Abstract: A game ball cradle is positioned upon the playfield of a pinball game. A player-controlled solenoid plunger mechanism "pops" a ball positioned within the cradle into the air. A wire form jump rope is rotatably connected to an electric motor. The jump rope is positioned so that when it is rotated, it will pass under a game ball that has been properly "popped" by the player. A switch indicates to the game microprocessor that the jump rope has completed a revolution. Optical detectors indicate to the game microprocessor that the game ball is within the cradle so that the electric motor may be activated and, upon completion of a successful "jump", the player's score incremented and the speed of the jump rope rotation increased.

Abstract: An interactive play feature for a pinball game includes a shooting position on an inclined playfield and a target spaced apart from the shooting position. A shooting mechanism is responsive to input from a player for propelling a game ball from the shooting position toward the target. The game ball normally follows a path of travel from the shooting position to the target when propelled by the shooting mechanism. A blocking member is movable to a blocking position in response to the game ball reaching a desired position, wherein the blocking member obstructs the path of travel of the game ball to prevent the game ball from reaching the target.

Abstract: A sport training apparatus for projecting a ball into the air for training an athlete in the proper technique of hitting or catching the ball. The apparatus includes ball projecting means and a spring connected thereto for movement between a cocked state and an actuated state. The spring is held in the cocked state by a partial vacuum automatically developed within an air chamber which is created when a piston enters a cylinder. To cock the apparatus for use, the ball projecting means is pushed down which, in turn, causes the piston to enter the cylinder and create the air chamber. A check valve is connected to the air chamber to provide unrestricted air exit from the air chamber as the piston enters the cylinder. A pneumatic control release is connected to the air chamber for allowing ambient air to enter the air chamber for releasing some or all of the partial vacuum to actuate the spring thereby causing the ball projecting means to propel the ball into the air where it can be hit or caught by the athlete.

Abstract: An amusement game having a solenoid operated rotating play feature. The solenoid comprises a bobbin having a bore around which is disposed electrical windings for use in creating an electromagnetic force and a plunger disposed within the bore. The plunger is linked to the rotating play feature and is movable in response to the electromagnetic force. The bore and the plunger are sized and arranged to allow the plunger to move laterally within the bore to accomodate the rotational movement of the play feature as the plunger moves in response to the electromagnetic force. An unhanded bracket is supplied to mount the play feature to the playing surface of the amusement game which is adaptable to carry a variety of end-of-stroke sensing switches.

Abstract: An apparatus provides interlevel play for a pinball game having an inclined playfield. The apparatus includes an elevated surface mounted above the playfield for supporting a rolling ball thereon. The elevated surface has an aperture therein for receiving the rolling ball therethrough, and a trap door is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the trap door extends substantially the length of the aperture to support the rolling ball thereon. In the open position, the rolling ball is allowed to be ejected through the aperture and onto the elevated surface. An ejecting mechanism is also provided for ejecting the rolling ball from underneath the elevated surface, through the aperture, and onto the elevated surface.

Abstract: A projectile launching mechanism for use in a table top game such as soccer in which an impeller is mounted on a central core for coaxial movement relative thereto against a spring bias. The central core has a striker thereon operable, in use, to move downwardly when the top of the impeller is engaged to hit a ball attached to the core at a point offset from its vertical center line and launch it radially outwardly from the core. Preferably, the ball (25) is magnetized and attaches itself to a metal attractor ring on the core, but the core can be magnetized and the ball attracted thereto. A ball (6) located in the central core (1) provides mobility for the launching mechanism.

Abstract: The jet bumper of the invention consists of a body mounted to the playfield. A solenoid actuator and rebound ring are mounted on the body. An eddy current sensor is disposed about the body to detect the approach of a ball. Upon detection of the ball, the eddy current sensor energizes the solenoid actuator to retract the rebound ring and propel the ball.

Abstract: A play feature for a pinball game permits the storage of a number of game balls and release of the balls at high speed and in quick succession back onto the playfield for multiple ball play. A rotor element having a plurality of vertical vanes is disposed within a circular housing having a conical lip. The base and vanes of the rotor, together with the conical lip, define receptacles for receiving game balls. When a predetermined rotor speed is reached, the balls travel upwards on the conical lip and outward against an outer wall of the housing. The stored balls are conveyed successively to a discharge channel where they return to the play field at high speed.

Abstract: A pinball machine is provided and includes one or more solenoids for activating one or more play feature mechanisms and a microprocessor for controlling game play activities. The microprocessor has associated therewith a clock for providing timed signals thereto, a memory device having stored therein a plurality of power setting patterns, and a driver. Each of the power setting patterns generally comprises a series of states (ON and OFF) over a predetermined number of counts of the timed signal. One of these patterns is used for each solenoid desired to be controlled. The driver is responsive to the microprocessor for controlling the flow of current to the desired solenoid wherein the driver utilizes the selected pattern to supply pulse width modulated current to the solenoid as a function of the states in the pattern. Preferably, the pattern selected can be changed as desired.

Abstract: A bowling toy having a unique ball launching and pin setting means. The miniature bowling ball is placed in a tubular launcher where both gravity and a motorized spinning rubber wheel act to propel the ball down a miniature bowling alley. The rubber wheel can be adjusted in terms of its angular relationship with the ball and in terms of its speed causing the ball to travel slowly or quickly in a straight line or in an arcing trajectory depending on the setting. A pin setting assembly is comprised of a pair of plates one of which is slidable. The non moving plate contains a series of short tubes integral to the bottom and holes at the center of each tube. The pins are set by inserting them into the tubes. The slidable plate is located above the non moving plate and contains a plurality of magnets which correspond to the center of each tubular holder. Ferrous metal elements are molded into the top of each pin allowing the pins to remain suspended above the alley.

Abstract: A table top game apparatus includes a circular play area peripherally demarcated by an annular trough, a plurality of disk shaped game-pieces, a game-piece propelling mechanism which is located at, and movable along, the trough, and an annular confinement wall adjacent the trough opposite the play area. The game-piece propelling mechanism is pivotally mounted upon a base which is, in turn, slidably or rollably seated in the trough. The trough includes provision for selectively partitioning it to receive in selected partitions game-pieces which will land there during the course of play of a particular game. The annular confinement wall is preferably provided with selectively movable markers for providing location and play information juxtaposed a particular portion of the trough, such as at particular partitions. Various configurations of the table top game apparatus accommodate a range of percussion games involving sliding game-pieces and rolling game-pieces.

Abstract: A multi-directional ball popper for a pinball game provides an unpredictable path for the game ball as it emerges from the popper. A pair of solenoid plungers are provided on the underside of the game playfield and aligned with respect to the ball position when it rests in a recess on the playfield. A centering plate is provided to ensure precise alignment of the ball with both of the plungers. A switch is provided in the ball popper to detect the presence of the game ball. An optional guide element is provided above the playfield in order to guide the ball to one of two elevated surfaces after the ball emerges from the popper.

Abstract: A pinball machine is provided and includes an inclined playfield for supporting a rolling ball. The inclined playfield has associated therewith at least one flipper, an exit lane, and a drain hole. A door mechanism having a retractable door is positioned adjacent to the exit lane and a holding area is positioned behind the door for allowing a ball to be stored therein whereby the ball is prevented from continuing down the exit lane and into the drain hole. A kicker mechanism is also associated with the holding area for launching the ball from the holding area back through the exit lane and into the play area of the playfield. A first switch is positioned upon the playfield and is operable through contact with the ball for causing the door to move from a first position wherein the ball is prevented from accessing the holding area to a second position wherein the ball is allowed to access the holding area.

Abstract: An elongated drawer-like base is provided at one end with a batting plunger and a plurality of "strike" and "ball" simulated baseball retaining compartments and at an opposite end with a pitching plunger and a plurality of ball retaining compartments carrying "out", "single", "double", "triple" and "home-run" designations. A projection is carried by the pitching plunger to be received in a hole extending through a simulated baseball to facilitate pitching thereof. A pair of ball returns may be carried by the base on each side thereof and a transparent cover arrangement is formed in two halves each carried by the base. In one configuration the cover arrangement includes a pair of covers each hingedly mounted to the base to pivot open in opposite direction. In an alternative cover arrangement each cover is secured at an end of the base to extend over batting and pitching areas respectively but so as to be spaced from side of the base.

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 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.

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: Apparatus for assisting a physically impaired person when bowling comprising a dolly having roller means therebeneath for effecting a linear direction of motion to the dolly; a pedestal supported on the dolly, the pedestal having a shaft therein mounted in the direction of motion of the dolly, the shaft being mounted to allow rotational motion but to preclude linear motion of the shaft; a faceplate secured to the forward end of the shaft with rollers extending forwardly thereof for contacting a bowling ball to be rolled; a handle coupled to the rearward end of the shaft for imparting a linear motion to the shaft, pedestal, dolly, roller means, faceplate, rollers and bowling ball; a coupling joining the handle and shaft; and vertical plates mounted on the dolly on opposite sides of the coupling to allow for only vertical movement of the handle with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A toy vehicle launcher includes a generally planar base having a pair of angularly disposed downwardly sloped toy vehicle feed ramps coupled thereto. A pivotally supported carriage defines a pair of angularly disposed launching stations for receiving toy vehicles from the feed ramps. An operative mechanism is coupled to a slidable handle supported upon the base to pivot the carriage back and forth between the feed ramps to alternate each launching station between a vehicle receiving position in alignment with a feed ramp and a launching position. A movable spring-loaded striker is operative in response to handle motion to strike the toy vehicle positioned within the launch position and drive the vehicle outwardly from the launcher.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of a ball projecting mechanism mounted for rotary motion about an axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the playfield. When a ball enters the projecting mechanism, a motor is activated which rotates the projecting mechanism about the axis. The player, by pressing a button, can control when the projecting means is fired thereby to control the direction of travel of the ball. A series of play features can be located at a position on the playfield spaced from the projecting mechanism to provide targets for the player.

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 "pop bumper" for a pinball game which carries a depressible flange for contact with a rolling ball. By this invention a vertically moveable pin engaging the flange is provided. The pin is positioned to move in linear manner between a first vertical position when the flange is depressed and a second vertical position when the flange is not depressed. A spring is provided to urge the vertically movable pin toward one of the vertical positions, typically the second vertical position. A switch is actuated between open and closed positions as the pin moves between the first and second vertical positions. Various functions may be actuated by the switch. For example a ball thruster may be provided to thrust the ball away from the bumper when the vertically moveable pin is moved to typically the first vertical position in which the flange is depressed.

Abstract: A baseball home run contest game is provided and consists of a pitching mechanism mounted to one end of an elongated platform, while a batting mechanism is mounted to other opposite end of the platform. The pitching mechanism is electrically operated at various speeds by a first player to propel a miniature baseball therefrom. The batting mechanism is electrically operated at various speeds by a second player to hit the baseball towards a miniature wall structure positioned remotely behind the pitching mechanism. The object of the game is to determine how many pitched baseballs can be hit over the miniature wall structure for home runs, out of ten pitched baseballs.

Abstract: Apparatus for propelling an object along a surface only when the apparatus is positioned closely adjacent the surface and for inhibiting the object from being propelled when the apparatus is lifted from the surface, includes a magazine for holding a plurality of objects, means for releasing an object from the magazine into a launching position supported on the surface, and hammer means for propelling the object along the surface.

Abstract: A simulated basketball game includes a play surface having baskets at its opposite ends and defining a plurality of ball shooting-position openings each of which overlies a ball propelling paddle. The ball propelling paddles are selectively interconnected so that each player controls a plurality of paddles through a single player controlled fluid pressure cylinder in an offensive mode of play. Each player also controls a defensive player-figure which requires relatively precise timed actuation in order to block an opponent's shot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a play feature for a pinball game able to assume a plurality of scoring positions. Various embodiments are disclosed, including two-position targets and four-position targets. The devices are actuated by a solenoid which cooperates with a cam to provide linear or rotary output to change the target position. The solenoids are actuated by a switch associated with the targets. The positions of the targets are sensed to provide different scoring values for each of the different positions.

Abstract: A transducer converts the amount of mechanical displacement of a member into an electrical signal by magnetic induction. Two fixed coils different in winding direction from each other are spaced apart from each other by a suitable distance and connected in series. Inside the fixed coils, a movable coil is disposed which moves in cooperative association with the member whose amount of movement is to be detected. With the movable coil supplied with an a.c. current, the fixed coils produce an induction current whose amplitude varies with the relative position of the movable coil. A signal processing circuit generates a pulse having a duty ratio corresponding to the amplitude of the induction current. This pulse is converted into a d.c. current in a smoothing circuit to obtain a d.c. voltage corresponding to the amount of mechanical displacement.

Abstract: Two cylindrical stator magnetic poles are disposed with a suitable space therebetween, and a plunger is movably disposed within the two stator magnetic poles. A coil is wound around the outer periphery of the two stator magnetic poles, and a current flowing in the coil causes the plunger to advance forward. The current flow is interrupted before the plunger reaches the intermediate position between the two stator magnetic poles, and the plunger thereafter further advances by inertia and strikes a ball. After the ball is struck, the coil is again supplied with a current, and the plunger is in turn supplied with a magnetic force in a retreat direction.

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 kicker apparatus for a slingshot bumper assembly in a pin ball game including a playfield board on which a ball rolls for engagement with a resilient impact band to actuate a drive solenoid, includes a frame which mounts the solenoid with its plunger axis perpendicular to the playfield board and which pivotally supports a drive crank having one end connected to the solenoid plunger and the other end projecting above the playfield board. A kicker member is loosely fitted over the upper end of the crank and has guide feet respectively slidably received in a pair of track channels in the frame for reciprocating movement along a path parallel to the playfield board in response to the pivotal movement of the crank for engagement with the impact band to impart a propelling force to the ball in a direction substantially parallel to the playfield board.

Abstract: A rotatable kicker apparatus includes a frame adapted to be mounted in an aperture in the playfield board of a pinball game for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the playfield board. The frame carries a drive solenoid which connects through crank arm linkage to a kicker member which is disposed for sliding reciprocating movement in a track in the frame parallel to the playfield board. Spaced-apart metal contact plates in the solenoid circuit are disposed on the frame to be bridged by a rolling pinball for actuating the kicker solenoid. The frame is mounted on a rotating shaft which is rotatably driven by an associated electric motor to vary the kicking direction. A control circuit includes control switches for respectively rotating the frame in opposite directions from a neutral rest position, the frame automatically returning to the rest position upon release of the switch.

Abstract: A tablet or pill ejector is disclosed consisting of at least three detachably secured sections in the general shape of a pen. The front end of the device is provided with a hole communicating with axially aligned bores formed longitudinally in the sections and through which a pill may be ejected quickly. An ejector rod is provided in the bores adapted to move from a cocked position to a released position wherein it passes instantly through a pill retaining member located in the front section of the device. Cocking and trigger mechanisms are provided. In an alternate embodiment the front section is provided with a revolvable barrel adapted to contain a plurality of pills for ejection. The rear end of the device may be provided with a storage compartment and cap.

Abstract: A ball striking mechanism for use in an amusement game machine of the type which has an inclined playfield and at least one ball that moves on the playfield. The striking mechanism is mounted for lateral movement relative to the inclined playfield and is adapted to strike the ball and propel it along the playfield when properly laterally positioned to intercept the ball. In the preferred embodiment, the striking mechanism is activated by the ball. The mechanism is laterally positioned by operator manipulation and the mechanism includes a shock absorbing mechanism which prevents excessive energy applied to the handle from being transmitted to the internal mechanism to thereby protect the same from damage.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a playfield on which at least one drop target is supported for selective actuation relative to the playfield. The drop target includes a post having a conical shaped flange at its upper end, the post being moveable between a position wherein the flange and a portion of the post are disposed above the playfield for impingement by a game ball, and being responsive to impact by the game ball for movement to a position wherein a planar surface on the upper flange is substantially flush with the playfield so as to enable the game ball to pass freely thereover. Movement of the drop target from its raised position to its lowered position upon impact by a game ball serves to propel the ball away from the target.

Abstract: A play feature for a pinball machine includes one or more movable bumper posts placed near entrances to passages through which a ball will exit from the play of the game. When the bumper post is not actuated the ball can pass freely through a passage entrance. Actuation of the bumper post moves the post parallel to the surface of the playfield to a position hindering ball access to the passage. Bumper post motion may be sufficiently rapid to impart a considerable component of momentum in the direction of motion of the bumper post to the ball when the post contacts the ball.

Abstract: A playing field board for pinball game machines which is assembled with a playing surface thereof inclined, and along the inclined playing surface of which a round ball rolls downwardly by gravity and is driven upwardly by means of kicker apparatus, is made of a steel sheet and a transparent plastic layer of synthetic resin, e.g. urethane, disposed on the surface of the steel sheet. Between the steel sheet and the plastic layer of synthetic resin comprising the playing field, a buffer such as paper sheeting is interposed to dampen the noises made by a ball rolling along the playing surface of the playing field. Such paper sheeting can be in the form of a sandwich of metal foil between two paper sheets. The steel sheet contains a hole which is located beneath the transparent layer of plastic, and the hole is filled by a transparent plug. A metal hole is welded to the underside of the steel sheet. The holder supports an electric light bulb which shines upward through the transparent layer of plastic.

Abstract: A toy vehicle accelerator is disclosed which includes a housing, an opening in the housing of a width to fit a particular toy vehicle, and an impeller mounted to slide in the opening as well as to rotate freely in a horizontal plane. The impeller includes surfaces which contact a properly sized vehicle and permit the impeller to accelerate that vehicle. An improperly sized object merely causes the impeller to rotate, precluding the acceleration of such objects.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus in which a roulette wheel has a circular rim and a downwardly converging frustoconical bowl contained within the rim and joined thereto forming a track therewith for a roulette ball and a rotatable wheel head centered within the bowl at the bottom thereof and formed with a plurality of numbered compartments for receiving the roulette ball. An automatic roulette ball spinner has a pair of guide tubes directed oppositely to one another and positioned along the rim for directing the ball tangentially onto the track. The guide tubes have a roulette ball magazine communicating therewith including respective powered plungers for propelling the ball through the guide tubes. The powered plungers are randomly activated and, in addition, the propelling force of the powered plungers is randomly adjusted. The plungers are actuated either electromagnetically or pneumatically.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus in which a roulette wheel has a circular rim and a downwardly converging frustoconical bowl contained within the rim and joined thereto forming a track therewith for a roulette ball and a rotatable wheel head centered within the bowl at the bottom thereof and formed with a plurality of numbered compartments for receiving the roulette ball. An automatic roulette ball spinner having at least one guide tube is positioned along the rim for directing the roulette ball onto the track and is provided with a powered plunger for propelling the roulette ball through the guide tube. The guide tube is vertically moveable for lowering it onto the track to discharge the ball and then raising it to allow the ball to travel around the track uninterruptedly.

Abstract: In a pinball-type game having a playing surface over which an object is propelled and an object feed and propulsion apparatus for propelling the object across the playing surface includes: a housing associated with said surface and an actuator member mounted on the housing. The actuator is capable of moving from a rest position to an actuated position and back again. When an object is located next to an object contact surface on the end of the actuator and the actuator moves from the actuated position back to the rest position the object is propelled across the playing surface.Mounted in the housing associated with the actuator is an object feed mechanism which is capable of simultaneously moving the object from a first position adjacent to the feed mechanism to a second position locating the object in an abutting relationship with the contact surface on the actuator as the actuator moves to its actuated position. To accomplish this the actuator is operatively connected to the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A game device that includes a foldable, large gameboard with playing spaces marked out thereupon, a set of various different colored playing pieces for movement on the gameboard, and several shooters for propelling the playing pieces toward the gameboard spaces.

Abstract: A target game can be constructed utilizing a support member and a transparent housing or cover mounted on the support member so as to enclose an elongated, enlarged area. A target is movably mounted on a guide rail within this area so as to be capable of being moved between the ends of a path. A spring is located on the support member for moving the target from adjacent to one end of the path to adjacent to the other end. An escapement structure consisting of parts mounted on the support and on the target controls such movement so that the target member only moves incrementally each time it is engaged by a projectile. A shooting structure is pivotally mounted on the support so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing. This shooting structure includes a hollow tube within which there is carried a plunger capable of being manipulated so as to shoot projectiles.