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 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: 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 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.