US4892310A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Random number selection apparatus
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1988-12-05
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Granted: 1990-01-09
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Expires: 2008-12-05
Abstract
Abstract A random number selection apparatus is set forth wherein a sealed enclosure contains positionally therein a series of hollow spherical balls that are pneumatically projected throughout the enclosure by means of a blower fan wherein the spherical balls randomly land upon a downwardly directed chute diagonally oriented relative to the enclosure wherein a medial portion of the chute is of an ellipsoidal trough-like configuration with a medial elongate trough to accept the balls therein. The balls are drawn through a square cross-sectional conduit which further comprises an air intake for the lower fan and thereby randomly accepts a series of balls supporting a series of numbers thereon. The numbers are formed with magnetic members of a first polarity and are attracted to a series of overlying magnets of a reverse polarity to randomly orient the balls and provide for random number selection of the numbers positioned underlying the magnets.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard H. Patterson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:46
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C15/00; G07C15/001; A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/04; A63F7/048; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S273/00; Y10S273/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
233 words
A random ball selector apparatus for random selection of a pre-selected number of digits from a plurality of spheres, said apparatus comprising, a stationary transparent enclosure formed with an opaque base portion, spaced transparent side panels, and spaced transparent end panels; a plurality of spheres; a pressurizing means formed in said base to project and direct airborne a plurality of spheres within said enclosure wherein each sphere includes at least one numerical digital display thereon, and a first chute diagonally oriented from an upper level of said enclosure to a lower level of said enclosure, and a catch means positioned within said first chute for catching the airborne spheres within said enclosure and directing said spheres downwardly within said first chute, and a second chute angularly disposed and and associated with said first chute to accept spheres within said second chute and to randomly secure a preselected number of said spheres within said second chute for random selection of digits imprinted on said spheres, and wherein each of said spheres has formed thereon a plurality of numerical digits equally spaced about a surface of each sphere, and wherein each of said digits is of a first magnetic polarity and wherein a pre-selected number of magnetic members of a reverse second magnetic polarity is formed in a top surface of said second chute for alignment of selective ones of said digits within said chute.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
233 words
A random ball selector apparatus for random selection of a pre-selected number of digits from a plurality of spheres, said apparatus comprising, a stationary transparent enclosure formed with an opaque base portion, spaced transparent side panels, and spaced transparent end panels; a plurality of spheres; a pressurizing means formed in said base to project and direct airborne a plurality of spheres within said enclosure wherein each sphere includes at least one numerical digital display thereon, and a first chute diagonally oriented from an upper level of said enclosure to a lower level of said enclosure, and a catch means positioned within said first chute for catching the airborne spheres within said enclosure and directing said spheres downwardly within said first chute, and a second chute angularly disposed and and associated with said first chute to accept spheres within said second chute and to randomly secure a preselected number of said spheres within said second chute for random selection of digits imprinted on said spheres, and wherein each of said spheres has formed thereon a plurality of numerical digits equally spaced about a surface of each sphere, and wherein each of said digits is of a first magnetic polarity and wherein a pre-selected number of magnetic members of a reverse second magnetic polarity is formed in a top surface of said second chute for alignment of selective ones of said digits within said chute.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A random ball selector apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said top surface of said chute is removably secured to said chute by hook and loop fasteners formed and associating said lid with said second chute.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A random ball selector apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said second chute has associated therewith a return duct with a horizontal duct associating said return duct to said pressurizing means and wherein said pressurizing means comprises a fan.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A random ball selector apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein a floor portion formed in said base is arcuately formed to direct spheres within said enclosure towards said pressurizing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
A random ball selector apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said catch means comprises an ellipsoidal trough formed with an enlarged support surface relative to said first chute to accept spheres thereon to direct the spheres into the first chute wherein the ellipsoidal trough is aligned with said first chute.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A random ball selector apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said ellipsoidal trough is formed with a support surface of three to seven times the surface area of the first chute.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A random ball selector apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said second chute is formed with a removable end plug at a terminal end thereof and a pivotal door positioned adjacent said removal lid for enabling selective removal of spheres for replacement thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
A random ball selector apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said pivotal door is formed with air passing means to enable flow of air through said second chute and through said return duct wherein said return duct is formed with an overlying screen to prevent unwanted debris from entering said return duct.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-01-08 | 1993-07-10 | 1994-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-01-08 | 1997-07-10 | 1998-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-01-08 | 2001-07-10 | 2002-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |