Abstract: A pinball game is provided having two pairs of flippers, each pair being coordinately actuated by the pulling of a springbiased 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.

Abstract: A multi-station pinball game is provided by the present invention having a rotatable playfield controlled by a programmable microprocessor which selectively indexes the playfield to each individual station, in a desired order, for sequential play of the game by several players seated around the playfield at their individual playing stations.

Abstract: A scoring system for an electromechanical game aparatus such as pinball or the like, the game including an operator selectable score altering mode on a given ball, for example, a "double or nothing" scoring feature, the selection being possible only once per player per game. A plurality of targets are associated with the selection and two registers are provided for monitoring game score as well as ball score for that play. The success or failure of the ball impacting the targets is monitored and at the conclusion of play of that ball the game score register is altered by the contents of the ball score register.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical pinball game which includes an inclined playing board sloped downwardly toward the player which provides a surface for rollingly supporting a suitable ball. A plurality of rocking wafer-type ball repelling bumpers are mounted on the playing board and simultaneously actuated when a ball rolling thereover engages any one of the bumpers. A plurality of ball repelling, slingshot type cushions are similarly mounted on the playing board and simultaneously actuated when a ball engages any of the individual cushions. A plurality of flippers are pivotally mounted on the game board and interconnected by a single drive apparatus which actuates all of the flippers when either one of two flipper control buttons are manually actuated by a player of the game. A scoring mechanism is provided and includes counting registers which are incremented by a single device which also produces an audible signal indicating that a particular score has been achieved.

Abstract: A pinball game has a playing field with ball directing lanes and targets and flipper elements for returning the ball. A programmed logic array is connected to the switches, response lamps, digit scoring lamps, and audible devices. A matrix circuit is connected to the switches and places information into a memory, the output of which is connected through to activate lamps and audible devices which produce a continuous output if energized. A scanning decoder coupled to the matrix circuit is driven from the programmed logic array.

Abstract: A bumper mechanism is disclosed which is adapted to be mounted in a pin ball machine having a playing surface along which pin balls can be projected. The bumper mechanism comprises first and second bumper elements which define a slot therebetween for receiving pin balls projected on the play surface. One of the bumper elements is mounted for sliding movement between a first position adjacent the other of the bumper elements and a second position remote from the other of the bumper elements, in response to entrance of a pin ball into the slot. Downward movement of the bumper element causes it to engage a drive element rotatably mounted in the pin ball machine so that cooperating means on the drive element and the depressed bumper element engage each other and drive the depressed bumper element back towards its first position adjacent the other bumper element in response to rotation of the drive element.

Abstract: An electronic test circuit is disclosed for pinball type games. A microprocessor is programmed to provide scoring responsive to detecting the actuation of the various switches located on the game surface. A sequencing device controls operation of the microprocessor to perform a test routine whereby the microprocessor will sequentially operate every light, ball ejector and switch position to permit testing of these devices for possible repair or replacement. The sequencing device can cause the microprocessor to continuously cycle through all of the test positions or can cause the microprocessor to single step through each test position and repeat testing of a given position as often as necessary to correct a located defect.

Abstract: A target device for a pinball game, including a plurality of independently pivotal score or target indicators mounted on the playing surface for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis. The indicators each are movable between a first generally horizontal position on one side of the axis to a second generally horizontal position on the other side of the axis. A U-shaped yoke is mounted for generally vertical reciprocal movement by a solenoid armature mounted below each of the indicators so that one arm of the U-shaped yoke will contact the indicator in its first position and the other arm of the U-shaped yoke will contact the indicator in its second position. In one form of the invention, energization of a solenoid will cause its U-shaped yoke to move upwardly to contact the respective indicator to move it from its first position to its second position or from its second position to its first position, depending on the position of the indicator.

Abstract: A game of skill device housed within a cabinet and pivotally supported by a vertical pedestal. A field of play is supported by the cabinet, and a coupling member enables the field of play to be tilted in any direction respective to the pedestal, so that the cabinet can be moved in any direction, thereby tilting the field of play and causing the ball to be gravitated in the direction of tilt. The field of play includes bumpers, lights, and electronic circuitry which enhances the game by the provision of background sounds and illuminated devices suitable to the action of the game.

Abstract: A pin ball-type game with at least one bingo-type matrix on which a winning combination can be formed during play having a matrix transformation means for changing the matrix arrangement to enable a player to obtain a winning combination of maximum score value, and having a score value altering means associated therewith which a player has the option of activating whenever a said winning combination is formed on said matrix in place of accepting the regular score value for the combination, with the score altering means adapted at random to either double the score value normally awarded for the particular winning combinaton or awarding no score for the winning combination.

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.

Abstract: In a pin ball game apparatus a Bingo-type score card having a shiftable mask plate associated therewith for changing the score value of a winning combination where the mask plate is reciprocably movable vertically in opposite directions from a center position relative to the score card by a rotatable cam connected to a lever arm supporting the mask plate, a locking mechanism associated with the lever arm which restrains the movement of the mask plate away from the center position in at least one direction, and a spring biased linkage interposed between the rotatable cam and the lever arm which permits the cam to be rotated 360.degree. while the locking mechanism restrains movement of the mask plate away from the center position in at least one direction.

Abstract: A pinball apparatus including a housing having an inclined playing surface over which a ball may be propelled and at least one ball to be propelled on the playing surface. A launcher is provided for propelling the ball onto the playing surface, and target members are mounted on the playing surface for striking by the ball. A flipper assembly is provided for keeping the ball in play on the playing surface. A scorer is associated with the target members for registering a score everytime a target member is struck by a ball. The apparatus includes a tunnel assembly having an inclined channel formed within the housing beneath the playing surface. An entrance is provided on the playing surface for capturing a ball and allowing the ball to be introduced into one end of the tunnel and an exit is provided in the playing surface at the other end of the tunnel for allowing the ball to be introduced back onto the playing surface. The scorer includes a normally incomplete electrical circuit.