Game Element Capture Or Pick Up Using Manual Dexterity Patents (Class 273/447)
  • Patent number: 11676442
    Abstract: A game device of the present invention has a defining part for defining an opening to allow a prize to fall, an operation part for receiving input information, a prize support member for supporting the prize, wherein the prize support member is configured to be operable by that the operation part receives the input information, and an operation control unit for controlling movement of the prize support member. The prize support member is provided above the opening so as to expose the opening. This makes it possible to provide a game device which is capable of effectively utilizing a space inside a housing and having enhanced amusement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: MARVELOUS INC.
    Inventor: Shingo Dote
  • Patent number: 11660549
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of decor items, and more particularly relates to a pendulum unit and a wave pendulum assembly based on the pendulum unit, wherein the wave pendulum assembly comprises a frame and a plurality of first magnetic bodies, respective first magnetic bodies being connected to the frame via strings and being hung in the air; second magnetic bodies, the amount of which is identical to that of the first magnetic bodies, the second magnetic bodies being fixedly disposed below the first magnetic bodies in a one-to-one correspondence; in the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies, at least one party may generate magnetism when being energized, such that at least one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may generate magnetism when being energized, such that the first magnetic body may swing periodically in the air under a magnetic action between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignees: BTS Trading GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Torsten Schneider, Stefan Wesenberg
  • Patent number: 11376491
    Abstract: A claw machine includes a compartment for containing multiple prizes, a crane module movable in the compartment, a chute, a claw module, a turntable, a coin module, a control system, and an operation module including at least one joy stick and at least one button. In operation, the control system actuates the turntable module. A player is allowed to operate the joy stick and the button to move the crane module, to lift and lower the claw module relative to the crane module, to open and close the claw module to fetch a desired one of prizes, and to open the claw module to drop the desired prize onto the turntable module. The turntable module casts the desired prize toward the chute in a centrifugal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 11278818
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer implemented method for apply gamification techniques to a security system, allowing scoring of users handling events generated within the security system. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding security system and a computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Irisity AB
    Inventors: Marcus Bäcklund, Victor Hagelbäck
  • Patent number: 11241330
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for creating an injectable and flowable cold slurry, the system comprising a housing; a mount operatively connected to the housing configured to accept a container; a first motor configured to move the mount from a first position to a second position; a second motor; and a drive shaft in communication with the second motor, wherein the drive shaft is configured to rotate to cause an internal volume of the container to be transformed into the injectable and flowable cold slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Brixton Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Sameer Sabir, Olivier Kagan, Charles Sidoti
  • Patent number: 11113931
    Abstract: An arcade game includes a rotating and tilting prize receptacle for rotating captured prizes past an RFID antenna and dumping captured prizes back into the playing area. To improve the accuracy of reading RFID tags on the prizes, the receptacle spins to pass the captured prizes past the antenna multiple times. Each RFID tag may be assigned a serial number that is read by the RFID reader to assure that captured prizes are not counted multiple times. After the RFID tags have been read, the receptacle is tilted, preferably while still spinning, to dump the prizes back into the playing area. The captured-prize handling apparatus may include a lighted tower that surrounds the electro-mechanical elements and attracts attention to the game. The receptacle is shaped to urge the captured prizes into a position within the receptacle that enhances accurate reading of the RFID tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Smart Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Smart, Jimmy G. Dupree, Jr., Alex Whiteaker, Tyler Wampler, Loren Ostema
  • Patent number: 10957164
    Abstract: A setting device for a claw machine is disclosed. The setting device includes: a cabinet, containing therein prizes; a movable gantry assembly, being installed at a top of the cabinet; a claw member, attached to the gantry assembly from below through a string; and a control device, installed outside the cabinet. The control device has a control circuit module, a joystick, a color liquid crystal display, a music player, and a button. After putting one or more coins, a player is allowed to operate the joystick of the control device to displace the gantry assembly and the claw member. The cabinet has a collection hole communicating with the exterior. The color liquid crystal display displays a setting interface. The disclosed device allows a machine owner to easily set relevant setting items through the setting interface so as to provide players with variable playing experiences and in turn increasing revenues of the claw machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Chen-Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 10957165
    Abstract: A crane game is provided with a gantry supporting a claw mechanism for grabbing bundles of tickets having RFID tags. A solid playing floor supports the bundles of tickets. An internal housing unit is supported on the playing floor and defines a prize chute. A claw mechanism grabs a bundle of tickets. The claw mechanism is lowered into the internal housing unit where a shielded RFID reader reads the RFID tag of the bundle of tickets. The internal housing unit has internal first, second, and third deflection walls that meet with one another at a peak and they slope in a direction towards the playing floor. If a bundle of tickets falls out of the claw mechanism while it is in the internal housing unit, then the bundle of tickets hit one of the first, second, or third deflection walls and exits through first, second, or third internal housing unit exits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Innovative Concepts in Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Dluzen, John Mecca, Alex Wangler
  • Patent number: 10593161
    Abstract: A system that uses a vending machine and an arcade game of skill in combination. The vending machine can be a beverage machine that dispenses cold beverages for a specified price, and includes a refrigerated compartment for keeping the beverages cold. Next to the vending machine is an arcade game that allows a player to win the items sold with the vending machine. A patron is offered the choice of trying to win the item using the arcade game, or simply use the vending machine to acquire the item. If the item is successfully won using the arcade game, the arcade game uses a signal that is send to the vending machine to dispense the item won from its inventory, and the item or card in the arcade game is returned to the playing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10500478
    Abstract: A swaying toy includes: a grounding-position-variable base member; a tubular tower member erected from the base member; a ball placing member which allows a ball to be placed thereon; and a piece placing member including a piece placing portion which allows a piece to be placed thereon and a ball-hit portion to be hit by the ball. The piece placing member is swingably attached to the tower member. The ball is released from the ball placing member according to a grounding state of the base member and passes through an inside space of the tower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: EPOCH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuaki Kurita
  • Patent number: 10307665
    Abstract: A game machine includes an object-capturing unit, a maneuver unit and a display unit. The game machine includes a capture area for containing objects each provided with an RFID tag and a scan area in communication with the capture area. The maneuver unit is operable to control the object-capturing unit to capture one of the objects from the capture area and drop the object into the scan area. A control module includes a processing unit, an initiating unit and a tag scanner. The processing unit is electrically connected to the object-capturing unit, the maneuver unit and the display unit. The initiating unit is electrically connected to the processing unit. The tag scanner is electrically connected to the processing unit, and adapted for scanning the RFID tag of the object so that a code of the RFID tag of the object can be translated and shown on the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: En-Shin Chu
  • Patent number: 10130871
    Abstract: A crane game is provided for amusement, training, and team building purposes. The body of the crane is suspended beneath manually held handles which are attached to the crane body by cords. Two lifting hooks are suspended beneath the crane body and operated by lifting lines which engage the crane body and extend outwardly from the crane body. Multiple persons each control a handle or lifting line and operate the crane through coordinated movement of the handles and lifting lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: James O Woody
  • Patent number: 10109144
    Abstract: A complex beverage grabbing vending machine includes a machine table and a plurality of bottle mounting frames. The machine table is configured with an accommodation space having a drop port with a detection element, and the upper side of the accommodation a crown block track to which a gripper with non-slip elements is coupled pivotally; the gripper is configured with a hanging line capable of wound to shorten or unwound to elongate; the machine table is further configured with an operation station having an operation lever and operation button, coin slot in electric communication with the operation station and gripper, refund button, and an extract port in communication the drop port; the bottle mounting frames each having a plurality of mounting holes are configured in the accommodation space. Whereby, the present invention is capable of beverage sale and has game fun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Yi-Ho Lin
  • Patent number: 9120008
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a prize support section that supports a prize, a prize moving section that moves the prize supported by the prize support section by making a movement and a motion, a prize outlet that allows a player to remove the prize, and a prize guiding space that guides the prize toward the prize outlet. The game apparatus further includes a control section that controls the movement and the motion of the prize moving section based on operation information, and controls a motion force of the prize moving section based on motion force information, and a motion force change section that changes the motion force information based on a position of the prize moving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO GAMES INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Shiino, Kouji Sasajima, Makiko Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8882111
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8864137
    Abstract: An action game apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus is useable to play an action game including a launching device and a collection device with an indicator that signals when a predetermined quantity of game pieces have been collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Janice Ritter, Rawn Trinidad, Stephen Lau
  • Patent number: 8827762
    Abstract: A gripper for a toy has a base body, and two gripping bodies. Each gripping body is connected by a respective gripping body connecting joint to the base body is movable between a release position with an opened gripper and a gripping position with a closed gripper. At least one gripping body is formed as a lever body and has a jaw portion and a lever portion. The associated gripping body connecting joint is arranged between the jaw portion and the lever portion. A control rod is connected to the gripping bodies by a respective control rod connecting joint and, when the gripper is open, is arranged between the gripping bodies in a freely accessible jaw encompassing region. By contact with an item to be gripped, the control rod can be moved between a release position with an opened gripper and a gripping position with a closed gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Bruder Spielwaren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Klenk
  • Patent number: 8814644
    Abstract: An interactive system for simulating a treasure hunt, comprising a plurality of pseudo-treasures (1) distributed over a playing area (5), and a detector (6) which is allocated to each player (7, 20, 21) and is suitable for scanning over the playing area (5) and detecting at least one pseudo-treasure (1), characterized in that said system further comprises means (24) suitable for allocating, to each player (7, 20, 21), at least one specific pseudo-treasure (1) to be found within a predetermined time period, each pseudo-treasure (1) comprising identification means and each detector (6) being suitable for identifying the scanned pseudo-treasures (1) and indicating the pseudo-treasure or treasures (1) found within the set time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard Trouvilliez
  • Publication number: 20140167357
    Abstract: An improved game for teaching manual dexterity and improving eye-hand coordination using tools appropriate for very small children to hold and operate is disclosed. Moreover, an improved simplified marble game for teaching rule-following for very young children to provide a transition to more difficult and more complicated games as they age is disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Alex Williams
  • Publication number: 20140015199
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, JR.
  • Patent number: 8608171
    Abstract: A game machine includes a cabinet, a shutter, a sensor and a drive mechanism. The cabinet has a chute for guiding items therein to a hatch accessible to a user. The shutter is normally disposed in a closed position in the cabinet to cover the chute in order to prevent the item from entering the hatch. The sensor is provided for detecting whether an item is deposited on the shutter, and if yes, sending out a signal. Upon reception of the signal, the drive mechanism is activated to cause the shutter to move to an opening position uncovering the chute to allow entry of the detected item into the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Publication number: 20130292907
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game vending machine. The game vending machine includes: at least one premium hooking unit and a puller unit. The premium hooking unit hooks premium, and the puller unit pulls a front plate included in the premium hooking unit to allow the premium to drop down into a premium discharge part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: KOMUSE. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seong Wook Jeong, Gyo In Lim, Jeong Cheol Kim
  • Publication number: 20130231166
    Abstract: Coin operated amusement device including a crane game, a game of chance, and a simulated slot machine in combination. The Amusement device also includes a credit card swipe component for accepting payment. The credit card swipe component can also accept and player cards commonly issued by casinos and other merchants for playing machines in their locations for payment and storing or crediting winnings. The amusement device also includes a thermal printer for generating and printing tickets for location/retailer specific coupons or other awards that can be used at the location, online, or with other merchants in a specific area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Keith Riggles
  • Patent number: 8448948
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8353518
    Abstract: A game machine includes a main frame standing on a supporting surface, a 3D catcher mounted in a top portion of the main frame, an operational unit mounted onto the main frame for controlling the 3D catcher and a gate assembly mounted in a lower portion of the main frame, through the gate assembly, the operator can take the falling prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Peiloli Electronic Co., Ltd., Department of Electrical Engineering, National Changhua University of Education
    Inventors: Poszu Lai, I-Chiang Yang, Tsair-Rong Chen, Wen-Ren Yang
  • Publication number: 20120228828
    Abstract: Coin operated amusement device including a crane game, a game of chance, and a simulated slot machine in combination. A player deposits coins, and is able to play three games. One game is a traditional crane game. A second game requires a player to press a button to stop moving, flashing lights on an area to win a prize. The second game is located on the corners of the cabinet and above the marquee on the top of the crane game machine cabinet. In a third game, the player plays a slot machine game located on the marquee of the crane machine and pulls a one-arm bandit handle to start the game. If the player wins the slot machine game, the prize is tickets that can be redeemed via an online website/store. Games are played in any order and combination and the prizes adjusted by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Keith Riggles
  • Patent number: 8251369
    Abstract: Game machine comprising a housing with a number of upright walls, said housing being adapted to accommodate playing means, for instance pick-up means such as a grabber; wherein the upright walls of the housing comprise at least one translucent panel; and a pattern of multicolor LEDs is provided on the inner side of the housing behind this at least one translucent panel, said multicolor LEDs being connected to a control unit for controlling the color emitted by each multicolor LED, which control unit and at least one translucent panel are adapted to impart a determined impression of color to the at least one panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Elaut, N.V.
    Inventor: Eric Verstraeten
  • Patent number: 8251370
    Abstract: A game machine comprises a housing, a user access panel having a controller, a money acceptor, a rotating field having a surface for receiving a plurality of objects situated thereon, a retriever that is movable along a track that is supported by the housing for enabling movement of the retriever relative to the rotating field, an object receiving area, and an outlet for access to the object received within the object receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Jack Guarnieri Service Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Guarnieri, Drew Maniscalco
  • Patent number: 8210538
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8206232
    Abstract: The amusement apparatus comprising a housing, a frame and an interior space, and a door allowing entry of a player having arms into interior space. An air circulation system fluidly connected to interior space of housing. An engagement system located within interior space. Engagement system, control system, signaling system and an air circulation system are cooperatively interconnected. A player area is located within the interior space and positioned proximate the engagement system wherein contact by player with engagement system initiates a sequence of instructions from the control system to initiate the delivery of air into interior space by air circulation system for circulation of prizes within interior space. A signal to player is sent via signaling system to discontinue player contact with engagement system so player may interact with the prizes circulating in the interior space for the purpose of removing the prizes from the housing via the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Roy Johnston
  • Patent number: 8196930
    Abstract: Described herein is a game system that includes a game control unit that communicates with a plurality of play units. Each play unit typically has a user input functionality (e.g., a button) and a visual indicator (e.g., lights). The play units can communicate and receive instructions from the game control unit. The game control unit may also include a user input, and can track play and upload results (e.g., scores) into a central data repository. Players may wear identification tags that can also provide identifying information for tracking or monitoring by the game control unit. Also described herein are methods of playing games using the system, and social networking website for players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: HopeLab Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Bakshi, Moyukh Chatterjee, Jeffrey Hart, Lahiru Mudalige, Matthew Warshauer, Patricia L. Christen
  • Patent number: 8167311
    Abstract: A game machine includes a cabinet-type main frame. A rack and a movement assembly respectively mounted in the main frame. The rack has multiple rooms defined therein for receiving prizes. An operational unit is mounted on a front panel of the main frame for user to operate the movement assembly. A drive device is mounted on the movement assembly and reciprocally moved relative to the rack. Multiple driven devices are mounted on the rack. Each driven device aligns with a corresponding one of the rooms. Each driven device has a shaft extending into the corresponding room and reciprocally moved to push a prized received in the room when the drive device is engaged to and pushes the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Publication number: 20120025469
    Abstract: A prize placement section includes a first plate-like member having a side on which a prize is placed, and a frame member that supports the first plate-like member, the frame member including a frame-side attachment section that is adapted to removably attach the frame member to an apparatus-side attachment section provided in a game space, and the frame-side attachment section being positioned so that the frame member can be attached to the apparatus-side attachment section from above when the first plate-like member is not supported by the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: NAMCO BANDAI GAMES INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Shiino, Makiko Sakurai, Shigeharu Goto, Akihiro Ohi
  • Publication number: 20120013075
    Abstract: Systems and methods of organizing and conducting games are set forth herein. One method of organizing and conducting a game comprises steps of arranging a plurality of contestants within a predefined adventurous area, and providing a plurality of items, each item having a distinct identifying characteristic. An ultralight with a programmable ejection system launches the plurality of items into the adventurous area through the air according to a predetermined routine. The contestants are allowed to search for and collect the items launched by the ultralight within the adventurous area before the game ends. Means are provided for correlating the identifying characteristic of each item to a prize, and each contestant is allowed to retain the prize correlating to the identifying characteristic of the item that was collected by the contestant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan Kraft
  • Patent number: 8079596
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8079597
    Abstract: A striking device for a prize-winning game machine is disclosed, primarily comprising a striking head, an X-Z axis moving mechanism, and a Y-axis striking mechanism. The moving mechanism comprises two symmetrically disposed X-axis guiding rails and a Z-axis guiding rail where both ends of the Z-axis guiding rail are movably connected at X-axis guiding rails. The Y-axis striking mechanism can movably connected at the Z-axis guiding rail and comprises a Y-axis guiding rail and a striking rod moving along and disposed on the Y-axis guiding rail. The striking rod is off-axis aligned and connected to a back surface of the striking head for striking the targets in the prize-winning game machine. Therefore, the Y-axis striking mechanism will not be tilted or shifted during numerous striking operations to greatly increase the durations of the striking head and the striking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Shan Wei
  • Patent number: 8070167
    Abstract: An arcade game pick-up device for use with hollow cylindrical targets that can be picked-up by applying a suction force to the bottom of the target, the pick-up device having a suction means and a control for reducing the tolerance between an impeding structure and the upper wall of the target to control the win percentage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110260408
    Abstract: A game apparatus and method of playing a game is disclosed herein. The game apparatus having: a central area that is configured to be rotated in a first direction; an outer member surrounding the central area, the outer member being configured to be rotated in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; a wall member separating an outer periphery of the central area from an inner periphery of the outer member; and a plurality of grabbing devices disposed about the outer member, each of the plurality of grabbing devices being configured to grab an object from the outer member and move it to the central area by tossing it over the wall member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Janice E. Ritter, Damon R. Saddler
  • Patent number: 8016292
    Abstract: A game machine includes a main frame standing on a supporting surface, a move assembly and a rack respectively disposed in the main frame. An operating unit and a slot unit are respectively disposed on the main frame. A prize dispensing hole is defined in the main frame. The moving assembly includes an X-axis drive unit, a Y-axis drive unit and a Z-axis push unit. The rack has multiple rooms defined therein and each room has a prize received therein. The player can control the X-axis drive unit and the Y-axis drive unit to make the Z-axis push unit linearly corresponding to one of the rooms for pushing the prize in the corresponding room such that the pushed prize falls into the prize dispensing hole and the player can take the fallen prize from the prize dispensing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: I-Chiang Yang, Tsair-Rong Chen, Wen-Ren Yang
  • Patent number: 8011509
    Abstract: A package for storing a prize associated with a crane claw arcade game includes a sidewall, a first and second end panels, a cavity, at least one first side aperture, and optionally at least one second side aperture. The sidewall includes a plurality of side panels, wherein each includes opposing first and second side edges and opposing first and second end edges. The cavity is adapted to store the prize associated with the crane claw arcade game. The first side aperture is defined by a first side panel of the plurality of side panels, and the optional second side aperture is defined by a second side panel of the plurality of side panels. The first and second side apertures are adapted to receive a finger of a claw of the crane claw arcade game to facilitate retrieval of the package from a housing of the arcade game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: NAMCO Cybertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sakamaki, Akio Fujii, Darin Pilcher, Jim Wulfers
  • Patent number: 8002284
    Abstract: A doll-based game machine includes a frame, a doll-hanging unit, a displacement unit, a string-cutting unit and an operation unit. The frame includes an opening defined therein. The doll-hanging unit is located in the frame and used to hang dolls. The displacement unit includes an X-axis displacement unit located in the frame, a Y-axis displacement unit connected to the X-axis displacement unit, and a cutter-carrying unit connected to the Y-axis displacement unit. The string-cutting unit is carried by the cutter-carrying unit. The operation unit is located on the frame and operable to cause the X-axis displacement unit to move the Y-axis displacement unit along an X-axis, to cause the Y-axis displacement unit to move the cutter-carrying unit along a Y-axis, and to turn the string-cutting unit into a cutting mode from an idle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Hung Hsieh, Yi-Chiang Yang, Tsair-Rong Chen
  • Patent number: 7988561
    Abstract: A revised universal base structure which is adapted for use in manufacturing various different versions of an electromechanical game using the same base structure. The base structure provides a network or grid of recessed areas above which a ground plate may extend. The recessed areas are formed as small squares and various small playing pieces are receivable in the recesses so that they can be retrieved by players during the course of game play. However, the base structure can be used with various uniquely different ground plates and unique upper boards to form various different embodiments of the differing games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Lenkarski, Joseph DeCarolis
  • Publication number: 20110180998
    Abstract: Game machine comprising a housing with a number of upright walls, said housing being adapted to accommodate playing means, for instance pick-up means such as a grabber; wherein the upright walls of the housing comprise at least one translucent panel; and a pattern of multicolor LEDs is provided on the inner side of the housing behind this at least one translucent panel, said multicolor LEDs being connected to a control unit for controlling the color emitted by each multicolor LED, which control unit and at least one translucent panel are adapted to impart a determined impression of color to the at least one panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: ELAUT N.V.
    Inventor: Eric Verstraeten
  • Publication number: 20110169218
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7900929
    Abstract: To perform angle adjustment of a claw member in an end portion of a gripping arm assuredly in a simple manner. A claw member 4 is disposed to be able to turn relative to an arm 8 in the direction for opening or closing the arm 8, and a claw angle adjusting means 42 that can be switched between a restricted state in which a relative angle of the claw member 4 with respect to the arm 8 is fixed by restricting a turning operation of the claw member 4 relative to the arm 8 and a non-restricted state in which the relative angle of the claw member 4 can be changed by allowing the turning operation of the claw member 4 by a user's manual operation is included. The claw angle adjusting means 42 has a slider 43 that can be moved between a restricted position and a non-restricted position. In addition, a stair part 44 that has multiple steps and forms the restricted state of the claw angle adjusting means 42 by engaging an engagement part 43a that is a part of the slider 43 is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventor: Kouki Takasugi
  • Patent number: 7857318
    Abstract: An arcade type crane game includes a crane that moves in a two dimensional random motion over the playing field of the prizes without control from the player. After a period of the random motion, a pick up device stops its random motion and lowers in the location where it stops and attempts to pick up a prize below. In the case of a vacuum pick up device, the vacuum is lowered and acquires (or attempts to acquire) the nearest object below the vacuum. In the case of a claw type crane, the claws actuate after being lowered to the level of the prizes to acquire (or attempt to acquire) a prize below. By removing the controls from the player, various elements of skill have been removed from the game and replaced by chance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Shoemaker, Jr., Edward Che
  • Patent number: 7841599
    Abstract: The invention provides a home-use crane game machine that gives a player a strained sensation of operation similar to playing a game apparatus disposed in the amusement arcade or the like and that young children can play easily. The home-use crane game machine comprises a base part having a first button, a second button and a main board having a control device, a housing part, a crane part having a catcher having a bottom part formed in the shape of teeth and a standing wall plate vertically protruding on the side of the bottom part and a crane main body for controlling the movement of the catcher in X axis direction, Y axis direction and Z axis direction, and a roof, wherein the control device moves the catcher in X axis direction, Y axis direction and Z axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Agatsuma Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Todokoro
  • Patent number: 7793938
    Abstract: Foremost provided is a prize acquisition game apparatus capable of alleviating the burden of the difficulty adjustment operation, and secondly provided is an operating system of a prize acquisition game apparatus capable of promoting the efficiency in operating a prize acquisition game apparatus. In each of the prize acquisition game apparatuses, provided is a detection unit for detecting the respective types of arm and claw mounted on a catching unit, wherein an information processing terminal transmits an externally input search criterion to a server, and the server creates a search database associating the type of prize and the respective types of arm and claw based on the respective types of prize, arm and claw transmitted from each of the prize acquisition game apparatuses, and extracts from the search database the respective types of arm and claw according to the search criterion transmitted from the information processing terminal and transmits this to the information processing terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventor: Hideki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7731199
    Abstract: A prize acquisition game apparatus is provided which does not require the effort of replacing an interchangeable discharging port structure unit but rather has a discharging port the size of which can be easily changed. The prize acquisition game apparatus comprises: operation means which is operated by a player; a prize housing section for housing a plurality of prizes; prize acquiring means for acquiring a said prize; a discharging port which is formed in the prize housing section for discharging the prize from the prize housing section; control means for controlling the prize acquiring means to operate in response to an operation signal from the operation means; a discharged prize receiving section for receiving the prize discharged through the discharging port by the prize acquiring means which operates under the control of the control means; and sliding means for sliding a frame which is provided on the discharging port to change the size of the discharging port according to a distance the frame is slid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Fukazawa, Takashi Yamamoto, Kouki Takasugi
  • Patent number: 7703772
    Abstract: A pusher-type prize dispensing device in which each of two support plates on which a bonus prize is placed is pivotally supported on one end on an axis of which the axial direction coincides with the horizontal and depth direction, and is locked almost horizontally by allowing the other end to be suspended on a locking member. A suspended string is tied to a bent upper portion, and the other end of the support plate is suspended on the top surface of a lower portion, whereby the locking member locks the support plate. When a weight member falls from a stationary table, the locking member moves rotationally due to the fall of the weight member so that the upper portion moves downward, whereby the support plate falls downward, causing the prize P placed on the top surface of the support plate to fall toward a prize receiving port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.
    Inventors: Hironobu Morikawa, Shigeharu Goto