US 5,494,286 A · Ball advancing device for a pinball game

Abstract

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 pulses the magnet to accelerate the ball or energizes the electromagnet for an extended period to grab and hold the ball. When the ball is held, the magnet is thereafter deenergized and briefly pulsed to propel the ball on the playfield. In one embodiment, a plurality of electromagnets are provided along a ball path which are operated sequentially by the game microprocessor to move the ball from magnet to magnet in a stepped manner.

Claims13

Dependent claims

In combination, a play feature for moving a ferromagnetic pinball in a predetermined manner and an inclined playfield, the combination comprising:

a) an inclined playfield;
b) an electromagnet mounted flush with or below the level of the playfield;
c) sensor means associated with said electromagnet for detecting the presence of said pinball;
and
d) microprocessor means responsive to said sensor means, for (i) energizing said electromagnet for a sufficient time to attract and hold said pinball;
(ii) briefly deenergizing said electromagnet to permit the ball to begin to roll away from the electromagnet in the direction of the playfield incline;
and (iii) subsequently briefly re-energizing said electromagnet thereby to propel it in the direction opposite the incline of the playfield.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Ball advancing device for a pinball game

Life of this patent

Ball advancing device for a pinball game

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13