US4892309A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Two and four position target assembly
Assignee: Williams Electronics Games Inc
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Filing: 1988-12-14
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Granted: 1990-01-09
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Expires: 2008-12-14
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a play feature for a pinball game able to assume a plurality of scoring positions. Various embodiments are disclosed, including two-position targets and four-position targets. The devices are actuated by a solenoid which cooperates with a cam to provide linear or rotary output to change the target position. The solenoids are actuated by a switch associated with the targets. The positions of the targets are sensed to provide different scoring values for each of the different positions.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark S. Kim
- 👤 Gary L. Berge
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 03:59
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/22; A63F7/30; A63F7/305; A63F7/3065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
In a flipper-type pinball game machine of the type having an inclined playfield having an opening therein and which supports a rolling ball and one or more play features, the improved play feature comprising: (a) ball target means extending through said opening to be contacted by a ball rolling on said playfield; (b) means for rotating said ball target to a plurality of predetermined positions, said positioning means include: i linear actuating means and ii cam means engaging said linear actuating means to control movement of said ball target means to said predetermined positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
In a flipper-type pinball game machine of the type having an inclined playfield having an opening therein and which supports a rolling ball and one or more play features, the improved play feature comprising: (a) ball target means extending through said opening to be contacted by a ball rolling on said playfield; (b) means for rotating said ball target to a plurality of predetermined positions, said positioning means include: i linear actuating means and ii cam means engaging said linear actuating means to control movement of said ball target means to said predetermined positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The playfield feature of claim 1 further including sensing means for sensing the position of said for means for rotating and for registering a score based on the position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
The playfield feature of claim 1 wherein said linear actuating means includes a solenoid having a plunger-shaft and a cam pin carried thereon; said cam means including a rotatable shaft to which said ball target is mounted and having a cam track thereon, said cam pin extending into said cam track; whereby operation of said solenoid causes movement of said cam pin in said cam track to rotate said rotatable shaft and said target mounted thereon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
85 words
The play feature of claim 1, wherein said linear actuator means comprises a solenoid having a plunger-shaft carrying a cam pin; said cam means include a rotatably supported barrel cam having a cam track an output shaft extending above the playfield and connected to said ball target means, said cam pin extends into said cam track of said barrel cam whereby operation of said solenoid causes movement of said cam pin in said cam track to rotate said output shaft and said target connected thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The play feature of claim 4 wherein said cam track includes locking positions and said cam pin can be locked in one of at least two positions along said cam track.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-01-08 | 1993-07-10 | 1994-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-01-08 | 1997-07-10 | 1998-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-01-08 | 2001-07-10 | 2002-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |