Ball Actuated Element Patents (Class 273/118D)
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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: 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: 5409225Abstract: 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: January 3, 1994Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Lazer-Tron CorporationInventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 5393059Abstract: A rolling ball amusement device such as a pinball game comprises a frame carrying a playfield, and a ball-actuated switch carried with the playfield. The switch comprises a switch body which is movably and typically pivotably connected with a variable-position actuator wire to operate the switch in a manner which is dependent upon the position of the wire. A slot is defined in the playfield, with the actuator wire defining an arc section which is free of angled corners projecting upwardly through the slot. A rolling ball can depress the arc section to actuate the switch with essentially no "hang-up", whether or not the rolling ball approaches the actuator wire from a longitudinal or a lateral direction. Also, a spring urges the actuator wire upwardly out of the depressed position so that the actuator wire only occupies its depressed position when pressed into it by a rolling ball.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1994Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Data East Pinball, Inc.Inventor: Eric P. Winston
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Patent number: 5356141Abstract: The play feature for a pinball game of the present invention comprises a roulette scoring device mounted above the playfield which includes a horizontally rotating wheel having a plurality of apertures arrayed around its periphery. A different point value indicated to the player is associated with each of the apertures. Pinballs can enter the roulette scoring device not only from the shooter lane, but also from a ramp disposed on the playfield. An optical switch or microswitch included in the ramp adjacent a holding device and a microswitch in the shooter lane generate signals sent to the game microprocessor to cause the wheel to rotate. An optical switch mounted on the playfield senses the return of the ball to the playfield and signals the game microprocessor to stop the rotation of the wheel and to add the appropriate point value to the player's score.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Barry Oursler, Zofia Bil, Python Anghelo
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Patent number: 5322283Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1993Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Ritchie, John W. Skalon
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Patent number: 5322282Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1993Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Data East Pinball, Inc.Inventors: John L. Lund, Joseph E. Kaminkow
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Patent number: 5292127Abstract: 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: October 2, 1992Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Assignee: Lazer-Tron CorporationInventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 5255916Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1992Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventor: Charles R. Bleich
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Patent number: 5226653Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1992Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Zofia Bil, Bill Pfutzenreuter, Barry Oursler
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Patent number: 5158290Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1991Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Assignee: Premier TechnologyInventors: Jon S. Norris, Robert J. Wilson
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Patent number: 5120059Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1991Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventor: Barry Oursler
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Patent number: 4426081Abstract: The drop target apparatus includes a frame for attachment to the underside of the playfield board of a pinball game. A frame carries a target member which is vertically movable between a raised position above the playfield board and a retracted position. Bias means urges the target member to its retracted position. Latch means hold the target member in its raised position despite the action of the bias means. A recess in the target member receives the pinball. An abutment at the back of the recess when struck by the pinball causes the target member to become unlatched and moved, along with the pinball carried thereby, to its retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1982Date of Patent: January 17, 1984Assignee: Wico CorporationInventor: Zeilik Fainzilberg
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Patent number: 4373725Abstract: Magnetic control of a ball on a pinball playfield is provided by an electromagnet located on the playfield and a mechanism manually operable by a player for energizing the electromagnet. The energizing mechanism includes a first switch external on the playfield operable by player and a second switch on the playfield which is activated by a ball hitting a target thereon. The first and second switch are connected in series with the electromagnet to control the latter. A timing mechanism is provided to limit the energization of the electromagnet to a predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1980Date of Patent: February 15, 1983Assignee: Williams Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Steven S. Ritchie
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Patent number: 4269413Abstract: A pinball game is provided having two pairs of flippers, each pair being coordinately actuated by the pulling of a spring-biased lever toward the user. A spring-loaded ball projecting mechanism is provided operatively coupled by a ratchet to a ball counting device. The ball projecting mechanism is released by displacement of a lever to project the ball and index the ball counting device.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1979Date of Patent: May 26, 1981Assignee: Empire of Carolina, Inc.Inventor: Michael Langieri
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Patent number: 4261570Abstract: An outdoor game target construction to be hand pressed or impact-driven into a ground area forming the field surface, a series of targets being disposed in spaced apart locations on said surface and each when aimed at and successfully struck by a game ball rolling on said surface will emit a distinctive sound indicative of the fact that it had been hit. The invention also includes an improved and simplified means for mechanically mounting a sound producing cylinder to a ground stake whereby the cylinder will have universal swinging movement upon the stake insuring that the target will emit a sound when struck by a ball aimed at it from any angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1979Date of Patent: April 14, 1981Inventor: William K. Switzer
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Patent number: 4255844Abstract: Including in an upper combination electrical circuit, hold-down bolts securing an upper combination of a pop bumper to a playing table for additionally engaging and disengaging the upper combination electrical circuit, so that by merely turning the hold-down bolts both the upper combination and its electrical circuit is connectable and disconnectable to and from the playing table and the lower combination electrical circuit for easy replacement of ball wearable parts.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1979Date of Patent: March 17, 1981Inventor: Edward S. Wentzell
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Patent number: 4221384Abstract: A drop target assembly for a pinball game having a series of vertical sliders each having a target at its upper end and movable between an upwardly projecting play position and a drop position, each slider having a latch for latching the same in play position. A reset device is provided on the frame for thrusting all of the sliders upwardly to set the latches with all of the targets in play position, so that when one of targets is subsequently hit by the ball rearwardly during the course of play, the latch is released resulting in dropping of the target. Each of the sliders has an associated electromagnet including a movable armature adjacent the latch and coupled to the upper end of the slider to release the latch. A remote ball-operated device on the play field has a switch which is connected by circuitry to at least one of the electromagnets so that when the remote device is actuated the electromagnet is energized for artificially dropping the associated target.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1979Date of Patent: September 9, 1980Assignee: D. Gottlieb & Co.Inventor: Edward P. Krynski
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Patent number: 4216963Abstract: A game including a tiltable table, a control stick and table deflection linkage coupled between the control stick and the table for permitting a player to guide the movement of a ball over the surface of the table. The table is supported about its center of gravity by a pivot mount. The table deflection linkage is connected to the periphery of the table to permit the player to controllably tilt the table to guide the ball to a plurality of targets while avoiding a plurality of hazards. The targets may simulate "planets" and the hazards may be holes, or "black holes". A centrally located target is the "sun", and it is surrounded by other targets. All the targets may be illuminated, and circuitry is provided so that the illumination of the central "sun" target is altered only after the ball contacts the targets surrounding the "sun" target. An electronic circuit is provided to indicate the score to the player and to control various game functions.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1979Date of Patent: August 12, 1980Inventor: Joseph N. Boucher
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Patent number: 4105207Abstract: A pinball type baseball game is disclosed in which a play surface simulating a baseball diamond is rotatably mounted on a frame. A plurality of figurines are adapted to be selectively and removably mounted on the play surface at predetermined locations representing the bases of the diamond. A selectively operable drive and control mechanism is provided in the frame for rotating the play surface on the frame in an apparently random sequence of different angular movements of one revolution or less to simulate movement of baseball players when the batter has achieved a "hit". The drive and control mechanism is activated by the projection of a ball on the play surface into a predetermined pocket on the play surface representing the "hit".Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1976Date of Patent: August 8, 1978Assignee: Ideal Toy CorporationInventors: Julius Cooper, Vincent Carella, Edwin Nielsen, Henry Nemeth
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Patent number: 3994076Abstract: A cube is provided with four side walls, and an open bottom and top. Mounted within the cube is a flip-flop unit made up of three wings, one wing being longer than the other two so that when a marble is dropped in the cube, the flip-flop unit will rotate until the longer wing is in contact with one of the side walls. A plurality of each such cubes are provided in order to teach adding and subtracting in the binary system and to perform many other functions.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1975Date of Patent: November 30, 1976Inventor: Martha O. Bertman