Rotary ball receptacle for a pinball game
US5322283A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2009/2444
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The play feature of the invention consists of a rotary wheel having a plurality of ball receiving sockets located therein. The wheel is rotated such that an empty socket is disposed in a ball receiving position. During the course of play, the game player can direct a ball into the socket where it is retained. The wheel is then rotated to expose another empty socket into which a player can direct a second ball. Once all of the sockets are filled with balls, the game's microprocessor will rotate the wheel to return the balls to the playfield for multiple ball play. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor that is controlled by optical sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.