Abstract: An improved device for distributing tickets or coupons is disclosed that includes a plurality of ticket chutes each having a ticket guide assembly for guiding tickets through the chute and an exit slot and biasing tickets against a drive wheel which engages the tickets. The drive wheel is powered by a motor which uses a drive belt to power a screw gear which in turn rotates and axle on which the drive wheel is attached. The motor is activated by a controller in response to an input signal and the controller may also received input from an optical sensor in the chute for the detection of the tickets and the movement of the motor.

Abstract: A ticket counter and cutter includes cutting blades, being complementary and in mesh engagement, during operation; at least one bar code reader; and a belt assembly, for receiving a bar coded ticket and advancing the ticket to the bar code reader and then to the cutter.

Abstract: An amusement device that includes a horizontally oriented rotating wheel having a plurality of apertures through the wheel and a release mechanism that will release game pieces from a location above the wheel is disclosed. The game can be played by exercising skill or it can be configured to result in a random outcome. In the skilled based embodiment of the invention, a user tries to time the activation of the release mechanism so that a high energy ball drops down from the release mechanism and falls through the rotating wheel. If a ball passes directly through the wheel, the ball is detected by a detector that is positioned below the wheel and an award is provided to the player. In an alternative embodiment of the device, the device is designed to release a plurality of balls which will bounce and roll on the rotating wheel until they are captured in apertures that are provided through the wheel.

Abstract: An amusement device for playing a skilled based game, that includes a balloon, a pump for inflating the balloon, a connecting hose for connecting the pump to the balloon, a release value for relieving pressure from the pressurized system, which includes the pump, the connecting hose, and the balloon. The game includes a countdown timer for providing a predetermined game interval, and an activation switch for the initiation of the play of the game and the countdown timer. A first detector is provided for detecting the successful exercise of skill during the play of the game and providing a signal to the controller reflecting the successful exercise of skill. A controller performs a number of functions including, in response to said signal reflecting the successful exercise of skill, activation of the air pump to operate during said game interval wherein the air pump will cause balloon to inflate.

Abstract: This invention relates to coin-operated amusement games referred to as cranes. Cranes have a plurality of prizes that are distributed across the play field of a container that has a claw or other engagement device suspended above the prizes. A player remotely controls the location of the claw above the prizes to a desired location and the claw is then lowered toward the prizes. The play field surface on which the prizes are distributed can be vertically moved as the prizes are withdrawn to maintain the appearance that the container is substantially full of prizes. The drive mechanism that moves the play field surface includes a motor coupled to an drive belt that drives a threaded nut. As the nut is driven, opposite threads on a threaded rod are engaged and the rod is caused to move upward or downward. One end of the threaded rod is received in a bushing on the bottom surface of the play field surface.

Abstract: An amusement device that includes a horizontally oriented rotating wheel having a plurality of apertures through the wheel and a release mechanism that will release game pieces from a location above the wheel is disclosed. The game can be played by exercising skill or it can be configured to result in a random outcome. In the skilled based embodiment of the invention, a user tries to time the activation of the release mechanism so that a high energy ball drops down from the release mechanism and falls through the rotating wheel. If a ball passes directly through the wheel, the ball is detected by a detector that is positioned below the wheel and an award is provided to the player. In an alternative embodiment of the device, the device is designed to release a plurality of balls which will bounce and roll on the rotating wheel until they are captured in apertures that are provided through the wheel.

Abstract: An improved device for distributing tickets or coupons is disclosed that includes a plurality of ticket chutes each having a ticket guide assembly for guiding tickets through the chute and an exit slot and biasing tickets against a drive wheel which engages the tickets. The drive wheel is powered by a motor which uses a drive belt to power a screw gear which in turn rotates and axle on which the drive wheel is attached. The motor is activated by a controller in response to an input signal and the controller may also received input from an optical sensor in the chute for the detection of the tickets and the movement of the motor.

Abstract: An amusement game that includes a horizontally-oriented rotating wheel, a coin chute to introduce a coin to a central region of said rotating wheel wherein the coin slides on its lateral side, a stationary guide to direct the coin in a radial direction from the central region of the wheel toward the periphery of the wheel, and a plurality of payoff positions located at angular positions on the wheel. A detector is provided to determine if a coin introduced to the wheel intersects with a payoff position.

Abstract: In an coin operated amusement game, a coin track is provided directing coins toward a plurality of target receptacles arranged to receive properly timed coins. Relative movement is provided between the target track and the receptacles. A properly timed coin inserted in the track will roll down the track, then travel through the air, and then land in and be retained in the target receptacle. Dump targets are provided wherein a properly timed coin will activate the dump target and cause the corresponding receptacle to be dumped and provide the player with an award corresponding to the number of coins dumped out of the receptacle.

Abstract: An article dispensing device including a cabinet defines a dispensing path viewable from outside the cabinet and a plurality of randomly operating elements for possibly diverting an article travelling along the path. A bonus article is dispensed if a primary article successfully negotiates the dispensing path without being diverted. The average rate of operation of the diverting device increases with each diverting device encountered by the article along the dispensing path. For each diverting device, the average rate of operation is greater when an article nears than at other times.