Element Moved By Projectile Impact To Actuate Circuitry Patents (Class 273/374)
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Patent number: 10113836Abstract: A laser targeting apparatus rests on a surface and moves, such as by vibrating, wobbling, or shaking, when struck by laser light of sufficient intensity. The apparatus is designed not to fall over, so a user does not have to move to the apparatus and pick it up after a strike. The apparatus has a body that includes a structure, which is preferably one or more printed circuit boards including light sensors, for detecting strikes of laser light, and a motor. When a strike of laser light is detected, power is provided to the motor, which vibrates and causes the apparatus to move.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Inventors: Larry E. Moore, Aaron Moore
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Patent number: 9739575Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dart game system. The dart game system includes a dart game device, multiple external facilities, and a control unit configured to control the dart game device and the multiple external facilities. The dart game device includes a dart target having a plurality of point regions, a sensing unit configured to sense a hit to the dart target by a dart, a light source unit configured to output light, and a sound source unit configured to output sound. The multiple external facilities includes additional light source units configured to output additional light, and additional sound source units configured to output additional sound. The control unit is configured to control the light source units and the sound source units to output light or sound according to patterns, which depend on an occurrence of an event.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: HONG INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Sang Uk Hong
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Patent number: 8979092Abstract: Disclosed is a luminous dart board set.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventor: Yong Chul Kim
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Patent number: 8764016Abstract: A target (1) for use with a projectile has a web (7) defining a target face and a back board (29). The target face is divided into multiple segments (3, 5). A cup (19) filled with a projectile-receptive insert material (27) is mounted for sliding within each segment. Each cup has one or more resilient cushions (35) between the cup and the back board. Each cushion has at least one electroconductive area. The back board has pairs of switch contacts (25), forming electrical switches. The projectile impacting a cup at the target face with sufficient force causes the cup to slide within the segment urging the electroconductive area of the one or more cushions to touch the switch contacts, resulting in closing of the switch defined by the switch contacts and signaling a hit to onboard electronic circuitry. The at least one cushions beneath that cup return the cup substantially to its original position.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Mark F Stewart
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Patent number: 8740222Abstract: The present invention features a dart board comprising a digital target display ring (DTDR) surrounding a target area. The DTDR is operatively connected to a controller with a microprocessor, wherein said microprocessor is configured to (a) receive an input signal from an input device when the input device is actuated, and (b) generate an output signal to the DTDR for the DTDR to display a unique graphic according to pre-programmed commands for the actuated input device.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Inventors: Robert Krzewicki, David Allen Hopkins
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Publication number: 20140087897Abstract: A safety lawn dart game including safety lawn darts, a caddy and targets. The lawn dart includes an elongated shaft, a plurality of flights extending outwardly from the shaft and a head assembly having a weighted, spring biased head portion. The target may include a target hoop or electronic target. The caddy carries and stores the safety darts and targets in a convenient manner to keep all of the game components together.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Eastpoint Sports Ltd., LLCInventor: Michael J. Nally
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Patent number: 8570499Abstract: Electronic shooting target having light sources and photo-electric light receivers forming an optical screen via crossing groups of optical paths. A projectile shot through the screen at least temporarily interrupts optical paths. An object is placed in a region of the optical screen and acoustic transducers are spaced from each other for detecting an acoustic wave generated from the object. An electronic evaluator determines a position of the projectile in the optical screen from photo-electric light receiver signals and/or a position of a projectile in the object based on delay times detected by the acoustic transducers of the acoustic wave generated by the projectile shot through the object. The arrangement, in the shooting direction, is structured so that a circular area definable within the optical screen is surrounded at least partially by an area of the object in which the acoustic wave is generated.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: SIUS AGInventor: Hansruedi Walti-Herter
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Patent number: 8561993Abstract: A target includes multiple segments that are vibrationaly isolated from each other. A vibration sensor is coupled to each segment to provide vibration signatures representative of a segment being impacted by a projectile.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Steven Preston, Jan J. Ksel, James A. Frey
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Patent number: 8262473Abstract: Disclosed herein is an amusement device, the amusement device having: a display device rotatably mounted to a structure, the display device being configured to create a plurality of images via a persistence of vision effect; a device for rotating the display device; a sensor for determining whether an object has hit one of the plurality of images; a microcontroller in operable communication with the sensor and the display device, the microcontroller changing the appearance of at least one of the plurality of images when the sensor determines that an object has hit at least one of the plurality of images.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Civettini, Douglas P. Snook, Luke J. Orland, Todd M. Bailey, Christopher Hardouin
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Patent number: 8235823Abstract: A target output control section causes, after a game has started, a target which a user needs to achieve in the game to be output. A target output standby section holds the target output by the target output control section on standby based on an achievement status for the target.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryuji Mimura
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Patent number: 8162731Abstract: [Problems] Unfair operation of “hand-push” is effectively handled. [Means for Solving Problems] It is judged whether a pressure continues for not less than a predetermined time or not, that is, it is judged whether there is possibility of hand-push or not. When the pressure continues for not less than a predetermined time, it is decided that there is a possibility of hand-push.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventors: Masataka Noda, Makoto Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7849740Abstract: An impact resistant speed sensing object having an inner body with a processor and at least one speed detecting sensors adapted to engage the inner body and adapted to interact with the processor for determining the speed of the impact resistant speed sensing object. The impact resistant speed sensing object further includes an impact resistant housing having apertures adapted to receive the inner body and the speed detecting sensor. The impact resistant speed sensing object has an aperture adapted to receive the impact resistant housing with the inner body and speed detecting sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Nix Tek Inc.Inventor: Greg Nichol
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Publication number: 20100259009Abstract: An electric dartboard is provided by the present invention, which includes a base, a dart frame, a plurality of score blocks and a touch sensor. A bolt and a resilient member are disposed at a predetermined position of the base. The dart frame is 360-degree-rotatably disposed in the receiving zone, and the dart frame includes an upper frame body and a lower frame base. A plurality of first positioning recesses are formed on an outer periphery of the frame base for receiving the bolt therein. Moreover, the score blocks are disposed between the frame body and the frame base, while the touch sensor is disposed between the receiving zone and the dart frame. Therefore, the dart frame and the score blocks can rotate 360 degrees with respect to the base, so as to evenly apply the score blocks, prolong service life of the electric dartboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: Yuh-Shiang HUANG
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Publication number: 20090291782Abstract: An impact-responsive scoring and sensing goal post that forms an active target for hybrid soccer golf games of numerous variations, and a soccer golf game using the goal pole. The portable electronic “goal-pole” comprises an upstanding, cylindrical stanchion that supports sensor circuitry and display apparatus. The goal pole can be disposed in different predetermined locations over a playing surface to provide a target. The solid state circuitry responds to an impact-responsive electrical switch to energize an activation line for a predetermined time, turning on a trio of driver transistors activating a motor that rotates the visual display, a plurality of LED's, and a loud recorded message for audibly indicating a score.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventor: Robert C. Hinn
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Publication number: 20090218769Abstract: The present invention features a dart board comprising a digital target display ring (DTDR) surrounding a target area. The DTDR is operatively connected to a controller with a microprocessor, wherein said microprocessor is configured to (a) receive an input signal from an input device when the input device is actuated, and (b) generate an output signal to the DTDR for the DTDR to display a unique graphic according to pre-programmed commands for the actuated input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Robert Krzewicki, David Allen Hopkins
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Patent number: 7578508Abstract: A dart board game with a rotatable target for magnetic darts may include an target skin easily replaceable or reversible by a game player. Controls for an electric motor for rotating the target may be operable during game play by the magnetic darts when properly thrown may be include buttons for changing speed or direction or doing so randomly. A button may cause the changes to apply for a subsequent player.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: MGA Entertainment, Inc.Inventors: Yuval Caspi, Greg Dominguez
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Publication number: 20090184474Abstract: An electronic target has a base, a sensing assembly and a collector. The base has a body and a stand. The base is an electrical target module and has an outer edge and a front surface. The stand is mounted on the outer edge of the body and hold the body vertical. The sensing assembly is formed on the front surface of the body and has a sticky cushion. The collector corresponds to, is mounted on and protrudes from the stand below the sensing assembly. When a pellet strikes the sticky cushion, the sticky cushion momentarily deforms slightly to hold the pellet momentarily and absorb energy of the pellet. After the pellet momentarily sticks to the sticky cushion, it falls into the collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventors: Wen-Fu Chang, Chin-Hsing Tsai
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Patent number: 7258344Abstract: An electronically-scored game comprises an electronic controller and at least one sensor operatively connected with the controller, the at least one sensor adapted to detect at least one activity associated with the game and to generate a signal. A memory stores information corresponding to a plurality of audible recordings, the memory operatively connected with the controller. A sound generator is operatively connected with the controller. A speaker is operatively connected with the sound generator. Upon detection of the at least one activity associated with the game, the signal from the sensor activates the controller to cause at least one of the plurality of audible recordings to be selected and played by the sound generator through the speaker.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: DMI Sports, Inc.Inventors: Gary D. Giegerich, Paul Giegerich
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Patent number: 7100922Abstract: A bull's eye target device with a target surface section provided with a central section and a plurality of ring sections, and a circuit substrate provided so as to be spaced from the rear surface of the target surface section. The front surface side of the target surface section is formed in such a manner that the central section is raised to the greatest extent, with the plurality of ring sections becoming relatively lower as the periphery is approached, and a central pressing part and plurality of ring-shaped pressing parts are formed so as to project at the rear surface side at positions corresponding to the central section and the plurality of ring sections. The circuit substrate is provided with circular independent terminals at positions corresponding to the central pressing part and plurality of ring-shaped pressing parts of the target surface section.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: MARUZEN Company LimitedInventors: Tetsuo Maeda, Yoshiyuki Maeda
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Patent number: 6823992Abstract: A storage and carrying case includes semi-rigid spaced end panels and a semi-rigid bottom panel all joined together by means of a fabric over layer and a fabric under layer which are stitched together by a binding which also connects to front and back panels to form an enclosure for tools or the like. A single binding may thus be utilized to join all of the flexible fabric materials which retain the semi-rigid or rigid panels forming the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc..Inventor: Andrezj M. Redzisz
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Patent number: 6708976Abstract: A dart board includes at least one flexible slot which includes at least two apertures for receiving the dart tips. A through hole is defined between the two apertures so as to expand the flexible slot and the dart tips having different sizes can be clamped by the flexible aperture. A guide plate is fixed to the retaining frame so as to guide the dart tips to successfully stick on the dart board and activate the electronic film switches of the dart board. The size of the retaining frame can be reduced because of the fixed guide plate. The guide plate and the retaining frame are engaged by engaging members and engaging holes so that the guide plate can be easily replaced. The guide plate can be fixed to the retaining frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Yu-Fu Cho
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Patent number: 6659465Abstract: A dart board includes a backing plate with a frame connected thereto and a plurality of ribs on the frame so as to define a plurality of partitions in which a plurality of blocks are movably received respectively. Each block has flexible convex portions which contact an inside of the ribs defining the partition when the block is hit by darts. A plurality of spring members are connected between the backing plate and the blocks so as to bounce the blocks back after the impact disappears.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Inventor: Chin-Hao Yiu
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Patent number: 6499740Abstract: A score structure for a dart board includes a frame with at least three sides and one of the at least three sides is an inward curved side. A body member is received in the frame and the inward curved side urges one of sides of the body member to let the body member be snugly received in the frame.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Chih-Hao Yiu
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Publication number: 20020171203Abstract: A dartboard includes a support base and a dartboard supported on the support base. The dartboard includes an annular zero-score surface and a plurality of main retaining frames between which the target block assemblies are engaged. The target block assembly includes a top retaining frame having at least one hook and a base having at least one slot with which the at least one hook of the top retaining frame is engaged. The target block may also be movably received between a top retaining frame and a lower retaining frame. The target block has ridges extending therefrom which is movably engaged with recesses defined between the top retaining frame and the lower retaining frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Yu Fu Cho
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Publication number: 20020163131Abstract: A target block structure of an electronic dartboard includes a target block made of hard material having a body whose outer portion is integrally formed with a soft cushioning structure and cushioning ribs. Thus, when the target block is hit by the dart to displace, the soft cushioning structure may reduce the noise due to friction and hitting. In addition, the bottom of the body is provided with a hard trigger column whose end portion is formed with a soft column leg. The column leg has an outside formed with an annular wall and an inside formed with a trigger point. The annular wall may be deformed by an impact force for cushioning the impact force, thereby preventing incurring noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Chih-Hao Yiu
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Publication number: 20020070501Abstract: An electronic dart game includes a dart and a dartboard provided with a frame and a main body for being shot by the dart. The dart game can be scored automatically for being provided a plurality of inductance coils on the frame and connected to a electronic scoring means. A point or a slender shaft of the dart is magnetized so that an electronic signal can be generated while the dart is shot to go through the inductance coils in accordance with the Lenz's law. Therefore, the chances for erroneous signal to occur are very slim. As the main body is designed directly to the frame, the dartboard has a stable one-piece surface, thus a player will have a similar satisfactory sensation as shooting onto a classical one-piece dartboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: Chia Mu Shao
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Patent number: 6280351Abstract: A practice device comprising a plurality of striking targets arranged about a frame in an overall configuration which approximates the shape of an opponent. The targets are individually articulated to the frame, so that each individual target reacts independently in response to a strike. The targets are each in communication with a common force sensor, through a load transfer shaft movable relative to the frame and bearing on a force sensor such as a load cell, which provides feedback to the athlete regarding the force of each strike.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Sean Wong
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Patent number: 6215390Abstract: A dart target with a function of automatically displaying scores is disclosed. The dart target is installed with a damping panel. The damping panel is formed by at least one damping layer; the damping layers are made of flexible and transmitted cloth, such as sisal, non-woven cloth, etc. Thus, metal dart can be used. As the dart passes through the target panel, it can be damped by the damping layer and fixed. A pattern is formed at the surface of the first damping layer so that the dart player may identify the target. The target panel is a plane for being used by metal dart needle, and the score can be displayed properly. The target unit is constructed by a sisal block and a frame box.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Brown Lin
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Patent number: 6168160Abstract: A game that includes a movable target is provided. To this end, the game includes an object that is thrown at the movable target. The movable target has a first movable element, a second movable element, a switch actuated by the thrown object, and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism switches from moving the first movable element to moving the second movable element in response to actuation of the switch. Switch actuation occurs when the thrown object encircles the movable target and strikes an appendage of the movable target.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. DeOreo, Yoshizo Nagasaka
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Patent number: 6155570Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting and locating missiles such as darts in a target having a plurality of discrete target areas in which each of the areas has a conductive surface which acts as an electromagnetic signal receiving antenna, and in which a plate is positioned on the back of the target which functions as an electromagnetic signal transmitting antenna. Each of the target areas are monitored for electromagnetic signals and the signals pass through a pin conductor to the monitoring equipment. When a dart is embedded in one of the areas, it also acts as an antenna and, thereby, increases the signal strength of that area to permit detection of the presence and location of the dart. The pin conductors and plate antenna at the back of the dart board substantially improve the discrimination and reliability of the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Paramount Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rudolph L. Allison, Charles E. Montague
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Patent number: 6116607Abstract: A dartboard comprises a grid frame having sectors being provided with at least a receding guide opening at two lateral opposite sides thereof respectively; gliding plates having at least a projecting slide block extending out of two opposite lateral sides thereof respectively to slidably accommodate to said receding guide opening; soft target plates being inserted into, filled with, and fixed in the receiving recess; and a front metal grid having a rear end assembling with the front end of said grid frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: Kun Lin Cho
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Patent number: 6089571Abstract: An electric dart game includes a frame secured in a board and having a number of segments slidably engaged in a number of scoring areas. A plate and a spider are secured to the frame. Two conductor sheets are disposed behind the plate and each includes a circuit having a series of switch points. The segments each includes a slide and a block secured together. The slides each has one or more hooks for engaging with the frame and for preventing the slide from being disengaged from the frame. The slides and the blocks may be easily assembled without additional fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Inventor: Kunlin Cho
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Patent number: 6053499Abstract: A dart board includes a score portion and a control portion which includes a plurality of functions and a locking button which is electrically connected to an integrated circuit board. At least one of the function buttons can be locked by pushing the locking button and the locking function is released by pushing the locking button twice. A start button is located on the control portion and electrically connected to the locking button.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: Chih-Hao Yiu
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Patent number: 5988646Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting impacts from, for example, a hockey puck striking a target apparatus embodying the sensor. The sensor uses a thin brass disc to which is secured a piezoelectric ceramic disc. In one embodiment an insulating disc having an electrically conductive element passing therethrough is held against the ceramic disc. In another embodiment a plastic spring clip carries an electrically conductive element at one end in contact with the ceramic disc. A wire is soldered to the brass disc and another wire is soldered to the electrically conductive element. The sensor may be incorporated into a spring biased sensor assembly which is positioned adjacent a medium that is expected to receive impact blows. The sensor will detect such blows and provide, consistently, a signal to indicate reception of the blows. The sensor can withstand a vast multitude of impacts without failure as the wires are not physically loaded.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1996Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Fairshot, Inc.Inventor: Thomas C. Fair
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Patent number: 5912454Abstract: A system having a sensor, a feedback loop comprising a controllable load and an integrator, and a comparator. The light filter is matched to the sensor to allow enough light to be sensed while appearing dark. Current produced by the sensor is received by the controllable load, across which a voltage is detected. Upon a relative change in light intensity, a difference between the detected voltage and a reference voltage is integrated by the integrator over an integration time to produce a feedback signal. The feedback signal completes the feedback loop by controlling the controllable load's impedance and adjusting the value of the detected voltage back to the value of the reference voltage. Thus, relative changes in light intensities are detected while thereafter adjusting to the ambient light conditions. When the difference between the detected voltage and the reference voltage is greater than a preset value, the comparator alters an output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Leonardo Del Castillo, Margaret E. Winsor
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Patent number: 5883569Abstract: A mobile object with circuitry which transmits a signal upon impact of the object. The signal is received by a receiver which generates a sound in accordance with the signal. The occurrence of an impact can be detected by the contacting of conductive layers caused by the temporary deformation of the object or acoustically.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1995Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Inventor: Chris Kolefas
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Patent number: 5816947Abstract: A signaling apparatus which can be readily attached to any hockey goal proximate the hockey net in a manner so as to positively indicate by means of the energization of a light siren when a playing piece passes through the goal opening and impacts the net. The apparatus is useable either with an ice hockey goal or alternatively, is useable with a goal of the character found in the game of street hockey, or in a smaller form for indoor use.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: Daniel Kavitch
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Patent number: 5788244Abstract: An electronic dart board, constituted essentially by a target frame (10) of ring-like shape with a plurality of display shields (11) on the front surface, passing through the target frame (10), and a plurality of fixing tabs (12) around the periphery; a plurality of target plates (30) inside the middle opening of the target frame (10), each of the target plates (30) having a press cover (31), a soft body (32) on the upper side of the press cover (31), a fish eye hole (34), passing through the middle of the press cover (31), a plurality of press bars (33), extending downwards from the lower side of the press cover (31), close to the periphery thereof; and a base plate (20), carrying the target frame (10) and, elastically, the target plates (30), of the press bars (33) of each target plate (30) pointing towards a touch-sensitive switch (23) on the base plate (20).Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Conling ChoInventors: Lee Ping Hui, Conling Cho
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Patent number: 5718433Abstract: An improved central score block structure for electronic dart games includes a primary score block corresponding to a double bull's eye, a secondary score block corresponding to a bull's eye, and a plurality of resilient elements for supporting respective urge posts of the score blocks. The secondary score block has a slightly tapered central hole having a flanged baffle ring at an outer end. The primary score block is inserted into the central hole of the secondary score block such that its front and rear ends are properly checked by the front and rear ends of the central hole while capable of free displacement therein. The primary score block and the secondary score block will individually respond to a dart hitting the respective rings represented thereby to display the correct score.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Inventors: Kuo-Hui Lu, Ching-Tai Yen
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Patent number: 5662334Abstract: An instant response bull's-eye target system is disclosed. A cylindrical shaft with a flat plate bull's-eye target on one end fits within and is supported on a rigid base by a pair of bushing guide members. A cam member on the shaft is biased against a snap switch, the switch connected to a signal means. A projectile striking the target displaces the target, shaft and cam out of contact with the switch, activating the signal means. The biasing means then returns the cam into contact with the switch, deactivating the signal means.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Inventors: James A. Leinen, Sr., Carolyn Leinen, James A. Leinen, Jr., Tammy M. Leinen
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Patent number: 5647596Abstract: The invention relates to a target system including a target deck, trigger board and target plate. Apertures are provided in both the target deck and trigger board. The target deck is configured to receive or be juxtaposed to the trigger board so that the apertures are generally aligned. The target plate is shaped to fit within the generally aligned apertures. When the target plate is displaced from the aperture of the trigger board, the target deck moves to signify that the target plate has been struck. Another embodiment contemplates mounting the target plate to the target deck. A resistance device may also be added to prevent non-predetermined projectiles from displacing the target plate from the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1994Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Inventor: Robert R. Rail
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Patent number: 5642109Abstract: The present invention comprises a signal generator for sending an electrical signal upon receipt of an input force, the signal generator having a first outside layer of flexible, resilient plastic with a periphery and an inner surface, a second outside layer of flexible, resilient plastic having a periphery and an inner surface, the first and second layers joined at least at their periphery to form walls defining primary chamber. The primary chamber also has at least one inside layer of flexible, resilient plastic having a periphery and a first and second surface, the inside layer also being joined at its periphery, to the walls of the primary chamber to sub-divide the primary chamber into a plurality of adjacent sub-chambers. A pressurized fluid may be disposed in each of the sub-chambers and an electrical circuit may be arranged in at least one of the sub-chambers, to effectuate the transmission of an electrical signal from the primary chamber upon receipt of an input force within the primary chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Donald N. Halgren
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Patent number: 5634642Abstract: A water dumping game with adjustable target comprising: a base with a front edge and a rear edge; an upright support having a front surface, a rear surface, an upper edge and a lower edge, the lower edge being affixed to the base, the upper edge including a recess formed therein; a seat with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the seat being positioned adjacent the front edge of the base; a bucket having an outer wall with two pins projecting therefrom, each pin being pivotally coupled within the recess of the upright support, the bucket being filled with water in an inoperative orientation; and a dumping assembly including at least one target and a bucket stabilizing device, in an inoperative orientation the bucket stabilizing device securing the bucket in an upright position, in an operative orientation the bucket stabilizing device permitting downward rotation of the bucket thereby dumping water on an individual positioned upon the seat of the apparatus, each target being operatively coupled toType: GrantFiled: July 1, 1996Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Inventor: Giustino Grandolfo
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Patent number: 5613685Abstract: A target for grade metal tipped darts has a conductive rigid web made up of concentric rings intersecting spokes emanating from the second to the innermost ring. The spokes define twenty sectors, while the rings define 4 segments within each sector. There are also two segments in the innermost and second to innermost rings. Conductive blocks, made up of an aluminum or zinc cup having contacts protruding from its bottom and containing a rubberized cork insert, fill in the segments of the web. Beneath each cup is a silicon foam cushion cut away between the contacts and a pad on a printed circuit board. The pads are each connected to circuitry that senses when a dart hits an insert causing the corresponding cup to slide within the web and contact a pad.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: High Flyte International, Ltd.Inventors: Mark F. Stewart, Angelo A. Bonetta
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Patent number: 5597164Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Inventor: Denis Dodds
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Patent number: 5556103Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Inventor: Miguel A. Quetglas Arino
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Patent number: 5486007Abstract: A target for regulation grade metal tipped darts has a conductive rigid web made up of concentric rings intersecting spokes emanating from the second to the innermost ring. The spokes define twenty sectors, while the rings define 4 segments within each sector. There are also two segments in the innermost and second to innermost rings. Conductive blocks, made up of an aluminum or zinc cup having contacts protruding from its bottom and containing a rubberized cork insert, fill in the segments of the web. Beneath each cup is a silicon foam cushion cut away between the contacts and a pad on a printed circuit board. The pads are each connected to circuitry that senses when a dart hits an insert causing the corresponding cup to slide within the web and contact a pad.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: High Flyte International Ltd.Inventors: Mark F. Stewart, Angelo A. Bonetta, Majinder S. Phull
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Patent number: 5419565Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Inventors: Theodore J. Gordon, Thomas A. Gordon
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Patent number: 5419549Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 28, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Umlimited Ideas CorporationInventors: William R. Galloway, Richard H. Galloway, Allen B. Ellison, Charles R. West
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Patent number: 5401033Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventor: Ferdinand P. Lychock, Jr.