Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A device and method for receiving and detecting a bottle. The device includes a chute, a bottle inlet for receiving the bottle into the chute, and a bottle outlet through which the bottle exits the chute. A stop member is disposed to engage the bottle within the chute, the stop member being biased to allow the bottle to pass in one direction, but to move into and grip the bottle if the bottle is moved in the other direction. Sensors detect the position of the bottle within the chute, and can indicate that the bottle was received within the device. A method for receiving and detecting the bottle is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting an article having a chute configured for receiving the article therein, a stop having a stop member disposed within the chute and biased towards the article to allow the stop member to engage the article moving through the chute but which prevents the article from being withdrawn from the chute, a receipt dispenser for issuing a physical receipt indicating that an article has been received by the apparatus, and a lock mechanism operable by movement of the article in the chute so as to physically detect the presence of an article therein to prevent dispensing of a receipt when the article is not detected in the chute. A method for receiving and detecting an article is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and detecting an article having a chute configured for receiving the article therein, a stop having a stop member disposed within the chute and biased towards the article to allow the stop member to engage the article moving through the chute but which prevents the article from being withdrawn from the chute, a receipt dispenser for issuing a physical receipt indicating that an article has been received by the apparatus, and a lock mechanism operable by movement of the article in the chute so as to physically detect the presence of an article therein to prevent dispensing of a receipt when the article is not detected in the chute. A method for receiving and detecting an article is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for providing incentives to the players of a slot machine to continue to use the slot machine. A ticket dispenser capable of being integrally coupled with a slot machine is provided. The ticket dispenser includes a ticket dispensing unit for dispensing tickets, and an interface for controlling the operation of the ticket dispensing unit in response to certain output signals from the slot machine. The interface controls the ticket dispensing unit to dispense tickets according to predefined criteria, e.g., when the number of coins bet equals a predetermined number. The dispensed tickets can then be redeemed for prizes, utilized for additional gambling, and/or used for whatever reward purposes the casino decides.

Abstract: A method and system for providing incentives to the players of a slot machine to continue to use the slot machine. A ticket dispenser capable of being integrally coupled with a slot machine is provided. The ticket dispenser includes a ticket dispensing unit for dispensing tickets, and an interface for controlling the operation of the ticket dispensing unit in response to certain output signals from the slot machine. The interface controls the ticket dispensing unit to dispense tickets according to predefined criteria, e.g., when the number of coins bet equals a predetermined number. The dispensed tickets can then be redeemed for prizes, utilized for additional gambling, and/or used for whatever reward purposes the casino decides.

Abstract: A device for destroying used tickets includes a housing and a cutter which is removably mounted to the housing. The cutter includes an enclosure having a slot which allows tickets to enter. The cutter also has a rotating blade which cuts the tickets as they pass through the slot. Both the slot and the blade are inclined relative to the horizontal, the inclinations of the slot and the blade being mutually opposite. Thus, the ticket is subjected to an effective angle of shear which is equal to the sum of the angles of inclination of the blade and the slot. The blade is in geared engagement with the same motor that operates a plurality of rollers for advancing the tickets through the device. The cutter enclosure is detachably mounted to the housing, so that it can be quickly and easily removed for servicing. The cutter effectively destroys the incoming tickets, preventing them from ever being re-used.