Electric Or Magnetic Patents (Class 273/123A)
  • Patent number: 6164646
    Abstract: To provide a ball game machine which can prevent unevenness of the drawing result by improving a way of allotting property to each of the ball holding portions provided on a wheel device, the ball game machine includes: a wheel device rotatable along a circumferential direction thereof and provided with a plurality of ball holding portions along the circumferential direction; and a feeding device for feeding a ball toward the wheel device; a property setting device for setting a property to each of the ball holding portions in such a manner that the property set to at least one of the ball holding portions is distinguishable from the property set to another one of the ball holding portions. The property setting device is capable of changing a setting state of the property. The game machine further includes a drawing result issuing device for issuing a drawing result signal corresponding to the property set to one of the ball holding portions in which the ball is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Uehara, Takahiro Sakiyama, Yutaka Yamana
  • Patent number: 5743523
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 5700007
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 5667217
    Abstract: An arcade game including an inclined playing surface and a coin directing mechanism. A coin hopper forces multiple coins through the coin directing mechanism and onto the playing surface for each activation of a button by the player. The player can direct the multiple coins in a desired direction down the playing surface using the directing mechanism. The coins roll toward one or more targets on the playing surface, and a game score is adjusted based on the targets that receive the coins. Indicators for the targets can highlight specific targets and goals during game play. A progressive bonus score can also be added to the game score when a progressive goal is achieved by the player. After the game is over, a tilting mechanism tilts the playing surface to clear the playing surface of coins that have not rolled into apertures and are resting on the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Phillip Yee, Kevin A. Heyes
  • Patent number: 5634639
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 5607155
    Abstract: This invention comprises a games apparatus on which a game involving strength, skill and agility is playable by two or more opposing players who, in playing the game, must struggle against one another as they attempt to score points by directing a playing piece on a playing field into a designated scoring zone or zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Neil D. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5509655
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo
    Inventor: Shohachi Ugawa
  • Patent number: 5492325
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Albert J. Hawver
  • Patent number: 5443259
    Abstract: A game apparatus combines pinball, target bowling and basketball games in a single combined assembly, with a common scorekeeping and control system. The game apparatus includes a basketball rim and backboard support post that rotates between an upright, play position and an inverted, stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: M. H. Segan Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Marc H. Segan, Gary Strauss, Gerald W. Cummings
  • Patent number: 5409225
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Lazer-Tron Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 5375829
    Abstract: The player controlled play feature consists of an area on or associated with the playfield which is partially confined by a plurality of bumpers. At least one target is provided in this area and an entrance is provided such that a pinball can enter the area defined by the bumpers. Located in the defined area and supported below the surface thereof are a plurality of electromagnets energized by activation of player controlled buttons mounted on the game's cabinet. The game player can selectively activate the electromagnets to redirect the pinball and propel it toward the provided targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Lawlor, Lawrence DeMar, Ted Estes
  • Patent number: 5356141
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Oursler, Zofia Bil, Python Anghelo
  • Patent number: 5350174
    Abstract: The ball delivery system of the invention consists of a ramp located beneath the playfield where the ramp leads from an inlet accessible by the ball in play to at least one play feature to be loaded. At least one ball is stored in the ramp at each play feature such that the stored ball can be loaded into the play feature. A sensor located adjacent the inlet detects the entrance of the ball in play into the ramp and sends a signal to the game microprocessor indicating that a ball has entered the ramp. The microprocessor, upon receiving this signal, immediately loads the desired play feature with the stored ball such that the play feature can be immediately activated. The ball that entered the ramp inlet is then directed to the just activated play feature and becomes the stored ball for that play feature. Thus, the dead time associated with existing ball delivery system is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Ritchie, Carl Biagi
  • Patent number: 5314181
    Abstract: A timing and talking game toy includes: a board casing have a plurality of baffles and lanes irregularly formed in the casing for running a ball in the lanes as guided or limited by the baffles from a starting point to a finishing point, a plurality of lamps juxtapositionally mounted on the board which are all lit up when starting the running of the ball and are subsequently switched off with respect to a lapse of time counted by a timing circuit of a central processing unit (CPU) and a talking integrated circuit controlled by the CPU for a voice speaking, indicating the status for running the ball to the finishing point corresponding to the number of the lamps being switched off within a pre-determined time period for interesting the game player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung Lin
  • Patent number: 5292127
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Lazer-Tron Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 5158291
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: William ELectronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Biagi, Charles R. Bleich, Manu Jayswal, Walter E. Smolucha
  • Patent number: 5131655
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo
    Inventor: Shohachi Ugawa
  • Patent number: 5074558
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Bleich, Mark J. Coldebella
  • Patent number: 5039099
    Abstract: An apparatus including a planar smooth playing surface, including a pocket formed at each corner of the playing surface, wherein a pocket is provided access by use of a displaceable door underlying each pocket. A predtermined number of cylindrical disks are awarded each player for directing each of said chips into an associated pocket by use of a primary or mother chip defined by a diameter greater than that of the playing chips. A modification of the instant invention includes utilization of dipole magnetic bars mounted to an upper surface of each chip, wherein opposing chips are permitted to deflect due to repulsion forces of the magnets, wherein each of the magnets includes a first and second pole, wherein each of the first poles of each of the magnets is positioned adjacent a peripheral wall surface of the chips or disks to permit the deflection effecting an enhanced level of difficulty in use of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Roberto S. Bravo
  • Patent number: 5014991
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: SMS Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Salvatore V. Mirando, Walter Lee
  • Patent number: 5004238
    Abstract: In a ball shooting game machine, such as a pachinko game machine having winning holes, controls for permitting the player to obtain winning balls regardless of his skill, wherein the controls effect a first state disadvantageous to the player and then a second state advantageous to the player, the controls including means for detecting shot balls reaching the game board, a random number generator for generating a random number when a preselected number of balls are shot, and means for driving or controlling the winning holes to effect the advantageous state in response to the generation of a preset specific number by the random number generator, and means for maintaining or reversing the advantageous state in response to whether or how many winning balls are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Universal Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 4981298
    Abstract: A ball diverting playfield feature for pinball games employs a pair of abutting surfaces disposed on or above the playfield, which can be separated to create an alternate ball path. A solenoid mechanism controls the positions of the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Pat Lawlor, John R. Krutsch
  • Patent number: 4893821
    Abstract: A game apparatus receives tokens pitched toward it and provides a score corresponding to the number and location of tokens it receives. The apparatus includes a box-like frame (20) that carries a horizontally disposed target board (22). The target board (22) includes a plurality of openings (38) formed therein. The openings (38) are arranged in a matrix of multiple rows and multiple columns and configured to receive the tokens (42) pitched into them. Beneath the target board (22) are a plurality of chutes (40), one chute associated with each opening (38). Within each chute (40) there is a token guide mechanism (54) for directing any coin-like tokens (42) received in that chute through a detection passage (60). A sensor (88) is mounted to each token guide mechanism (54) for detecting the presence of a token (42) within the detection passage (60), the presence of the token being indicated by a detection signal applied to the sensor output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Non Plus Ultra, Inc.
    Inventors: Mariano deOrbegoso, Jane Moe, Chris Masterson
  • Patent number: 4838550
    Abstract: A pneumatic call amusement game is provided and consists of players rolling balls across playing tables in which the balls are pneumatically propelled into hoppers spaced back from and elevated above the table until one of the players places a predetermined amount of balls into the respective hopper needed to win.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventors: Howard Walker, Charles Walker
  • Patent number: 4630822
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Jem Imports, Inc.
    Inventor: Giovanni Massaglia
  • Patent number: 4611809
    Abstract: A golf putting practice range apparatus includes a shooting area, a putting surface and a golf ball target hole at the down-range end of the putting surface. The golfer stands on the shooting area and hits a ball over the putting surface in an attempt to sink the golf ball into the target hole. The target hole is adapted to be selectively moved to present different target locations. Further, the putting surface is adapted to provide for selectively changing its contour. The practice range also includes a ball return system which returns golf balls back to the shooting area for reuse. In one embodiment the golf ball target hole is selectively movable linearly transversely of the longitudinal axis of the putting surface. In another embodiment, the putting surface includes a plurality of planar panels hinged together at their edge-to-edge interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: Irvin Gettelfinger
  • Patent number: 4448418
    Abstract: Balls with lead or steel shot, weights, liquid or the like are pitched or rolled towards a board such as a crokinole or naughts and crosses board and remain relatively stationary once they have landed. The board is upwardly inclined and contains dividers extending upwardly therefrom in both the transverse and lengthwise directions of the board. The balls may have a fixed weight so that wires can be applied when rolling such as required for a lawn bowling type game. When used with steel shot or the like, they can be played onto a magnetized board which will hold them in place or alternatively, a flexible fabric or plastic bag type ball can include steel shot or the like and can be pitched onto a magnetized board. The balls constructed in accordance with this invention can be used for any game which utilizes a ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Locksley D. McNeill
  • Patent number: 4426081
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Assignee: Wico Corporation
    Inventor: Zeilik Fainzilberg
  • Patent number: 4355802
    Abstract: A billiard table having a playing surface, a plurality of pockets associated with the playing surface, ball collecting mechanism below the playing surface for transferring balls entering the pockets into a common channel, circuitry including an electrical power source, ball contacting switch mechanism disposed along the common channel, a first pulse counter responsive to pulses from the switch, an oscillator, a second pulse counter responsive to pulses from the oscillator, a latch associated with and responsive to the second pulse counter, a digital comparator receiving signals from the first pulse counter and from the latch of the second pulse counter, a decoder transmitting a pulse from the comparator and display mechanism capable of receiving the pulses from the decoder; whereby rapid periodic pulses transmitted from the oscillator to the second pulse counter cause signals to be sent to the latch at the same rate, so that when a ball passes the switch mechanism, a pulse is transmitted from the switch mecha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Montana Billiard Supply
    Inventor: Alfred E. Sargent
  • Patent number: 4311311
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, a steel ball traveling along the playing surface of a pinball machine may selectively drop through apertures into one of several aligned cups resulting in movement of the cups by gravity, the closing of a circuit for scoring and the operation of a mechanical linkage for causing rapid arcuate movement of the cups to "throw" the ball back into play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Assignee: Louis Marx & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dorland L. Crosman
  • Patent number: 4212465
    Abstract: A pinball game in which several rear re-projectors are actuatable by a single solenoid which is acted upon by a single switch for re-directing the ball toward the back of a playing surface. Each movable element includes a lost motion connection, whereby when a ball contacts a given re-projector, only that re-projector will be actuated by the single solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: Louis Marx & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Avi Arad
  • Patent number: 4142725
    Abstract: A pneumatic game of skill in which a spherical member is propelled by means of a stream of air emitted from a small handheld air motor along a tortuous channel formed in the surface of the game board. The spherical member is covered with a special fabric which, if the member strays off course, causes it to adhere to obstacles located adjacent the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Inventors: Bruce R. Gilbert, Jack P. Hall
  • Patent number: 4017085
    Abstract: A golf game is disclosed in which each player uses a standard golf putter for striking a golf ball towards a designated one of three scoring holes provided near one end of a playing surface simulating part of a golf course. Hazard holes which are non-scoring are also provided. Switch contacts are provided in each hole to detect reception of a golf ball. A ball issuing device re-issues the ball when it is detected in one of the holes and the number of balls issued is counted. The designated hole is changed as soon as a player sinks a ball in it or after a predetermined number of balls have been used. A number is assigned to each designated hole and this number is incremented for each player when the player has sunk the ball in the designated hole or when the predetermined number of balls have been used. Scoring is provided for each player which decrements an initial score by predetermined values which vary inversely according to the number of issued balls counted for an assigned hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Inventor: Charles Stephen Maxwell
  • Patent number: 4002339
    Abstract: A game of skill and strategy embodying a playing surface having corner pockets and two pair of side-pockets and a plurality of balls. A cue stick and cue ball are used to strike the balls and shoot for a particular poker hand. All of the pockets have an electrical switch, but some of the pockets close an electrical circuit for establishing or scoring a card hand, and other pockets open an electrical circuit for erasing one's opponents scoring cards from an electronic-like score board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Reiner, William A. Brady