Apparatus and method for crane game claw control
AssigneeSmart Industries Corporation
InventorDavid R. Stubben
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved claw control system for use in a coin operated crane game. In one embodiment, this system allows operation of the claw solenoid in a precise manner in which the DC claw current is digitally controlled. A microcomputer can be used to read a potentiometer setting via an analog to digital converter. The microcomputer outputs a command current to the solenoid via a digital to analog converter and a solenoid driver.
Claims48
A crane game comprising:
- a moveable claw with closeable jaws;
- a solenoid connected to the claw to close the jaws and provide a gripping force related to an energizing force applied to the solenoid;
- and
- a solenoid driver electrically connected to the solenoid including a component to output a current to the solenoid proportional to a desired gripping force.
A game apparatus comprising:
- a housing;
- an enclosed chamber in the housing where prizes can be placed;
- a claw;
- an X-Y-Z positioner connected to the claw;
- a money or credit validator;
- a delivery chute in the housing in communication with the chamber;
- an electrical circuit;
- an electrical actuator mechanically connected to the claw;
- an actuator driver electrically connected to the circuit and to the actuator and issuing an electrical current proportional to desired claw gripping strength.
A method of controlling a solenoid which controls gripping strength of a claw in a crane game machine to avoid problems caused by voltage surges, electrical noise, or voltage loads comprising:
- selecting a desired gripping strength for the claw;
- creating an electrical signal representative of said desired gripping strength;
- and
- delivering the signal to the solenoid as a current;
- monitoring the current during a gripping period.
A crane game comprising:
- a moveable claw with closeable jaws;
- a solenoid connected to the claw to close the jaws and provide a gripping force related to an energizing force applied to the solenoid;
- and
- a solenoid driver electrically connected to the solenoid including a component to output and maintain a current to the solenoid proportional to a desired gripping force.
A game apparatus comprising:
- a housing;
- an enclosed chamber in the housing where prizes can be placed;
- a claw;
- an X-Y-Z positioner connected to the claw;
- a money or credit validator;
- a delivery chute in the housing in communication with the chamber;
- an electrical circuit;
- an electrical actuator mechanically connected to the claw;
- an actuator driver electrically connected to the circuit and to the actuator and issuing and maintaining to the electrical actuator a current proportional to desired claw gripping strength.
A method of controlling a solenoid which controls gripping strength of a claw in a crane game machine comprising:
- selecting a desired gripping strength for the claw;
- creating an electrical signal representative of the desired gripping strength;
- and
- delivering and maintaining a current to the solenoid based on the signal.
A method of controlling gripping strength of a claw in a crane game comprising:
- utilizing a solenoid to cause a claw to grip at a gripping strength;
- and
- controlling the gripping strength of the claw by maintaining a current to the solenoid proportional to a desired gripping strength.
A method of controlling gripping strength of a claw in a crane game comprising:
- selecting an electrical current level associated with a gripping strength;
- and
- energizing a solenoid with the electrical current level to control gripping strength.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.