Abstract: A game machine according to the present invention includes claws for holding a thing. The machine also includes an acquisition detector, a closing pivotal angle controller, a continuous play controller and a playable game computer. If a player has acquired nothing from the game machine in the last game, and the detector outputs an acquisition failure signal, the angle controller increases the closing pivotal angle of the claws. If the player has acquired a thing from the machine in the last game, and the detector outputs an acquisition success signal, the angle controller decreases the pivotal angle. If the play controller outputs a continuous play signal, the game computer increases the number of playable games.

Abstract: A crane amusement game, including a cylindrically shaped cabinet enclosing a game prize platform, and an apparatus for grabbing a prize arranged on the platform. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the prize platform includes an actuate perimeter. In another embodiment, the invention includes a crane amusement game, including a cabinet enclosing a game prize platform, and, a gantry operatively arranged for rotational movement, and a claw operatively arranged for translational movement, the claw operatively arranged to grab a prize arranged on the platform. In this embodiment, the cabinet may be in any shape, but the gantry is arranged for rotational movement. The invention also includes a method for controlling an apparatus for grabbing a prize in an amusement game.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for standing a fallen stick between medals in a premium arcade game. In particular, it relates to a method for electronically detecting the stick being knocked down during a game and automatically re-standing the fallen stick by simple mechanical procedures in a premium arcade game that a user rakes down as many medals heaped up on a plate as possible without knocking down a stick standing between the medals by controlling a joy-stick or up/down buttons.

Abstract: A training device for removable attachment to a basketball rim produces a smaller effective rim diameter. The device is of monolithic plastic construction, having a flat upper surface bounded by concentric outer and inner circular perimeters. Associated with the outer perimeter are guidance and stabilizer clips. The guidance clip facilitates placement of the device on the basketball rim, and the stabilizer clips secure the device upon the basketball rim by a snap-on effect with application of downward force.

Abstract: A fishing toy comprising a fishing rod comprising in turn a handgrip portion to which the fishing rod is attached, a fishing line adapted to elongate via the fishing rod and a toy body fishing means attached to a distal end of the fishing line, and a toy body formed to mock fish and adapted to be fished up with the toy body fishing means, the toy body comprising a power supply, a driving means adapted to be driven with the power supply and an operation switch for varying the driven conditions of the driving means, the fishing toy being characterized in that; the fishing rod has an operating means for varying the driving speed of the driving means provided on the toy body and a transmission means for transmitting operation information operated by the operating means to the toy body and that the toy body is provided with a reception means for receiving the information transmitted from the fishing rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a premium arcade game machine and the gaming method thereof. In more detail, it relates to a gaming method that a user rakes down as many medals heaped up on a plate as possible without knocking down a stick standing between the medals by controlling a joystick and/or up/down buttons to move a rake front/back/left/right and up/down within a given time, and the game machine.

Abstract: A game machine according to the present invention includes claws for holding a thing. The machine also includes an acquisition detecting means, a closing pivotal angle controlling means, a continuous play controlling means and a playable game computing means. If a player has acquired nothing from the game machine in the last game, and the detecting means outputs an acquisition failure signal, the angle controlling means increases the closing pivotal angle of the claws. If the player has acquired a thing from the machine in the last game, and the detecting means outputs an acquisition success signal, the angle controlling means decreases the pivotal angle. If the play controlling means outputs a continuous play signal, the game computing means increases the number of playable games.

Abstract: Game apparatus that enables players themselves to bodily sense a feeling of reality and lively motion, and that enables satisfying curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations. The game apparatus is composed of: a holding section (6) for holding a plurality of grab articles (7); a ride apparatus (10) for players (Y) to board, adapted to be shiftable and/or rotatable; and a fetching means (25) attached onto the ride apparatus (10), for fetching grab articles (7) from the holding section (6) by player (Y) manipulations. By actions that manipulate the fetching means (25), a player (Y) can satisfy curiosity regarding mechanical manipulations, and can enjoy an amusement brimming with appeal. By boarding and traveling with the ride apparatus (10), the players (Y) themselves can bodily sense a feeling of reality and lively motion.

Abstract: A game machine played by a player to fish amusement objects. The game machine has a tank containing water. The amusement objects float on water. A fishing member engages one of the amusement objects and fishes the amusement object. The fishing member is lifted to catch the amusement object. A driving mechanism supports the fishing member and vertically moves the fishing member. A forcible object mover forcibly moves the amusement objects on the water surface. A manipulator, which is manipulated by the player, lowers the fishing member with the driving mechanism. A dropping mechanism drops the amusement object when the amusement object is lifted together with the fishing member by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for randomly dispensing objects, such as chocolate candies, a kit of parts, and a method for playing games, or educational exercises. that utilizes the random dispenser apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a substantially hollow interior portion for holding a plurality of the objects and a dispensing opening dimensioned to allow a single object to be dispensed. An object sorter is provided for aligning the objects for individual dispensing through the dispensing opening of the housing. Finally, an actuator is provided for individually dispensing the single object from the object sorter through the dispensing opening of the housing. In operation, the objects are held within the housing and are randomly aligned within the object sorter such that a user will not know which of the objects will be dispensed when the actuator is actuated. The objects are then dispensed through the dispensing opening in the housing when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus including an appendage coupled to a body and a drive. The drive produces a force that causes the appendage to move with respect to the body. When the apparatus is resting on a support surface, the force produced by the drive is insufficient to overcome the force produced by the weight of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved claw control system for use in a coin operated crane game. In one embodiment, this system allows operation of the claw solenoid in a precise manner in which the DC claw current is digitally controlled. A microcomputer can be used to read a potentiometer setting via an analog to digital converter. The microcomputer outputs a command current to the solenoid via a digital to analog converter and a solenoid driver.

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: An amusement machine, with prizes, combines a game of chance with a game of skill. The game of skill incorporates a crane mechanism to grab a prize. A win on the game of chance allows the player to operate the crane mechanism of the game of skill.

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 fishing toy including a fishing tackle and a toy fish. When the fishing line is wound on a line-winding mechanism of the fishing tackle to the end, the line-winding mechanism will idle to protect the fishing line and the fishing rod. When a switch is switched on, a motor in the toy fish is rotated to drive a swinging mechanism and a linking mechanism, whereby the toy fish can slowly swing and swim in the water with the lower jaw slowly opening and closing. When a magnetic bait attracts and attaches to the bite triggering mechanism, the fish tail and the lower jaw swing more violently so as to create a live effect both when the toy fish is in the water and after it is gaffed.

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 game apparatus which includes a magnet tied to an elastic cable and a number of cards which are attractive to the magnet. To play the game, the player holds the elastic cable and throws the magnet so as to cause the magnet to impact one or more of the cards so as to magnetically attract and retrieve at least one of them.

Abstract: A vend every time skill crane wherein a vendable prize, such as a capsule containing an item, is dispensed every time money is inserted into the machine while the claw and associated manipulator are simultaneously energized for an allotted play opportunity to allow a player to attempt to grasp and retrieve a prize, such as a stuffed toy animal or other items.

Abstract: A game of skill includes a lighted circular target intended to simulate the sun. A joystick is used to manipulate a crane mechanism and buttons are provided to allow the crane mechanism to be lowered and raised with an included magnet being used to allow lifting and dropping of magnetically attractive disks. The object of the game is to lift each disk, in turn, and to manipulate the joystick to cause disks to be dropped onto the simulated solar target surface to cover as high a percentage of the solar target surface as possible. An indicator is provided to indicate how much of the solar target surface has been covered, and a timer display displays the elapsed time.

Abstract: A sight-designed fishing game toy including a base and a transmission mechanism disposed therein. A sight tower preferably made of transparent material is disposed on upper surface of the base. Various kinds of sight articles are disposed in the sight tower. A chamber is connected on top face of the sight tower for placing a rotary disk therein. Multiple fish dolls are disposed on the rotary disk. A hollow transmission column preferably made of transparent material has a bottom end drivingly connected with the transmission mechanism in the base. A connecting ring is disposed on the top end of the transmission column, whereby a central shaft of the rotary disk is passed through the chamber to drivingly connect with the transmission column.

Abstract: A toy set for fishing play mainly includes a casing having an animal contour, inside which there is arranged a driving mechanism and a plurality of toothed rotary trays. The driving mechanism drives various gear sets, which are linked with eyeballs and limbs of the fake animal. As a result, the toy set can imitate a variety of gestures of the animal while fishing play is going on, showing great fun.

Abstract: A tethered ball game device is disclosed utilizing flat disk devices that are retrieved by the tethered ball or "snagger". The ball includes a magnet or hook and loop type fastener means and is therefore capable of attracting or attaching the flat disks or "caps". The tether is elastic in nature, thus allowing the snagger to be projected toward a group of caps, lying on the ground, attracting to one or more caps and then retrieving the caps, by virtue of the tether, in one continuous movement. A variety of games can be played utilizing the disclosed device in a manner that is far more challenging and creatively motivating than existing POG games or tethered ball games. The concept is simple enough that a child can master the level of coordination necessary to perform the tasks necessary to play the game yet the variations can be made complex enough that adults can find the games physically challenging.

Abstract: A game machine includes a housing; a grip mechanism including two hands for gripping articles mounted on a rear wall of the housing; a drive mechanism for moving the grip mechanism vertically and/or horizontally, and depthwise in the housing; a control mechanism for controlling starting and stopping of the drive mechanism; and an input mechanism manually controlled by a game user for sending signals to the control mechanism to start and stop vertical and/or horizontal movement of the grip mechanism. Depthwise movement of the grip mechanism is actuated by the control mechanism after horizontal and vertical movement is stopped. A sensor mechanism on the grip mechanism senses the presence of a prize between the two hands and sends a signal to the control mechanism to close the hands to grip the article whereupon the grip mechanism is returned to a home position, the hands are released and the prize is delivered to the user.

Abstract: An improved rotary push arcade game including a turntable having a central aperture. Prize objects which are positioned on the surface of the turntable are moved by a pivoting arm member positioned above the turntable. An improved tip of the arm member is engaged with the surface of the turntable and is used to engage an object and push the object into a collection pocket. The collection pocket detects the presence of the object and provides the object to the player. An object dispenser which is positioned in the central aperture of the turntable is used for dispensing additional objects onto the surface of the turntable as required. A wheel mechanism coupled to the turntable near the edge of the turntable causes the turntable to rotate.

Abstract: A skill crane cabinet having an extruded aluminum frame assembly formed with channels selectively receiving panels forming the side, back and front walls of the cabinet. The panels have various decorative appearances to blend in and compliment the decor of the particular business establishment in which the cabinet is placed.

Abstract: A toy simulates an arcade game. A box has a transparent side panel and contains game device that may be manipulated from a control panel at a front of a box. Here the game device is a toy boat or submarine that slides horizontally and deploys a claw to pick up objects on the bottom panel. The boat and claw have separate reversible motors which turn in one direction or the other depending upon the polarity of the applied voltage. To play the game, a user looks at the game pieces while he manipulates the controls at the front of the box in order to pick up an object and drop it through a chute.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amusement machine comprising a play area (3) for containing a plurality of small portable articles (30) which are accessible from above; a scoop means (4) remotely operable by a user of the machine for scooping articles from the play area (3) and transferring them directly or indirectly to a collection station (7); a sensor means (26) for detecting the amount of articles at the collection station (7); and a dispenser for dispensing a cash or non-cash prize in response to a signal from the sensor (26).

Abstract: A prize dispensing game includes a prize retaining housing, a prize dispensing port, a prize dispensing assembly, a play credit registering assembly, a prize dispensing sensor adjacent to the prize dispensing port, and a credit deactivating assembly controlled by the prize dispensing sensor. The retaining housing preferably includes a prize retaining box with a box wall having a prize viewing window. The prize dispensing port preferably includes a passageway having a passageway side wall. The prize dispensing sensor preferably includes an electronic eye in said side wall generating a sensing beam across the passageway. The dispensing sensor preferably additionally includes a circuit for carrying an electronic signal generated by the electronic eye and a signal filtering circuit. The signal filtering circuit preferably includes a circuit for inverting the signal and a resistor.

Abstract: A shovel type game machine is adapted to pick up articles on a display platform. The game machine has a resiliently deformable bucket, and a bucket drive device for supporting the top of the bucket for tilting movement. The bucket drive device causes the bucket to perform its shoveling operation while tilting the bucket forwardly with a given force. The shoveling operation is performed by moving the pivot center of the bucket downwardly. Thus, the bucket can be resiliently deformed to move its tip below the articles.

Abstract: A crane claw tilt switch in addition to a cable tension switch is used to prevent a crane claw from becoming entangled in its suspending cable. When the claw lands on the floor or some other object, it either comes to rest or starts to tilt. If it comes to rest, further lowering creates cable slack, operating the tension switch. If it starts to tilt, the tilt switch operates before the claw tilts enough to allow an arm of the claw to catch on the cable. In response to the operation of either switch, a system processor commands the claw to automatically raise, ensuring that it does not become entangled in its cable.

Abstract: A crane game machine which includes a premium article placing face for putting a large number of premium articles thereon, a crane having a plurality of hooks for grasping a premium article, and a driving mechanism for setting the crane to a position on the premium article placing face and for making the crane hooks grasp a premium article in response to a starting operation by an operator. A grasping force is changed by changing the weight of the crane. The probability of gaining the premium article can be regulated in a recreation hall or the like where the game machine is handled by varying the weight of the crane.

Abstract: A doll catching toy has a turning disc, which is rotated by a mechanism set in a receptacle on which the turning disc is fixed. On the turning disc are fixed capped doll containers, whose caps are opened up or closed down at intervals during the time when the disc is rotating, thus permitting a player to fish up a doll by a magnet or hook attached to a line.

Abstract: A random selection apparatus for a game is provided. The apparatus includes a container having a chamber and a tapering throat. A magnetic object is housed within the chamber and is held captive therein by the tapering throat. The magnetic object includes at least one pair of magnetically polarized opposing faces. A magnetically polarized elongate member is provided which is sufficiently narrow for insertion into the chamber through the throat. Upon insertion, a polarized end of the elongate member magnetically interacts with the magnetic object in the chamber and, upon removal from the chamber, draws the magnetic object to the throat of the container, where the object is temporarily lodged, with one of the two opposing faces exposed for view. In this manner, one of the opposing faces of the amgnetic object is randomly presented for view at the throat of the container. Games are provided in which the apparatus is used.

Abstract: Blocks are stacked and extracted by the players one at a time to score points based on the length and location of the block. Each block has metal disks embedded in the surface. An extraction tool with a magnet on the end is used to engage the metal disk and extract the block from the stack without disturbing the remaining blocks.

Abstract: A toy including a fishing game and passive game elements. The fishing game allows the active participation of game participants, and the passive game elements provide visual enjoyment for the game participants. Both the fishing game portion and the passive game element portion rotate simultaneously through meshing engagement with a drive motor.

Abstract: A Game Apparatus is disclosed which is capable of forming the base of many different games and which comprises a container 1 for game apparatus elements and a lid 7 for the container, an upper surface of the container being provided with attachments whereby at least some of the game apparatus elements 10 can be mounted upon the container so that the container functions as a base for the assembled game apparatus and the lid of the container 7 includes a spinner 8, 9 for randomly choosing one of a plurality of instructions for use in playing a game with the game apparatus.