US3556531A - Sweepstake programmer - Google Patents

Abstract

A game in which a player attempts to match a number or design selected by a chance mechanism. The player sets the game into operation by inserting a first token to operate the chance mechanism for selecting a number or design by the machine, which is to be matched by the player. The token also releases the selecting mechanism by which the player makes his selection. The insertion of a security key releases the trip mechanism for operation by the player. By operating the trip mechanism after the insertion of the security key the player attempts to match the first two numbers (or designs) selected by the machine. The insertion of a second token or other triggering means allows the player a choice of selecting a third number and a third token allows the player to select a fourth number. In the event the player matches the selected numbers the machine prints a tab indicating the correct selection.

Description

United States Patent [72] lnventor Clarence L. Elder Baltimore, Md. [21] Appl. No. 737,466

:4]swrrrmkirnocmmm 13 Claims, 15 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 273/143 [51] Int.Cl A63b 71/06 [50] Field olSearch 273/138,

139,143,143(15),130(A),(AB),134(A), 135(A), 1(E) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,237,122 4/1941 Swan et a1 273/138(A) 2,641,473 6/1953 Stalter... 273/138(A) 2,998,252 8/1961 St. Martin. 273/143 3,112,979 12/1963 Graves 273/143 3,438,628 4/1969 Beckeret al 273/139X FOREIGN PATENTS 894,174 10/1953 Germany 273/138(A) 1,107,552 3/1968 Great Britain 273/138(A) Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant ExaminerArnold W. Kramer Att0rney.l. Wesley Everett ABSTRACT: A game in which a player attempts to match a number or design selected by a chance mechanism. The player sets the game into operation by inserting a first token to operate the chance mechanism for selecting a number or design by the machine, which is to be matched by the player. The token also releases the selecting mechanism by which the player makes his selection. The insertion of a security key releases the trip mechanism for operation by the player. By operating the trip mechanism after the insertion of the security key the player attempts to match the first two numbers (or designs) selected by the machine. The insertion of a second token or other triggering means allows the player a choice of selecting a third number and a third token allows the player to select a fourth number. In the event the player matches the selected numbers the machine prints a tab indicating the correct selection.

PATENTEDJANIBIS?! 3556 531 sum 1 or 5 INVENTOR CLARENCE L. EL 0E1? I I ATTORNEY PATENTED JAN 9 :97:

SHEET 2 OF 5 AREA/CE .ELDEI? BYZ ATTORNEY.

PATENTED JAN 1 91911 sum 3 [IF 5 use 334 i 80 MRI \o I06 I00 J- I20 98 J 0 2 loa- 28 IIO'\"H2 96 92 N13 g l F n4 99 r-M 62 |s4 4 55 I62 I72 [5 AE I BE 5s HE J FIG. 4.

INVENTOR CLARENCE L. EL DER ATTORNEY SWEEPSTAKE PROGRAMMER This invention relates to a coin operated game apparatus and more specifically to an apparatus in which the player attempts to match a combination of numerals or other designs selected by the apparatus.

There are a number of coin operated game devices in which the player has no choice of selection and his chance of winning or losing is preselected by the machine. There are also games of chance in which the player has only a limited selection.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game of chance in which the player can make a selection of one or more combinations of numerals and or designs to match a selection made by the machine.

It is a further object of this invention to produce an apparatus as aforesaid in which the winning selection is printed on a voucher which is supplied to the player.

It is a further object of this invention to produce an apparatus as aforesaid which can provide for the selection of large numbers of combinations using only simple electrical components.

These and other objects of i the invention will become manifest upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view of the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a phantom view showing in diagrammatic form the arrangement of the major parts of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing some of the operating circuits;

FIG. 5 shows the selector and selecting circuits associated with the second column of switches;

FIG. 6 shows the selector and selecting circuits associated with the third column of switches; I

FIG. 7 shows the selector and selecting circuits associated with the fourth column of switches;

FIG. 8 shows a detail of the selector switch for use with the first column of switches;

FIG. 9 is a view along the line 9 9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view along the line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 and showing the selector switch for use with the second column of switches;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of the switch-operating mechanism associated with the first column of switches;

FIG. 13 is a detail taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of the blind and its operator.

With reference to FIG. I of the drawing there is illustrated a case C for housing the main operating parts of the apparatus. A plurality of token receiving openings A2, C2, D2 and a security opening B2 are located at the top of the case for receiving tokens during the course of the play. A plurality of selecting knobs A4, B4, C4, D4 are connected to switch operators in the case and are slidably mounted along slots A6, B6, C6, D6 for selecting a number or design. The selection is shown in windows A8, B8. C8, D8 associated with each knob and slot. The master combination which is selected by the apparatus is displayed in window W but is withheld from view by a blind till the player has made his selection and has finalized it by operating the handle H in the direction of thearrow 2.

The game is played by depositing a token in slot A2. This operates a chance device whereby the apparatus is operated to produce a master number in window W, but the number is unknown to the player. The token also activates the selecting mechanism to permit the player to select his matching number by sliding the knobs along the slots A6, B6, C6, and D6. The number selected by the player is always visible in windows A8, B8, C8, and D8. His selection can be changed till he makes it final in the manner noted above. A key must be deposited in slot B2 in order to allow the player to make his selection final. If desired the player can limit his selection to the first two numbers of the master combination by making his selection final after depositing the second key. The first three numbers of the master combination can be played by depositing a token CHANCE MECHANISM The chance mechanism comprises a plurality of selectors indicated in general by the legends AC. BC. CC. and DC. Each selector comprises a motor M which remains connected to a voltage source through a master switch (not shown) and rotates at all times except for the period during which a selection is retained. Each motor drives adisc 10 carried onarmature shaft 11 and having secured thereto anoperating pin 12.

Aswitch plate 14 is carried by thearmature shaft 16 of a solenoid 18 and is moved toward thedisc 10 when the solenoid is energized and is moved away fromdisc 10 by a spring mechanism in the solenoid when the solenoid is deenergized. in the directions indicated by the double-headed arrow 20 in FIG. 8.

Theplate 14 of selector AC is formed with a pair of diametrically opposedelongated openings 22,24, the plate of selector BC is formed with threeopenings 26,28,30, the plates of selectors CC and DC are formed with four openings. The faces ofplates 14 facingdiscs 10 are formed with aguide track 32 for guiding thehead 13 ofpin 12. Aswitch 34 is secured to eachplate 14 adjacent each opening. Each switch comprises a pair of fixedcontacts 36 and 38 and amovable contact 40 normally biased into engagement withcontact 36. The movable contact carries an insulatingcontact shoe 42 extending into the adjacent opening. When the solenoid I8 is energized theplate 14 is shifted toward rotatingpin 12. Thehead 13 of the pin will engage in the first elongated opening it finds to press onshoe 42 to separatecontacts 36,40. whereby to deenergize the motor andclose contacts 38,40 to form a circuit therethrough.

SELECTING MECHANISM The selecting mechanism comprises four columns of selecting switches. Column A contains twoswitches 2A and 4A. Column B contains threeswitches 2B, 4B, and 6B. Column C contains fourswitches 2C 4C, 6C and 8C and column D contains fourswitches 2D, 4D, 6D, and 8D. Each switch comprises a fixedcontact 44 and amovable contact 46 normally biased out of engagement with the fixed contact. Each column is supplied with anoperator 48 which is provided with acam 50 for engagement with aninsulator 52 ofmovable contact 46 to move the contact into engagement with fixedcontact 44. The operators are shifted longitudinally by means of knobs A4, B4, C4 and D4. Thecam 50 is held to keep closed the selected contacts by means of detents which detain the operators in the location selected by the player.

ACTIVATING MECHANISM The chance and selector mechanisms are normally locked in the inoperative state and are activated by depositing a token in opening A2 to close contacts 54.56 to complete a circuit from a voltage source to solenoids 58 and 60 throughlines 61,62 and to solenoids 18 throughline 64. Thearmature shaft 57 ofsolenoid 58 carries apin 63 which is slidably entered into arecess 65 ofoperator 48 by the bias ofspring 64 when the solenoid is deenergized. The pin is removed from the recess when the solenoid is energized to allow the shifting of the operator. r

Ahousing 66 is carried byarmature shaft 68 ofsolenoid 60 and houses aspring 70. The housing is provided with a recess for retaining adetent ball 72 for engagement withrecesses 74 inoperator 48 in column A. Whensolenoid 60 is energizedspring 70 is sufficiently compressed to urgeball 72 into arecess 74 for retaining the operator in a selected position.

Aspring 76 is secured to abracket 78 secured in the case C and is secured tooperator 48. The spring is under sufficient tensionjtornove the operator whensolenoid 60 is deenergized.

A security lte y deposited in opening B2 will closecontacts 55,59 to complete a circuit fromline 61 to switch 1A. Themovable contact 67 of switch 1A is normally in engagement with fixedcontact 69 and is held out of engagement bycam 50 ofoperator 48 when-the operator is in its uppermost position. The electromagnet BE will attractmovable contact 55 to maintaincontacts 55 and 59in engagement. The fixedcontact 69 is connected to solenoid 124 byline 71.

A token deposited in opening C2 will closecontacts 162 and 163 and the contacts will remain closed by the attraction of clectromagnet CE on themoveable contact 162. The movable contact will then be disengaged fromline 164.

A token deposited in opening D2 will separatemovable contact 172 fromline 174 and will closecontacts 172 and 173. The contacts will remain closed by the attraction of electromagnet DE on themovable contact 172.

PRINTING MECHANISM The printing mechanism comprises a plurality ofprinting mechanisms 80, 82, 84 and 86 having index wheels settable to form a bank of designs, such as numbers, which are operated by the chance mechanism to present the master combination elements toward thepaper 88 preparatory for actuation into printing engagement. The paper is stored in aroll 90 and is led between feedingrollers 92 and 94. Theroller 92 is rotated bymotor 96 to feed a tab with the winning combination printed thereon. The printing wheels are stamped into printing engagement by operation ofsolenoid 98 which then withdraws the printing wheels and opens the circuit therethrough.

Asolenoid 100 carries a lockingrod 102 for engagement with anopening 104 in the end ofroller 92. The roller is of sufficient circumference betweenopenings 104 to expel a tab having the printed number thereon. The armature of the solenoid carries aplate 106 having aresilient reed 108 connected thereto. Themovable contact 110 is carried by the reed to move into and out of engagement with the fixedcontact 112.

Solenoid 100 is energized when there is a winning selection and removes therod 102 from anopening 104 and closescontacts 110 and 112. Closing ofcontacts 110 and 112 energizessolenoid 98. Atime delay switch 114 prevents operation'of themotor 96 till the printing wheels have been contacted with the paper and withdrawn. The switch then closes to allow the motor to make a partial rotation to move 102 and 104 out of engagement to maintaincontacts 110 and 112 closed to hold energized the indicating light L. Operation of switch will again energizemotor 96 to expel the tab and align 102 and 104 to open contacts 110,112 to extinguish the light and deenergize the motor. A time delay switch 111 will open the circuit to solenoid 100 after themotor 96 has made the partial rotation.

TRIP MECHANISM The trip mechanism comprises a bellcrank lever pivotally mounted at 115 on the case C and having an arm H which is used as the operating handle and an arm SW which is used to operatemovable contact 116 through an insulatingpost 118 and the movable contact of atime delay switch 120 through an insulatingpost 122.Solenoid 124 having areciprocating armature shaft 126 is mounted in the case.Shaft 126 normally is extended to engage in anopening 128 in handle H to lock the handle against unauthorized movement. When a token is deposited in slot B2 the solenoid is energized to withdraw theshaft 126 from the opening to permit movement of the handle. Arod 130 is secured to arm SW and is loosely carried in anear 132 carried by the blind 134. A pair ofsprings 136 and 138 support the blind in a position to cover the window W. When the handle is pivoted the blind is depressed to reveal the master combination through the window. I

4v ENERGIZING CIRCUITS connects the last fixedcontact 36 ofthescries to the motor. A

line 154 leads to ground to complete the circuit. In FIG. 5 a line 156 connects a source of voltageto-motor M2 and aline 158 connects the motor to thefirst fixed'contact 36 of the series and a line 160'connects the movable contact of the last switch of the series to amovable contact 162 of a double throw switch in which the movable contact is nor'mally in contact with aground lead 164. ln FIG. 6 aline 166 connects a source of voltage to the motor M3 and aline 168 connects the motor to the first fixedcontact 36 of the series and aline 170 connects the last movable contact of the series to amovable contact 172 of a double-throw switch in which 172 is normally in contact with aground lead 174. The connection of motor M4 is similar to that of M3 but the last movablecontact of the series is permanently connected toground lead 176. With the foregoing circuits the motors run until one of the series connected switches is opened.

A line 300connectsfixed contact 44 ofswitch 2A to fixedcontact 38 of the firstof the series of twoswitches 34 carried byplate 14 andaline 302 connects the fixedcontact 44 ofswitch 4A to fixedcontact 38 of the second of the two series ofswitches 34 carried byplate 14. Line 304 connects fixedcontact 44 ofswitch 28 to fixedcontact 38of the first of the three series connected switches 34 onplate 14line 306 connects fixedcontact 44 ofswitch 4B with the'fixe'd contact of the second of the series connected switches 34 carried byplate 14 and a line 308 connects the fixedcontacts 44 of the fixed contact of the third series ofswitches 34. Similarly lines 310, 312, 314, and 316 connect the fixedcontacts 44 ofswitches 2C, 4C, 6C, and 8C to the fixed contacts 38of switches 34 carried byplate 14 andlines 318, 320, 322, and324 connect the fixedcontacts 44 ofswitches 2D, 4D, 6D. and 8D to the fixedcontacts 38 ofswitches 34 carried byplate 14.

Themovable contacts 46 ofswitches 2A and 4A are connected toline 326, themovable contacts 46 ofswitches 2B, 4B, and 6B are connected to acommon line 328, themovable contacts 46 ofswitches 2C, 4C, 6C and 8C are connected to acommon line 330, and themovable contacts 46 ofswitches 20, 4D, 6D, and 8D are connected to acommon line 332.

Registers 334, 336, 338, and 340 are mounted behind win dow W and register the numbers selected by the chance mechanism. These registers are well-known devices and will record a preselected number upon completing the proper cir cuit.Register 334 has leads 342,344 connected to fixedcontacts 44 ofswitches 2A and 2B and will register numeral 1 whenline 342 completes a circuit and will register numeral 2 when line 344 completes a circuit. Similarly registers 336, 338, and 340 are connected to register numerals l, 2, 3, or 4 dependent on the completion of the-proper circuit.

Theprinting mechanisms 80,82,84,86 are in parallel circuits withregisters 334, 336, 338, and 340 and will thus present the proper numeral for printing simultaneously with the presentation of the proper numeral by the register.

OPERATION For purposes of explanation the description that follows will be made on the assumption that the player has selected the winning number 1123. However, it is to be understood that designs other than numbers can be used, for example, combinations of grapes, lemons, oranges, or geometrical figures such as combinations of circles, squares, etc.

A token is deposited in opening A2 to closecontacts 54 and 56. The contacts remain closed by the attraction ofmovable contact 54 by electromagnet AE. Current flows from a voltage source toline 61, through engagedcontacts 54,56,line 62 and tosolenoids 58 and 60. Energization of solenoid 5 8 will operate to withdraw lockingpin 63 fromrecess 65 to allow the player to slideoperator 48 downwardly to closecontacts 67,69 of switch 1A and to close contacts 44.46 ofswitch 2A. Energization ofsolenoid 60 will produce sufficient force onspring 70 to retaindetent ball 72 in the selectedrecess 74 and to thereby detaincam 50 in engagement withcontact 46. A circuit is also completed tosolenoid 18A throughline 200 and ground line '202. -A circuit is completed to solenoid 188 throughlines 204 and 206. Similarly. circuits are completed tosolenoids 18C and 18D through lines 208,210 and 212,214. Energization ofsolenoid 18A will. moveplate 14 toward rotating plate and cause thepin 12 to movecontact 40 away fromcontact 36 into engagement withcontact 38 to produce a series circuit withcontacts 44,46 ofswitch 2A and to open the circuit to the motor M1 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Similarly plate 14 carrying three switches will be moved to causepin 12 to movecontact 40 away fromcontact 36 and into engagement withcontact 38 to produce a series circuit withcontacts 44,46 of switch 23 and to open the circuit to motor M2 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6contacts 40 and 38 have been engaged to form a series circuit with contacts 44.46 ofswitch 4C and in F IG. 7contacts 40 and 38 have been engaged to form a series circuit withcontacts 44,46 ofswitch 6D and to open thecircuits through motors M3, M4.

Completion of the circuit to switch 2A will complete a circuit fromline 150 throughcontacts 40,38, line 300, andline 342 to register 334 to cause the register to exhibit numeral 1 in the window. Similarly a circuit is completed toprinting mechanism 80 throughline 343 to orient numeral 1 for printing on the tab.

Completion of the circuit to switch 28 will complete a circuit through the register'336 fromasupply line 337, through line 304,contacts 38,40,line 160, contact 162 to ground line 1164.Register 336 will then exhibit numeral 1 in the window W. Similarly a circuit is completed throughprinting mechanism 82 from asupply line 339 through lines 341,304 to ground to orient the second numeral'l for printing on the tab.

Completion of the circuit to switch 4C will complete a circuit fromsupply line 341 throughregister 338 lines 311,312,38,40,36,40,170.172, to groundline 174 and the register will exhibit thenumeral 2 in window W. Similarly a circuit is completed fromsupply line 343 through theprinting mechanism 84,line 345,line 311 to ground andnumeral 2 will be oriented for printing on the tab.

Completion of the circuit to switch 6D will complete a circuit fromsupply line 347 throughregister 340 lines 349,322 and the series arranged switches onplate 14 toground line 176. Similarly a circuit is completed 'from a supply line 351 throughprinting mechanism 86,line 353 to ground andnumeral 3 will be oriented for printing on the tab.

Completion of the foregoing circuits completes the selection of the master number by the apparatus and prepares the number for viewing in the window W and for printing on the tab.

The player can now make his selection by shifting thev operators 48 by means of the attached knobssMovement ofoperator 48 downwardly along column A will closeswitch contacts 67,69 andcontacts 44,46 ofswitch 2A. Movement of the operators in columns B, C, and D will closecontacts 44,46 ofswitches 2B, 4C, and 6D. The numbers selected by the movement of each operator can be viewed through windows A8, B8, C8, and D8. This operation sets the players selection of four numbers. By depositing a key in openingB2 switch contacts 55 and 59 are closed to energizesolenoid 124 throughlines 61,71 throughclosed contacts 67,69. The solenoid will withdraw pin 126 from opening 128 to free the handle for rotation. The player can now make his selection of two numbers final by rotating handle H to close contacts 116,117. a circuit is now completed fromline 150 throughcontacts 38,40 line 300,switch contacts 44,46 ofswitch 2A,line 326, contacts 116,117,solenoid 100,line 328,closed contacts 44,46 ofswitch 28 line 304,contacts 38,40line 160, contact 162 toground line 164. The completed circuit energizes solecomplete a circuit from asource line 113 to light L. solenoid- 98, and throughdelay line 114 tomotor 96. The operation ofsolenoid 98 will print numbers 1 l on the tab. The motor will now rotate sufficiently to causepin 102 to bear on the end ofroller 92 before being deenergized by the cutoff produced bydelay line 114. The player can now act under instructions to close switch S. This completes a circuit fromline 99 to the motor to again energize the motor to rotate therollers 92 and 94 to expel the printed tab, Alignment of opening 104 withpin 102 will shift the pin into opening 104'and open contacts 108,110.Time delay mechanism 120 will retain the electromagnets AE, BE, CE DE energized'for a sufficient period of time to allow the player to compare his selection with the master number and will then open the circuit to deenergize the electromagnets. Upon deenergization of theelectromagnets contacts 54,56 are opened andsolenoids 58 and 60 are deenergized. Deenergization ofsolenoid 60 will release the pressure onspring 70 such that the detent mechanism capnot restrain movement ofoperator 48 against the bias ofspring 76. The operator is therefore biased upwardly to opencontacts 44,46 ofswitch 2A andopen contacts 67,69 of switch 1A. The slantededge 59 of the operator will bias thepin 63 to the edge of the operator whereby it will enter intoopening 65 to lock the operator in position for the next play. Opening ofcontacts 67,69will deenergize solenoid 124 to allowarmature shaft 126 to be released for entry into opening 128 of the handle to lock the handle from unauthorized operation.

Openings ofcontacts 54,56 will also deenergize solenoids 18. The solenoids will therefore moveplates 14 away fromplates 10 to form the circuitsfor again energizing motors M.

The registers and printing mechanisms are deenergized and throughclosed contacts 44,46 ofswitch 4C, throughcontacts 36,38,40 of the series arranged switches 34 toline 170,movable contact 172 toground line 174. The grounding circuit for solenoid now includes series connectedswitches 4D and 34.

A token deposited in opening D2 will close contacts 172,173 and open contacts 172,174. Closing of contacts 172,173 will complete a circuit fromline 332 throughclosed contacts 44,46 ofswitch 6D, throughcontacts 36,38,40 of the series arranged switches 34 toground line 176. The grounding circuit forsolenoid 100 now includes series connectedswitches 6D and switches 34. Operation of handle H will now complete the play for the four number match.

A four column game has been used to describe this invention but it is obvious that fewer or a greater number can be used. if desired, the chance mechanism can be replaced by a selection mechanism similar to the one described herein to allow one player to set the master combination and the second player to attempt a match with his opponent. These and other arrangements will now be apparent from the foregoing description.

lclaim:

1. A game apparatus comprising a chance mechanism for selecting a master combination of possible indicia designs; means operating said mechanism to select and register said chance-selected combination, said chance mechanism comprising a plurality of indicia design selectors, each selector comprising an electric motor, an electric operating current for said motor; a plurality of selector switches for controlling the current to each of said motors; other selecting means operable by a player for selecting and registering a possible matching combination of indicia designs; and means operable by a matching of said combinations for indicating that the player has correctly matched the indicia designs of the master combination.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the other selecting means comprises a plurality of columns of selecting switches, a plurality of selecting switches in each column, and switch operators operable by a player for closing a single switch of the plurality of switches in each column.

3. An apparatus as defined inclaim 2 wherein said means operablehy a matching of said combinations for indicating, comprises a signal, a signal switch for completing a circuit through said signal and a source of potential, and a solenoid energized by a circuit through the matching selector and selecting switches for closing said signal switch.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including T means for printing the matched combination on a tab and means for dispensing the tab. I

5. An apparatus as defined inclaim 4 wherein the means for printingcomprises a bank of designs, means setting the bank to correspond with the master combination. a solenoid for urging the bank into printing contact with the tab, and means operable by a matching of said combinations for energizing the solenoid,

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for locking said selecting means to prevent operation thereof, and security key-operated means for releasing said locking means to permit operation thereof;

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said selecting means comprises a plurality of columns of selecting switches, a plurality of selecting switches in each column and a linearly movable operator in each column for selectively closing a single switch in each column, and said locking means comprises a locking solenoid and a lock shiftable by said solenoid when deenergized, into locking engagement with one of said operators.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 further including a 10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 furtherincluding means for moving the operator engaged by said one ofsaid dctent means to locking position when the detent solenoid is deenergized.

11. A game comparison apparatus comprising a chance mechanism having indicia-selecting means for randomly selecting by chance a combination of indicia; said indicia selecting means comprising a plurality of indicia .selectors, each selector comprising an electric motor in an operating circuit and a pluralityof selector switches for each motor, actionable means to operate said chance mechanism to randomly select and register said chance selected combination of indicia, means settable by a player for selecting and registering a combination of possible matching indicia to that of said chance selected combination; and a player control for actuating comparison-indicating means to indicate the player having correctly matched the chance selected combination indicia.

12. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 11 wherein the means settable by the player is manually operated.

13. An apparatus'as claimed inclaim 11 wherein means are provided for visually observing the indicia of the combination selected by the player.

Claims (13)

1. A game apparatus comprising a chance mechanism for selecting a master combination of possible indicia designs; means operating said mechanism to select and register said chance-selected combination, said chance mechanism comprising a plurality of indicia design selectors, each selector comprising an electric motor, an electric operating current for said motor; a plurality of selector switches for controlling the current to each of said motors; other selecting means operable by a player for selecting and registering a possible matching combination of indicia designs; and means operable by a matching of said combinations for indicating that the player has correctly matched the indicia designs of the master combination.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the other selecting means comprises a plurality of columns of selecting switches, a plurality of selecting switches in each column, and switch operators operable by a player for closing a single switch of the plurality of switches in each column.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said means operable by a matching of said combinations for indicating, comprises a signal, a signal switch for completing a circuit through said signal and a source of potential, and a solenoid energized by a circuit through the matching selector and selecting switches for closing said signal switch.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for printing the matched combination on a tab and means for dispensing the tab.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for printing comprises a bank of designs, means setting the bank to correspond with the master combination, a solenoid for urging the bank into printing contact with the tab, and means operable by a matching of said combinations for energizing the solenoid.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for locking said selecting means to prevent operation thereof, and security key-operated means for releasing said locking means to permit operation thereof.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said selecting means comprises a plurality of columns of selecting switches, a plurality of selecting switches in each column and a linearly movable operator in each column for selectively closing a single switch in each column, and said locking means comprises a locking solenoid and a lock shiftable by said solenoid when deenergized, into locking engagement with one of said operators.

8. An apparatus as defined iN claim 7 further including a token-operated switch for energizing said solenoid to shift said lock out of locking engagement with said operator to allow the operator to be moved by the player.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 further including detent means for detaining each operator in selected switch operating location, said detent means comprising a detent, a recess in the operator for receiving the detent, a spring means for urging the detent into the recess; one of said detent means comprising a detent solenoid for biasing the spring.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 further including means for moving the operator engaged by said one of said detent means to locking position when the detent solenoid is deenergized.

11. A game comparison apparatus comprising a chance mechanism having indicia-selecting means for randomly selecting by chance a combination of indicia; said indicia selecting means comprising a plurality of indicia selectors, each selector comprising an electric motor in an operating circuit and a plurality of selector switches for each motor, actionable means to operate said chance mechanism to randomly select and register said chance selected combination of indicia, means settable by a player for selecting and registering a combination of possible matching indicia to that of said chance selected combination; and a player control for actuating comparison-indicating means to indicate the player having correctly matched the chance selected combination indicia.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the means settable by the player is manually operated.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein means are provided for visually observing the indicia of the combination selected by the player.

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