Abstract: A target for a pinball game utilizing a pinball rolling on a game surface is provided. The target includes a single pallet having disposed thereon a first display and a second display. A mask is disposed in overlapping relation with the single pallet. A pinball activatable switch is used for generating a detection signal. A solenoid is used for changing the overlapping relation between the mask and the single pallet in response to the detection signal between a first relationship wherein only the first display is visible and a second relationship wherein only the second display is visible.

Abstract: A moving playing surface amusement game having an object chute disposed at one end and one or more targets disposed at the other end and a movable conveyor playing surface disposed intermediate the object chute and targets. The conveyor playing surface game includes a microprocessor and a device for sensing the position of an object on the conveyor playing surface in a particular lane or sequencing the speed of the conveyor playing surface with a particular spot on the conveyor playing surface which playing surface can include a variety of surface ornamentations and diverters to change or maintain the path of the object on the conveyor playing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic game comprising a LCD game in which various elements of the game may be controlled by a player having to locate balls in recesses in the manner of a traditional rolling ball game. The game comprises a LCD 1, control means for generating the LCD image and for controlling a game thereon, a graphic display surrounding the LCD and including recesses 3 in which metal balls 4 may be received. The recesses include electrical contacts which are bridged by a ball when received therein to generate a signal whereby the ball rolling and electronic components may interface.

Abstract: A pinball game for creating an optical illusion in which a real pinball normally enters a saucer cup held on a stage during a first operating state, During a second operating state, the stage screens are closed and the pinball enters a lift mechanism held behind the stage. A false pinball is displayed in the saucer cup and is raised by the lift mechanism to create the illusion that the real pinball is floating in defiance of gravity. After the false pinball and the real pinball are in the loft area above the stage, the real pinball is guided to a ramp which returns the real pinball to the playfield.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An amusement device has an outer track forming a loop surounding a playing field, and is adapted to retain one or more play objects in motion around the outer track. An adjustable motor accelerates the play object within the track to a desired speed, and a lever directs the moving play object from the track to the play field.

Abstract: A pinball machine comprising a housing having provisions for translating a ball in play throughout a plurality of locations therein, including at least one rotary spinner and active bar bumper, said housing further including flippers, inactive bumpers and ball traps and channels disposed at strategic locations on a playing field, the rotary spinners and bar bumpers being operably connected to a drive system which is operated off a single drive motor and which includes an integral scoring relay which generates a scoring signal in response to a drag torque imparted on the drive system every time a ball makes contact with a rotary spinner or bar bumper, the housing further having a three dimensional figure attached to one end thereof, adapted to move at least a part thereof relative to the housing, the figure including an internal mechanism adapted to move one arm thereof in a generally up and down motion such that it randomly and periodically impacts a trigger within the housing which engages a mechanism for ra

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The play feature consists of a first surface and second surface for supporting a rolling ball therebetween. The surfaces are made movable relative to one another such that in a first position they support a ball therebetween and in a second position they are spaced far enough apart to allow a ball to fall therebetween. The surfaces are movable relative to one another by a solenoid or other similar driver where the solenoid is controlled by a player operated button. As a ball rides along the first and second surfaces, the player operates the solenoid to move the first and second surfaces apart allowing the ball to fall between the surfaces at a desired location. A plurality of targets, ramps or the like can be provided below the surfaces as target objectives for the player.

Abstract: A skill-testing, entertainment or game equipment operating on the basis of user's physical values comprises units for non-invasive measuring physical values of a user, a computer unit arranged to receive the physical values of a user measured by the measuring units, the normal game score of the equipment and also to receive multiplication factors for certain physical values and units for displaying the scores produced by multiplication of the physical values measured by the measuring units on game scores with the multiplication factors supplied to the computer unit.

Abstract: The ball diverter of the invention consists of a pivoting cage located above an elevated track. The cage, when in its lowered position, will intercept a ball rolling on the track. The cage can then be pivoted to remove the ball from the track and deposit it on a surface disposed beneath the track. When the cage is in the raised position, the ball is allowed to traverse the track uninterrupted.

Abstract: A pinball machine in which a movable target assembly is provided. The movable target assembly retrieves and seemingly devours the pinball sending the ball to another part of the playfield where it is either put back into play or is removed from action and placed in the ball reservoir. In playing the pinball game, the player attempts to place the ball in a target within reach of the movable target assembly. The assembly then pivots towards and picks up the ball. The ball is then seemingly swallowed by the movable target assembly, and is sent, through the assembly and under the playfield, back out to a second location on the playfield.

Abstract: A pinball machine in which a movable ball transfer assembly is provided on the playfield. When a player positions a ball in a selected location on the playfield, the ball transfer assembly is actuated to retrieve the ball, move on the playfield and deposit the ball at different locations on the playfield. The ball deposit location is on a different level of the playfield from the ball deposit location.

Abstract: The tilt switch/incline indicator of the invention consists of a first support member that is connected to the game cabinet in a known orientation. A second member is pivotably supported on the first member and can be fixed relative thereto at angles corresponding to the desired angle of incline of the playfield. The second member supports a pendulum-type tilt switch similar to that used in the prior art. The pendulum acts like a plumb line to give a visual indication to the game operator that the playfield is at the desired angle set at the second member by observing when the pendulum is centered relative to the contact. The mechanism of the invention uses the tilt switch as the level indicator such that the playfield can be positioned at a known angle without requiring a separate level indicator or the recalibration to the tilt switch.

Abstract: A pinball machine has a plurality of ball-deflecting components mounted to a playfield section. The playfield section is selectively translated in response to player input, so that the ball is deflected by the ball-deflecting components to locations selected by the player. The translation of the playfield section, for example, is responsive to the conventional push-button switches that are operated by the player for activating flippers, and in this case the push-buttons activate respective solenoids for translating the playfield section in two different directions. The playfield section, however, could be translated in different directions along two or three orthogonal axes in response to a more complex player-input device such as a joy-stick.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A rotatable member is provided for a rolling ball amusement device. The rotatable member defines a ball receiving aperture which is positioned to receive a rolling ball and to cause transfer of kinetic energy from the ball to the rotatable member, to cause the member to rotate to one of a plurality of discrete, temporarily locked rotating positions, with the selection of the particular rotating position depending on the amount of kinetic energy so transferred. Preferably, switches are provided for identifying to the electronic controls of the amusement device the discrete rotating position occupied by the rotatable member. Upon command, the temporary lock of the rotating positions may be released. A spring or the like then rotates the member back to an original, ball-receiving position upon such release, which propels the ball back onto the playfield with a velocity that depends on the particular discrete rotating position achieved.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of a rotary wheel having a plurality of ball receiving sockets located therein. The wheel is rotated such that an empty socket is disposed in a ball receiving position. During the course of play, the game player can direct a ball into the socket where it is retained. The wheel is then rotated to expose another empty socket into which a player can direct a second ball. Once all of the sockets are filled with balls, the game's microprocessor will rotate the wheel to return the balls to the playfield for multiple ball play. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor that is controlled by optical sensors.

Abstract: A skill-testing, entertainment or game equipment operating on the basis of user's physical values comprises units for non-invasive measuring physical values of a user, a computer unit arranged to receive the physical values of a user measured by the measuring units, the normal game score of the equipment and also to receive multiplication factors for certain physical values and units for displaying the scores produced by multiplication of the physical values measured by the measuring units or game scores with the multiplication factors supplied to the computer unit.

Abstract: The visual display of the invention consists of a holographic display projected through the playfield. The display projects an image that is related to the playfield and is mounted on a flexible plate that is flexed by a rotating cam wheel. As the cam wheel flexes the plate mounted image appears to the player to move.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The optical ball sensor consists of an optical sensor consisting of a light emitter and light detector mounted on a printed circuit board. Light from the emitter is transmitted through a light pipe across the path of travel of the ball and through another light pipe back to the detector. When a rolling pinball interrupts the light beam, a signal is delivered to the game microprocessor. The microprocessor can be programmed to respond to the signal in any number of ways, for example, the microprocessor can score points, initiate other play features and the like.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a scoring mechanism is provided such that the player corresponding to the game element that last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points. Such scoring mechanism can be repeatedly biased to allocate points to different players throughout the play of the game. Scoring elements that bias the scoring mechanism in favor of one of the players may include active elements, which also propel the ball, or passive scoring elements.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of a three level target assembly where the uppermost level is mounted on a section of the playfield. The two lower levels are mounted to the underside of the playfield section such that upon activation of the play feature's drive system, the playfield section is raised to sequentially expose the two lower levels. In the preferred embodiment, the upper level includes ball ejector holes, the middle level includes button targets and the lower level includes ball diverting chutes. The game's microprocessor can be programmed to allow the ball ejector holes to eject the trapped ball only after the player completes a predetermined series of shots using a second ball. In such a situation, the ejection of the trapped ball will result in multi-ball play where more than one ball is in play at the same time.

Abstract: Movements of bowling balls, pool balls and similar objects are simulated in game or other environments by generating indications on a CRT screen in timed and spaced relation to represent the shape of an object, paths of movement of the object, rotations of the object and collisions of the object with other objects in a manner such as to provide the viewer with perceptions of such movements which are generally realistic and highly attractive.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which is particularly designed for board, lane or field games in which balls, pucks or the like are rolled, slid or otherwise propelled by a player over a horizonal support surface. Radiant energy emitters and detectors are providing along opposite sides of the support surface to detect crossings by the of detection lines including a first pair of lines perpendicular to a central reference line midway between such opposite side and a second pair of lines crossing the first pair of lines at points in the central reference line. Signals are developed which are applied to display a representation of the object which moves in a path and at a speed determined by the movement of the propelled object. Crossings of additional detection lines are detected to detect and display changes in speed and curvatures in the path of movement of the propelled object.

Abstract: An electronic alphanumeric indicator is disposed at a target location on the playfield of a pinball machine. The electronic alphanumeric indicator, for example, is disposed just above and behind the target, or in the top portion of the target. For a drop target, the target is transparent and the electronic alphanumeric indicator is mounted on the back side of the target. The electronic alphanumeric indicator, for example, indicates the number of points associated with the target, or the time remaining for the player to complete a task on the playfield.

Abstract: A ball accelerator mechanism employs one or more electromagnetic coils in combination with sensor elements to accelerate a rolling ball made of ferro-magnetic material. As a ball approaches the coil, it operates the sensor applying a DC current pulse to the coil. As the ball enters the coil, it is magnetically accelerated until it clears the sensor at which time the current is turned off. The length of the current pulse is thus a function of ball velocity. Preferably to maximize acceleration, the width of the coil is an integral multiple of the ball diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupon dispensing storage tray for housing either a roll or pack of detachably connected coupons such as award tickets proximate to an electronic dispenser in a coupon dispensing housing. The tray can be secured to the back of a ticket accessing door adjacent a ticket dispenser. The tray comprises a first and second side wall, a closure wall secured to the side walls at a first end and a guide wall secured to the side walls proximate to a second end. A pack or roll of tickets is positionable between the side walls so that it rests on a support wall spanning the closure wall and the guide wall. The storage tray includes a curvilinear guide arm which assists in guiding the continuous pack of tickets out of the enclosure as the pack is pulled by the electronic dispenser. The guide arm is preferably constructed in unison with the guide wall. First and second securing legs extend outwardly from the second end of both side walls.

Abstract: A player-operated control system for pinball games includes a plurality of switch assemblies by which the game player communicates information regarding the course of play to a controlling microprocessor. The software in the microprocessor alters the course of play according to the player's command.

Abstract: A ball conveying game apparatus including a plurality of ball support portions provided on a vertical game board surface, a protrusible and retractable plunger provided at at least one of the ball support members, and a manual operating member such as a pressing member linked on an operational basis to the ball support member through a predetermined interlocking mechanism so that a ball can be transferred from one to another of the ball support members along a ball moving course by operating the manual operating member. The ball is conveyed from a starting point to a goal point by a plurality of choosable ball moving courses arranged in the ball moving course. Selection from among the choosable ball moving courses is made by operating the manual operating member. In playing the ball conveying game apparatus, therefore, a player is required to dexterously manipulate the manual operating member. Various ways of playing are possible.

Abstract: An amusement game operates in conjunction with a trading card dispenser to dispense trading cards to game players who achieve predetermined game objectives through skill during the course of game play.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support table, including an outer wall spaced from an inner wall defining a trough therebetween for containing marbles projected from a central playing surface. The central playing surface includes an annular abutment wall arranged in surrounding relationship relative thereto to maintain marbles within the central playing surface. A modification of the invention includes a magnetic member rotatably mounted underlying the table and radially adjustable relative thereto to effect deflection of ferrous metallic marbles projected on the playing surface in cooperation with non-ferrous metallic marbles.

Abstract: An amusement game operates in conjunction with a trading card dispenser to dispense trading cards to game players who achieve predetermined game objectives through skill during the course of game play.

Abstract: A flipper ball game apparatus includes: a ball shooting mechanism for shooting a ball into a playfield; starting condition determiner for determining satisfaction of game starting conditions satisfied by operation of a start button by a player under such conditions, for example, that coins are deposited into the apparatus; and a shooting mechanism automatically controller responsive to a determination output of the starting condition determiner for driving the ball shooting mechanism to automatically flip and shoot the ball. This structure enables the pinball to be automatically flipped into the playfield without any shooting operation conducted by the player.

Abstract: A game playing device comprising a play panel (1); a launching device (8) for launching a coin or the like token (3) into the play panel; and a primary game playing apparatus (4) having an actuator (5) disposed in the play panel on the paths of movement of the tokens, the actuator detecting the passing of tokens therethrough for controlling a prize delivering machinery (7). In order to make the game more versatile and interesting, the game playing device is provided with an additional game playing apparatus in addition to the primary game playing apparatus and corresponding additional actuator (14) detecting the passing of the tokens therethrough and controlling the starting of the operation of the additional game playing apparatus.

Abstract: A play feature for a pinball game having a plurality of wheels rotatable about a horizontal axis and having a plurality of ball receiving sockets formed therein. Each wheel can pick up a pinball from a first position on the playfield and after rotating through approximately 180 degrees discharge the pinball at a second position on the playfield. The wheels are arranged in a series whereby the discharge position of the upstream wheel corresponds to the pick up position of the downstream wheel. In this manner the pinball can be conveyed across the playfield in a stepped fashion as it is transferred from the upstream wheel to the downstream wheel. The rotation of the wheels is coordinated by using a single drive motor operatively connected to each of the wheels by a transmission member.

Abstract: A soccer game including a support board mounting a simulated soccer playing field thereon includes goal housing mounted at each end of the playing field and support rods positioned adjacent the playing field at each end thereof, with each support rod mounting a plurality of tally spheres for maintaining scoring of the game during playing thereof. Stick members are utilized to direct a playing sphere throughout the playing field to effect scoring.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a multisurface table which may be used by at least two players to play the game. Multiple surfaces are provided that connect at an apex, which can be lowered to form a flat or inverted playing surface. A scoring mechanism is provided such that the player corresponding to the game element that last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points. Thus, the dual-surface table allows for simultaneous, truly competitive play by two or more players.

Abstract: An overhead spinner assembly, adapted to be mounted on a game in which a projectile is caused to move about a playing surface, includes a spinner for deflecting the movement of the projectile contacting the same, drive means for rotating the spinner in a plane parallel to and slightly above the game playing surface, and a support for mounting the spinner and the drive on the game with the drive above the game playing surface.

Abstract: In a game having magnetically operable pieces (3) there are below a game board (2) several operating devices (4) for operating the pieces, these operating devices being separated by intermediate layers (7) that are parallel to the game board. The intermediate layers are thin and easily flexible and rest on top of each other, the game board resting on top of the top intermediate layer. A specially designed piece is included in the game, intended for contact with the game board. This piece has two supports (9, 10) e.g. the feet of a human figure. One (9) of the supports rests on and carries a magnet (8) that can be moved by a cooperating magnet (13) beneath the game board. The other support (10) has a supporting surface (11) of friction material.

Abstract: The poker amusement game includes five rubber balls and a playing field with twenty-five openings in which the rubber balls may reside. A microprocessor has inputs connected to a plurality of switches for determining the location of the five balls, a plurality of outputs connected to solenoids to be used for ejecting the balls from the openings, and an output connected to a video display for displaying messages to the player concerning the play of the game, the points received, etc. When the microprocessor detects that a coin has been inserted and that the DEAL/DRAW switch has been pushed, the locations of the five balls are sensed and the corresponding ejectors are energized to eject the balls in a manner that causes the balls to randomly bounce in the playing area. Balls coming to rest in the openings cause switches to close which in turn, will cause the microprocessor to display on the video the identity of the poker card represented by the occupied openings.

Abstract: A pinball machine which may be played by a single player for a pair of players either playing against one another or as a team. The invention comprises a pair of pinball playing fields joined together at one end and having a common scoreboard, typically protruding vertically upward therefrom. The machine may be played by a single player in a mode wherein a divider separates the two playing fields, which can be mirror images of one another, or can be completely different in design or theme. In a dual player mode, the divider is retracted and the player may play on his own field as well as the other field. The flippers on the opposite field may also be controlled by a player. In this manner, the opposing player gains some degree of control over the opposite playing fields to enhance the chances of scoring.

Abstract: The invention provides a new table game of the baseball type. The table game includes a number of player figures mechanically rotatably arranged on a playing surface for catching and forwarding a ball to base areas and also a player figure depicitng a batsman being able to strike the ball. The table game also includes manually operated switch or push button devices intended to be repeatedly manipulated for simulating one or more offensive players running between the bases and sensor devices being biasable by the ball. There is also an electronic computer system connecting the push buttons and the sensor devices with a number of indicating means indicating hit outs occuring when the ball is forwarded to any of the base areas and any offensive player simulated by repeated pressing of a push button is outside the base areas.

Abstract: An automated bag toss game, having a game board surface, with holes formed therein. Items are provided for being tossed toward and into the holes, and the game automatically keeps track of and displays running scores based on which holes the bags fall into. In some embodiments the items are bags containing pellets, "bean bags", and at least some of the pellets have magnetic properties. A wire coil is provided for each hole, disposed beneath the surface, for sensing the passage of the bag into one of the holes and producing a signal corresponding to that hole. An electronic circuit is provided for calculating and displaying a score based upon those signals.

Abstract: An automated bag toss game, having a game board surface, with a plurality of holes formed therein. Bags are provided, each containing pellets, at least some of those pellets having magnetic properties. A wire coil is provided for each hole and disposed beneath the game board surface, for sensing the passage of the bag into one of the holes and producing a signal corresponding to that hole. An electronic circuit is provided for receiving the signal and calculating and displaying a score based upon that hole.

Abstract: A game of manual dexterity having a hand manipulatable housing with a wall that presents a curved playing surface, an operating member having a magnetic portion and a weighted portion, and an object member separate from the housing, made of a ferromagnetic material and having a curved playing surface. The operating member is mounted within the housing so that the weighted portion maintains the magnetic portion in a position near the uppermost inner surface of the housing wall when the housing is turned. The object member is attracted to the magnetic portion of the operating member so that when the playing surfaces of the object member and housing are engaged, the object member is maintained in tracking engagement with the housing when it is turned.

Abstract: A top and platform game having a platform with a plurality of cavities in an upper surface thereof, and a number value specified adjacent each of the cavities. A plurality of spherical members are positionable on the platform, and a top adapted to be spun on the platform includes surfaces for engaging the spherical members and casting them about the platform when the top is spun, at least one of the spherical members being different from the other spherical members. A method of playing the game in which a point value is assigned to the different spherical member by multiplying the number value adjacent the cavity into which it is cast by a factor other than one, and preferably by a factor greater than one.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus wherein a group of rolling elements each having a visible identification characteristic are released to travel down an inclined path. Disposed upon the inclined path are a plurality of deflectors each incorporating structure for precluding the rolling elements from being undesirably caught thereby. The deflection elements cause a randomization of the movable elements at the bottom of the inclined path. A wagering structure is provided for accepting wagers from the user as to the order of which the elements will arrive at a designated finishing position and processing components are provided for determining the outcome of the wagers as a result of the sequencing of the movable elements. During the movement of the movable elements and the random selection of the winner, the user can watch the random selection thereby enhancing enjoyment during the selection process.

Abstract: A game gate device having a variable width passageway for passage of a game ball. The gate device is pivotable for variable passageway spacing between a wide open and a narrow open position, wherein the spacing in both the wide open and narrow open positions are both sufficient to allow passage of the game ball through the gate device. In the preferred embodiment, the gate device is for use in a game having a ball and a downward sloping playfield having an upper and lower portion, the gate device being positioned between the upper and lower portions of the playfield. The gate device is comprised of first and second arms in spaced relationship with one another and aligned lengthwise extending down the playfield, the arms being pivotable at one end between a first and a second position for selectively providing the variable width passageway at the other end of the arms. The relative difficulty of passing the ball through the passageway is determined by the arm positions in either the first or second position.