Amusement devices: games – Surface projectile game; game element – Targets
Patent
1998-03-16
1999-07-20
Chiu, Raleigh W.
Amusement devices: games
Surface projectile game; game element
Targets
273118A, 273119A, 273121A, A63F 730
Patent
active
059246901
ABSTRACT:
A drop target for a pinball game includes a movable target element operably connected to a target driver. The target driver is controllably movable in response to energizing pulses from a game controller. A releasable latching mechanism moves in cooperation with the target driver and, when attached to the target element, communicates movement from the target driver to the target element so as to move the latter between a raised and lowered position. The target driver in one embodiment comprises a single solenoid including a coil and a plunger concentric with the coil. The plunger and target element move to a raised position in response to the game controller applying an initial energizing pulse to the coil. Thereafter, the game controller maintains the target in its raised position by applying a variable pattern of energizing pulses to the coil. The target is moved back to its lowered position when struck by a pinball or, in a controlled drop, when the game controller terminates the pattern of energizing pulses.
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Pinball Drop Target (Williams) Photograph 1: Side view, target raised (Jul. 1998).
Pinball Drop Target (Williams) Photograph 2: Front view, target raised (Jul. 1998).
Pinball Drop Target (Williams) Photograph 3: Back view, target raised (Jul. 1998).
Pinball Drop Target (Williams) Photograph 4: Side view, target lowered (Jul. 1998).
Pinball Drop Target (Williams) Photograph 5: Front view, target lowered (Jul. 1998).
Pinball Drop Target (Williams) Photograph 6: Back view, target lowered (Jul. 1998).
Description of Prior Art Photographs 1-6, 2 pgs., date Jul. 1998.
Coriale Matthew C.
Kopera Thomas M.
Chiu Raleigh W.
Williams Electronic Games Inc.
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