Abstract: A crane game with a vacuum head adapted to pick up objects with a smooth extraction surface is disclosed wherein the objects, or targets, include perforations that present a more challenging target by reducing the available extraction surface. Targets include one or more perforations that may prevent a seal from being formed with the suction head, denying extraction of the target by the vacuum head. Values may be assigned to the targets based on the number of perforations.

Abstract: A prize replacement system for a pusher-type or crane type arcade game is disclosed where prizes are randomly distributed over the playing field by using a rotating playing field and a prize replacement unit that drops a replacement prize onto the playing field after a prize has been won. A vacuum device collects a new prize from a storage area below the playing surface, moves the prize over the playing field, and drops the prize as the playing field rotates below. Preferably the vacuum device is capable of selecting prizes of different shapes and sizes so that a wide variety of prizes can be used with the game of the present invention.

Abstract: A pilotless drone is equipped with a life preserver or other buoyant device for delivery to a distressed swimmer. The drone includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum release mechanism to remotely release the life preserver once the drone is positioned over the swimmer. A camera on the drone can be used to locate the swimmer, and a remote control operates the release mechanism so that the operation can be performed from a remote location (such as a life guard station, vessel, etc.).

Abstract: An arcade game with that allows a player to control the game using a video feedback plus a tactile response is provided. A player must use the video feed for controlling the game, and the video feed can be transmitted from a remote location. The video signal can be transmitted via the internet, a wireless connection, or a wired connection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arcade game with a rotating playing field and a radially projecting mechanism for moving targets located on the spinning mechanism board. Having the mechanism be radially projecting allows for more players by reducing the playing area that each player occupies. In a first embodiment, the player uses a vacuum mechanism. In another embodiment, the player uses a pusher to direct targets or prizes off the playing field in the radial direction. The pusher mechanism can push the targets toward the player (into a retrieval bin) or off the playing field at the center of the game. In a preferred embodiment, the game automatically replaces each displaced target with a new target so that the game always maintains the same number of targets on the playing field.

Abstract: An arcade game with that allows a player to control the game using a video feedback plus a tactile response is provided. A player must use the video feed for controlling the game, and the video feed can be transmitted from a remote location. The video signal can be transmitted via the internet, a wireless connection, or a wired connection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arcade game with a rotating playing field and a radially projecting mechanism for moving targets located on the spinning mechanism board. Having the mechanism be radially projecting allows for more players by reducing the playing area that each player occupies. In a first embodiment, the player uses a vacuum mechanism. In another embodiment, the player uses a pusher to direct targets or prizes off the playing field in the radial direction. The pusher mechanism can push the targets toward the player (into a retrieval bin) or off the playing field at the center of the game. In a preferred embodiment, the game automatically replaces each displaced target with a new target so that the game always maintains the same number of targets on the playing field.

Abstract: An arcade game with that allows a player to control the game using a video feedback plus a tactile response is provided. A player must use the video feed for controlling the game, and the video feed can be altered to vary the difficulty of the game. The tactile response can also be controlled to provide a more realistic game experience to the player.

Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extendable extraction device to enter a tube of cards in a horizontal direction. The prizes are protected by the tube's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. The extraction device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the tube's outer wall.

Abstract: An arcade game is disclosed having a modified three dimensional control of an acquisition device using three motors, pulleys, and belts that maneuver the acquisition device in three directions. Each belt is located in a pair of pulley wheels that have a “grooved section that allows the belt to slip when the motor reaches an end of its cycle, eliminating the need for switches and clutches.

Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extendable extraction device to enter a tube of cards in a horizontal direction. The prizes are protected by the tube's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. The extraction device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the tube's outer wall.

Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extendable pick-up device to enter a silo of prizes in a vertical direction. The prizes are protected by the silo's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the pick-up device to capture the prize if the pick-up device successfully enters the silo. The pick-up device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the silo's outer wall.

Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extendable extraction device to enter a tube of cards in a horizontal direction. The prizes are protected by the tube's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. The extraction device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the tube's outer wall.

Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extraction device to remove a card or similar type prize from a housing. The cards are protected by an outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. A displacement system is provided to lift the stack of cards in the game as they are depleted from playing the game.

Abstract: A new arcade game utilizes a vacuum pick-up device to pick-up prizes from a protected silo on a moving playing field. The playing field can be a rotating turntable or conveyor belt, and multiple players can play at multiple player stations. The prizes can be lightweight cards, such as gift cards, that are stacked in silos on a platform that can rotate in one or two directions. Each player has a designated vacuum pick-up device that the player can move radially along the turntable so that, as the turntable rotates, each player can access to the entire playing field. If the player has correctly positioned the pick-up device, the pick-up device will lowing directly into a silo where the cards are located. The suction function is triggered, and the pick-up device will extract the gift card.

Abstract: The present invention is a gift card dispenser for dispensing cards in a larger machine, such as a vending machine or arcade game, where the dispenser includes an electric motor controlled by a computer to perform a single cycle per activation. A stack of cards within the dispenser is arranged to engage a reciprocating pusher device coupled to the electric motor such that the reciprocating pusher extending from a retracted position to an extended position and then returning to the retracting position. A projection on the slider tilts the stack of cards away from the opening of the device, preventing theft of the cards with a hook or wire.

Abstract: An amusement-type shooting gallery operates using a laser incorporated into a gun, that can be used to strike distant targets within the gallery. A gun emitting a short pulse laser is aimed at a target, which includes sensors for registering a hit. The sensor on the target can be a photovoltaic sensor that sends an electrical signal when impinged by the pulse laser, and the signal can be received by a local processor. The processor can be connected to the gun by a larger network, so that the coupling between the actuation of the trigger and the striking of the target can be coupled. A network with a display is coupled to the target and gun, enabling display of the results of the shooting operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a prize distribution system for an amusement game that can deliver to a player a brick of tickets in bulk form, or deliver a prize that is shaped like a brick, in a reliable manner that is theft resistant and requires no human interaction to participate. The invention uses a conveyor belt and motor to extract a prize from a stacked or secured configuration, and move the prize to a bin accessible to the player. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a second motor and door system that opens and closes access to the bin, preventing a would-be thief from reaching through the bin to the prize stack in an attempt to remove a prize.

Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed having a housing for enclosing a playing field, and at least one target disposed on the playing field, the target oriented for interaction with a vertically dropped projectile. The device further includes a pick-up device within the housing, the pick-up device suspended from a rail arrangement that provides for four-way horizontal movement over the playing field. The device has player controls including a first control for maneuvering the pick-up device in a horizontal plane above the playing field, and a second control for releasing the projectile, wherein an objective of the amusement device is to position the pick-up device over a target and release the projectile to hit the target to win the prize.

Abstract: The present invention is a prize distribution system for an amusement game that can deliver to a player a brick of tickets in bulk form, or deliver a prize that is shaped like a brick, in a reliable manner that is theft resistant and requires no human interaction to participate. The invention uses a conveyor belt and motor to extract a prize from a stacked or secured configuration, and move the prize to a bin accessible to the player. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a second motor and door system that opens and closes access to the bin, preventing a would-be thief from reaching through the bin to the prize stack in an attempt to remove a prize.