Automatic cue ball separating device for billiard tables

Claim 1

An automatic cue ball separating device for separating a metallic containing cue ball from nonmetallic object balls in a billiard table, in which the billiard table has a single file ball return run along which the cue and object balls roll and a cue ball return run leading from a junction with the single file ball return run, comprising: an induction sensing coil mounted on said table adjacent the junction having a plurality of encircling loops extending about a central aperture with the loops capable of generating a concentrated oscillating electrical field in the central aperture; said central aperture having dimensions sufficient so that the sensing induction coil is transversely mounted at an acute angle significantly less than 90° to the path of the rolling balls in the single file ball return run and facing the cue ball return run with the balls rolling unobstructed through the central aperture; voltage means operatively connected to the sensing induction coil for applying an AC voltage to the coil to generate an oscillating electrical field; detecting network means operatively connected to the induction sensing coil for detecting the presence of the cue ball in the oscillating electrical field; and deflection means adjacent the central aperture and responsive to the detection of the cue ball passing through the central aperture for deflecting the cue ball from the single file ball return run to the cue ball return run while the cue ball is passing through the central aperture.