Abstract: The invention relates to a ball projecting apparatus having a ball singulator with a fork-and-actuator mechanism that is adjustable to allow the apparatus to be used for a variety of different sports. A fork assembly is adjustable or replaceable to convert the apparatus from use with balls of one sport to use with balls of a different sport. Each fork may be referred to as a “rocker,” since it is pivoted from a first position in which a foremost ball is impeded from advancing to a second position in which the foremost ball is released, but the next ball is impeded. The rocking motion alternates which of two prongs is within the ball-supply path. When the forward prong is in the ball-supply path, all balls are prevented from advancing. Alternatively, when the rearward prong is in the ball-supply path, the foremost ball is allowed to advance.

Abstract: A catapult device for a catapult game, including a projectile-throwing mechanism, and a projectile catch member. The projectile release angle of the mechanism, and the projectile throw force of the mechanism are adjustable. The throwing mechanism is automatically released upon the impact with sufficient force of a projectile on the projectile catch member. Also disclosed is a game system and a game playing method using a number of such devices.

Abstract: In an athletic ball server, a collapsible tripod supports an elongated inclined tray containing a linear array of balls. A gate at the low end of the tray cyclically releases balls one at a time from the array to gravity. One edge of a trampoline is pivoted on the tripod. The central portion of the trampoline is aligned to bounce a ball released from the tray. An eye-bolt is connected between the tripod and the trampoline allowing the angular position of the trampoline to be varied. By adjusting the eye-bolt, it is possible to achieve any desired trajectory of the bounced ball from a pop-up or slow pitch trajectory to a ground ball trajectory.

Abstract: A table tennis service machine is simple in construction and is formed of mechanical devices, such as a ball feeding device, a driving member, a deceleration gear set, and a ball ejecting device. The deceleration gear set is driven by the driving member such that the ball ejecting device is driven by the deceleration gear set in an intermittent manner, thereby resulting in a periodic ejection of the ball by the service machine.

Abstract: This invention deals with several aspects in relation to training of retriever dogs and conducting field trials and hunt tests. In one aspect, this invention provides a catapult assembly including a launching pouch, tensioning bands for the pouch, and a carriage movable between first and second positions. The pouch and carriage are connected at or near the first position. A machine screw is used for drawing the connected pouch and carriage to or near the second position while tensioning the tensioning bands. A drum is used for automatically feeding a retrieving object into the pouch when at or near the second position. A crossbow release mechanism is used to catapult the retrieving object.

Abstract: A multi-purpose projecting device for propelling and disseminating, generally vertically, paper disks, confetti, or fluid contained in a cartridge. Contents of the cartridge as well as the outside surface of the launching tube may be covered with a fluorescent material. The launching tube may serve as a flagpole to supplement its primary function at large social gatherings such as sporting or music events, wedding ceremonies, holiday celebrations, etc. The device consists of a two-part cylindrical launching apparatus and a cylindrical cartridge that may hold paper disks, confetti, fluid, or other soft materials such as fiber, string, fabric, etc. The upper section of the launching tube folds back, into which the cartridge can then be inserted. The lower section of the launching tube consists of a spring, a plunger, a spring, a string, and a trigger. After the cartridge is loaded, a string connecting to the plunger is pulled, contracting the spring and setting the trigger ready for launching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball projecting apparatus having a ball singulator with a fork-and-actuator mechanism that is adjustable to allow the apparatus to be used for a variety of different sports. A fork assembly is adjustable or replaceable to convert the apparatus from use with balls of one sport to use with balls of a different sport. Each fork may be referred to as a “rocker,” since it is pivoted from a first position in which a foremost ball is impeded from advancing to a second position in which the foremost ball is released, but the next ball is impeded. The rocking motion alternates which of two prongs is within the ball-supply path. When the forward prong is in the ball-supply path, all balls are prevented from advancing. Alternatively, when the rearward prong is in the ball-supply path, the foremost ball is allowed to advance.

Abstract: A confetti launcher is provided and includes a housing for storing the confetti, a rotatable actuator coupled to the housing, and a spring biased movable member disposed within an interior of the housing for ejecting the confetti. The movable member is positionable between a first position where it is locked relative to the actuator and a second position where it is free to move and an energy stored in a biasing element is released and translated into a force applied to the stored confetti such that the confetti is ejected from an open end of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medal game machine that makes it possible, for a medal to move forward with good directionality, thus increasing the playability of an aiming game. The configuration is such that a medal (14) fired from a shooting device (16) is used to shoot at a target. The shooting device (16) comprises a shooting section (24) that loads the medal (14) in a vertical orientation and a push-out means (30) that pushes out and fires the medal (14) loaded into the shooting section (24) A pressing roller (40) that presses against the upper portion of the medal (14) that is loaded into the shooting section (24) is provided in the shooting section (24) so that, when the medal (14) is being pushed out by the push-out means (30), it is shot out escaping from the pressing roller (40).

Abstract: A ball launching apparatus is described in which a main frame mounts a ball support sub-frame for adjustable positioning about an axis. A ball carrier is provided on the ball support sub-frame at a radial distance from the adjustment axis. A ball striker arm with a striker pad is mounted for pivotal motion about the axis and moves in a swing path intersecting the ball carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hockey training device. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a hollow vertical housing with both a loading end and a discharge end. The intermediate extend of the housing is adapted to store a number of hockey pucks. A discharge device, such as a solenoid actuated plunger or spring urged driving bar, is employed in forcing pucks out through the discharge end of the housing. In this manner, the device can be used in driving pucks, one at a time, vertically and flat across the ice.

Abstract: A launcher for a flying object, such as a boomerang, is provided having a body that includes a plurality of wings. The launcher includes a stop against which the object rests at a point on its body. A moving member engages one of the wings of the object so as to impart forward motion thereto, such that the object is propelled forward from the launcher with a rotational moment about the stop. The boomerang is preferably made from a sheet of material which is cut to form the plurality of wings, joined at a vertex, wherein one or more of the wings are folded to produce lift flaps.

Abstract: A ball launching apparatus is described in which a main frame mounts a ball support sub-frame for adjustable positioning about an axis. A ball carrier is provided on the ball support sub-frame at a radial distance from the adjustment axis. A ball striker arm with a striker pad is mounted for pivotal motion about the axis and moves in a swing path intersecting the ball carrier.

Abstract: A mathematical game of amusement including a game board having generally planar upper and lower surfaces. The game board has a square center aperture therethrough. The upper surface of the game board is divided into a series of spaces. Each of the spaces has a predetermined point value associated therewith. A selected number of the spaces are designated as bonus spaces. A launching mechanism is positionable within the square center aperture of the game board. A plurality of disc-shaped game pieces are dimensioned for being positioned atop the launching mechanism. The game pieces are divided into at least two sets of game pieces distinguishable from one another by color. The game pieces are launchable by the launching mechanism onto the series of spaces of the game board to achieve a score.

Abstract: A projectile and launcher combination, in which the launcher is formed with a tubular passage having a convergently tapered inner end. A projectile element is provided at its back end with a plurality of rearwardly extending, cantilever mounted resilient leaf spring elements arranged to be received in and displaced radially inward by the convergently tapered portion of the tubular passage. When the projectile is loaded into the launcher, the leaf spring elements tend to eject it forwardly. A retention arrangement is provided to hold the projectile until it is ready to be ejected. When the projectile is released from retention, the outward pressure of the leaf spring elements on the convergent walls forcibly ejects the projectile from the launcher passage.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for training a player of a game in which an object is projected towards the player at a normal velocity range. Depending on the application of the training method, the normal range of velocity for the projected object in the game is determined. An apparatus is provided for projecting the object at a velocity greater than the normal velocity range. The object is projected towards the player at the velocity greater than the normal velocity range. This routine is repeated to improve ocular conditioning and physical objects of the game.

Abstract: A projectile and launcher combination, in which the launcher is formed with a tubular passage having a convergently tapered inner end. A projectile element is provided at its back end with a plurality of rearwardly extending, cantilever mounted resilient leaf spring elements arranged to be received in and displaced radially inward by the convergently tapered portion of the tubular passage. When the projectile is loaded into the launcher, the leaf spring elements tend to eject it forwardly. A retention arrangement is provided to hold the projectile until it is ready to be ejected. When the projectile is released from retention, the outward pressure of the leaf spring elements on the convergent walls forcibly ejects the projectile from the launcher passage.

Abstract: A toy catapult includes a frame and an elongate arm. One end of the arm includes a wheel that is rotatable on an axis defined by a bar of the frame. The other end of the arm includes a ball holder. An aim-protection member is also circumferentially attached to the aim near its middle. The frame includes dual block members, each having a post member extending vertically from it, and a stop member positioned between the post members. Interposing the block members is a lever arm with a wheel-engagement member for holding the arm in tensed, or cocked position. Tension is caused by a flexible bias member which attaches to the arm and to a hook positioned on the frame and located forward of the wheel.

Abstract: An interactive play system and method of interactive play is provided in which a plurality of interactive play elements are provided for creating various desired effects utilizing soft foam balls or other suitable play media. The interactive play system comprises a multi-level support structure on which the interactive play elements are disposed. These allow play participants to create desired play effects using a fun and familiar play media. Some of the play elements may be multi-order play elements in that they receive play media from a first effect to create yet another effect. Various play-participant-operated conveyers are provided throughout the structure for transporting play media from a source to the various interactive play elements.

Abstract: A powered bow for launching a projectile includes a stock, a grip, and a body portion. The body portion includes a groove for receiving and supporting the projectile, a carriage slidably mounted in the body portion, an energy storing device, an energy releasing assembly coupling the carriage with the energy storing device, a latch releasably engaged with the carriage, and a trigger coupled to the latch. The projectile, such as an arrow or a bolt, is propelled by stored energy in the form of compressed fluid, such as air or gas, or springs or the like, the energy being coupled to the arrow by means of a portion of a cable, belt or chain carried on the carriage or pusher riding in a slot and actuated by the cable, belt or chain. The energy storage and release mechanism of the bow is internal to the bow, and the arrow is consistently propelled in a straight line, without safety concerns from sweeping strings or bow arms.

Abstract: A simulated gun for use with a disk-shaped or substantially disk-shaped flying member made of a metal as a bullet for discharging it forward, the simulated gun comprising: a gunbarrel having the hollow whose cross section along a direction normal to a flying direction of the flying member is vertically long and has vertical and horizontal dimensions set substantially equal to the diameter and the thickness of the flying member, respectively, and a flying member hitting position being set at the inner back position of the gunbarrel; a hammer provided at the inner back position of the gunbarrel, reciprocatingly movable between an advanced position where it hits the rear part of the flying member set at the flying member hitting position and a retracted position which is located in a rearward from the advance position, and adapted to hit the flying member set at the flying member hitting position, and a trigger for reciprocatingly moving the hammer.

Abstract: A ball delivery system including a base member comprising an angularly disposed panel. The angularly disposed panel has an elongated recess extending inwardly from a lower end thereof. A plurality of ball holders are secured to the angularly disposed panel of the base member disposed on opposing long sides of the elongated recess. The plurality of ball holders are dimensioned for channeling a ball therebetween disposed over the elongated recess. A dispensing mechanism is coupled with respect to the base member for throwing the ball over an upper end of the angularly disposed panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for individually launching a plurality of projectiles. The device comprises a base having a launching mechanism housed therein, a feeder for transporting a projectile to the launching mechanism, and a receptacle attached to the base and operatively connected to the feeder, wherein the receptacle holds the projectiles until they are fed into the feeder.

Abstract: A ring airfoil launcher has a first barrel and a second barrel coupled to a stock and a launching mechanism disposed within each of the first barrel and the second barrel and within the stock. A chuck for the ring airfoil launcher has a hub having an inner diameter sized to be received over either the first barrel or the second barrel and to be axially slidable along the respective barrel. The hub is arranged to be coupled to the respective launch mechanism. The chuck has a first ring airfoil engaging surface formed on the hub, the first ring airfoil engaging surface adapted to receive a first ring airfoil, and a second ring airfoil engaging surface formed on the hub, the second ring airfoil engaging surface adapted to receive a second ring airfoil.

Abstract: An intrusion apparatus for safely propelling a non-lethal diversionary device into a structure through a barrier. The intrusion apparatus comprises an extension device adapted to be gripped by an individual and being movable generally towards the barrier by the individual. A support assembly is connected to the extension device. The support assembly serves to support the non-lethal diversionary device as the extension device is moved towards the barrier. A barrier breaking assembly is also supported by the extension device. The barrier breaking assembly forms an opening sized to receive the non-lethal diversionary device through the barrier as the extension device is being moved towards the barrier. A propelling assembly is also supported by the extension device. The propelling assembly serves to selectively propel the non-lethal diversionary device into the structure through the opening formed in the barrier at a non-lethal velocity.

Abstract: A ball throwing apparatus includes a ball feeding guide, an actuator with a movable stop member, a throwing arm and ball launching guide. The ball feeding guide defines a path open at and extending between first and second ends for receiving balls at the first end, guiding the balls in a single file arrangement along the path with the balls being movable by the force of gravity through the path and feeding the balls from the second end. The actuator is disposed adjacent to the second end of the ball feeding guide and its stop member is movable between an extended position in which the stop member blocks the path and thereby retains the balls in the single file arrangement within the path and a retracted position in which the stop member unblocks the path and thereby allows the feeding of balls from the path at the second end of the ball feeding guide.

Abstract: A toy includes a ring airfoil and a launcher to launch the ring airfoil. The ring air foil is formed with a rigid body portion and an energy absorbing material disposed on a leading edge. The launcher is adapted to substantially simultaneously impart rotational launching energy and translational launching energy to the ring airfoil.

Abstract: A launcher for a ring airfoil includes a magazine assembly holding a plurality of ring airfoils. The magazine assembly is coupled to a launching mechanism, and the launching mechanism provides an indexing motion to the magazine assembly. In use, the setting action of the launching mechanism indexes the magazine assembly allowing a ring airfoil to engage with the launching mechanism for subsequent launching. Additional ring airfoils may be launched by repeated actuation of the launching mechanism without reloading the magazine assembly with ring airfoils.

Abstract: A projectile having photoluminescent properties is exposed to light within a gun when propelled from the gun to excite the photoluminescent surface and provide a visual display by the propelled projectile. The projectile is illuminated by a flash lamp, such as a xenon flash lamp, having a high level ultraviolet light component and relatively low or non-existent red, orange and infrared components.

Abstract: A machine for tossing or set ting a volleyball into the air, to aid in practice of spiking the ball, includes a cylindrical housing with a ball exit opening at one end, with legs to set the housing on the ground with the exit opening facing upward. A ball support cup with attached rod is slidably supported in the housing by a linear bearing. The ball support cup is spring biased toward the exit end; a brake prevents the rod from passing completely through the bearing. The lower end of the rod includes teeth which are engageable with a sprocket wheel of a timer assembly. When a ball is placed on the support cup, and the cup is pushed down, the teeth will engage the sprocket wheel to activate the timer; after a time, the sprocket wheel will disengage from the teeth, allowing the spring to move the support cup upward to launch the ball through the exit opening.

Abstract: A toy gun can be equipped with a specially configured ram for firing air-filled or water-filled balloons. The forward surface of the ram has a hemi-spheric contour, so that the ram has extensive surface area engagement with the balloon rear surface. When the ram is fired forwardly the balloon is subjected to relatively low unit area acceleration forces, so that the balloon has a lessened likelihood of rupture or excessive deformation.

Abstract: Toys and methods for safely and reproducibly launching ring airfoils in a flying orientation. The toys generally comprise a member, a ring airfoil support mounted on the member, and a propelling element configured to move the ring airfoil support along the member from a first to a second position. Contact between the ring airfoil and the ring airfoil support causes the ring airfoil to move with the ring airfoil support as the ring airfoil support moves; this contact is overcome as the ring airfoil support decelerates at the second position, causing the ring airfoil to be launched with forward or both forward and spinning motion. The toys further may comprise a housing to protect the toy and user, a return element to place the toy in an engaged, launch-ready configuration, and a trigger to hold the toy in the engaged configuration until launching.

Abstract: A soccer ball projecting apparatus comprising a horizontal base frame having wheels affixed thereto for movement of the apparatus about a soccer field, and a sub-frame which is movably mounted on the base frame. The sub-frame supports a mechanism for projecting a soccer ball, and a soccer ball support cup assembly for supporting a soccer ball in operational association with the mechanism for projecting a soccer ball. The apparatus further comprises a first chain and sprocket drive and motor for rotating the sub-frame within a horizontal plane above the base frame. The ball projecting mechanism is thereby rotatable from side to side for projecting soccer balls to soccer players on both sides of a soccer field without displacing the apparatus in the field.

Abstract: An automatic tennis ball supply device, includes: a spring for transmitting the power via its elasticity; a first shaft which is joined to part "b" which is the first part of a steel band of the spring; a handle for winding the spring; a first gear which rotates in the same direction as the first shaft; a second gear which rotates to the left when the wound spring runs down; a latch for disengaging the first and second gears from each other when the spring is wound, and for engaging the first and second gears with each other when the wound spring runs down; a third gear which rotates to the right, when the second gear rotates to the left; a second shaft which rotates in the same direction as the rotating third gear; a rotative speed control unit for controlling a rotative speed of the second shaft; a ball pick up unit for picking up and conveying one of the plural tennis balls in a container; a ball guide unit for guiding the tennis ball to outside.

Abstract: Missile launching apparatus includes a housing section and a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is integrally formed from a common piece of material with the housing section to define a single component.

Abstract: A sport training apparatus for projecting a ball into the air for training an athlete in the proper technique of hitting or catching the ball. The apparatus includes ball projecting means and a spring connected thereto for movement between a cocked state and an actuated state. The spring is held in the cocked state by a partial vacuum automatically developed within an air chamber which is created when a piston enters a cylinder. To cock the apparatus for use, the ball projecting means is pushed down which, in turn, causes the piston to enter the cylinder and create the air chamber. A check valve is connected to the air chamber to provide unrestricted air exit from the air chamber as the piston enters the cylinder. A pneumatic control release is connected to the air chamber for allowing ambient air to enter the air chamber for releasing some or all of the partial vacuum to actuate the spring thereby causing the ball projecting means to propel the ball into the air where it can be hit or caught by the athlete.

Abstract: A ball or object ejecting device is disclosed which is useful as an automatic pitching machine. The device includes a support guide for supporting a ball to be ejected, a flexible impacting member for impacting against a supported ball at a large velocity for thereby forcibly ejecting the ball from the support guide, an actuating mechanism for cyclically actuating the impacting member in a predetermined cycle period, a mechanism for supplying a plurality of balls, one at a time, to the support means in the predetermined cycle period, and the actuating means also actuates the ball supplying mechanism simultaneously as it actuates the impacting member.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for casting a flexible line such as fishing line. First and second elongate hollow tubes having open ends are disposed with the open end of one of the tubes extending telescopically into the open end of the other tube. An open container is disposed on the second hollow tube for holding the end of the flexible line therein. A spring member resides within the tubes and extends through telescopically overlapping sections of the tubes. A user inserts the end of a fishing line into the open container with a lure or bait attached to the end of the line, pulls the second tube backwardly against the spring member and releases the second tube, thereby permitting the spring member to thrust and second tube forwardly and launch the end of the line through the air.

Abstract: A mechanical hand grenade launcher comprised of a launch tube and spring-ven plunger for propelling a hand grenade to a target area. At the aft end of the launcher is a charging handle that when pulled rearward compresses a spring within the launcher tube. When the spring has been sufficiently compressed, the spring is then locked in the cocked position by a safety pin attached to a first lanyard. A hand grenade is loaded through the fore end of the launcher and the grenade's pull pin is attached to a second lanyard. When rearward force is applied to the second lanyard, the grenade pull pin is dislodged from the grenade. To launch the grenade, rearward force is applied to the first lanyard dislodging the safety pin which releases the spring. The force of the expanding spring imparted to the hand grenade propels the hand grenade out of the fore end of the launch tube toward the target area.

Abstract: A two-stage toy rocket and spring-loaded launcher assembly which when fired, propels the first stage into space. The first stage of the rocket is a missile molded of resilient plastic material having a solid disc mounted on its rear end encircled by a coupling collar. The second stage is formed by an externally-threaded sleeve whose upper end is received in the rear end collar of the first stage, and is releasable therefrom by a release button which, when actuated, then decouples the first stage from the second stage. The launcher is formed by a platform on which is anchored an internally-threaded shell whose diameter is such that it is threadably receivable in the sleeve of the second stage, a spring being nested in the shell and projecting thereabove.

Abstract: A ball throwing apparatus includes an enclosure formed with an aperture and a movable gate to cover the aperture. A throwing arm adapted to receive a ball is pivotally mounted within the enclosure for movement between a ball loading position and a released position. A suction cup element holds the throwing arm in the ball loading position and releases the throwing arm from the ball loading position after a time delay. When released, the throwing arm is biased by a spring to move from the ball loading position to the released position to throw the ball. At the same time, movement of the throwing arm acts to open the gate to allow discharge of the ball from the enclosure. The use of a gate makes the ball throwing apparatus safer by enclosing the moving parts of the apparatus to make them inaccessible when in use.

Abstract: A spring-powered toy gun ejects small disks, of the type children collect, giving the ejected disks a spin to improve their flight. The disks are first loaded into a separate spring-operated magazine which is then inserted into an aperture on the gun. A transparent window in the gun allows a user to view the magazine's top disk and any insignia thereon. The top of the magazine bears two retaining members that hold the top disk in place. These retaining members are spaced apart from the magazine by the thickness of one disk and, thus, set the thickness of the disks that can be fired from the gun. The top disk is ejected from the gun by a planar propulsion lever driven by a main spring. Pulling back on a trigger moves the main spring and the propulsion lever away from a rest position. When the trigger is pulled fully, the main spring is automatically released and snaps forward causing the propulsion lever to move forward and strike the top disk propelling it from the gun.

Abstract: A portable container for playing games of chance comprises a box combined by a cover and a base, a rotatable means whose components are disposed in the cover and the base when carried. A number of bouncers are provided on the base for playing. Disks are inserted in the bouncers and bounced by the springs within the bouncers to the assembled rotatable means so that the positions of the rotatable means in which the disks drop determine the scores of the players.

Abstract: An apparatus for baseball batting training. The apparatus includes a rigid-wall cylindrical tube with means to support a baseball at one end thereof. A striker movable within the tube, is latched against a preselected force of a coil spring, and is rapidly urged toward the baseball for impingement therewith to propel the baseball upward a distance corresponding to the preselected force of the spring. When the striker is pushed down, a pin is visually extended and retracted to engage a selected one of a plurality of latching detentes to hold the striker in a cocked position. Upon release of the pin, the spring loaded striker is urged rapidly upward to impact with the baseball and propel the baseball into the hitting zone of a waiting batter. The inside diameter of the rigid-wall tube is larger than the small end of a baseball bat to allow the bat to be pushed into the tube and reset the apparatus for another use.

Abstract: A toy missile launching device includes a hollow barrel which simulates a bazooka. A water balloon is mounted in the barrel detachably connected to a trigger mechanism. An elastic band is secured to the water balloon and anchored to the front end of the barrel in a stretched condition when the water balloon is mounted to the trigger mechanism whereby actuation of the trigger mechanism permits detachment of the water balloon from the trigger mechanism under the contracting influence of the elastic band to launch the water balloon out of the barrel.

Abstract: A ball pitching device includes a pivotable pitching arm spring biased in a ball pitching direction by a spring and pivoted in a direction opposite the ball pitching direction by a rotating member engaging a cam surface of the pitching arm. The pitching arm is pivoted to a ball engaging position, and a ball to be pitched is delivered from a ball chamber for engagement by the pitching arm. After the ball is delivered for engagement by the pitching arm, the rotating member disengages the pitching arm cam surface allowing the spring to return the pitching arm toward the stop position engaging and propelling the ball in the ball pitching direction.

Abstract: An archery apparatus for propelling an arrow includes a rigid main frame having a guide sheave situated at each of the opposing tips thereof. A main sheave is rotatably connected with a lower portion of the main frame. A bowstring extends between the guide sheaves, wherein each end thereof wraps around a respective periphery of mutually opposing perpheries of the main sheave and terminates connectably thereto. The actuation system of the archery apparatus includes a pair of tensioning mechanisms located on each side of the lower portion of the main frame. Each tensioning mechanism includes a coil spring, wherein a first end thereof connects to the lower portion of the main frame adjacent the guide sheave thereof and the second end of the coil spring connects to a tensioning cable. Each tensioning mechanism further includes a cam sheave connected with the lower portion of the main frame in spaced relation from both the axis of rotation of the main sheave and the second end of its respective spring.

Abstract: A ball projecting apparatus includes a housing with a frontward opening. The interior of the housing has an elongated ball guider which extends inclinedly and longitudinally from a position near the frontward opening and which terminates at a lower position, an electrically driven rotor which is mounted below the elongated ball guider, and a torsion spring which is mounted pivotally to the housing. The torsion spring has a first end portion which engages by a stopper and a second end portion which extends into a circular path that is traveled by the rotor when the rotor is activated.

Abstract: A game includes a manual actuator, an animated character that is animated by actuation of the manual actuator, and a random integer generator such as a spinner. The animated character includes an ejector, an object such as a ball positioned in the ejector, a mechanical counter that is incremented by actuation of the manual actuator, and a release mechanism responsive to the mechanical counter to activate the ejector and thereby cause the ejector to eject the object when the counter is incremented to a sufficient number. A player of the game generates a random integer by spinning the spinner and actuates the manual actuator a number of times corresponding to the random integer.

Abstract: A game unit having a skill game combined with a prize dispenser. A coin toss gun shoots or tosses coins at targets in the skill game. A wheel unit has a flat top surface. A wiper wipes coins landing on the top surface in geometric paths which may lead to target holes spaced about the circumference of the wheel unit. The coin toss gun has a pull back lever arm for presetting the height of the coin toss.