| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| D408366 |
Combined flipper switch and four-way switch |
April 20, 1999 |
|
| D352738 |
Pinball game cabinet |
November 22, 1994 |
|
| D335150 |
Trigger handle switch for pinball type games |
April 27, 1993 |
|
| 6199861 |
Method and kit for retrofitting a pinball machine |
March 13, 2001 |
| A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily updatable, or alternately, retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield, a pane |
| 6164644 |
Method of modifying electronics contained in a controller box of a pinball machine |
December 26, 2000 |
| A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield mounted to the cabinet, and a back |
| 6158737 |
Playfield assembly for a pinball-machine |
December 12, 2000 |
| A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. One of these features is a novel playfield assembly for the pinball machine. For ease |
| 6155565 |
Method and kit retrofitting a pinball machine |
December 5, 2000 |
| A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield, a panel, an electronics system, a |
| 6149153 |
Automatic propelling feature for pinball games |
November 21, 2000 |
| An automatic propelling feature for a pinball game having a playfield supporting a rolling ball and a plurality of targets thereon, comprises a propelling member, mounted to the playfield, for propelling the ball toward the target; a ball guide for guiding the ball to the propelling |
| 6135449 |
Mounting mechanism for a playfield of a pinball machine |
October 24, 2000 |
| A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily serviceable and is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. One of these features is a novel mounting mechanism for a pl |
| 6129353 |
Method of displaying video images projected from a video display of a pinball machine |
October 10, 2000 |
| A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a cabinet, a playfield, a playfield panel, an electronics |
| 6120021 |
Lock-down bar release system for a pinball machine |
September 19, 2000 |
| A lock-down bar release system for a pinball machine serviceable in a location-service mode and an operator-service mode. The pinball machine includes a playfield disposed within a game cabinet and a lock-down bar for securing a playfield glass over the playfield and onto the game ca |
| 6113097 |
Method of replacing a playfield of a pinball machine |
September 5, 2000 |
| A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. The pinball machine includes a playfield mounted to a cabinet. Unlike previous pinball |
| 6059288 |
Retractable ball cage for a rolling ball game |
May 9, 2000 |
| A ball locking device includes a plurality of posts arranged to retract into or extendabove apertures in the game playfield. In the extended position, the posts form a cage which confines a game ball therein. The posts are arranged, for example, in a circular pattern and spaced from one |
| 6047962 |
Amusement game with pinball playfield and combined flipper/four-way switch |
April 11, 2000 |
| An amusement game includes a number of elements in a cabinet defining pinball play, including a playfield and flippers for propelling a ball onto the playfield. At least one control device operates the flippers and other features of the amusement game. The control device is manually |
| 6036189 |
Game with viewing panel having variable optical characteristics for producing virtual images |
March 14, 2000 |
| A game which comprises a plurality of play devices and a panel for prohibiting access of a player to the plurality of play devices. The panel includes at least two optically distinct portions. A first optically distinct portion is substantially transparent for viewing at least one of |
| 6000697 |
Display for a pinball game |
December 14, 1999 |
| A pinball game comprises a cabinet, an inclined playfield, and a video display. The inclined playfield supports a rolling ball and a plurality of play features thereon. The cabinet includes a pair of opposing side walls and a rear wall extending between the opposing side walls. The playf |
| 5992848 |
Vertically displaceable ramp |
November 30, 1999 |
| A pinball machine having a vertically displaceable ramp play feature. The ramp moves between an upper position in which it does not interfere with gameplay, and a lower position in which the lower edge of the ramp rests on the playfield. When the ramp is in the lower position, balls can |
| 5944309 |
Illuminable ramp assembly for a pinball game |
August 31, 1999 |
| An illuminable ramp assembly for a pinball game having a playfield supporting a rolling ball thereon comprises an elongated molded plastic housing and a ball ramp extending alongside the housing. The housing encloses a power supply, a gas tube, protective end caps, and cushioning sup |
| 5938195 |
Serpentine ramp for a pinball game |
August 17, 1999 |
| A serpentine ramp is rotatable about a horizontal axis between its center and its upper end to lift a pinball from a lower play surface to an upper play surface. A ball is directed from the lower surface into a ball receiving portion in the lower end of the ramp. This closes an optical |
| 5899454 |
Ramp with integral ball deflector for pinball games |
May 4, 1999 |
| A ramp with an integral ball deflector is positioned upon the playfield of a pinball game with its entrance approximately level with the playfield. A ball deflector having the shape of a triangle is mounted upon the bottom of the ramp with its widest portion near to the ramp entrance. Th |
| 5890715 |
Linkable pinball machine |
April 6, 1999 |
| A pinball machine which can be electrically linked to other pinball machines to allow the machines to communicate. Features on the pinball machines are synchronized to make gameplay more attractive to players. Cooperative or competitive gameplay can be provided between the pinball ma |
| 5833236 |
Wrecking ball play feature for a pinball game |
November 10, 1998 |
| A wrecking ball play feature for a pinball game includes a crane disposed upon the playfield of the pinball game. A wrecking ball is suspended from the crane by a cable so that it may be impacted by a game ball rolling upon the playfield. After being struck by the game ball, the wrecking |
| 5806851 |
Interactive play for a pinball game |
September 15, 1998 |
| 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. Th |
| 5720480 |
Display panel for a pinball machine |
February 24, 1998 |
| A display panel for a pinball machine utilizes a lightweight plastic housing member with a plurality of apertures therein for retaining light bulbs. A glass lens and film having an image thereon are resiliently retained on the housing member with channel members that extend about the |
| 5707059 |
Pinball game having novice play mode |
January 13, 1998 |
| A pinball game is provided with a control system which enables a game player to choose between a novice mode of play and a normal mode of play. In novice mode, game play proceeds for a predetermined time, regardless of the number of game balls played and selected game features, such as t |
| 5700008 |
Amusement device integrating games of skill and chance |
December 23, 1997 |
| A game of skill, such as a pinball game is integrated with a game of chance, such as a simulation of a board game. A micro-processor based control system permits play of the game of chance when a player achieves game objectives in the skill game. The game of chance is played using ra |
| 5664777 |
Rotary ball storage and discharge device for a pinball game |
September 9, 1997 |
| 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 |
| 5651546 |
Amusement device reward system |
July 29, 1997 |
| A rolling ball game is provided with a token dispenser which dispenses game tokens by rolling them onto the inclined cover glass of the game cabinet. The dispenser is provided with controls to permit interaction of the dispenser with the game housed within the cabinet. Thus, dispensing m |
| 5632482 |
Vertically disposed multi-level pinball game |
May 27, 1997 |
| The invention comprises a multilevel, vertically oriented pinball game arranged in a cabinet that occupies a minimum of floor space. Because the smaller game cabinet limits the depth of the playfield, a single horizontal playfield would not provide the play or challenge of a standard |
| 5580052 |
Rotating magnetic box play feature for a pinball game |
December 3, 1996 |
| The play feature of the invention comprises a planar surface which is rotatable above the playfield of a pinball game between a ball receiving and a ball discharge position. An electromagnet is attached to the planar surface. A ball detector, such as an eddy current sensor, is mounted to |
| 5536082 |
Game playfield mounting system |
July 16, 1996 |
| The disclosed device relates to an improved system for mounting a game playfield within a game cabinet. The device provides pivotal and sliding movement of the playfield with respect to the cabinet while allowing quick removal of the playfield entirely from the game cabinet. The game cab |
| 5533727 |
Audit and pricing system for coin-operated games |
July 9, 1996 |
| An audit system for recording the activation of coin-operated electronic equipment and the amounts of money collected employing a real-time clock to time stamp information recorded in non-volatile or battery powered memory, such as total collections, number of games played, etc. The syst |
| 5533726 |
Magnetic crane for a pinball game |
July 9, 1996 |
| The improved player feature of the invention comprises an arm mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. An electromagnet is attached to the arm's outer end which is capable of suspending a ferromagnetic ball. Located below and along the path traveled by the magnet are a plurality of pl |
| 5529294 |
Lighted stand-up target |
June 25, 1996 |
| The lighted stand-up target of the invention comprises a housing attached to the playfield and a target switch pivotably mounted to the housing. An array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned on a printed circuit board mounted within the housing. The target switch is actuated ea |
| 5524887 |
Multi-directional ball popper for a pinball game |
June 11, 1996 |
| 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 |
| 5516103 |
Dual function drop target for pinball game |
May 14, 1996 |
| A ramp element is provided on the top of a drop target member so that when the target is activated and moved to its lower position, the ramp is accessible by the game ball and may travel thereover to reach elevated game features. A series of ramp elements may be provided in a row so that |
| 5511783 |
Ball momentum transfer play feature for a pinball game |
April 30, 1996 |
| A pinball momentum transfer device or Newton ball device utilizes an impact bail anchored to the playfield. The impact ball, in cooperation with guide elements on the playfield, defines a ball travel area for captive balls to which momentum can be transferred from a game ball via the imp |
| 5507488 |
Ball diverter for a pinball game |
April 16, 1996 |
| A ball diverter located in a ramp or other ball path is moveable between first and second positions and is used to selectively divert a pinball between two paths. The player uses buttons located on the game cabinet to control the position of the diverter and the path travelled by the bal |
| 5494286 |
Ball advancing device for a pinball game |
February 27, 1996 |
| An electromagnet is mounted beneath the playfield. Sensors, such as optical switch pairs, are positioned on the playfield in operative relation with the electromagnet to detect the ball and to produce a signal in response thereto. The microprocessor, in response to such signals, briefly |
| 5480149 |
Flipper feeder ramp |
January 2, 1996 |
| The invention consists of a pair of flippers located adjacent the bottom of the playfield. A pair of ramps or other similar ball conveyors are provided where each ramp delivers the ball directly to one of the two flippers. A third ramp is provided that connects the first ramp with the |
| 5465963 |
Height adjustable pinball game cabinet |
November 14, 1995 |
| A game cabinet is supported on legs that are provided with apertures for receiving fasteners such as bolts. The bolts engage mating receptacles formed on the game cabinet. The game cabinet is provided with a greater number of mating receptacles than the legs are provided with holes. Thus |
| 5417423 |
Multiple kicker ramp for a pinball game |
May 23, 1995 |
| The play feature for a game of the present invention comprises a multiple kicker ramp including a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal dividers which define parallel ball lanes and a plurality of perpendicular paths between the ball lanes. Balls enter the ramp from the playfield. A bal |
| 5415403 |
Magnetic ball lock for a pinball game |
May 16, 1995 |
| The play feature of the invention comprises a ball well and electromagnetic coil. A ball sensor is located near the well entrance to signal when a ball is detected. The electromagnet, disposed at the well entrance, attracts the ball from the playfield into the well where it is retained. |
| 5415402 |
Magnetic ball-walker for a pinball game |
May 16, 1995 |
| The magnetic ball-walker of the invention comprises an L-shaped arm which rotates in a plane perpendicular to the playfield for transporting a pinball between first and second playfield surfaces. The arm carries an electromagnet on one end and a counterweight on the other, the counte |
| 5405144 |
Tilting play feature for a pinball game |
April 11, 1995 |
| The play feature of the invention consists of an inclined ramp mounted for tilting motion along a single axis. A reversible electric motor, controlled by the flipper buttons, can pivot the ramp in either direction about the axis. The player, by manipulating the flipper buttons, controls |
| 5383663 |
Player controlled dump ramp for a pinball game |
January 24, 1995 |
| The play feature consists of a first surface and second surface for supporting a rolling ball therebetween. The surfaces are made movable relative to one another such that in a first position they support a ball therebetween and in a second position they are spaced far enough apart to |
| 5375829 |
Magnetic ball flipper for a rolling ball game |
December 27, 1994 |
| The player controlled play feature consists of an area on or associated with the playfield which is partially confined by a plurality of bumpers. At least one target is provided in this area and an entrance is provided such that a pinball can enter the area defined by the bumpers. Locate |
| 5358243 |
Ball trough for pinball games |
October 25, 1994 |
| The ball trough is of a unitary construction such that it is mounted directly to the underside of the playfield as a single piece. The ball trough consists of a generally U-shaped channel that is mounted to the underside of the playfield and extends between the drain hole and the sho |
| 5358242 |
Ball storage device for pinball games |
October 25, 1994 |
| A planetary ball storage device for a pinball game according to the present invention consists of a horizontally disposed rotating wheel having a plurality of pinball receiving pockets arrayed on the periphery of the wheel. The game player, using the flippers, can direct a ball into an |
| 5358241 |
Helical monorail ramp for a pinball game |
October 25, 1994 |
| The ramp consists of a wire rail formed as a helix. The rail extends between a first elevation where the ball enters the ramp to a second, lower elevation where the ball exits the ramp. A straight rail extends through the center of the helical rail for the length thereof. The helical |
