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to allow the stop member to engage the article moving through the chute but which prevents the article from being withdrawn from the chute, a receipt dispenser for issuing a physical receipt indicating that an article has been received by the apparatus, and a lock mechanism operable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 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to allow the stop member to engage the article moving through the chute but which prevents the article from being withdrawn from the chute, a receipt dispenser for issuing a physical receipt indicating that an article has been received by the apparatus, and a lock mechanism operable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 ticket dispensing device having a braking system for preventing unauthorized removal of tickets. A drive roller advancing the ticket strip through the device is connected to a brake wheel. Pulling on the ticket moves the brake wheel into a braking member to impede the rotation of the drive roller, and thereby prevent removal of tickets. The ticket dispensing device also includes a face plate which can be easily and quickly removed to eliminate ticket jams.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for automatically counting and permanently disposing of tickets and similar markers, such as those dispensed at arcades. The apparatus employs motor driven wheels to draw tickets through it in very rapid fashion, a sensor and counter to tally the number of tickets, and a blade to permanently destroy the tickets. The present invention lends itself to many security and accounting protections presently unavailable using conventional manual systems.

Abstract: A ticket dispenser includes a drive roller and an idler roller so that power rotation of the drive roller advances tickets between them; the drive roller is movable toward and away from the idler roller and is so disposed and supported that a manual pull on the tickets to withdraw them when the power is off will serve to bind the tickets firmly between the rollers and prevent them from being pulled out.

Abstract: A coin operated golf type game in which the player strikes a golf ball with a golf club and drives the ball up a ramp to a target area having scoring holes through which the ball may drop. The ball returns along a track system to a ball collection point and during the course of its travel actuates the various scoring devices which illuminate the scoring board, and sounds bells or horns in accordance with which scoring hole the ball has entered. Both positive and negative scoring increments are used. When a predetermined number of balls have been played, the game scoring is automatically terminated and an indicator lights showing the scoring proficiency of the player. If a sufficiently high score is achieved, the player is awarded a free game.