The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 21, 2026
Filed:
Jun. 07, 2023
Stern Pinball, Inc., Elk Grove Village, IL (US);
Keith Elwin, Elk Grove Village, IL (US);
J. Harrison Drake, Jr., Elk Grove Village, IL (US);
Richard J Naegele, Elk Grove Village, IL (US);
Stern Pinball, Inc., Elk Grove Village, IL (US);
Abstract
A ball momentum transfer assembly for a pinball machine includes a guide assembly, a travel ball, a target element and a magnetizable impact object. The travel ball is located within a captive ball travel area defined by the guide assembly such that the travel ball rests against the impact object to receive momentum from an impact against the impact object when the impact object is struck by a game ball moving across the playfield to cause the travel ball to impact the target element and upon impact, selectively magnetize or demagnetize the impact object. A ball sensor assembly may be mounted adjacent the guide assembly and configured to detect the presence of the game ball moving proximate the impact object and divert the game ball as desired.