Method and apparatus for automatic random selection identification

• US 5,590,879 A
• Filed: 06/12/1995
• Issued: 01/07/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tripp Enterprises, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Tripp, Warren W.
• Inventors: Tripp, Warren W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grieb, William H.
• Application Number:
  US08/489,606
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 273/144 R, 273/144 A, 273/144 B
• US Class Current: 273/144.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/0087 with means for producing an air current
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2435 using a video camera
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 5/04 Disc roulettes; Dial roulettes; Teetotums; Dice-tops
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 7/048 used for generating random numbers
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 15/001 with balls or the like

Abstract

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

Claims

1. The method of selecting and displaying certain indicium at random from a plurality of indicia comprising:

placing indicium on a plurality of items;

mixing the items and holding the items in suspension in a chamber by blowing air within the chamber;

selecting items, one at a time, by an item selector means;

placing each item, as selected, in a socket within a moving wheel carrying a plurality of sockets;

detecting the accuracy of placement of each item within the appropriate socket by detection sensors;

reading the indicium of each item as selected by an item detector;

viewing the indicium of each item; and

displaying each indicium, on a display board as the indicium is selected.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the display of the indicia is controlled by electronic means activating the display of the indicia by video means.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the display of the indicia is controlled by an operator using a console connected to the display.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the items are balls.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the indica are numbers.

6. Apparatus for selecting and displaying certain indicium at random from a plurality of indicia including:

a plurality of indicium carrying items;

a chamber for mixing the items;

air blower means associated with said chamber;

an item selection wheel cooperative with said chamber;

means to intermittently move and stop said item selection wheel;

means to deposit one item on said wheel at each stop position;

sensor means to detect the indicium as each item is deposited on said wheel; and

means to display the indicium of each item as detected.