US 4,786,056 A · Random number generator

Abstract

A random number generator assembly for mixing and randomly selecting balls indicating events or numbers is described which includes a chamber for mixing the numbers and a storage device communicating therewith for storing the numbers which have been generated. The mixing chamber is constructed from transparent plastic forming an octagonal drum. Motion of the balls within the mixing chamber is provided by a blower having sharply bent blades rotated with the convex side in the direction of travel to displace air within the mixing chamber. Within the mixing chamber, a multi-planar ramp made of expanded metal serves to increase the mixing effect of the balls providing more complete and rapid randomization of the balls. A transparent plastic tube communicates with the mixing chamber and serves to store random numbers which have been generated by the passage of balls from the mixing chamber to the storage device. A photoelectric beam senses the generation of the random numbers. A counter mechanism turns the generator off when a preset number of balls have been counted.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A random number generator comprising:

a substantially transparent mixing chamber having an exit aperture;
blower means disposed below a perforated floor of said mixing chamber for directing air into said mixing chamber;
ramp means positioned within said mixing chamber in a predetermined relationship with said aperture for causing a plurality of objects provided with random event indicia to be propelled upwardly by displaced air from said blower means and circulated within said mixing chamber;
and storage means in communication with said aperture for receiving objects exiting said mixing chamber through said aperture.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Random number generator

Life of this patent

Random number generator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13