Abstract: The present invention provides a method for playing a computer-based solitaire game including the steps of retrieving an input from an internet server to a computer, playing and scoring the game according to the input. The internet server and the computer are intermittently connected during the game and the input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet. The present invention also provides a computer-based solitaire game comprising a network connection to an internet server for retrieving an input and for comparing scores, and a control system for a player having means for operating on the input and means for displaying the input and the comparison results to the player. The input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet server, and the game pattern comprises game features and graphic elements.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an amusement device consisting of a vertically oriented hollow wheel that is rotated at a constant rate and that has a series of cavities provided along the inner surface of the outer wheel rim. The wheel has front and rear enclosures that prevent game pieces, such as elastic balls, from falling out of the wheel. A player attempts to time the release of game pieces from a holding area located within the wheel to try to have the pieces come to rest in preselected adjoining cavities. If the pieces are detected within the cavities in a winning orientation, a signal is transmitted to a central processing unit which then activates a ticket dispenser.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an amusement device consisting of a vertically oriented hollow wheel that is rotated at a constant rate and that has a series of cavities provided along the inner surface of the outer wheel rim. The wheel has front and rear enclosures that prevent game pieces, such as elastic balls, from falling out of the wheel. A player attempts to time the release of game pieces from a holding area located within the wheel to try to have the pieces come to rest in preselected adjoining cavities. If the pieces are detected within the cavities in a winning orientation, a signal is transmitted to a central processing unit which then activates a ticket dispenser.

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 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: 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: A vend mechanism for transferring articles, or prizes, to a receiving area of a vending machine accessible from outside the machine, including an amusement game machine, has a plurality of conveyors arranged radially on each of a plurality of spaced plates. A first drive mechanism is provided to rotate an assembly of the plates so that a selected column of conveyors is in alignment with the receiving area and, for each plate, a second drive mechanism is provided to operate the conveyor that is in the transferring orientation so that an article, or prize, on the conveyor is transferred to the receiving area.

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: The present invention provides a method for playing a computer-based solitaire game including the steps of retrieving an input from an internet server to a computer, playing and scoring the game according to the input. The internet server and the computer are intermittently connected during the game and the input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet. The present invention also provides a computer-based solitaire game comprising a network connection to an internet server for retrieving an input and for comparing scores, and a control system for a player having means for operating on the input and means for displaying the input and the comparison results to the player. The input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet server, and the game pattern comprises game features and graphic elements.

Abstract: A vend mechanism for transferring articles, or prizes, to a receiving area of a vending machine accessible from outside the machine, including an amusement game machine, has a plurality of conveyors arranged radially on each of a plurality of spaced plates. A first drive mechanism is provided to rotate an assembly of the plates so that a selected column of conveyors is in alignment with the receiving area and, for each plate, a second drive mechanism is provided to operate the conveyor that is in the transferring orientation so that an article, or prize, on the conveyor is transferred to the receiving area.

Abstract: An amusement game that includes a coin acceptor for the reception and analysis of a coin from a player and for directing genuine coins to a coin track. The coin track is inclined on an angle and allows coins to roll down the track to a coin chute, that then directs coins from the coin track to a rotating play field wheel that is horizontally-oriented. The coin chute is oriented to allow the coin to slide on a lateral side. A motor rotates the play field wheel around a central axis at a constant speed. Coins on the wheel are engaged by a coin guide that is positioned above the wheel and extends from the central axis toward a peripheral edge of the wheel. The coin guide engages the lateral side of coins that has been introduced to the wheel and directs them towards the periphery of the wheel. A plurality of payoff positions are located on the edge of the wheel. A coin detector and a wheel positioned detector determine if a coin intersects with one of the payoff positions.

Abstract: A coin operated device for the distribution of items includes a target array of tubular members containing items. A ram attached to and extending from a support member. The support member providing for movement of the ram within a plane. The ram is employed to force the items from the selected tubular member of the target array.

Abstract: A coin operated amusement device that includes a coin acceptor that directs coins down a coin chute and delivers the coins to a playing surface. A series of moveable pushers are oriented on the playing surface and push coins on the surface toward a ledge. The distance the pusher will travel toward the ledge is dependent on the timing of the insertion of the coin into the acceptor with respect to a moving indicator that constantly sweeps back and forth across a gauge. The pushers may be advanced independently or in unison. The object of the game is to time the insertion of coins so that the pusher will travel a maximum distance and push coins off the ledge.

Abstract: In a 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: 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.

Abstract: In a coin operated amusement device, an inclined track is provided to receive a rolling coin. A rotating wheel is positioned adjacent the lower end of the track. The wheel is rotated at a constant low speed and defines payoff positions distributed around the wheel. Payoffs to the player are provided when a coin passes by the wheel in the track opposite a payoff position.

Abstract: A ball game apparatus having a playing surface in the shape of an inverted cone surrounded by an upstanding cylindrical wall. An air blower circulates game balls continuously along the circular periphery of the playing surface at the inside of this wall. A ball striker is selectively adjustable along this wall and it has a pivoted striker arm which can be actuated from a retracted position on the outside of the wall to a ball-deflecting position on the inside in the path of game balls along the periphery of the playing surface. Pivoted targets are located in front of the air blower on the opposite of the apex of the playing surface from the striker.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a playfield on which at least one drop target is supported for selective actuation relative to the playfield. The drop target includes a post having a conical shaped flange at its upper end, the post being moveable between a position wherein the flange and a portion of the post are disposed above the playfield for impingement by a game ball, and being responsive to impact by the game ball for movement to a position wherein a planar surface on the upper flange is substantially flush with the playfield so as to enable the game ball to pass freely thereover. Movement of the drop target from its raised position to its lowered position upon impact by a game ball serves to propel the ball away from the target.