Williams Electronics, Inc.

Steven S Ritchie

Lawrence E Demar

A microprocessor computer system includes random access and read only memories and a set of operator switches permitting the storage of game play information. During operation of the amusement device, game play is monitored and the score required to receive a free play is periodically adjusted to maintain a selected free play percentage. The percentage is determined by either the factory setting or the operator through the operator switches. The data used to compute the free play percentage is constantly checked by the system to insure that it is valid.

Automatic replay control system and method for amusement devices

A pinball machine having a plurality of inclined playfields is provided. The adjacent playfields are linked by at least one path allowing a ball to descend to the lower playfield and a path allowing a ball to be propelled by a player controlled flipper to the upper playfield.

Bi-level pinball machine providing interlevel ball travel

Magnetic control of a ball on a pinball playfield is provided by an electromagnet located on the playfield and a mechanism manually operable by a player for energizing the electromagnet. The energizing mechanism includes a first switch external on the playfield operable by player and a second switch on the playfield which is activated by a ball hitting a target thereon. The first and second switch are connected in series with the electromagnet to control the latter. A timing mechanism is provided to limit the energization of the electromagnet to a predetermined time period.

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Carpentersville, IL, United States of America

Steven S Ritchie