Magnetic ball-walker for a pinball game
US5415402A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 16, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2250/1073
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The magnetic ball-walker of the invention comprises an L-shaped arm which rotates in a plane perpendicular to the playfield for transporting a pinball between first and second playfield surfaces. The arm carries an electromagnet on one end and a counterweight on the other, the counterweight maintaining the arm in a ball receiving position. In this position, a ferromagnetic ball received from the first surface can be captured by the electromagnet if energized. The momentum of the rolling ball causes the arm to rotate to a ball discharge position so that the ball can be discharged onto the second surface by deenergizing the electromagnet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.