With Electrically Actuated Or Operated Indicator Patents (Class 273/371)
  • Patent number: 5649706
    Abstract: A hunting simulator having a projection of a moving target in life-size as in a natural environment is provided for practice shooting of a missile such as an arrow, dart, bullet, etc. The missile is detected in-flight in a detection plane set apart from a projection screen so the missile is detected undisturbed before impacting on the screen. The primary detector includes a continuously-illuminating LED emitter and a CCD camera sensor collocated with the emitter with a field of view in a detection area within the plane. Retroreflective tape on a perimeter about the detection area efficiently returns emitter radiation to the sensor. Detection is when a missile causes a shadow on the tape with an interruption of reflected light to the sensor, although in an alternative embodiment, the retroreflective tape is installed on the missile instead of the detection plane perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventors: Erwin C. Treat, Jr., Eric G. Muehle
  • Patent number: 5648752
    Abstract: A dart game electronic scorekeeping device including a case. The case has an upper surface and a periphery formed of a pair of opposed side edges, an upper edge, and a lower edge. A game switch selection mechanism is extended through the case for allowing selection of a particular dart game by a player. A keypad switching matrix extends from the upper surface of the case and is formed with plurality of keys arranged in a configuration to resemble a dart board and with each of the keys sized to represent a specific scoring space on the dart board. Each key of the keypad switching matrix is actuateable by the player for transmitting a point value indicative of the scoring space on the dart board where a dart of the player impinged during the particular dart game. A computation mechanism is coupled to the game switch selection mechanism and the keypad switching matrix and with the computation mechanism receiving the point values attained during play to generate a score value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Kip R. Alfrey
  • Patent number: 5639093
    Abstract: The present invention provides a casting target and a casting practice method. The inventive casting target comprises a receiving structure for receiving an object cast at the target and an indicator assembly for indicating that the object has been received by the receiving structure. The inventive method comprises the step of casting an object attached to a line at the receiving structure of the inventive casting target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Ben Law, Jeffrey Miller
  • Patent number: 5626343
    Abstract: A water targeting game (10) that is preferably played within an obstruction maze known as WATER TAG .TM.. The game (10) consists of two major elements: a targeting vest (12) and a water gun (140). The targating vest (12) includes a front vest (14) and a back vast (16) that are joined together at their upper peripheral edge (26) by a pair of adjustable shoulder straps (70) and that are adjusted at a person's waist by a pair of waist straps (74, 76). Between the two vests is a cavity (56) and on the front section (42) of the vest, is located a plurality of water collecting openings (58) that serve as targets. When playing the game, the water gun emits a stream of water that is aimed at the openings (58) from where the water falls into the cavity (56). Between the front and back vests is attached a quick-disconnect flexible hose (96). The hose equalizes the quantity of water in both of the vests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Gary M. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5615880
    Abstract: A new Electronic Goal Detecting System for accurately detecting and signaling if an object, such as a hockey puck or a hockey ball, passes through the goal posts of a hockey goal thereby preventing disagreements between players, and for displaying the total goals scored. The inventive device includes a hockey goal, a sensing means mounted to the hockey goal, an object such as a hockey puck or a hockey ball received by the hockey goal, a pickup means positioned within the hockey puck or the hockey ball detected by the sensing means, a power supply electronically attached to the sensing means, and a goal signal means electronically attached to the sensing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventors: Jason P. Booth, Deborah A. Booth
  • Patent number: 5602638
    Abstract: The invention is to an apparatus and method for determining the position and speed of a pitched ball. A collection box includes arrays of pulsed infrared emitter sensor pairs. As a ball passes between the emitter/sensor pairs, the signal between at least two emitter/sensor pairs are interrupted. The position of the interrupted emitter/sensor pairs and the time the signal between an emitter/sensor pair indicates the position and speed of the pitched ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Jim L. Boulware
  • Patent number: 5597164
    Abstract: Draw timer target including a mounting plate coupled within an interior space of a housing. Also included is a lamp centrally situated on the mounting plate. The lamp is adapted to emit light outwardly from the housing upon the actuation thereof. A numeric light emitting diode display is also coupled to the mounting plate and adapted to display a timer. Further included is a resilient target plate coupleable to the mounting plate and comprising a circular transparent window and a rectangular transparent window, whereby the lamp and numeric display are visible therethrough. The present invention also has a switch mechanism positioned adjacent to the target plate and adapted to actuate upon the impact of a projectile on the target plate. Finally, control circuitry is adapted to actuate the lamp and depict an incrementing timer on the display upon the depression of an actuator button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Denis Dodds
  • Patent number: 5595387
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arcade type amusement game in which contestants compete to be the first to get a set number of balls in 15, the opening of a replica of a toilet bowl while a toilet-like seat is rising and falling. The invention provides a means of tracking the number of successful balls entering the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Randall Senna
  • Patent number: 5593349
    Abstract: A league and tournament system is disclosed which includes a centralized league machine that transmits data to one or more of a plurality of electronic dart games via modem or using a wireless portable data storage device. Transmission of information from the electronic dart machines can be via modem, facsimile transmission, or using the portable data storage device. The electronic dart machines are configured to receive and utilize league and tournament database information from the league machine for a variety of purposes, including automatic implementation of player handicaps, automatic control of match play, and team and player registration using the dart machine. The dart machine has a monitor that displays context sensitive menus using information obtained from the league or tournament database. The dart machine includes a barked card reader that permits identification of league and tournament participants using barcode cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Valley Recreation Products Inc.
    Inventors: Edward K. Miguel, Martin G. Bohn, Stephen R. Zastera, Eugene B. Lilly
  • Patent number: 5577733
    Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a targeting system for a shooter of a gun, the system having a target image created by a projector and projected on a target screen or, in one embodiment, a pre-printed target. A light panel is disposed between the target and the gun so that a bullet from the gun passes through the light panel which sends signals indicative of the bullet's location and velocity to a computer in which the signals are stored and, in one aspect, analyzed and compared with additional data such as previous bullet locations, velocity, and ballistic parameters for such a bullet. In one embodiment a light panel has one or more light emitters which emit a fan-shaped beam of light in a plane and spaced apart from the emitter(s) one or more light detectors. In one aspect such a panel has on-board electronics for calculating: object (e.g. bullet) velocity; and/or object (e.g. bullet) size. Methods are described for using such systems and such panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Dennis L. Downing
  • Patent number: 5566951
    Abstract: An archery practice device projects a moving hunt scene on a screen. In one embodiment of the invention, a continuous plane of IR light is located prior to the screen, an arrow carrying a reflector is detected as it penetrates this light plane, and IR illumination is reflected back toward the archer and a full-screen radiation detector. In another embodiment, a piezoelectric motion detector senses impact of an arrow on the screen, an IR source is momentarily triggered by the motion detector, and IR illumination is reflected by the arrow toward the full-screen radiation detector. The detector generates a full-screen signal indicating the point of arrow impact on the screen. Upon detecting the arrow, the moving scene is frozen on the screen. The visual content of the frozen scene is coordinated to the full-screen signal from the detector, whereupon a hit zone image is projected on the screen to indicate the arrow impact point relative to the frozen scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Dart International, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Dart, Howard F. Hall, David A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5560617
    Abstract: A dartboard with a separate control panel device comprises a control panel device which is independent of the dartboard portion. A transmitter of infrared or of radio is provided on a switch circuit board in the dartboard portion and a receiver of infrared or of radio is provided on a circuit board in the control panel device corresponding to the transmitter. When one of target plates is hit to move backward and touch activated switches because of the dart impulse, a positional signal is generated. The positional signal is then converted to a group of data signals in the transmitter and sent to the receiver through a transmitting element or a wave oscillation element. The group of data signals which are received by a receiving circuit in the control panel device is then converted into scores and shown on displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Tu-Hsien Liang
  • Patent number: 5556103
    Abstract: Improvements in the structure of electronic dartboards in which inside each sector-division and in distinct regions thereof there are lights of different colors, the internal lights being controlled by an additional electric circuit connected to the logic board of the electronic dartboard, which are seen through the holes in the front wall of each sector-division, the electrical connection is achieved by a change generated in the electrical resistance, the light source being provided in the rear portion of the rigid support, transparent, so that the light passes through the transparent board for electrical circuits printed, the playing area being illuminated owing to transparency from the bottom of the body of the playing area of the board to its final transparency stage and subsequently directly illuminating the internal front wall of the box and emerging to the exterior, filtered through the plurality of holes therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Miguel A. Quetglas Arino
  • Patent number: 5553859
    Abstract: An arcade game including an object sensor for detecting a playing piece directed by a player. A target field receives the directed playing piece, and the sensor determines the identity and a final position of the playing piece at rest. A scoring mechanism provides a game score based on the identity and final resting position of the playing piece. Preferably, the playing piece, such as a ring or coin, engages one of multiple individual targets, such as bottles or receptacles. A return mechanism provides the playing piece to the player, and an award dispenser dispenses an award to a player based on the game score. The sensor includes a visual sensor and digital processor for validating and determining a final position of the moving playing piece by detecting visible light. The digital processor examines an image of the target field to determine and validate the identity of the playing piece, the trajectory of the playing piece, and the final position of the playing piece to determine the game score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Lazer-Tron Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Matthew F. Kelly, John G. Kroeckel, Joseph J. Haas, Jayash J. Lad
  • Patent number: 5553860
    Abstract: A sports impact sensing target reports a sensed impact to a remote location without interference with the operation of like impact sensing targets that are proximately located. The sports impact target reports each sensed impact with a selected modulated signal that can be selected readily to distinguish it from the report signals produced by other proximate impact sensing targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Rami Zelikovich
  • Patent number: 5553861
    Abstract: An automatic counting apparatus for a dart game which includes darts and a dart board, includes a main control circuit, a conventional dart sensing circuit connected to the main control circuit for sensing a throw of one of the darts onto the dart board and transmitting a corresponding thrown information to the main control circuit, a key set connected to the main control circuit for setting a plurality of inputs to the main control circuit, a plurality of displays for displaying the inputs already set by the key set. The plurality of inputs includes a game mode input, a total number of players input, a common object score input for all players, and a handicap input selectively applied on any one of the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Francis Pan
  • Patent number: 5540445
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic dart device for playing a cricket game, which includes a dart panel having a plurality of dart regions, a plurality of target blocks respectively received in the plurality of dart regions, a sensing matrix circuit in contact with one of the target blocks when the one target block is hit with a dart, a digital display mounted on the dart panel for displaying a sign denoting a time the one block has been hit with a dart in a first instance and a number denoting a score the one block is programmed to have in a second instance, and a control circuit electrically connected to the matrix circuit and the digital display for controlling the digital display to display one of the sign and the number when the one block is hit with a dart. Preferably, the present electronic dart device can use the digital display mounted on the dart device for displaying the cricket game result so as to reduce the area of the dart panel and decrease the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Chun-Mu Huang
    Inventor: Min-Shiung Lee
  • Patent number: 5538254
    Abstract: A bullet trap entertainment system for use in target shooting is disclosed. The bullet trap entertainment system may include a plurality of sensors for counting the number of accurately shot bullets and determining the velocities of the bullets, and measuring the energy transmitted in quantifiable units. The bullet trap entertainment system further includes a central processing unit for calculating a score of each user of the system and a user interface for displaying the scores. The bullet trap entertainment system may also include a collector for de-energizing and collecting the bullets entering the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 5531451
    Abstract: A scoring system for a cricket dart game includes three "8"-shaped display units each having seven strokes. The three display units include twenty one strokes in total and the twenty one strokes are divided into seven groups each having three stokes for indicating three shots of a particular scoring. The display units are good enough for scoring a cricket dart game without installing further light bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Chih-Hao Yiu
  • Patent number: 5518251
    Abstract: A scoring system for gun battle games, including a plurality of induction targets carried on different parts of the body to convert the signal of the impact of a bullet into a corresponding electrical signal, a control box carried on the body and connected to the induction targets to receive convert the electrical signal from each induction target into a corresponding score, and a display unit carried on the player's cap and connected to the control box to show the total score and to give an alarm signal when the total score reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Pei-Jen Liu
  • Patent number: 5516113
    Abstract: The invention is a target system capable of determining projectile entrance by detecting loss resistors formed by a graphic colloidal suspension coating of conductive ink placed beneath a graphic target. The target is a low cost sheet of flexible paper positioned by use of a tractor feeder. Actual loss of resistors is interpreted by a microprocessor running a grid simulation program. Upon loss of any one particular resistor, the microprocessor interprets the target to determine what resistors remain thereby providing a history of projectile penetration. The results of the target penetration can be viewed from a remote video display terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Robert B. Hodge
  • Patent number: 5501466
    Abstract: A game apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet defining a playing area including a plurality of shelves mounted therein where each of the shelves has disposed thereon a plurality of game pieces. A receiving mechanism is attached to the cabinet for accepting a playing piece. A player aimable, launching mechanism is linked to the receiving mechanism for launching the playing piece towards the aimed at location for the purpose of dislodging some of the game pieces. A redemption mechanism may be provided for accepting any dislodged game pieces to provide a reward in exchange therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Capcom Coin-op, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace W. Welch, Python V. Anghelo, William F. Triplett, Katherine A. Adams
  • Patent number: 5462283
    Abstract: A dart target includes a plurality of electrically conductive scoring beds. An aerial is spaced from the beds by a separation of the order of magnitude of the size of the target. A transmitter and receiver are connected to the aerial and beds. When an electrically conductive dart is imbedded in one of the beds it receives a signal from the aerial which enables determination of which bed the dart is imbedded in. The spacing of the aerial results in more or less uniform signal strength at the dart regardless of its location in the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Target Marketing Limited
    Inventor: John Allen
  • Patent number: 5447315
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing the position and speed (force) of a projectile striking a target of arbitrary size and shape. The strike produces an acoustic shock wave which travels outward from the point of impact, striking several acoustic sensors at the periphery of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: John D. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5439230
    Abstract: A game in which two or more players compete to fill a column of water by engaging a target with a fluid or solid projectile stream or a light beam. Detectors upon a target are adapted to signal a separate water pressure device in order to force water from a reservoir up into and through a transparent or translucent column. At the top of such column a detector awaits the rising column of water in order to signal its arrival and indicate the success of the player in engaging his or her respective target. The apparatus can be configured so that each player's column is filled from a separate reservoir or from a common reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: John F. Mendes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5419549
    Abstract: A baseball pitcher game and training apparatus includes a free swinging target receptacle which is positioned at one end of an elongate enclosure with a player's station positioned at the opposite end of the enclosure. A target is removably positioned in the target receptacle, with the target including a target image printed thereon. An X-Y grid of conductive lines scanned by a target processor determines the position at which a thrown ball impacts the target and the direction and magnitude of spin of the ball. A radar gun positioned in the elongate enclosure has a beam directed across the flight path of the ball to determine the speed of the thrown ball. A game computer is programmed for a game strategy and methodology which rewards throwing speed and accuracy and includes an interactive voice module for verbal feedback to the player. An improved ball return mechanism permits balls to be selectively and reliably returned and dispensed to a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Umlimited Ideas Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Galloway, Richard H. Galloway, Allen B. Ellison, Charles R. West
  • Patent number: 5419565
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical detection system for measuring the point of impact of a missile such as a sports projectile on a target and for measuring the velocity and force of impact. The detection system is contained in a large plastic envelope, on which a target is displayed and in one embodiment, the detector is a wire or plastic grid that is instrumented to measure changes in stress in the individual grid elements that occur when the missile impacts the target. In another form of this invention, the detector is embedded in an elastomeric mat contained within the plastic envelope with electrical conductors within the mat subject to movement in a magnetic field when the mat compresses in response to the impact of a missile on the target. In either form of the invention, suitable electronic circuitry is used to convert the signals generated at impact to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventors: Theodore J. Gordon, Thomas A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5401033
    Abstract: A dart game and a method of controlling a dart game wherein numbers corresponding to targets to be aimed at by a player are randomly generated throughout the play of the game until a predetermined number of target values have become fixed by being marked by a dart hit on the dart board. Prior to the start of a game, a predetermined number of target values are randomly generated and displayed. After each player's turn, the target values that have been marked by a dart hit on a corresponding section of the dart board are fixed for the remainder of the game. However, any unmarked target value is changed to a new, randomly generated value prior to the next player's turn. The random generation of target numbers continues until the predetermined number of target values have been marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.
    Inventor: Ferdinand P. Lychock, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5370306
    Abstract: A coin-operated entertainment machine includes a central control unit which permits the machine to be used at certain hours of the day or at certain days of the week at a reduced cost. In addition, the central control unit controls the machine in such a way that, with each use of the machine, a game of chance is automatically started, which gives the user the right to use the machine one or several times at no cost, should he win. Finally, the central control unit controls the machine in such a way that is possible to choose beforehand, by means of a selector, whether the end of the game depends on the occurrence of certain events during the game or on the end of a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: NSM Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Schulze, Horst Niederlein
  • Patent number: 5366230
    Abstract: A dart game is shown having an automatic player change feature that is implemented by software wherein the software discriminates between dart hit impacts and non-dart hit impacts on the scoring segments of a dart head. The dart game includes a controller that determines the occurrence of an event representing the actuation of a scoring segment of the dart head. The controller determines whether a scoring segment is actuated by a dart hit impact or a non-dart hit impact by monitoring the time that the scoring segment remains actuated. If the scoring segment is actuated for only a short, but stable period of time, the impact is determined to be a dart hit. However, if the scoring segment is actuated for a longer period of time, the impact is determined to be a non-dart hit impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Jorge J. Sanquinetti-Trigo
  • Patent number: 5358253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light and sound emittable dartsboard which has a bottom member on which a central induction board, a cell compartment, speakers, etc. are disposed, a top member which is adapted to be covered over the bottom member and may have a top protective layer showing different patterns. The bottom member has a plurality of bulbs disposed around its periphery such that each of the bulbs may project from a hole correspondingly formed on the top member. The top member has a switch control means the lower end of which is shortly above the induction board such that the switch control means shall contact the induction board and connect the circuit thereof when the switch control means is hit by a dart. At this point, the dartsboard shall emit preset sound and the bulbs shall flash at random for a period of time before all of them but one extinguish. The bulb that keeps on shall indicate a certain score or mark as shown on the top protective layer corresponding to the lighting bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Sheng-kun Chen
  • Patent number: 5354067
    Abstract: A game apparatus and method for playing a tossing game. The apparatus includes a plurality of cup members which may be recessed into the ground and a plurality of pucks which may be tossed towards the cup members. The game is played by placing two cup members into the ground at a predetermined distance apart. Opposing players alternately toss the pucks toward one of the cup members from behind the other cup member. Scoring values are assigned for pucks landing in the cup members, overhanging the cup members, or landing a distance from the cup members defined by a diameter of the puck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: David E. Junemann
  • Patent number: 5338032
    Abstract: This invention provides an electronics device applicable to the well-known and understood "01" dartboard games which provides a display of the highest percentage target scores a darts player may use to gain an "out" in the shortest manner and win the game. A microprocessor within the device interrogates a memory store containing a lookup table of scores within a particular range and provides a selection of target score "outs" which the player may use to "out" from the score points that he happens to have at the time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: William C. Latham
  • Patent number: 5328190
    Abstract: An archery practice device simulates dynamic targets, such as in an animal hunt, on a visible screen. A video disk contains a plurality of hunting scenes which are projected via a video projector on a vertical screen whose size simulates an area normally viewed by an archer during a hunt. The screen images are comprised of pixel areas arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. A source of light of a spectrum outside the humanly visible range is provided adjacent the screen. Arrows penetrating this light field reflect light to a detector sensitive to light of said spectrum, but not sensitive to visible light otherwise. The detector generates a full screen signal of a plurality of pixel areas, certain of which contain indicia of light reflection from the arrow. Upon detecting such reflection, the scene frame is frozen on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Dart International, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Dart, Howard F. Hall
  • Patent number: 5326094
    Abstract: An audio sports game is provided. This sports game utilizes an audio message generator that selectively generates one of a plurality of audio messages. When the message generator is actuated by a switch, it generates a message that presents a setting for a user of said sports game. This message is generated prior to and during said user attempting to cause an object to pass through said opening in a structure such as a sports goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Timothy G. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5320358
    Abstract: The shooting game includes programmable flip-up targets spaced along a game course, and sensors associated with the targets that detect the presence of a player near the associated target. A. programmable main controller transmits skill level control instructions to each of the target controllers. The target controllers cause the targets to fire paint balls or other items at the player in accordance with the selected skill level. The game may be played indoors or outdoors by one or more players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: RPB, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5318319
    Abstract: A battery powered electronic dart game that is capable of scoring the game of Cricket uses multicolored or flashing lamps to indicate a current mark score. In one embodiment, the multi-colored lamps may be bi-color LED's that indicate four states with regard to marks scored in a particular dart bed. In another embodiment, the flashing lamps may be LED's flashed at different rates to indicate the four states with regard to marks scored in a particular dart bed. In a third embodiment, the lamps may be both colored and flashed to indicate marks scored. A score panel may be connected to a dart board, together containing processing and display driver circuitry for indicating a current score on the lamps and on numerical displays. Alternatively, the display panel may be a separate unit and may completely house the processing and display driver circuitry, thereby providing portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Jones, George H. Dell
  • Patent number: 5314195
    Abstract: A dart game includes a target board (22) with segments which are movably mounted between radial ribs (24) and concentric ribs (26) to receive the darts. Each segment has a switch which is actuated when a dart hits the segment and which is connected to a hit-display. The target board has at least two target fields (50 to 56), each of which is made up of segments located between adjacent radial ribs (24). A display light (60 to 66) is associated with each segment of a target field. All the lights of each target field are switched on only by hits on this target field by the first player to hit it, and the display lights of the target field concerned are not switched on by or after a subsequent hit by another player. The display lights (60, 62, 64, 66) may be disposed in more or more arrays (42, 44, 46, 48), making the progress of the game particularly easy to follow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: NSM Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Schulze
  • Patent number: 5290043
    Abstract: A game for improving soccer skills is provided which has a target preferably in the shape of a soccer goal. The target has a number of different sections which correspond to different point values based on the degree of difficulty in reaching the particular section The section boxes should be differentiated from one another in an easily identifiable manner, such as by color. Another element of game involves providing a mechanism for coordinating the different sections of the target to a particular section of the foot. This may be done, for example, by providing a shoe with different colored designations for various locations on the shoe. To play the game, one or more players take turns kicking a soccer ball from a set distance at the target. The player chooses which target section will be aimed for and takes notice of the color of the section. The player then kicks the ball with the portion of the shoe having the color which matches the chosen section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Blagoje Vidinic
  • Patent number: 5280918
    Abstract: A beacon target comprises an ignition device and a gas supply device received in a case body, and a movable target mounted outside the case body. The front portion of the case body is separated as a gas chamber and its leading end having a transparent panel for displaying gas explosion effect within the gas chamber. The rear portion of the case body is a room for receiving each of said devices. When the movable target is hit by a bullet, the bottom end of the target will press down both micromotion switches and simultaneously actuate the ignition device and gas supply device. The gas chamber at the leading end of the case body is filled with fuel gas which is triggered by the ignition device to accomplish intensive sound and lighting effect of explosion at a twinkling eye and a kind of beacon target with shaking result is accomplished thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Jenn-Jia Wu
  • Patent number: 5259625
    Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for playing such a field or court game wherein electronic sensing beams are utilized to distinguish proper and improper flight of the game object between opposing players and, in turn, to assist in determining scoring of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Michael S. Fanning
  • Patent number: 5230505
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for monitoring and calculating the position and speed of a projectile as it is pitched over a target zone. A grid of infrared emitters aligned with respective infrared receivers are in continuous optical links until the ball passes an d cuts some of the links. Upon this cut, the position of the ball is stored in memory and the time of passage of the ball across the grid is recorded to later calculate the speed of the ball. The infrared grid is enclosed in a chamber to prevent interference of external light rays with the reception of the receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Moneywon Inc.
    Inventors: Ghislain Paquet, Jean Roy
  • Patent number: 5222740
    Abstract: An entertaining target comprises a box, a sound and light control device attached inside the box and a balloon. The front opening of the box is attached with an openable front lid formed with a target hole in the middle, and inside the box there is provided a touch-off switch connecting to the sound and light control device which is pressed by the balloon to disconnect the electricity to the control device. When a player takes his shot on the target, the bullet successfully hit into the target hole will pop the balloon and the front lid will be pushed to open by the explosion of the balloon to allow another balloon to be placed, meanwhile the touch-off switch is released by the explosion to start the sound and light control device to generate entertaining sound and light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventors: Jenn-Jia Wu, Jinn-Shing Liaw
  • Patent number: 5219173
    Abstract: A target practice system comprising a number of target units, each housing two pasteboard silhouette targets hinged eccentrically and activated so as to rotate between an idle position wherein they are fully concealed by the target unit, and an exposed position wherein they are exposed to fire. Each target unit also comprises a light source to one side of the path of the target as it moves between the idle and exposed positions, and an optical detector on the other side. The light produced by the light source is thus cut off by the target moving between the aforementioned two positions, except for any holes in the target, the presence and location of which is thus detected by the optical detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Auser Progetti di Vit Claudio & C. S.N.C.
    Inventors: Claudio Vit, Francesco Romano
  • Patent number: 5209491
    Abstract: A target and target apparatus wherein projectiles may be embedded in the target. The target including a target face which is divided into a plurality of beds. The beds are conductive at least on the outer surfaces and are insulated from adjacent beds by an insulating web. The beds are electrically connected to an apparatus source to enable a separate signal to be applied to each bed. An aerial is provided to respond to a signal from a dart protruding from any bed. The aerial comprising a wire framework mounted on the target face and is in superimposed alignment with the web. Ties are provided for securing the wire framework to the insulating web such that the wire framework remains in superimposed alignment with the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Top Dart Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Meldon A. Dodge
  • Patent number: 5194006
    Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on display screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: William Zaenglein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5163680
    Abstract: A toy for simulating the scoring of goals in the game of basketball includes a rim having an outer surface of conductive material and a frustroconical net suspended from the rim. A ball adapted to fit within the rim has an outer surface of conductive material so that an electric circuit including a signal-generator produces a signal to the player of the game whenever the ball strikes the rim while passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Talk To Me Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joanna M. Amron
  • Patent number: 5163684
    Abstract: A chip shot practice ring utilized as a target and receptacle for receiving chipped or pitched golf balls is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes a substantially circular base member constructed of a rectangular strip of material joined at its opposite abutting ends by a closure member. A vertically oriented flag pole is attached at its lower end to a vertically extending pole in the closure member, and a flag is attached to the flag pole at its upper end. The components of the apparatus are fabricated from brightly colored polymeric and metallic materials which enhance their visibility, portability, and resistance to material degradation. A lighting assembly, including a bulb on the flag pole and a fiber optic cable extending to and around the upper surface of the base member, is further provided to illuminate the base member, the flag pole, and the flag to render the apparatus highly visible to the practicing golfer under minimal lighting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Joseph C. Seidler
  • Patent number: 5114155
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dart leagues or tournaments wherein players participate at multiple remote locations. The present invention provides a plurality of remotely located electronic dart games connected via a communication medium to a central control device enabling bidirectional communication between the central control device and the plurality of remotely located electronic dart games. The invention in a preferred embodiment enables players to participate in a dart league or tournament from various locations, however, it is possible for the plurality of electronic dart games to be at one location. Each electronic dart game is capable of receiving data from and transmitting data to player cards. Each dart game player has a player card that identifies a player to a respective dart game, and the player card also stores player data and game statistics. A master dart game is located at each remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Tillery, Eugene G. Harlan, John R. Martin, Samuel N. Zammuto, Marcio Bonilla
  • Patent number: 5104129
    Abstract: An arrangement for a game playing device comprising a game playing apparatus which controls a prize delivering machinery (10), a feeding device (7) for a token (8) for starting the game playing apparatus against a payment, and a tuner (11) controlling the prize delivering machinery. The tuner improves the odds and the chances of winning a prize from a normal state in response to the operation of the game playing apparatus. In order that the tuner could be restored to the normal state by the player, the game playing device comprises a stop switch (13) which influences the feeding device for starting the game playing apparatus without payment and which is arranged to control the tuner in such a manner that the tuner is restored to the normal state when the operation of the game playing device does not affect the tuner or the prize delivering machinery, so that the player does not win a prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Raha-Automaattiyhdistys
    Inventors: Olli Hamalainen, Kauko Piri