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 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: 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 section of the play field is changed during play by replacing components mounted thereon with different components. In other words, the section of the play field is replaced with a new section. Preferably this is done by rotating the section of the play field to expose different components that were previously stored below the play field surface. In a preferred embodiment the section of the play field is coupled by a slip clutch to a continuously running motor, and a solenoid operated catch mechanism stops rotation of the section of the play field when it is approximately parallel to the rest of the play field surface. To change the components included in the play field, the solenoid is energized to release the catch and thereby permit rotation of the section of the play field by approximately 180 degrees.

Abstract: A solid-state flipper control circuit for controlling the operation of a pinball machine includes a flipper, a flipper switch, and a solenoid coil for controlling the movement of the flipper. The flipper switch is formed as a microswitch having a common terminal connected to a ground potential and normally-open contact terminal. A solid-state driver circuit is provided which is responsive to the activation of the microswitch for generating momentarily a first voltage on its output terminal so as to move the flipper to the actuated position. The solid-state driver circuit includes a timer for automatically disconnecting the first voltage after a predetermined time and for generating subsequently a second voltage so as to hold the flipper in the actuated position until the microswitch is deactivated.

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 matrix address decoder for rolling ball games performs decoding of a sequential identification number and a base address into an offset address corresponding to a memory location containing status information for playfield features or switches. The matrix address decoder also generates a mask byte for use in subsequent logical operations involving the status information contained in memory. The decoded information is returned to the main microprocessor via the system bus. An alternate function returns only the mask byte when the offset address is known by the main microprocessor.

Abstract: A coin bowling amusement game is provided having target pins shaped in the form of bowling pins along with a pivotal coin chute, sweeper arm and display operated by a computer program in which coins are inserted into the coin chute and rolled down an enclosed platform to the target pins which, when struck, activates a display means for audibly or visually displaying a strike which then dispenses prizes and/or tickets redeemable for prizes or activates the sweeper arm after a predetermined number of misses are tallied by the computer controlled coin bowling game.

Abstract: A rolling ball game such as pinball comprises a playfield plus means for launching rolling balls onto the playfield. By this invention, the launching means comprises a station where a ball at rest is positioned for said launching, spring-operated manual plunger means for launching the ball from the station, and an electrically operated arm for launching the ball from the same station. Thus, the same ball can be launched by two alternative means, one of which is manually controlled, but the other of which can be automatically controlled in response to events of the game.

Abstract: A kit comprises in combination a table game component and at least one other component removably positionable thereon. The table game component includes a playing surface defining an aperture therethrough, a rotatable drive disposed below the playing surface and accessible through the aperture, a game piece capable of moving over the playing surface, and a bat for engaging the game piece so as to cause it to move over the playing surface. The at least one other component is adapted to be removably positioned in the aperture and comprises a rotatable deflector having, when removably positioned in the aperture, a deflecting element of a given composition, size and configuration positioned above the playing surface for deflecting the movement of the game piece when the deflecting element contacts the game piece, and a driving element disposed below the playing surface for operatively engaging the rotatable drive for rotation therewith.

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: 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 defines a play field to receive a rolling ball for pinball play. By this invention, a ball-aperture carries a first ball, a second ball rolling on the play field toward the aperture is prevented from entering the aperture and is deflected away from the aperture in a first direction by collision with the first ball in the aperture. Means are provided for displacing balls from the aperture and causing them to roll on the play field in a direction other than the first direction. Thus, by the improvement of this invention, balls directed at the aperture are sent away therefrom in two different directions, for different play patterns on the play field.

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: A variable position flipper mechanism is disclosed for use with pinball or rolling ball games. The flippers, actuated by solenoid mechanisms, are spaced a selectable distance apart thereby to permit adjustment in the skill level of the game. Spacing of the flipper mechanisms is accomplished by rotating a cam plate which is ratcheted into various positions by a pair of solenoid operators and appropriate linkages. Rotation of the cam plate in a first direction spaces the flippers at their maximum distance, while rotation in the opposite direction moves the flippers to successively closer positions. Optical detection means can be associated with the cam plate to provide position information to a controller associated with the pinall machine.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a first ramp on a play field. The first ramp is positioned so that pinballs may be propelled up the ramp to fly through space before landing again on the play field. Preferably, a second ramp is positioned on the play field to receive at least some of the flying balls launched up the first ramp.

Abstract: An interactive action game involving the selective collection of colored balls has a housing which supports a concave bowl with an electric battery motor driven foam paddle at the center of the concave surface. As the balls drop down to the center of the bowl, the balls contact the rotating foam paddle and are whirled about the concave surface of the bowl. Disposed over the top of the spinning foam paddle is a central shield. The top of the shield may contain a number of indentations, or separate pieces may be provided with indentations into which the players place the collected colored balls in a pattern to win the game.

Abstract: A flipper control circuit is provided for a pinball machine having a flippper, a flipper switch for activating the flipper, means for holding the flipper in an actuated position until the flipper switch is deactivated, and a solenoid coil for controlling the movement of the flipper in response to the voltage applied to the solenoid coil. A first voltage is applied to the solenoid coil when the flipper switch is activated. A second holding voltage is applied to the solenoid coil when the flipper is in the actuated position, to hold the flipper in the actuated position until the flipper switch is deactivated. A switch electrically disconnects the first voltage from the solenoid coil when the flipper is in the actuated position.

Abstract: A pinball machine has a horizontal playfield as well as a vertical playfield. The playfields are preferably integrated to permit a ball put into play on the horizontal playfield to be carried into the vertical playfield for continued play of the same ball. An elevator mechanism is therefore provided in the form of an electromagnet carried by a motor driven winch. The electromagnet carries the ball from the horizontal playfield along a vertical path for release on a retractable landing. The ball rolls off the landing into play, with one or more flippers on the vertical playfield used to propel the ball under player control. "Mouseholes" are further provided on the vertical playfield which lead to hidden conduits behind the playfield surface through which the ball rolls. Scoring displays set flush with the vertical playfield surface form part of the playfield.

Abstract: A flipper for use in pinball-type games has a plurality of grooves disposed on its top surface to permit the player to predetermine and control the path of the ball. When the ball is aligned with one of the grooves and the flipper is activated, the ball is propelled along the path indicated by the groove. The flipper is at least 31/8 inches in length and its impact surface is 1-1/16 inches high. The impact surface is substantially perpendicular to the playfield.

Abstract: A pinball machine construction having a horizontally hinged security door which includes a top control panel which also clamps the glass cover over the playing field. A variable ball delivery system is remotely actuated and variable to deliver the balls to the playing field. Side wall flippers and half bumpers can be included which are mounted adjacent any wall on the playing field. The controls for the pinball machine can be mounted on top of the top control panel for easy access.

Abstract: A ball game apparatus having a playing surface in the shape of an inverted cone surrounded by an upstanding cylindrical wall. An air blower circulates game balls continuously along the circular periphery of the playing surface at the inside of this wall. A ball striker is selectively adjustable along this wall and it has a pivoted striker arm which can be actuated from a retracted position on the outside of the wall to a ball-deflecting position on the inside in the path of game balls along the periphery of the playing surface. Pivoted targets are located in front of the air blower on the opposite of the apex of the playing surface from the striker.

Abstract: A pinball game includes a playfield board on which is mounted a plurality of drop target assemblies, each including a target member movable through an opening in the playfield board between a playing condition projecting above the playfield board and a retracted condition withdrawn beneath the playfield board, each target member being spring biased to its retracted condition and solenoid-actuated to its playing condition where it is latched in place. A programmable computer controls the sequence in which the target members are moved to their playing conditions. A manually controllable rotating shooter mechanism can be aimed to propel pinballs toward the raised target members. A display indicates the status of each target assembly.

Abstract: A box for party games which permits many different games to be played thereon. A rectangular frame supports a flat surface a small distance down from its top. Replaceable sheets, each bearing indicia of a different game, can be positioned on the flat surface. Tubes which are rotatable and longitudinally movable extend into the box from opposite sides in an alternating array. Each tube carries two or more equi-spaced permanent magnets arranged in parallel with respect to a plane passing through the axis of the tube. The same magnetic poles of the magnets on a particular tube point in the same direction. Two embodiments of supporting structure for the tubes are disclosed. Rotation and reciprocation of the tubes enables the control and movement of a megnetic playing piece about the surface of a replaceable sheet.

Abstract: A toy bank of the coin-operated type including a housing having a coin storage region and an external action surface, a coin-receiving opening in the surface communicating with the storage region, an electrically-operated coin propelling mechanism carried by the housing for moving a coin along the surface and through the opening, and a pair of electrical contacts carried by the housing connected in controlling relation to the propelling mechanism and positioned to receive a coin placed thereon to bridge the contacts. When the coin is placed on both contacts it completes an electrical circuit through the coin to operate the propelling mechanism to move the coin along the action surface through the opening and into the storage region. The propelling mechanism can comprise an electric motor and coin striking member fixed to the motor shaft. The striking member can simulate an athletic game player such as a hockey player and the coin receiving opening can simulate the game scoring area such as a hockey net.

Abstract: A game-playing method and apparatus, which includes a frame, one or more sets of balls, and a series of at least three wheels rotatably mounted adjacent to each other on the frame in a common horizontal plane. Each wheel includes a plurality of peripheral ball-carrying pockets having outwardly facing openings. A mechanism mounted in the frame effects continuous rotation of the wheels automatically circulating the balls from wheel to wheel in continuous movement. In particular, the balls are retained in the pockets of a rotating wheel except at transfer zones to adjacent wheels. A ball tends to move out of its pocket whenever it comes to a transfer zone and to pass through that zone to a receiving pocket on the adjacent wheel. If the receiving pocket is already occupied by another ball, no transfer occurs. A manually-actuated stop-gate enables a player to directly control the transfer of balls by blocking or unblocking at least one transfer zone.

Abstract: An automatic rebound device for a pinball game has a cylindrical pedestal portion which projects above the playfield board and carries an electric lamp therein, the pedestal having an annular attachment flange at its upper end with vertical openings therein at diametrically opposed points thereon. A hollow circular cap has a cylindrical side wall and two connecting pins projecting beyond the distal edge of the cylindrical side wall for press-fitting engagement in the pedestal openings. The side wall is dimensioned for cooperation with the pedestal to provide a chamber for the electric lamp of sufficient volume to prevent overheating of the cap.

Abstract: A game of the type having a housing including a playing surface, an object launcher located in one end of the playing surface and a magnetic target member located on the other end of the playing surface is improved by including a plurality of ferromagnetic objects being independently capable of being propelled by the object launcher toward the magnetic target member. Each of the objects is capable of being attracted to and magnetically held by the magnetic target member except when another of said objects has already been attracted to and is being held by the magnetic target member then the first of said objects which is magnetically held by the target member is made magnetic by the target member and in turn serves as the target for the next of said objects to be launched by the launching member. Subsequent objects launched by the launching member are launched then toward the first of the objects already captured by the magnetic target member.

Abstract: A board game is constructed having a playing surface and an object release mechanism coordinating with the playing surface such that an object released from the release mechanism is deposited onto the playing surface. A target mechanism having an object holder located thereon moves along the playing surface. The target mechanism is driven to move in a timed sequence on the playing surface and if the object is released from the object release mechanism in coordination with movement of the target, the object will be retained on the object holder. If, however, the release of the object from the object release mechanism is not coordinated with the movement of the target, the object will miss the target and be deposited in a receptacle in the playing surface. The game is played with a plurality of objects and skill is measured by correctly depositing as many of these objects as possible in the object holder as opposed to the receptacle.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a main body with a circular upper margin and a conical playing surface extending downwardly from said upper margin and inwardly toward the center of the body. The body has a ball-actuating plunger and curved track near said upper margin so that a ball can be propelled in a circular path along said upper margin and away from the track so that the ball can follow a spiral path and strike one or more targets as it moves over the surface toward the lower extremity thereof. A bumper is mounted on the body near the lower extremity of the conical surface, and the bumper has a shiftable element which is manually actuated by a push-button switch to cause an outward force to be exerted on a ball as the ball approaches the bumper near the lower extremity of the conical surface. The element applies a force to the ball in a certain direction to cause the ball to move upwardly on the conical surface and to strike one or more targets on the conical surface.

Abstract: A skill type game having a playing area and two goal areas at opposite ends of the playing area includes a sound actuated flipper at each goal area for selectively blocking and propelling a playing object. The game players control the operation of each of the flippers by shouting or emitting other sounds in an attempt to project the playing object into the other players goal area and prevent the playing object from entering his own goal area. The sound actuated flipper arrangement includes control circuitry to provide an automatic lock-out feature to prevent sustained sounds from continually and/or continuously activating the flippers. The control circuitry of the sound actuated flipper arrangement provides a first predetermined time interval during which the flipper is operated and a second predetermined time interval within which operation of the flippers is inhibited. The playing area is defined by two relatively open areas each inclined upwardly from one of the goal areas to a center line.

Abstract: A toy game of skill between two players is described wherein a track having a first end and a second end includes at least one surface extending between the first and the second end. Located at each end of the track and integrally mated with the track is a projectile launcher. At least one projectile, a small heavy spherical object, is ejected forcibly by the projectile launcher along the surface of the track. Resting on the track is an object member. The object member includes a self-propelling internal locomotion device which moves the object member back and forth reversibly between the projectile launchers located on the ends of the track.

Abstract: A disc bowling game employing a rotatably mounted turntable provided with a playing surface, a multi-faced deflection member rotatably mounted on top of the turntable, and adjustable bowling chutes for directing disc-shaped game pieces onto the playing surface of the turntable. The turntable rotates in one direction while the deflection member rotates in the opposite direction with an eccentric motion sweeping the playing surface of the turntable. The playing pieces are bowled down the chutes at angles selected by the players to strike the faces of the deflection member and/or to be deposited directly on the playing surface of the turntable. The object of the game is for each player to deposit as many of his playing pieces as possible in selected target compartments adjacent the rotating turntable.

Abstract: A target game is disclosed in which a plurality of targets are mounted on a play surface and moved between exposed and concealed positions in an apparently random sequence. Projectiles, such as marbles or balls, are directed at the targets which can capture and retain projectiles that engage them. Retention of a projectile in the target will prevent the target from returning to its concealed position.