Pinball solenoid power control system
US5655770A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F7/26
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A pinball machine is provided and includes one or more solenoids for activating one or more play feature mechanisms and a microprocessor for controlling game play activities. The microprocessor has associated therewith a clock for providing timed signals thereto, a memory device having stored therein a plurality of power setting patterns, and a driver. Each of the power setting patterns generally comprises a series of states (ON and OFF) over a predetermined number of counts of the timed signal. One of these patterns is used for each solenoid desired to be controlled. The driver is responsive to the microprocessor for controlling the flow of current to the desired solenoid wherein the driver utilizes the selected pattern to supply pulse width modulated current to the solenoid as a function of the states in the pattern. Preferably, the pattern selected can be changed as desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.