US 4,244,583 A · Self scoring target for darts and similar projectiles

Abstract

This invention is an electronic device for detecting, remote indicating, and accumulation of multiple penetrations of a target by conductive shafts such as hand-thrown darts, metal-tipped arrows, or similar missiles. The device utilizes a target comprised of layers of conducting foam pads separated by thin insulating layers. When these foam pads are penetrated by a conducting shaft, they activate an electronic logic system which displays to the player the score that his dart has made on the target.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A target adapted to provide electrical signals when engaged by an electrically conductive missile, comprising

(a) first and second adjacent spaced pads each formed of electrically conductive synthetic plastic foam material;
(b) means for electrically insulating the pads from each other;
(c) means for establishing a potential difference between said pads, said potential difference establishing means including
(1) a capacitor having a pair of terminals connected with said pads, respectively;
and
(2) means applying across said capacitor a direct-current potential difference of such magnitude that upon penetration of said insulating means by a first conductive missile to electrically connect said pads, only partial discharge of said capacitor is produced;
and
(d) means including an operational amplifier having a pair of input terminals connected with said capacitor terminals, respectively, for producing a first electrical signal indicative of the resulting partial discharge of said capacitor, whereby subsequent penetrations of the target by a subsequent conductive missile produces further partial discharge of the capacitor, thereby affording the multiple detection of hits in the same scoring area.

5 more elements

A target adapted to provide electrical signals when engaged by an electrically conductive missile, comprising

(a) first, second and third superimposed, adjacent spaced layers, said first layer comprising a sheet of electrically conductive synthetic plastic foam material, said second layer comprising a plurality of pads of electrically conductive and non-conductive synthetic plastic foam material, respectively, arranged in a first predetermined pattern, and the third layer comprising pads of electrically conductive material arranged in a different predetermined pattern;
(b) means for establishing potential differences between the conductive pads of different layers, said potential difference establishing means including
(1) a capacitor having a pair of terminals connected with said pads, respectively;
and
(2) means applying a direct-current potential difference across said capacitor;
(c) means operable when a first conductive missile electrically connects the conductive pads of two of said layers for producing a first electrical signal indicative of the resulting partial discharge of said capacitor;
and
(d) means for indicating the position on the target that a missile has impacted therewith, including a microprocessor, a multiplexer connecting said signal producing means with said multiplexer, a read-only memory connected to the microprocessor, a random access memory connected to the microprocessor, a timing generator connected to the multiplexing device, an interface connected to said microprocessor and said timing generator, and a visual display means connected to the interface and arranged to display a signal indicative of the position on the target that a missile has impacted therewith.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Abstract

Claims18

Dependent claims

A target adapted to provide electrical signals when engaged by an electrically conductive missile, comprising

(a) first and second adjacent spaced pads each formed of electrically conductive synthetic plastic foam material;
(b) means for electrically insulating the pads from each other;
(c) means for establishing a potential difference between said pads, said potential difference establishing means including
(1) a capacitor having a pair of terminals connected with said pads, respectively;
and
(2) means applying across said capacitor a direct-current potential difference of such magnitude that upon penetration of said insulating means by a first conductive missile to electrically connect said pads, only partial discharge of said capacitor is produced;
and
(d) means including an operational amplifier having a pair of input terminals connected with said capacitor terminals, respectively, for producing a first electrical signal indicative of the resulting partial discharge of said capacitor, whereby subsequent penetrations of the target by a subsequent conductive missile produces further partial discharge of the capacitor, thereby affording the multiple detection of hits in the same scoring area.

5 more elements

A target adapted to provide electrical signals when engaged by an electrically conductive missile, comprising

(a) first, second and third superimposed, adjacent spaced layers, said first layer comprising a sheet of electrically conductive synthetic plastic foam material, said second layer comprising a plurality of pads of electrically conductive and non-conductive synthetic plastic foam material, respectively, arranged in a first predetermined pattern, and the third layer comprising pads of electrically conductive material arranged in a different predetermined pattern;
(b) means for establishing potential differences between the conductive pads of different layers, said potential difference establishing means including
(1) a capacitor having a pair of terminals connected with said pads, respectively;
and
(2) means applying a direct-current potential difference across said capacitor;
(c) means operable when a first conductive missile electrically connects the conductive pads of two of said layers for producing a first electrical signal indicative of the resulting partial discharge of said capacitor;
and
(d) means for indicating the position on the target that a missile has impacted therewith, including a microprocessor, a multiplexer connecting said signal producing means with said multiplexer, a read-only memory connected to the microprocessor, a random access memory connected to the microprocessor, a timing generator connected to the multiplexing device, an interface connected to said microprocessor and said timing generator, and a visual display means connected to the interface and arranged to display a signal indicative of the position on the target that a missile has impacted therewith.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self scoring target for darts and similar projectiles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18

Self scoring target for darts and similar projectiles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18