Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use as a game of chance comprising a first set of elements (2) divisible into two or more visually distinguishable subsets (for example a set of balls divided into a plurality of colours), a second set of destinations divisible into two or more distinguishable subsets (for example a set of compartments on a wheel (23) formed by partitions (26) and divided into subsets distinguished by numerals) and means (10) for selecting at random one element (2b) from the first set (for example one ball) and associating the selected element at random with a destination (eg one compartment) of the second set.

Abstract: A device for shuffling objects such as lottery balls is provided, disposed at the base of a generally spherical enclosure of a lottery machine carrying separately identifiable objects, the shuffling device including first and second concentric rotating parts which together form a substantially contiguous support surface for the objects, and the surfaces of which carry substantially radial slender projecting elements which, in operation, are intended to hit the objects, and also including a driver for rotating the first and second parts at speeds which differ in terms of value and/or direction.

Abstract: A ball drawing apparatus for drawing a series of balls at random includes a transport arrangement (10) for receiving the series of balls (15) and positioning each ball in a reading position. Each ball (15) includes a transponder (46) which is adapted to transmit an identifying signal when energized by an energizing signal. The identifying signal may be used to identify the particular ball (15) and provide a number or other symbol which is printed on the ball. A reader unit (12) includes a transmitter/receiver (41) and antenna (25) combination which transmits the energizing signal to each ball (15) as the respective ball passes through the reading position, and then receives the resulting identifying signal transmitted from the respective ball transponder (46). The transmitter/receiver (41) communicates the identifying signal to a control system (14) which displays the symbol of the identified ball. Control system (14) controls the operation of all elements of the ball drawing apparatus.

Abstract: A random number generator is disclosed for selecting a limited number quantity from a predetermined number quantity, having a casing with a space for receiving the number bodies and a display or indication area adjacent thereto and connected to the space, said space being at least partly constructed with rounded marginal areas and the display area is connected to one side of the space. The number bodies have a peak-to-valley height of approximately 0.002 mm to 0.009 mm.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the present invention provides an arcade machine receiving a coin from each player along one or more coin paths which determine the coin path and thus the outcome of the player's participation. The coins are introduced tangentially from one of several locations to the outer edge of a funnel-like bowl with a lowered center exit, and proceed generally around the bowl and exits to a generally planar table below the exit, which includes revolving blades to stir the coins in the table. As the coins accumulate or are urged by the blades, and eventually fall from the outer perimeter of the table to coin output drawers or openings, where the coins may be withdrawn by the player as winnings.

Abstract: A video game machine has a mechanism extracting balls, a display unit having a display area which displays a matrix composed of boxes, and a CPU. The CPU implements a function enabling the player to appoint a ball type in terms of color and number to boxes of a second line of the matrix. A function is provided for automatically displaying, in the first and third lines of the matrix, ball marks correlated to the ball marks displayed in the second line, such that the color sequences of the ball marks in the first and third lines are the same as that in the second line and such that numerals greater and smaller by one than a numeral in a box of the second line appear in the third and the first lines in each column of the matrix. Further provided is a function for determining whether or not the numeral of the extracted ball coincides with the numeral of any ball mark on the display and a function for changing the mode of display of the box having the coincident numeral.

Abstract: A game package comprises a lottery ticket set, a plastic or glass bowl or container for holding the entire lottery ticket set and having an opening to accommodate most human hands, a lid for the bowl and a tamper proof seal comprising a tape with an adhesive backing that cannot be removed from the bowl and cover once applied without the use of a solvent.

Abstract: A number picker for placing bets in lotteries and a method for manufacturing the number picker. The number picker is comprised of a platform having an upper space for storing small thin circular disks, and a lower space for storing a business card and/or advertising material; an upper cover for enclosing the disks, a lower case for enclosing the business card and/or advertising material and a chain for carrying keys. One characteristic of the lottery number picker is that each of the disks has identical numbers on parallel upper and lower faces. Another characteristic feature of the invention is that the numbered disks are randomly installed in the platform. A third characteristic feature is that the business card and/or advertising material are installed after the lower cover is attached to the platform.

Abstract: A game machine has an input section through which a player inputs various instructions necessary for the play. The input section also displays various kinds of game information and performs computation of the score. The machine also has a mechanical section which includes a tank having a transparent wall and filled with water, a plurality of balls suspended in the water, a central tubular structure for creating a central upward flow of water, a liquid supply portion including a nozzle under the tubular structure, and an information reading unit disposed in a peripheral region of the tank through which the balls fall down due to, for example, difference in the specific gravity between the ball and the water. A rotary guide rail is disposed in the peripheral region so as to catch the falling balls.

Abstract: A game of chance based on random distribution of game pieces utilizes a plurality of spheres or discs, which may be generally the size of marbles or checkers, visually divided into two types, such as by two different colors. The game pieces are used in particular to play a bingo-type game. The pieces are contained between two parallel planes spaced apart slightly wider than a game piece, with at least a part of the front plane being transparent. The space between the two planes is circumscribed by a rotatable ring, defining a chamber within which the game pieces remain. With the parallel planes vertical or at least tilted, the lower portion of the chamber is used to randomly mix the game pieces, while at an upper end of the chamber there is located a holding section or display matrix within which the game pieces are all ultimately stored in parallel columns.

Abstract: An instructional system or method for statistics students. Twenty slots are defined into which one hundred data cubes are placed. The number of cubes per slot varies from one to ten, excluding six. The slots with ten cubes are arranged adjacent to a center line, and the number of cubes per slot drops as the distance between a slot and the center line increases. The cubes model a normal distribution curve and can be used to estimate probabilities and other statistics concepts. The system associates statistics computational methods with the fundamental concepts of statistics in a manner that enhances the students understanding of statistics as a whole. The system also enables students with low aptitude for math and quantitative methods to grasp the concepts of statistics and pass the college tests for entering those disciplines which require a standard knowledge of statistics for admission.

Abstract: A reversible beverage coaster and lottery number picker having an opaque base, transparent covers attached to upper and lower portions of the base and a plurality of small disks in upper and lower cavities of the base. In the upper and lower cavities are traps for capturing some of the disks. The number of disks which can be captured by the traps is related to the lengths of the traps. The center portions of the transparent covers are depressed for supporting beverage glasses. Each of the disks has a number marked on opposite circular faces. Lottery numbers are generated by agitating the coaster to randomly position the disks inside of the coaster and then rotating the coaster to capture disks in the traps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for random determination and use of a multiplicity of bits of information from a larger quantity of bits of information including the placing of individualized information on a number of semi-conductors, mixing the semiconductors in an air chamber, selecting one semi-conductor at a time, placing the semi-conductors as selected on individualized locations on a timing wheel, confirming the selection and placement of the semi-conductors; detecting the information carried by each semi-conductor selected; and using the information so selected.

Abstract: A bingo game machine which can carry out a series of operations including storing discrimination balls which are to be blown by an air blower into a closed vessel. The balls are blown about within the vessel with some balls falling onto a return surface to the storage area and some falling into a storage member. The balls falling into the storage member are detected and are the balls used to determine the winning balls for the bingo game. Once the balls have been received and detected, the game is over and the balls in the storage member are dropped into the storage area for the next game. A motor drives a screw rod in order to open a bottom of the storage member in order to release the balls that have fallen into the storage member. The motor moves the bottom back into place to close the bottom for the next game.

Abstract: A gaming ball having a weight in the form of a seam and a bar code printed along the seam is provided for use in an air controlled lottery machine for quickly aligning and scanning the bar code as the ball rests on a support surface. The seam extends around the entire circumference of the inner surface of the ball to provide a weight which is more than 1/8 of the ball.

Abstract: A selector apparatus is disclosed herein for randomly selecting a predetermined quantity of numbered spheres or balls which includes a cylindrical housing having an internal storage compartment occupied by the numbered spheres in a liquid solution such as oil. The compartment is connected to a display chamber by a funnel whereby the numbered spheres are introduced to the display chamber in a randomly selected order. At least the display chamber is defined by a transparent window permitting visual observation of the selected spheres. The storage compartment is of greater area than the display chamber and a support base or chain device may support the apparatus.

Abstract: A lottery game apparatus has a playing surface including a number of token capturing means. Tokens move across the playing surface under the influence of an external disturbance, and are capturable in a substantially random fashion by the token capturing means. The tokens are marked with integer numbers and the token capturing means are marked with letters of the alphabet, or vice versa. Once the tokens have been captured by the token capturing means, a series of numbers for entering in a lottery can be selected based on a word or combination of letters, the substantially random assignment of the tokens to the token capturing means, and the markings on the tokens and token capturing means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for random determination and display of a multiplicity of numbers from a larger quantity of numbers including the placing of numbers on balls, mixing the balls in an air chamber, selecting one ball at a time, placing the balls as selected in pockets on a timing wheel, confirming the selection and placement of the balls electronically, recording the numbers by video camera, and displaying the numbers on a display board as selected.

Abstract: A small hand held apparatus for randomly selecting at least several indicia comprises a small enclosed container having a main chamber and a number of pockets that open into this chamber. A plurality of balls are located in the container with the number thereof substantially exceeding the number of pockets. The pockets are sized to permit only one of the balls to fit into any one pocket at any time. The selected indicia is marked on each ball at several locations thereon so as to enable the indicia to be viewed when the respective ball has entered one of the pockets which are made of transparent material. Preferably all of the container is transparent so that all of the balls therein can be viewed.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are provided for arbitrary drawing of planar objects wherein an air current is created in a receptacle, and planar objects, having two opposing faces each having the reproduction of a picture, are introduced into the receptacle. The apparatus includes elements for capturing a planar object in an arbitrary manner, and the captured planar object can be extracted from the receptacle. The receptacle has, on its portion located toward the front, a groove having a trapezoidal section whose width decreases from its upper portion to its lower portion. The base of the groove extends, at its lower portion, beyond the outer surface of the receptacle so as to define a space which is adequate to enable passage of a planar object. The space is blocked by a retractable bar forming the base of the groove for engaging the planar object.

Abstract: An electronic displaying device, together with a control unit and electronic circuitry appropriate to the encoding, sending, receiving, decoding, and displaying of data as used in various games, such as Bingo, Keno, or the like, in which a plurality of players may participate. In the exemplary game of Bingo, for instance, light-weight plastic balls, each marked with a letter and a number, are randomly selected and deposited into apertures in a console, by which action they are automatically identified through the breaking of one row and one column infra-red light beam of a coordinate grid of such beams. Through electronic encoding, transmitting, receiving, and decoding, the aforesaid letter-number combination is substantially instantaneously displayed in two places on a display board or a video monitor. The numbers are continuously selected and progressively displayed until a round of play has been completed in accordance with various rules of the game being played.

Abstract: A bingo device includes: a gas lighter embedded in a holder casing having a lotto flash driver and a buzzer formed in the casing, whereby upon a ignition of the lighter by depressing a gas lever of the lighter, the lotto flash driver will be actuated for flashing plural lamps and also for sounding a buzzer for lighting, entertaining and playing purposes.

Abstract: By providing an interactive communication system whereby individuals are able to electronically select at least one possible outcome of a plurality of outcomes of a future event, individuals are able to participate in the outcome of that event and possible share in a prize award associated with the event. In the preferred embodiment, individualys forming the home audience of a televised game show are able to electronically communicate a series of random numbers using their telephones to participate in possible winning the prize awards of the show. In addition, both on-camera game participants and the studio audience also participate and have the abililty to win prizes.

Abstract: The randomizer of the present invention includes a frame and a removable cover which define an interior region. A plurality of indicia discs are disposed within the interior region, and are for indicating a member of a predetermined set of symbols. The frame includes receptacles for selecting one of the indicia, with the receptacles in communication with the interior region. Separators are provided for subdividing the interior region into a plurality of compartments. The separators are detachably positioned within the interior region so that a variety of selections are possible.

Abstract: An electronic alpha-numeric digit displaying device, together with a control unit and electronic circuitry appropriate to the encoding, sending, receiving, decoding, and displaying of data as used in various games, such as Bingo, Keno, or the like, in which a plurality of players may participate. In the exemplary game of Bingo, for instance, light-weight plastic balls, each marked with a letter and a number, are randomly selected and deposited into apertures in a console, by which action they are automatically identified through the breaking of one row and one column infra-red light beam of a coordinate grid of such beams. Through electronic encoding, transmitting/receiving, and decoding, the aforesaid letter-number combination is substantially instantaneously displayed in two places on a display board.

Abstract: A machine for the random drawing of balls being agitated by aa current of air. The machine includes a transparent receptacle in which the balls are placed, an annular space placed below and communicating with the receptacle, and a plurality of orifices defined by flaps positioned within the annular space. The flaps are capable of at least partially sealing the annular space.

Abstract: An educational device employing a game to teach words and their meanings. This educational device is comprised of four groups of game cards and a playing board. The front face of each game card is divided into six word designations and on the back of the card are the meanings of that word designation. The playing board is divided into four stations of play, each equipped with an erasable answer slate for writing each player's answers and score board. The game board has two scoring disc holders and a spin dial and pointer used to randomly select a game card from a particular group of cards and to randomly select a word on the game card. The spin dial is divided into twenty-four sectors, each of which is color coded to correspond to one of the four color coded groups of cards. Each color coded sector has an indicia corresponding to one of the six word designations on one of the four playing card groups. For quick reference the twenty-four sectors and the corresponding playing cards are color coordinated.

Abstract: The device mixes and selects a plurality of game balls sequentially and includes a rotating chamber which contains a plurality of balls located in the bottom portion thereof. The chamber has a plurality of cups mounted interiorly thereof, the cups being capable of sequentially selecting one of the balls when the chamber is rotated in the first direction and mixing the balls when the chamber is rotated in the second direction. The cups select a ball and convey it to a predetermined exit location. A first ramp is located at the exit location. A second ramp coacts with the first ramp and conveys the balls to a point. A third ramp coacts with the second ramp and is pivotedly mounted about the point. A protrusion is connected across the third ramp for inhibiting further movement of the selected balls when the ramp is in a first position and for permitting the balls to pass beneath the protrusion when the ramp is in its second pivoted position.

Abstract: An auxiliary game for incorporation in a slot machine of the type in which winning combinations of a series of different combinations of symbols are controlled electronically to appear in a group of windows causing a prize to be delivered to an operator. The auxilliary game includes a cage carrying numbered lottery balls arranged to rotate and to release a ball into a transparent tube. A simulation of the ball number is arranged by electronic control to show in a window thereby to indicate a consolation prize. Ball release is controlled by a ball escapement mounted at a ball outlet of the cage and operable to release only a single ball from the cage into the tube at one time and to return the ball to the cage during progressive rotation of the cage.

Abstract: A board game in which the board contains a map of the United States. A track extending from New York to Los Angeles is drawn across the map. Spaces along the track include instructions which apply to each player whose game piece lands on such spaces. These instructions may be to the player's advantage or disadvantage and may, for example, advance or retard the player's movement along the track. The winner must be the first player to complete the round trip from New York to Los Angeles. A novel number selection device, for determining postage and the number of spaces a player advances, comprises in part a funnelform chute with deflection rods to randomly deflect a specially marked, miniature letter into one of several numbered mail bins. The number of the bin into which the letter falls determining the selected number.

Abstract: An action game comprising a unit for automatically and sequentially dispensing play pieces such as discs to a plurality of player stations. The players each attempt to match indicia, such as cutouts, on the discs dispensed to his or her station with indicia at that station to achieve an objective such as completing a row of discs. The illustrated unit includes a base on which a magazine for one or more stacks of the discs is rotatably mounted. As the magazine rotates, cam surfaces on the base and magazine engage discs from the bottoms of the stacks and cause such discs to be ejected outwardly to the respective player stations. When indicia do not match, the disc is put back in the magazine. The unit includes a mechanism for starting and stopping the rotation.

Abstract: An educational game including a plurality of category cards each defining a category of items, a plurality of reference cards which list alphabetically items to be found in each category on the category cards, a plurality of score cards, a plurality of markers each having a letter of the alphabet thereon and a timer. One of the markers is selected along with one of the category cards. The players are then permitted to write down all the items they can think of in the category on their score cards within a preselected interval of time. The items in the selected category are written in alphabetical order beginning with the letter appearing on the selected marker.