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:
Nov. 20, 1990
Filed:
Dec. 18, 1989
Irwin J Grabel, Elmwood Park, IL (US);
James A Patla, Sr, Rolling Meadows, IL (US);
Midway Manufacturing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A variable position flipper mechanism is disclosed for use with pinball or rolling ball games. The flippers, actuated by solenoid mechanisms, are spaced a selectable distance apart thereby to permit adjustment in the skill level of the game. Spacing of the flipper mechanisms is accomplished by rotating a cam plate which is ratcheted into various positions by a pair of solenoid operators and appropriate linkages. Rotation of the cam plate in a first direction spaces the flippers at their maximum distance, while rotation in the opposite direction moves the flippers to successively closer positions. Optical detection means can be associated with the cam plate to provide position information to a controller associated with the pinall machine.