Random distribution machine

A random distribution machine for mixing and randomly distributing a plurality of lightweight game pieces into a matrix of rows and columns containing all of the game pieces, comprising,

• a housing formed by a pair of parallel plates, one being a front plate with at least a portion of the front plate transparent for viewing by a user,
• divider means separating the housing into a pair of chambers connected by a narrow channel between the chambers, namely a first or mixing chamber and a second or holding chamber,
• a plurality of lightweight balls contained in the housing between the parallel plates, the spacing between which is adequate to accommodate only one width of a ball game piece, to establish a two-dimensional arrangement of the balls, and the balls being capable of communication between the two chambers, with some of the balls having different surface marking from the remainder of the balls so as to be distinguishable by a user viewing the balls through the transparent portion,
• first air movement means in the first or mixing chamber, for moving the balls randomly,
• a series of vertical stacking spaces for the balls in the second or holding chamber, for receiving the balls in parallel columns so as to form a matrix including all of the balls,
• second air moving means in the holding chamber, for moving air in such a direction as to move the balls randomly into the matrix, and
• means for retaining the balls in the matrix after all of the balls have entered the matrix.