Patent ID: 6257573
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
A device for supplying, retaining and checking balls for a labyrinth type game of chance comprisinga board which, when held vertically has a top and a bottom;a plurality of lugs projecting from the board and positioned to define labyrinth-type paths for the fall of balls under gravity along the board toward the bottom and into contact with and past the lugs;a plurality of partitions positioned at the board toward the bottom, the partitions defining a plurality of passages for falling balls;a circular circumferential channel around the board, the channel having a fixed radially inner wall with a top opening at the circumferential side of the channel at the top of the board and a bottom opening at the circumferential side of the channel at the bottom of the board providing communication through the openings between the channel and the board, with the top opening permitting balls to exit the channel and pass over the board and the bottom opening permitting balls to leave the board and enter the channel;a rigid drive ring at the circumferential channel and a motor for cooperating with the drive ring for rotating the drive ring with respect to the channel;the drive ring incorporating a housing, the housing opening radially inwardly and the housing being dimensioned for receiving a ball in the housing, such that rotation of the ring with its housing moves a ball from the entry into the channel at the bottom opening to the top opening where the ball may leave the housing through the top opening in the channel;devices at the passages for contacting the balls and also for reading the positions of the balls in the passages.