Abstract: A hand held control device formed as a rigid body adapted to be gripped and carried by a single hand of a user and comprising a plurality of control elements operable by the thumb or a finger of the user's hand gripping and carrying the body, a pointing stick and a chirality detector for sensing whether a right or left hand is gripping and carrying the body for controlling the flow of information to or from a computer.

Abstract: A case for cards, keys and numbered disks comprising a platform, a set of numbered disks stored in the platform, an open ended trap in the platform for capturing some of the numbered disks corresponding to a lottery number, a transparent cover on opposite sides of the platform for viewing the disks and cards stored in the case, and a chain for carrying keys. A characterizing feature of the invention is that multiple traps are provided for picking daily and weekly lottery numbers. A second characterizing feature of the invention is that the traps allow easy entry of disks and impede a flow of disks out of the traps.

Abstract: A device for non-verbal contract bridge bidding consisting of a base with two rotatable members mounted thereon, the base having four groups each having the same notations identifying the card suits, no trump, pass double and redouble spaced 90 degrees from each adjacent group, the first lower member having four open slots located 90 degrees apart adapted to expose one notation on the base, the lower member having four groups each having the same notations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 spaced 90 degrees apart, the second upper member having four open slots located 90 degrees apart sized to identically expose one notation on the first disk.

Abstract: A bingo playing aid for use in playing bingo games involving an unusual game pattern and a method of playing bingo using that playing aid. A stencil has a linear array of at least two bingo card patterns corresponding to the spacing of bingo patterns on a playing sheet in either rows or columns. Each of the card patterns on the stencil has perforations surrounding each number location, with the outermost row in each pattern in the direction of the linear array preferably having greater lengths. Selected perforated areas are removed to leave a pattern of openings corresponding to the game pattern to be played. The stencil is placed over the playing sheet and each number called that appears in a stencil opening is marked. When all numbers showing on a card have been marked, the player wins. Preferably, a thin layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is placed on the playing sheet or the back of the stencil between card patterns to hold the stencil in place when placed on the playing sheet.

Abstract: An improved bingo game sheet and method for playing the same are disclosed. The game sheet comprises at least three bingo matrix designated by a first indicia, at least two second bingo matrix designated by a second indicia and at least one third bingo game matrix, but less than the number of second bingo game matrices, the third bingo game matrices being identified by a third common indicia. When the desired configuration is created on the first indicia a player wins a first prize which is distinct from a second prize and third prize awarded when a player obtains the desired configuration on a second and third bingo game matrices, respectively. Preferably, a plurality of game sheets are arranged sequentially in a packet such that the used game sheet may be easily discarded.

Abstract: A case assembly is pivotably attached to a stand or frame by means of a hinge mechanism. Vertical slits are formed in a front member and a rear member of the case assembly, respectively. A leaf spring is provided as interposed between the front member and rear member. A dummy cutter is fitted in the case assembly slidably along the slits. A card is inserted into the case assembly from a transversal slit formed in the top of the front member. The cutter is inserted into the vertical slit in the rear member of the case assembly. The case is pivoted against the resilience of the leaf spring to project the dummy cutter out of the vertical slit in the front member. When the cutter and therefore the dummy cutter are moved vertically together, the card inserted in the case assembly will appear as if it were broken through and slashed by the cutter.

Abstract: A case for cards, keys and numbered disks and for randomly picking lottery numbers. The case is comprised of a platform having a first space for storing a card and disks and a second space for storing a card; a plurality of thin numbered disks stored in the first space; a transparent cover attached to a top and a bottom of the platform for viewing and enclosing the card and disks in the spaces and a chain attached to end portions of the covers for carrying keys. One characterizing feature of the invention is a trap which permits the numbered disks to easily enter but impedes disks inside the trap from leaving the trap. Another characterizing feature is that cards can be placed in the case without disassembly of the case.

Abstract: A poker tournament is displayed to an audience using a tournament table having stations for receiving and scanning the image of each players down cards. The display can identify the down cards of the players to the audience without revealing the information to the other players so that the audience can fully observe the strategy of each player.

Abstract: A wagering system such as a lottery with a central computer communicating with agent terminals at which tickets are issued, for example in convenience stores and the like, has a player-operated win-checking system coupled to the communications network, preferably as a peripheral to the agent terminal but possibly as a separate network terminal. Player choices and game identifications are bar coded on the tickets. A player scans the ticket automatically to trigger comparison of the bar coded data with winning entry data kept in a past game memory, such that the system need not resort to stored data on individual wager transactions to check for wins. This reduces the burden on the agent and the network because most issued tickets need not be checked by attempting to validate them for a payout. A limited number of past games are stored, e.g., the most recent thirty Keno game cycles of a game run at five minute intervals.

Abstract: A movable body rebounding mechanism has a rocking plate, a plurality of projecting members and a rocking mechanism. The movable body rebounding mechanism is for use in amusement devices in which a movable body moves on an upper side of a game board having upper and lower sides. The projecting members project from the rocking plate to the lower side of the game board, through holes formed in the game board and out of the upper side of the game board. A clearance exists between the holes in the game board and the projecting members. The rocking mechanism reciprocates the rocking plate parallel to the game board in at least first and second directions. The rocking mechanism includes a drive mechanism for eccentrically rotating a first pin which projects through a hole in the rocking plate. There is little clearance between the first pin and the hole in the rocking plate. The drive mechanism further includes a second pin positioned stationary with respect to the game board.

Abstract: Equipment and methods of entering and playing a prize drawing game of chance are disclosed, some of which do not require the participant to make a purchase in order to enter. The five ways of entering the game include the use of a written entry form which is printed, at intervals, along the length of a cash register tape, such that the entry forms are disseminated among customers when cash register receipts are generated by the use of the tape and are given to customers.

Abstract: A game parameter indicator apparatus includes a base unit which includes a plurality of vertical walls, wherein two opposite vertical walls retain a shaft. The base unit includes a floor member connected between two opposite vertical walls, and the floor member includes a stop member positioned on the floor member such that respective ends of the display units are stopped in their rotation around the shaft when the display units are rotated to a vertical orientation in the in-effect display mode. The indicia relate to parameters in the card game pitch and include respective symbols for trump suits of hearts, clubs, diamonds, spades, and include respective symbols for a jack, a bid of two, a bid of three, and a bid of four.

Abstract: A system for playing card games remotely includes both a multimedia communication system that allows players located remotely from each other to see and hear each other, and a "card toaster" and associated image recognition system at each game site which receives and manages a physical deck of cards at every site at which the game is being played. The toaster has the capability of (1) reading cards, for example, by scanning them, (2) finding particular cards, and, if necessary, sorting them, and (3) distributing cards, such as by dealing them. The system enables the players to deal and then play a game, such as the game of bridge, in a manner which closely approximates the manner in which a game is played when all players are co-located. Thus, once play is started, the image recognition system reads the cards played on a table at any site, and transmits information regarding those cards to the other sites.

Abstract: A medal piece feed system is so constructed that medal pieces A can be fed from holes 2 formed in a bottom 1a of a medal piece container 1, into chutes 3 underlying the respective holes. The medal piece feed system has feed cylinders 4, each having its lower part snugly inserted in the corresponding hole 2 and being adapted to be driven and rotated, that are erected inside the medal piece container 1. An acceptance opening 4a is formed in a peripheral wall of each feed cylinder 4 which faces the interior of the medal piece container 1, while a delivery opening 4b which communicates with the interior of the underlying chute 3 is formed in a base plane of each feed cylinder 4.

Abstract: A game apparatus, which is to be installed in an island unit consisting of a number of parallel arranged game machines, comprises: an upper game medium reservoir for supplying game mediums to the individual game machines via a supply conveyer; a game medium counter having a counting display; and a game medium polishing machine for collecting the game mediums from the game medium counter, the game medium polishing machine communicating with the game medium reservoir.

Abstract: A single table top, hand operated bridge card game bidding device which all 4 players use sequentially to silently communicate their bids. These bids are selected from bid cards (20) of ten different bid categories. These bid categories are permanently interlocked by a plastic binder comb (24) to a flat, ten equal sided vinyl base. (22). The binder comb also functions as a hinge on which the bid cards are turned back and forth between a ready to bid outer base position and a having been bid inner base position. The base and the bid cards have conforming, aligned spaced through holes (26) which match up with the two teeth (30) of the binder comb. This conformity and union effectuates a viable device.

Abstract: A portable electronic scorekeeper for a game is disclosed which allows the user to electronically document and record the plays and scoring in a game. The information regarding each play is manually input by the user via a keyboard. This information is then used to automatically update statistics for the pitcher, the batter and the fielders for immediate display.

Abstract: A gaming table is provided with a coin head having a coin-in slot at each of a plurality of player locations. Each coin slot is connected by means of a coin chute to the coin bin formed as part of the chip rack. Each coin that is dropped into the coin slot rolls or slides along the coin chute and into the coin bin during the play of the game. The dealer can reach into the coin bin at any time it is necessary to refill the chip rack with coins for use during the play of the game. The coin chute is preferably configured in a C-shape so that access is available to the coin chute in the event a coin jams in the coin chute.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determining whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein. Thus, when the dealer receives a face-up member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.

Abstract: A device for speeding the pace of a game of blackjack is provided. The device is comprised of a housing having a top surface and an upper planar portion. The top surface will be connected on top to the upper planar portion. A card reader for reading a corner of a specialized playing card is located within the housing. An indicator cooperating with the card reader is provided to inform the dealer if his down card is of a desired value. A magnetic sensor, optic sensor, bar code and decoder, video camera, reflective element, refractive element or the like are disclosed for allowing the dealer to determine the value of the down card. There is also disclosed herein a method for increasing the speed of play in an organized game of blackjack.

Abstract: A number picker for randomly picking lottery numbers comprising: a base having a pair of cavities, an open ended trap in each cavity for capturing thin cylindrical disks; a plurality of thin cylindrical disks inside of each cavity for capturing some of the disks; and a pair of transparent covers for viewing the disks inside the cavities. Each trap has an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall and an end portion of its inner wall is hook-shaped and extends outwardly toward its outer wall to resist disks from leaving the trap. The outer walls of the traps are joined to the cavities' outer walls by ramps. When the lottery number picker is rotated, disks pile up at the entrances to the traps, move up the ramps and fill the traps.

Abstract: A holder for displaying a bingo card for pickup includes a pair of vertically extensible wire rods, the lower one of which is attached to a supporting base and the upper one of which includes an integral wire clip for releasably holding the card or other thin sheet materials. The clipped card may be held and displayed for pickup by extending the upper rod member to hold the material above the player's table. The extensible rods are preferably demountable from the base and the base provided with receptacles for other bingo-playing accessories. The holder, base and accessories may be conveniently packaged and sold as a kit.

Abstract: The present invention is a random number generating device (10) for generating a plurality of random numbers. The device comprises means for inputting at least one set of user defined parameters from which the plurality of random numbers are selected. In a preferred embodiment, the device is capable of generating random numbers pursuant to six stored games, four of which allow a user to input parameters, with the remaining two games capable of generating random numbers akin to numbers generated upon the rolling of a pair of dice and the spinning of a Roulette Wheel.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronics device applicable to the well-known and understood "01" dartboard games which provides a display of the highest percentage target scores a darts player may use to gain an "out" in the shortest manner and win the game. A microprocessor within the device interrogates a memory store containing a lookup table of scores within a particular range and provides a selection of target score "outs" which the player may use to "out" from the score points that he happens to have at the time.

Abstract: A method for playing an improved bingo game sheet is disclosed. The game sheet comprises at least one bingo matrix designated by a first indicia and at least one second bingo matrix designated by a second indicia. When the desired configuration is created on the first indicia a player wins a first prize which is distinct from a second prize awarded when a player obtains the desired configuration on a second bingo game matrix. Preferably, a plurality of game sheets are arranged sequentially in a packet such that the used game sheet may be easily discarded.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle piece organizer wherein a plurality of trays are provided for holding a plurality of groups of puzzle pieces according to the color and configuration of the puzzle pieces. Interconnected empty trays can be arranged in a compact stack for storage, or in an interconnected stack wherein there is a clearance between adjacent trays containing puzzle pieces for providing temporary storage for the puzzle pieces during the assembly of the puzzle to completion.

Abstract: A video game console composed of a console having an inclined table top and a set of length adjustable legs connected with the console. The console includes covered compartments for holding video game cartridges, a covered central processing unit compartment, and recessed hand controller receptacles. The console includes a hingably connected table top panel which allows the user access to the interior of the console for the purposes of connecting the hand controllers to respective recessed hand controller receptacles and for effecting wiring adjustments. It is preferred to provide auxiliary hand controller openings in a front panel of the console. It is further preferred to include a bank of switches on the front panel of the console for a user to conveniently select which of the hand controllers is presently operative. Preferably, the wiring running exterior of the console is reelably regulated by each being wound, respectively, on a spring loaded recoil reel.

Abstract: A rotatable betting device is provided for a card game which consists of a turntable assembly to sit upon a flat surface. A plurality of cups are radially positioned about the turntable assembly, so that each card player can conveniently place bets by inserting chips into their respective cup during the card game.

Abstract: A device for speeding the pace of a game of blackjack is provided. The device is comprised of a housing having a top surface and an upper planar portion. The top surface will be connected on top to the upper planar portion. A card reader for reading a corner of a specialized playing card is located within the housing. An indicator cooperating with the card reader is provided to inform the dealer if his down card is of a desired value. There is also disclosed herein a method for increasing the speed of play in an organized game of blackjack.

Abstract: A flexible polymeric web arranged for storage in a furled configuration positioned within a tubular container is removable from the container for positioning over bingo cards. The sheet formed of a flexible polymeric film includes a plurality of contrasting patterns of various symbols positioned over and in aligned configuration with corresponding squares of a bingo card to permit marking within each symbol alone relative to bingo games requiring symbol designations for a winning card.

Abstract: A gaming table is disclosed according to which players in a table type game make their wagers by using chips that are embedded into the table. The table has apertures, with each aperture having an electro-mechanical device incorporated. Mounted on each electro-mechanical device is an adjustable elongated column graphically divided into sections resembling a stack of betting chips that are associated with each player to represent chips belonging to and wagered by each said player. The table also has manually operated switches associated with each player. The switches are electrically connected to corresponding electro-mechanical devices such that when switches are operated certain electro-mechanical devices move their corresponding elongated columns relative to its aperture simulating the increasing or decreasing of the number of chips in stacks associated with each said player. The manually operated switches are capable of causing the readjustment of all said elongated columns.

Abstract: A curtain panel assembly, for an island of game machines, which enables any person of the amusement arcade to look into the island easily and quickly to check the states of game mediums in a distribution gutter situated in the upper part of a support frame of the island or for the purpose of maintenance of the interior structure of the island. In the curtain panel assembly, a curtain panel is mounted on the upper part of the support frame outwardly thereof and is pivotally connected at its upper edge to the upper frame edge. The curtain panel has on its inside wall surface a mirror on which the image of the interior, e.g. the distribution gutter, of the island is reflected so as to be observed from outside when the curtain panel is moved angularly about the upper panel edge to open as the lower panel edge is pulled upwardly.

Abstract: A base block is arranged to mount a first transparent web, wherein a top block is mounted to the base block to mount and secure a second transparent web in a coextensive relationship relative to the first transparent web to permit the positioning of a plurality of bingo cards between the webs, with bingo dauber members arranged for marking through the transparent web structure for imparting reference to the underlying bingo cards.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of sets of block members having respective pictorial and numerical designations, wherein each set includes duplicates of pictorial and numerical representations that are selected from a face-down relationship relative to one another in an effort to attempt to match such duplicates. The block members are optionally arranged for mounting within a support member to secure and position the sets for use and storage.

Abstract: A picture puzzle assembling platform, that includes at least two inclined panels, symmetrically arranged around a central axis, such that a person can sit facing each panel to assemble a puzzle, from pieces placed on a table surface in front of the panel. Preferably, each person assembles a different puzzle on one of the inclined panels. The inclination of each panel, enables the person facing the panel, to have a direct view of the partially assembled picture puzzle, so that the person can move more quickly to locate the correct puzzle piece for each puzzle space. The panel inclination thus facilitates the puzzle assembling process, and adds to the person's interest in completing the assembly of the picture puzzle. Each inclined panel, forms a support surface for a different puzzle, so that persons sitting in front of the inclined panels, may engage in a contest, with each person trying to complete his/her puzzle before the other person completes theirs.

Abstract: A calculator, packaged in a wristwatch-style housing, with wrist strap, is usable by the player of a card game, such as blackjack, in obtaining a game strategy decision or prompt, and contains a keyboard on the wrist housing unit, by which the card game player enters card value and hand designation information. This keyboard drives a display on the wrist housing, and has a microprocessor powered calculator within the housing where the calculator performs the game decision calculations. The results of the calculations drive an output display prompter on the wrist housing to prompt the game player on blackjack decisions.

Abstract: An apparatus to exercise, sharpen, and test extrasensory perception capacity of individuals is provided to include various categories of testing events about a game path, with points awarded relative to correct responses to award various levels of extrasensory perception capacity to a player or a plurality of players of the game structure.

Abstract: A method for assisting a lottery player to rapidly and accurately identify winning lottery games which includes the use of a playing card where selected numbers from each game is circled in a row containing all the possible numbers for that game with the rows arranged in columns so that each column contains identical numbers. When the winning numbers are drawn they are indicated on the playing card by drawing a line down the column where the number occurs and the readily observable intersection between the drawn line and the encircled selected numbers indicate winning games when the selected numbers and winning numbers intersect in a winning number of instances.

Abstract: A chess set game (2) includes a chess set (4), in which two sets of chess pieces (44) are housed within a container (8), and a chess board (6). The board can be divided into four separable quadrants (10-13) which are secured to one another. The chess pieces and the squares (38, 40) of the board have magnets (46, 42) so the chess pieces are attracted to and securely fastened to the centers of the squares. The chess board includes rank and file ID devices (50, 48) which permit the user to change file and rank indicia (54-60) according to which player has the white pieces. The container includes a rectangular bottom (70) and four sides (74-77) pivotally mounted to the outer edge (72) of the bottom. The four sides and the bottom have magnetized spaces (108, 118) against which the chess pieces are secured. Each of the sides has a top portion (82-85) extending therefrom so that when the sides are in their upright, closed positions, the top portions create a closed top (80) for the container.

Abstract: A dice simulator for simulating dice rolling or the like utilizes operator selectable probability weighting to cause quasi-random rolling results to be biased in accordance with the selected probability weighing.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determining whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein. Thus, when the dealer receives a faceup member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determining whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein Thus, when the dealer receives a face-up member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.

Abstract: There is disclosed a game comprising a game board provided with a plurality of holes distributed in a pattern and consecutively numbered from 1 to 29, a plurality of game pieces to be moved along the pattern of the holes and also an appropriate box in the form of a sphinx for storing the game board, game pieces and other materials which are used with the game.

Abstract: A device for handling game pieces is assembled from four uniform elements and when assembled includes a base portion that will fit over a game board and a chimney portion of sufficiently large internal size to permit passage by gravity of game pieces therethrough from the game board and into a bag that is placeable over the chimney portion. The device in one form is of plastic and in another form is of cardboard and is such that it is flat when disassembled to be packageable with a particular game.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a bridge game using a computer system comprising: a board (10) having a microprocessor (28), a memory (30, 32) and input/output units such as a display screen, an alphanumeric keyboard, and a playing card reader, which are controlled by the microprocessor (28); a module (42) for storing prerecorded deals; and an intelligent play module (46) including a master microprocessor and slave microprocessor (54); the recorded deal module (42) and the intelligent play module (46) are connectable and disconnectable at will relative to the microprocessor (28) in the board (10).

Abstract: An improved bingo game sheet and method for playing the same are disclosed. The game sheet comprises at least one bingo matrix designated by a first indicia and at least one second bingo matrix designated by a second indicia. When the desired configuration is created on the first indicia a player wins a first prize which is distinct from a second prize awarded when a player obtains the desired configuration on a second bingo game matrix. Preferably, a plurality of game sheets are arranged sequentially in a packet such that the used game sheet may be easily discarded.

Abstract: A lottery card marking apparatus provides a housing receiving a lottery card therewithin, with at least a top wall formed with a matrix of openings to coincide with free-positioned marking indicia on the lottery card. Optionally, the housing may include a rear wall with aligned apertures relative to the apertures to the forward wall to permit projection of a piercing instrument through the lottery card for marking purposes. Further, a modification includes a plurality of locking lug members slidably mounted to the right and left side edges of the housing to effect locking an alignment of the card within the housing during a marking procedure.

Abstract: A device for generating winning lotto and keno combinations. The invention comprises means for inputting a number comporting to the total size of a lottery number pool; keypad means for inputting a minimum winning prize level; means in accordance with a prestored algorithm for generating a plurality of number combinations utilizing each number in said number pool, said number combinations guaranteeing a winning combination at said a minimum prize level; and means for outputting said number combinations.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated marking of bet slips for use in entering a customer wager into a independent lottery terminal includes a housing for receiving a bet slip. A selector actuatable by the customer is provided within the housing for permitting the customer to select a desired mode of operation from a plurality of alternative operational modes for marking the bet slip. A control within the housing communicates with the selector for identifying the mode selected by the customer and for generating electrical control signals in response to the selected mode. A printer within the housing communicates with the control for receiving the bet slip, for receiving the electrical control signals and for marking the bet slip in accordance with the received control signals.

Abstract: A lottery checking template having a bottom panel and a top panel joined at an integrally formed fold line. The bottom panel has printed indicia thereon of an arrangement of the lottery numbers that are playable in the lottery game corresponding to the arrangement of numbers on a lottery betting slip. The top panel has a transparent window portion overlying the indicia of the lottery numbers playable when the bottom and top panels are folded together in superposed relation. Accordingly, the announced winning lottery numbers may be removably marked on the transparent window portion of the top panel. A lottery ticket betting slip may be inserted into the template and the numbers marked thereon compared to the marked winning numbers. The top and bottom panels of the template may include opposing lengthwise extending ridges adjacent the fold line defining an abutment for engaging the lower edge of the lottery ticket betting slip to prevent pinching at the fold line.