Amusement devices: games – Chance devices – Lot mixers and dispensers
Patent
1999-01-13
2000-09-05
Layno, Benjamin H.
Amusement devices: games
Chance devices
Lot mixers and dispensers
273144R, A63F 306
Patent
active
061130990
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
a) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a random number generator for selecting a limited number quantity from a predetermined number quantity and having a casing with a space for receiving number bodies and a display area adjacent thereto and connected to the space.
b) Description of the Related Art
Random number generators of this type are used for assisting the choice of numbers to be marked off in number games of chance, such as e.g. Lotto or Toto. Such a mechanical random number generator is described in EP 90 106 936.9. The known random number generator comprises a casing with a space for receiving number bodies and a display area adjacent thereto and connected to the space, the latter being constructed with rounded marginal areas and the display area in the form of an elongated rectangle is connected by its longitudinal side to one side of the space. The number bodies used and which are in each case provided with a number or numerical sequence, are in each case small, circular disk or plates, which are mixed in the space or in the mixing space or in the drum of the random number generator by a corresponding mixing movement of the generator.
In order to make a draw, through a corresponding movement the number body or plates are allowed to fall into the display area, so that in this way the drawn random numbers can be read off. Even if the mixing space and display area are geometrically designed in such a way that, as in the prior art, a bridge formation of bridging with several plates and therefore a mutual restraint of the number bodies with respect to one another is prevented, so as to arrive at a clear draw result, e.g. in the mixing space such undesired bridge formations can arise. The free movement of one or other number body can consequently be prevented.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is consequently to so further develop a random number generator of the aforementioned type, that bridge formations or bridgings are substantially avoided.
This object is achieved in that the number bodies have a peak-to-valley height of approximately 0.002 to 0.009 mm.
Thus, on their surface, the number bodies have an average peak-to-valley height of approximately 0.002 to 0.009 mm. Thus, it has been found that the peak-to-valley height has a significant influence on bridging or the avoidance of bridging of number bodies in the mixing space. If the peak-to-valley height is excessive, i.e. exceeds approximately 0.009 mm, this can lead to a restricted mobility of one or other number body in the mixing space or in the random number generator casing, which favors bridging. An increased bridging rate also arises, if the peak-to-valley height is below approximately 0.002 mm. In this range, the mobility of the number bodies in the random number generator casing is so high that during a draw, e.g. a relatively large number of number bodies can simultaneously arrive in the display or indicating area, so that once again bridge formations can arise. In the peak-to-valley height range between approximately 0.002 and 0.009 mm according to the present invention, there is a clearly reduced tendency to bridge formation. From the manufacturing standpoint, a range between approximately 0.004 and 0.007 mm is preferred for the average peak-to-valley height.
Preferably the number bodies are made from an antistatic material, which largely prevents an electrostatic charging of the number bodies or the casing, which is particularly significant, if the casing and number bodies are made from plastic. If the number bodies were made from a statically chargeable material, where the electrostatic charge could e.g. be caused by the friction of the number bodies against one another or of the number bodies with the random number generator casing wall, this could lead to mutual restraints of the number bodies due to electrostatic charging, which would favor bridge formations. Through the use of antistatic material or material with only a limited electrosta
REFERENCES:
patent: 5454567 (1995-10-01), Adell
LandOfFree
Random number dispenser does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Random number dispenser, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Random number dispenser will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2204304