: 5415403
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Ritchie, Carl A. Biagi
  • Patent number: 5350174
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Ritchie, Carl Biagi
  • Patent number: 5186462
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Biagi, Steve Ritchie, Dwight Sullivan