Magnetic Or Electric Patents (Class 273/118A)
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Patent number: 6158737Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. One of these features is a novel playfield assembly for the pinball machine. For ease of movement of the playfield into and from a cabinet of the pinball machine, the playfield has skid rails which extend substantially along the length of the playfield. The skid rails are spaced from the lower side of the playfield by a distance that is greater than the distance by which components protrude from the lower side of the playfield. Thus, the playfield can be placed on the ground without any chance for damage of its components. The playfield may also include a slide stop at one or both of its ends. The slide stops engage the front molding of the cabinet to ensure the playfield does not fall into the cabinet or fall from the cabinet as the skid rails are being slid across the front molding.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Bradley D. Cornell, John R. Krutsch, James A. Patla
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Patent number: 6155565Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield, a panel, an electronics system, and a video display. The playfield is mounted in the cabinet with the panel mounted to the cabinet and overlaying at least a portion of the playfield. The video display is mounted generally above the cabinet and is disposed to project video images onto the panel for viewing by the player. The electronics system includes a control unit and a plurality of input/output elements which are mounted to the playfield. The control unit, which includes a controller and memory for storing game instructions and video images, is coupled to the plurality of input/output elements. The controller executes the game instructions to cause the video images to be displayed upon the video display.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: George A. Gomez, Charles R. Bleich, Bradley D. Cornell, Andrew W. Eloff, Bradley A. Hume, John R. Krutsch, James M. L. Shird, Thomas W. Uban
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Patent number: 6113097Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a playfield mounted to a cabinet. Unlike previous pinball machines, electrical wires and their associated "playfield-side" connectors extending from input/output elements mounted to the playfield are limited in movement to a region generally beneath and in close proximity to the playfield. This allows the playfield to be more easily handled than prior playfields, which had long dangling electrical wires and connectors which could be easily tripped over or severed. Additionally, the plurality of playfield-side connectors are configured for easy installation and integration with corresponding "cabinet-side" connectors.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: John R. Krutsch, James M. L. Shird, Thomas W. Uban
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Patent number: 6059288Abstract: A ball locking device includes a plurality of posts arranged to retract into or extendabove apertures in the game playfield. In the extended position, the posts form a cage which confines a game ball therein. The posts are arranged, for example, in a circular pattern and spaced from one another at a distance less than the diameter of the game ball. A solenoid, in conjunction with sensing devices, controls the movement of the posts to capture the ball in play or to release the captured ball at an appropriate time during game play. The locking device is hidden from the players view when in its retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1996Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: John A. Popadiuk, John W. Skalon, Ernest Pizzarro
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Patent number: 6036189Abstract: A game which comprises a plurality of play devices and a panel for prohibiting access of a player to the plurality of play devices. The panel includes at least two optically distinct portions. A first optically distinct portion is substantially transparent for viewing at least one of the play devices and a second optically distinct portion is partially transparent for viewing at least another of the plurality of the play devices and partially reflective for reflecting a virtual image to be viewed by the player. The second optically distinct portion having a higher reflectivity than the first optically distinct portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: George A. Gomez, Patrick M. Lawlor, Thomas W. Uban
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Patent number: 6036188Abstract: An amusement game which comprises a playfield having a game piece and a plurality of play features, and an apparatus for projecting a changeable virtual image in association with the playfield.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Williams Electronic Games, Inc.Inventors: George A. Gomez, Patrick Lawlor, Thomas W. Uban
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Patent number: 6000696Abstract: A game machine enabled to make various responses by adding the psychosomatic state and emotion of the player as one of conditions for determining the responding manner. The psychosomatic state of the player is grasped to change the responses in accordance with the psychological state of the player by making use of both a chaos attractor obtained by numerically processing the information sampled from the player and the index indicating the degree how the chaos attractor matches the defining condition of the chaos.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Akiharu Miyanaga, Toshiji Hamatani
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Patent number: 6000697Abstract: A pinball game comprises a cabinet, an inclined playfield, and a video display. The inclined playfield supports a rolling ball and a plurality of play features thereon. The cabinet includes a pair of opposing side walls and a rear wall extending between the opposing side walls. The playfield is housed within the cabinet such that the playfield is partially encompassed by the side walls and rear wall of the cabinet. An upper portion of the rear cabinet wall extends above a level of a rear portion of the playfield. The video display is mounted to this upper portion of the rear cabinet wall and is located in close proximity to the rear portion of the playfield. By mounting the display to the rear cabinet wall in close proximity to the playfield, the display can be easily viewed by a player during game play and, yet, allows the playfield to be easily serviced for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes without interference from the display.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: John A Popadiuk, John W. Skalon
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Patent number: 5967514Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: RLT Acquisitions, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 5944309Abstract: An illuminable ramp assembly for a pinball game having a playfield supporting a rolling ball thereon comprises an elongated molded plastic housing and a ball ramp extending alongside the housing. The housing encloses a power supply, a gas tube, protective end caps, and cushioning supports. The gas tube is powered by the power supply. To effectively suspend the gas tube within the housing and, at the same time, provide the gas tube with shock resistance, the protective end caps are mounted over opposing ends of the gas tube, and the cushioning supports are intermittently located along the length of the gas tube. The cushioning supports partially encompass the gas tube and are interposed between the gas tube and the housing. The ball ramp includes an entry end and an exit end. A switch capable of detecting the presence of the rolling ball is preferably located near the entry end of the ball ramp.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: John A Popadiuk, John W. Skalon
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Patent number: 5938195Abstract: A serpentine ramp is rotatable about a horizontal axis between its center and its upper end to lift a pinball from a lower play surface to an upper play surface. A ball is directed from the lower surface into a ball receiving portion in the lower end of the ramp. This closes an optical switch causing the ramp to rotate between a receiving position and a discharge position. A ball disposed in the receiving portion rolls on the ramp to its upper end and then onto the upper surface. A second optical switch is closed by the return of the ramp to the receiving position which terminates the operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1993Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Williams Electronics Games Inc.Inventors: Python Anghelo, Raymond Czajaka, Dan K. P. Lee
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Patent number: 5924690Abstract: A drop target for a pinball game includes a movable target element operably connected to a target driver. The target driver is controllably movable in response to energizing pulses from a game controller. A releasable latching mechanism moves in cooperation with the target driver and, when attached to the target element, communicates movement from the target driver to the target element so as to move the latter between a raised and lowered position. The target driver in one embodiment comprises a single solenoid including a coil and a plunger concentric with the coil. The plunger and target element move to a raised position in response to the game controller applying an initial energizing pulse to the coil. Thereafter, the game controller maintains the target in its raised position by applying a variable pattern of energizing pulses to the coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Williams Electronic Games Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Kopera, Matthew C. Coriale
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Patent number: 5890715Abstract: A pinball machine which can be electrically linked to other pinball machines to allow the machines to communicate. Features on the pinball machines are synchronized to make gameplay more attractive to players. Cooperative or competitive gameplay can be provided between the pinball machines, but achievement of goals on the two machines is synchronized to maintain similar gameplay on both machines at any particular time.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: George A. Gomez, Thomas W. Uban, Thomas M. Kopera
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Patent number: 5833235Abstract: A pinball machine comprises a position controller and a movable feature on the pinball machine. The position controller comprises a servomotor connected in operative relation to a shaft. The movable features connect to the shaft and are movable between several positions by the shaft. Circuitry is provided to produce a signal to command movement of the feature to one of the positions in a manner responsive to an event taking place in the pinball machine. Electronic circuitry causes the servomotor to move the shaft to a specific position in response to the signal, without the need for mechanical switches. Specifically, a plate-like, movable obscurer for the flippers is disclosed as the movable feature, although other types of movable features are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Sega Pinball, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Michael D. Toler
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Patent number: 5806851Abstract: An interactive play feature for a pinball game includes a shooting position on an inclined playfield and a target spaced apart from the shooting position. A shooting mechanism is responsive to input from a player for propelling a game ball from the shooting position toward the target. The game ball normally follows a path of travel from the shooting position to the target when propelled by the shooting mechanism. A blocking member is movable to a blocking position in response to the game ball reaching a desired position, wherein the blocking member obstructs the path of travel of the game ball to prevent the game ball from reaching the target.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: George Gomez, Thomas M. Kopera, Thomas W. Uban
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Patent number: 5772206Abstract: An amusement game having a solenoid operated rotating play feature. The solenoid comprises a bobbin having a bore around which is disposed electrical windings for use in creating an electromagnetic force and a plunger disposed within the bore. The plunger is linked to the rotating play feature and is movable in response to the electromagnetic force. The bore and the plunger are sized and arranged to allow the plunger to move laterally within the bore to accomodate the rotational movement of the play feature as the plunger moves in response to the electromagnetic force. An unhanded bracket is supplied to mount the play feature to the playing surface of the amusement game which is adaptable to carry a variety of end-of-stroke sensing switches.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Capcom Coin-Op Inc.Inventor: William C. Pfutzenreuter
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Patent number: 5769415Abstract: A game machine enabled to make various responses by adding the psychosomatic state and emotion of the player as one of conditions for determining the responding manner. The psychosomatic state of the player is grasped to change the responses in accordance with the psychological state of the player by making use of both a chaos attractor obtained by numerically processing the information sampled from the player and the index indicating the degree how the chaos attractor matches the defining condition of the chaos.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Akiharu Miyanaga, Toshiji Hamatani
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Patent number: 5743523Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 5741010Abstract: An apparatus provides interlevel play for a pinball game having an inclined playfield. The apparatus includes an elevated surface mounted above the playfield for supporting a rolling ball thereon. The elevated surface has an aperture therein for receiving the rolling ball therethrough, and a trap door is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the trap door extends substantially the length of the aperture to support the rolling ball thereon. In the open position, the rolling ball is allowed to be ejected through the aperture and onto the elevated surface. An ejecting mechanism is also provided for ejecting the rolling ball from underneath the elevated surface, through the aperture, and onto the elevated surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Inventor: Mark Weyna
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Patent number: 5730441Abstract: Conventional pinball machines have various mechanisms, some of which are under the control of the user, to enable the ball in play to be moved around the playing surface. An extra mechanism which can be incorporated is a rotated striking member, e.g. of oval shape. When a ball strikes this, it is driven away in a direction which is usually not radial relative the rotational axis of the member but which tends to be more tangential.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Saitek Ltd.Inventors: Chris Gibbons, Aidan Rutherford, Man Wai Leung
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Patent number: 5720480Abstract: A display panel for a pinball machine utilizes a lightweight plastic housing member with a plurality of apertures therein for retaining light bulbs. A glass lens and film having an image thereon are resiliently retained on the housing member with channel members that extend about the periphery of the lens and housing. The display may be removed and installed as a unitary piece in a pinball game cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Lawlor, John W. Skalon, John Krutsch
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Patent number: 5707059Abstract: A pinball game is provided with a control system which enables a game player to choose between a novice mode of play and a normal mode of play. In novice mode, game play proceeds for a predetermined time, regardless of the number of game balls played and selected game features, such as the tilt sensor, may be disabled. Game bonuses and free games may be made unavailable in novice mode to encourage experienced players to play in normal mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Dwight Sullivan, Kenneth Fedesna
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Patent number: 5700007Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 5700008Abstract: A game of skill, such as a pinball game is integrated with a game of chance, such as a simulation of a board game. A micro-processor based control system permits play of the game of chance when a player achieves game objectives in the skill game. The game of chance is played using random number selection to determine the "moves" on the simulated board game. The player may continue the game of chance until he wins the game or he may stop at a designated point and return to the game of skill. The game of chance simulation may include a plurality of lights arranged in patterns to simulate board game paths.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Lawlor, Matthew C. Coriale
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Patent number: 5673913Abstract: A pinball game in which an electromagnet is positioned on or below the playfield. A computer-controlled circuit is connected to the electromagnet and is operable to detect and control the pinball in response to changes in the magnetic field of the electromagnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Sega Pinball, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Toler, Ward L. Pemberton
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Patent number: 5664777Abstract: A play feature for a pinball game permits the storage of a number of game balls and release of the balls at high speed and in quick succession back onto the playfield for multiple ball play. A rotor element having a plurality of vertical vanes is disposed within a circular housing having a conical lip. The base and vanes of the rotor, together with the conical lip, define receptacles for receiving game balls. When a predetermined rotor speed is reached, the balls travel upwards on the conical lip and outward against an outer wall of the housing. The stored balls are conveyed successively to a discharge channel where they return to the play field at high speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Dennis P. Nordman, Winston H. Schilling, Edward F. Hicks
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Patent number: 5664775Abstract: A ball-shooting game machine includes a vertical game board having a front side with a vertical partition member mounted thereon for dividing the game board into a game zone and a ball guide zone. The partition member has a distal upper end which is spaced from an upper edge of the game board. A magnetic ball shooter is disposed behind the game board and includes a magnet disposed adjacent to the ball guide zone, and a drive assembly for moving the magnet between a first position adjacent to a lowermost portion of the ball guide zone, and a second position adjacent to an uppermost portion of the ball guide zone. When a metal game ball is in the ball guide zone, movement of the magnet from the first position to the second position will result in corresponding movement of the game ball from the lowermost portion to the uppermost portion of the ball guide zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Inventor: Aqee Kao
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Patent number: 5655768Abstract: A bowling toy having a unique ball launching and pin setting means. The miniature bowling ball is placed in a tubular launcher where both gravity and a motorized spinning rubber wheel act to propel the ball down a miniature bowling alley. The rubber wheel can be adjusted in terms of its angular relationship with the ball and in terms of its speed causing the ball to travel slowly or quickly in a straight line or in an arcing trajectory depending on the setting. A pin setting assembly is comprised of a pair of plates one of which is slidable. The non moving plate contains a series of short tubes integral to the bottom and holes at the center of each tube. The pins are set by inserting them into the tubes. The slidable plate is located above the non moving plate and contains a plurality of magnets which correspond to the center of each tubular holder. Ferrous metal elements are molded into the top of each pin allowing the pins to remain suspended above the alley.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventors: Roger P. Moret, Kenneth A. Tarlow, Cristino V. Alegria
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Patent number: 5651546Abstract: A rolling ball game is provided with a token dispenser which dispenses game tokens by rolling them onto the inclined cover glass of the game cabinet. The dispenser is provided with controls to permit interaction of the dispenser with the game housed within the cabinet. Thus, dispensing may occur during game play as a function of player skill when appropriate events occur on the game playfield. Tokens provide a basis for players to defer game rewards, such as bonus points or special game features until another game.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1996Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Lawlor, Matthew C. Coriale
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Patent number: 5639087Abstract: A rolling game machine includes: a rolling unit by way of which the player rolls a rollable object in a desired direction; an interference member movable in a direction intersecting the inertial direction of the rolling object; an opposite detector arranged opposite the rolling unit for detecting a rollable object which has been rolled across the interference member; an end detector arranged near a forward end of the interference member for detecting a rollable object which has fallen and moved by the interference member; a rating device which assigns a rate to a rollable object which has completed its rolling on the basis of detection of the first and second detectors; and a ticket issuing device which issues a ticket corresponding to an assigned rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihisa Ogawa, Takashi Hamano
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Patent number: 5634639Abstract: A ball game apparatus has a plurality of balls, a spiral rail for automatically delivering the balls, a field portion on which the balls delivered by the spiral rail can roll with a given degree of freedom, winning pocket portions and invalid pockets formed over the field portion for receiving a plurality of the balls in each of them, a CCD camera for counting the number of balls received in the winning pocket portions and a calculator for calculating a score from the number of balls counted by the CCD camera.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Namco Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuo Tokito, Shuichi Nakatome, Yasufumi Tanabe, Toshitake Inagaki, Tatsuo Kawabuchi, Hiroshi Takeuchi, Kotaro Nakano, Yasuo Mori, Takaharu Aoki, Hideyuki Kaneko, Teruyoshi Takahashi, Shinya Niwa, Kiyoshi Minami, Manabu Matsuo
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Patent number: 5620181Abstract: A signaling device for an amusement game including a playfield having a plurality of triggering devices disposed thereon electrically linked to a microprocessor. A plurality of light sources are mounted behind the playfield which are capable of being activated either singularly or in combination by the microprocessor to produce a predetermined color of light. An optical receptor is disposed on the playfield and is optically connected to the plurality of light sources through an optical lead whereby the optical receptor will become illuminated in the color generated by the plurality of light sources. The color generated by the light sources and, therefore, the color in which the optical receptor will illuminate may be changed to either signal a successful activation of a specified triggering device or signal which triggering device should next be activated.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Capcom Coin-Op, Inc.Inventor: Bryan P. Hansen
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Patent number: 5580052Abstract: The play feature of the invention comprises a planar surface which is rotatable above the playfield of a pinball game between a ball receiving and a ball discharge position. An electromagnet is attached to the planar surface. A ball detector, such as an eddy current sensor, is mounted to the playfield adjacent the housing to detect the approach of a pinball to the electromagnet. The magnet can be energized to suspend a ball from the planar surface which is then rotated to a ball discharge position where the magnet is deenergized to discharge the ball.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: John A. Popadiuk, John W. Skalon
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Patent number: 5560602Abstract: A pinball machine cabinet is provided comprising a playfield box and a back box attached thereto. The back box contains electronic driving circuitry and includes a speaker panel attached thereto, the speaker panel being movable between an open position and a closed position for allowing access to the electronic driving circuitry. A hinge is provided to connect the speaker panel to the back box and a clasp is associated with speaker panel for maintaining the speaker panel in the closed position. A pair of stereo speakers and a display unit are mounted to the speaker panel. A pair of speaker cabinets may be disposed within the back box into which are disposed the pair of stereo speakers when the speaker panel is disposed in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: Capcom Coin-Op, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Johnson, Manolo R. DeLa Torriente
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Patent number: 5560601Abstract: A game machine enabled to make various responses by adding the psychosomatic state and emotion of the player as one of conditions for determining the responding manner. The psychosomatic state of the player is grasped to change the responses in accordance with the psychological state of the player by making use of both a chaos attractor obtained by numerically processing the information sampled from the player and the index indicating the degree how the chaos attractor matches the defining condition of the chaos.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shupei Yamazaki, Akiharu Miyanaga, Toshiji Hamatani
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Patent number: 5558373Abstract: A pinball machine comprises a position controller and a movable feature on the pinball machine. The position controller comprises a servomotor connected in operative relation to a shaft. The movable features connect to the shaft and are movable between several positions by the shaft. Circuitry is provided to produce a signal to command movement of the feature to one of the positions in a manner responsive to an event taking place in the pinball machine. Electronic circuitry causes the servomotor to move the shaft to a specific position in response to the signal, without the need for mechanical switches. Specifically, a plate-like, movable obscurer for the flippers is disclosed as the movable feature, although other types of movable features are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Sega Pinball, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Michael D. Toler
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Patent number: 5544880Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Sega Pinball, Inc.Inventor: John D. Borg
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Patent number: 5529294Abstract: The lighted stand-up target of the invention comprises a housing attached to the playfield and a target switch pivotably mounted to the housing. An array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned on a printed circuit board mounted within the housing. The target switch is actuated each time that it is struck by a pinball. In response thereto, the LEDs are lit indicating the number of times that the impact target has been struck.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1995Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Dennis P. Nordman, Armando X. Zuniga, Steven J. Vornsand
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Patent number: 5524887Abstract: A multi-directional ball popper for a pinball game provides an unpredictable path for the game ball as it emerges from the popper. A pair of solenoid plungers are provided on the underside of the game playfield and aligned with respect to the ball position when it rests in a recess on the playfield. A centering plate is provided to ensure precise alignment of the ball with both of the plungers. A switch is provided in the ball popper to detect the presence of the game ball. An optional guide element is provided above the playfield in order to guide the ball to one of two elevated surfaces after the ball emerges from the popper.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: John Trudeau, Edward F. Hicks
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Patent number: 5518236Abstract: A play feature for use in conjunction with a pinball game having an inclined playfield over which a ball may roll is provided. The play feature includes a ball directing member defining an entrance pathway, a first exit pathway, and a second exit pathway. The entrance pathway is provided to direct the ball along a first predetermined line, the first exit pathway is provided to direct the ball along a second predetermined line, and the second exit pathway provided to direct the ball along a third predetermined line. At least one electromagnet is operatively associated with the ball directing member for causing the ball, upon activation thereof, to alter its course of travel along the first predetermined line to a course of travel along the second predetermined line. Optionally, a second electromagnet may be used for causing the ball, upon activation thereof, to alter its course of travel along the first predetermined line to a course of travel along the third predetermined line.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1995Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: CAPCOM Coin-Op, Inc.Inventor: Robert S. Morrison
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Patent number: 5509655Abstract: The present invention includes a ball shooting mechanism for shooting a PACHINKO ball into a play field, a variable display apparatus capable of variably displaying a plural kinds of identification information, and a starting condition determining means for determining satisfaction of game starting conditions satisfied under such conditions that a coin is deposited and the like in accordance with manipulation of a start button by a player. In response to a determination output of the starting condition determining means, the ball shooting mechanism is driven and controlled to automatically shoot a ball, and the variable display apparatus is, after variation of display thereof is started, is controlled to be stopped so as to draw and display a display result thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha SankyoInventor: Shohachi Ugawa
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Patent number: 5507488Abstract: A ball diverter located in a ramp or other ball path is moveable between first and second positions and is used to selectively divert a pinball between two paths. The player uses buttons located on the game cabinet to control the position of the diverter and the path travelled by the ball. The mechanism for moving the diverter includes two solenoid coils which are arranged such that the diverter can be held in either the first or second position indefinitely without either solenoid being continuously actuated.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1995Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Brian R. Eddy, Robert C. Friesl
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Patent number: 5497994Abstract: A pinball game using a pinball adapted to be propelled along a playfield is provided. The pinball game includes a target mounted above the playfield and first and second movable objects mounted above the playfield which are movable between a closed position wherein the first and second movable objects are disposed substantially adjacent to each other and an open position wherein the first and second movable objects are disposed substantially apart from each other. A solenoid having a plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to contact of the target by the pinball. An arm rotatable about a pivot point having first and second ends displaced from the pivot point is linked to the plunger at a point spaced from the pivot point. A first link connects the first end of the arm to one of the movable objects and a second link connecting the second end of the arm to the other of the movable objects.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1995Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: CAPCOM Coin-Op, Inc.Inventors: Bryan P. Hansen, Rick Morgan
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Patent number: 5494286Abstract: An electromagnet is mounted beneath the playfield. Sensors, such as optical switch pairs, are positioned on the playfield in operative relation with the electromagnet to detect the ball and to produce a signal in response thereto. The microprocessor, in response to such signals, briefly pulses the magnet to accelerate the ball or energizes the electromagnet for an extended period to grab and hold the ball. When the ball is held, the magnet is thereafter deenergized and briefly pulsed to propel the ball on the playfield. In one embodiment, a plurality of electromagnets are provided along a ball path which are operated sequentially by the game microprocessor to move the ball from magnet to magnet in a stepped manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Edward A. Estes, Brian R. Eddy, Patrick M. Lawlor
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Patent number: 5492325Abstract: A game device has a flat, circular bottom wall with a plurality of ball-receiving wells formed in it and a transparent dome-shaped cover that captures a plurality of balls within the device. Some of the wells have a number shape, and each of those wells are color coded. The game is played by inverting the device and restoring it to its upright position or by shaking it until all of the balls have entered into the wells. The number of balls within a well are counted and multiplied by the number of the well into which they have fallen to arrive at a total for that well. Depending upon the color of the well, the total is either added to or subtracted from an earlier total and the process is repeated to arrive at an arithmetic sum. A pair of wells are also formed in the shape of a multiply sign and a divide sign and the arithmetic sum is multiplied by the number of balls in the multiply sign-shaped well and that number is divided by the number of balls in the divide sign-shaped well.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Inventor: Albert J. Hawver
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Patent number: 5492326Abstract: A game machine island comprising ball lending machines each disposed between two adjoining game machines and ball lending machines of the same type arranged at the ends of the line of the game machines, respectively. A drive unit and a driven unit have introducing paths communicating with bank note discharging slots of the ball lending machines arranged at the ends of the island, respectively, for directly introducing bank notes discharged from the ball lending machines to the conveying belt. In the construction of the island, the installation and the wiring is carried out efficiently, and the workability of the installation can be enhanced, and the cost can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ace DenkenInventors: Takatoshi Takemoto, Koichi Tsubota, Hideyuki Kadomatsu, Etsurou Sasaki
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Patent number: 5480149Abstract: The invention consists of a pair of flippers located adjacent the bottom of the playfield. A pair of ramps or other similar ball conveyors are provided where each ramp delivers the ball directly to one of the two flippers. A third ramp is provided that connects the first ramp with the second ramp such that a ball riding on either the first or second ramps can bypass the flipper associated with that ramp and be conveyed via the third ramp to the opposite flipper. Automatically operated gates control the access of the ball to the third ramp such that the game can control to which flipper the ball is delivered.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventor: John Trudeau
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Patent number: 5474292Abstract: A ball diverter mechanism for use in directing a ball in a pinball game having an entry path and first and second exit paths. The ball diverter mechanism comprises a solenoid having a plunger movable between a first position wherein the plunger is extended and a second position wherein the plunger is retracted, a first ball contacting surface linked to the plunger, and a second ball contacting surface also linked to the plunger. When the plunger is in the first position, the ball will engage the first ball contacting surface and travel under the second ball contacting surface to cause the ball to be diverted from the entry path to the first exit path. When the plunger is in the second position, the ball will engage the second ball contacting surface and travel over the first ball contacting surface to cause the ball to be diverted from the entry path into the second exit path.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1995Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Gamestar, Inc.Inventors: Python V. Anghelo, Robert S. Morrison
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Patent number: 5470064Abstract: Disclosed herein is an action game apparatus comprising: a game board having a playing surface for supporting a playing piece for movement thereon, the game board comprising: a peripheral railing delimiting the playing surface; the playing surface being generally rectangular, having opposite ends and comprising:a goal mouth located at each the opposite end of the playing surface;a plurality of playing figures for striking and propelling the playing piece on the playing surface, the playing figures being pivotally mounted, essentially orthogonally to the playing surface, the playing figures being mounted at predetermined locations on the playing surface; bidirectional pivotal motion generating structure connected to each the playing figure for selective pivotal movement thereof; the apparatus further comprising: first and second input structure capable of being actuated by a first and a second player respectively, the first and second input structure having a plurality of keys adapted to allow the first and seType: GrantFiled: January 13, 1995Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Inventor: Francis Landry
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Patent number: 5462276Abstract: An amusement device has a playfield and a backboard display. The display comprises a display wall having a first image carried thereon, plus a transparent display wall portion. A rotatable arm is positioned behind the transparent display wall portion. The arm is decorated to form an integral part of the first image. For example, the first image may be a cartoon character or other entertainment figure, with the arm depicting an actual arm or leg of the figure and pivotally connected at the shoulder or hip of the first image. Thus, an illusion of image movement can be provided as the arm rotates, typically in response to a predetermined event taking place on the playfield. One or more second images may be carried on one or more panels. The panels are moved between a first position behind the first image and a second position behind the transparent display wall portion. This movement may be coordinated with the motion of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Inventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow