US3556531A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sweepstake programmer
Assignee: ELDER SYSTEMS CORP
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Filing: 1968-06-17
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Granted: 1971-01-19
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Expires: 1988-06-17
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Clarence L Elder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:53
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/34; G07F17/3244; G07F17/3248; G07F17/326; G07F17/3262
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
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.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
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.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for printing the matched combination on a tab and means for dispensing the tab.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
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.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
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.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
69 words
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.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
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.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
58 words
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.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
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.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
109 words
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.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
109 words
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.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the means settable by the player is manually operated.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein means are provided for visually observing the indicia of the combination selected by the player.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-18 | 1974-07-20 | 1975-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-18 | 1978-07-20 | 1979-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-18 | 1982-07-20 | 1983-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |