Abstract: An arcade type amusement game is disclosed having a housing with a playing field therein, the game further comprising a turntable and a counter rotating pointer. A pair of motors control the rotation and counter rotation of the turntable and pointer, initiated and stopped by player controls. The coincidence of the pointer over the turntable's sectors determine a reward for the player, modified by a quadrant of the playing field to which the pointer comes to rest.

Abstract: A system for redemption ticket exchange with connected vending machines, comprising a selector designating a chosen vending machine from which to obtain an item, a ticket counter for receiving tickets and counting the tickets; a processor for keeping a count of the tickets, and generating a signal when the count reaches a predetermined number, a pulse generator for sending a pulse to the chosen vending machine when the count reaches a predetermined number, the pulse corresponding to an exchange value that can be used to redeem the item, and a printer for printing a receipt for tickets that do not total the predetermined number.

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: An amusement game such as those found in arcades is disclosed having a housing, player controls, and a playing area surrounded by a transparent housing, the game comprising a vertical array of targets; an actuator movable in X, Y, and Z directions, player controls for moving the actuator in the X and Y directions, means for extending the actuator in the Z direction toward the vertical array of targets, a suction device for adhering the actuator to a target. The actuator moves toward the targets and can remove a target from its position if properly aligned by the player.

Abstract: A capsule for use in a vacuum crane game is disclosed that is adapted to releasably enclose a prize, the capsule formed by first and second hollow hemispherical elements cooperating to form a plastic sphere when configured in a mating arrangement, at least one of said first and second hollow hemispherical elements including a radially outwardly projecting member substantially circumscribing a first circular edge of said at least one of said first and second hollow hemispherical elements to prevent a vacuum member from engaging the capsule at the radially outwardly projecting member.

Abstract: A redemption game is disclosed having an intermediate holding area for prizes that have been acquired by skillful or fortunate playing of the game, the holding area being inaccessible to the player. The compartment can be accessible via a pivotally mounted floor that leads to a lockable compartment. The lockable compartment would be accessible only with a key or other means that would be controlled by an attendant, so that a player could not acquire a prize without the help of the attendant. In this manner, thieves would be thwarted from cheating the game because the could not acquire the prizes without the assistance of an attendant.

Abstract: A capsule for use in a vacuum crane game is disclosed that is adapted to releasably enclose a prize, the capsule formed by first and second hollow hemispherical elements cooperating to form a plastic sphere when configured in a mating arrangement, at least one of said first and second hollow hemispherical elements including a radially outwardly projecting member substantially circumscribing a first circular edge of said at least one of said first and second hollow hemispherical elements to prevent a vacuum member from engaging the capsule at the radially outwardly projecting member.

Abstract: An arcade game is disclosed wherein a player actuates a projectile delivery system such as an air stream created by depressing a pump or bellows to cause a projectile such as a ball to be propelled over a rotating playing field. In a first preferred embodiment the projectile is a ball, and the ball may preferably be aimed by pointing the nozzle delivering an air stream aimable in varying azimuthal and altitudal directions. A point multiplier system is incorporated wherein said ball may pass through one of several arrayed apertures of varying size and difficulty within a housing that encloses the rotating playing field. A sensor detects the passage of a ball through an aperture and sends a signal to a processor to multiply the player's points by a predetermined amount. Whether the ball passes through an aperture or rebounds off the wall, the ball enters the rotating playing field where holes are disposed about the perimeter like a roulette wheel.

Abstract: An arcade game is disclosed wherein a player actuates a projectile delivery system such as an air stream created by depressing a pump or bellows to cause a projectile such as a ball to be propelled over a rotating playing field. In a first preferred embodiment the projectile is a ball, and the ball may preferably be aimed by pointing the nozzle delivering an air stream aimable in varying azimuthal and altitudal directions. A point multiplier system is incorporated wherein said ball may pass through one of several arrayed apertures of varying size and difficulty within a housing that encloses the rotating playing field. A sensor detects the passage of a ball through an aperture and sends a signal to a processor to multiply the player's points by a predetermined amount. Whether the ball passes through an aperture or rebounds off the wall, the ball enters the rotating playing field where holes are disposed about the perimeter like a roulette wheel.

Abstract: An amusement device characterized by a crane mechanism maneuverable within a target bin by a player includes targets having a circular profile of varying diameters. A game value is associated with each target according to the diameter size of the target, and a ticket dispenser is provided for dispensing tickets of a number or value corresponding to the value of a captured target value.

Abstract: A system suitable for counting strings of arcade type tickets comprising a transport mechanism, a sensing system for reading bar coded information and counting marks, a computer program and computer to tally, sort and compile management reports, and a video monitor to display the counting results, or additionally, display entertainment items or advertising to the customer while using the counter. The transport mechanism is especially designed to handle the new “paper” style tickets and is capable of handling tickets of varying sizes.

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 perturbations such as bead shaped projections or dimples that present a more challenging target by reducing the available extraction surface. Disk shaped, spherical, or other shaped targets include one or more perturbations 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 perturbations, or the targets may encapsulate prizes of a value directly related to the available extraction surface on the target.

Abstract: A method to count tickets which includes a translucent ticket with an opaque pattern with translucent portions, including a light source on the first side of the ticket and a detector on a second side of the ticket, providing relative motion between the ticket and the detector. The pattern and translucent portions are detected with the detector.

Abstract: A ticket making apparatus includes a feed mechanism and a perforating assembly set within a housing that has an opening through which tickets are dispensed. The perforating assembly perforates a flexible material to define individual tickets. The apparatus can also include a slicer assembly to slice the flexible material into strips of tickets. The apparatus can also include a printing mechanism for adding print to the flexible material. A method for making tickets includes feeding a flexible material into a perforating assembly and dispensing the perforated material as a plurality of tickets. The method can also include synchronizing the flexible material to the rotation of the perforating assembly, slicing the flexible material into strips of tickets, and printing on the flexible material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement device such as a crane game of the kind including a plurality of prizes in a collection bin for withdrawal, the crane game including a floor upon which the prizes rest that can be vertically shifted as prizes are withdrawn to maintain the appearance of a full prize bin. The floor shifting mechanism comprises a motor coupled to an endless belt or chain that drives one or more threaded members to control the movement of the floor in the vertical direction. The invention may include a vibrator for imparting an oscillation to the prizes that redistributes the prizes toward a more level arrangement to place more prizes within the game's participation.

Abstract: A game apparatus allowing a player to position a pick-up device over an offered prize, to pick up the prize with the pick-up device, and to reposition the pick-up device and release the prize from the pick-up device to the player. The pick-up device includes a claw with fingers and a gauge between the fingers to facilitate more securely grasping the offered prize between the fingers. The pick-up device is connected to a movement device to facilitate player positioning of the pick-up device. The pick-up device and movement device are located within a housing above the offered prizes which are also within the housing.

Abstract: A ticket dispenser includes an adjustable tension device and a driver. The driver includes at least one sharp pin configured to pierce at least a portion of a thickness of a ticket strip and to pull the ticket strip in a direction along a ticket path. The ticket strip passes through the tension device as it is pulled by the driver. The tension device exerts a force on the ticket strip in a direction opposite the pulled direction. The driver can be a roller that is rotated by a motor. In addition, the ticket dispenser includes a driver guide which is adjacent and in close proximity to the driver. The ticket strip passes between the driver guide and the driver, thereby biasing the ticket strip in close proximity to the driver, and facilitating piercing of the ticket strip by the sharp pins. The driver guide includes rollers which have a groove extending around a circumference of the rollers.

Abstract: A video crane game including a display device, such as a video screen, for displaying images. A mechanical crane-like device provided over the display device includes an x-y assembly for allowing a player to control the movement of a selection head in an x-y plane. A z-movement device causes the selection head to move in a z-direction toward and away from the images of the display device. A sensor detects a location of the selection head with respect to the images displayed on the display device when the head is moved just above or contacts the display. A game controller controls the display of the images and determines a game outcome based on the location of the selection head with respect to the displayed images. The displayed images may include multiple selectable image targets, such as prize images associated with a prize, penalty areas, or images associated with a point score. A dispenser dispensing an award to a player of the game apparatus, such as tickets or prizes.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing apparatus is provided including a framework having a driver roller rotatably coupled to the framework to dispense tickets therefrom. Also included is a sensor for monitoring the dispensing of the tickets. A motor is coupled to the drive roller and in communication with the sensor to rotate the drive roller and thereby advance the tickets. Further coupled to the framework is a support for supporting the tickets. For maintaining the tickets in operational relationship with the sensor and the drive roller, at least one guide is coupled to the support. In use, the guide is adjustable to accommodate tickets of varying widths. Also, the guide is substantially rigid in order to avoid bending the tickets.