US20120153568A1 - Random number generator and method - Google Patents
Random number generator and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120153568A1 US20120153568A1 US12/928,766 US92876610A US2012153568A1 US 20120153568 A1 US20120153568 A1 US 20120153568A1 US 92876610 A US92876610 A US 92876610A US 2012153568 A1 US2012153568 A1 US 2012153568A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- disks
- base
- generator
- numbered
- masks
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C15/00—Generating random numbers; Lottery apparatus
Definitions
- This invention relates to number generators and, more particularly, to a random number generator for placing lottery number bets.
- Adell, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,507,492 and 5,803,454 are exemplary of hand held lottery number generators in the prior art.
- Adell U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,492 discloses a combined number generator and key chain.
- the number generator has a trap and small circular disks for displaying lottery numbers.
- the generator is shaken to capture disks in a trap.
- Adell U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,454 discloses a beverage coaster and number generator.
- Electronic number generators also exist in the art.
- One deficiency of electronic generators is that they are based on algorithms and are therefore not random number generators.
- Another shortcoming is that they are expensive
- the present invention is an easy to use generator for randomly generating lottery numbers.
- a distinguishing feature of the invention is that with minor modifications it can be adapted for all of a State's lotteries.
- Another feature is that numbers are generated on opposite sides of the generator.
- the number generator comprises a base, a pair of transparent “see through” covers, a mask and a plurality of numbered disks. Numbers are generated by shaking the generator to capture numbered disks in the base. Another distinguishing feature is that the same number of disks is captured for all lotteries.
- the method is comprised of the steps of cutting disks from a common blank which correspond in number to a set from which numbers are chosen, loading the disks in the generator, installing a mask having a window for viewing numbers through a window in the mask, shaking the generator to fill a trap in the generator and viewing a set of numbers through the window.
- the generator is that it can be assembled without regard to “top” and “bottom” orientations of its components.
- the mask can have several forms.
- the mask is a thin sheet of material with graphics that is interposed between the base and the lens.
- the mask is a transparent label which is adhesively attached to the outside surface of a lens.
- the mask is printed on the outside or inside surface of the lens.
- a window is provided for viewing sets of numbered disks in generator. The length of the window establishes the number of disks that are exposed to view.
- the trap is an integral portion of the base. In another embodiment, the trap is an integral portion of the lens.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a lottery number generator according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 2 - 2 in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a rear view of the lottery number generator.
- FIG. 4 is a front view of a base.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 5 - 5 in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of the base.
- FIG. 7 is a front view of a cover.
- FIG. 8 is a right side view of the cover.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 9 - 9 in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 10 is a rear view of the cover.
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a front view of a second alternate embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 14 - 14 in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 16 is a front view of the lens of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 17 - 17 in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 18 is a rear view of the lens shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 19 is a front view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 20 - 20 in FIG. 19 .
- FIG. 21 is a rear view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 .
- FIGS. 1 through 3 a lottery number generator 30 is shown according to the invention.
- the lottery number generator 30 is comprised of an opaque base 31 , a pair of identical transparent covers 32 on opposite sides of the base 31 , a thin mask 33 on outer surfaces of opposite covers 32 and a plurality of thin cylindrical numbered disks 34 in opposite sides of the base 31 .
- the same numbers are preferably marked on opposite sides of the disks 34 .
- the disks 34 are of different colors to distinguish the front of the generator 30 from the rear of the generator 30 .
- the mask 33 may have several forms.
- One form, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is a thin transparent label 33 adhesively attached, to the outer surface of each cover 32 .
- Another form, as shown in FIG. 12 is a thin sheet 36 between each cover 32 and the base 31 . It may also be printing on the outer 47 or inner surfaces of the covers 32 .
- traps 37 for capturing the numbered disks 34 .
- the traps 37 are linear arrays of arcuate pockets 38 that extend laterally across the base 31 . When the generator 30 is shaken, the pockets 38 fill with the numbered disks 34 . Directly above the traps 37 some of the disks 34 are visible through windows 39 in the masks 33 . For example, for a lottery requiring 3 numbers from a selection set of 30 numbers, three of the disks 34 are visible through the window 39 .
- the requirements of some lotteries can be satisfied, For example, for the Multi-Millions lottery, 5 disks can be viewed through an appropriate size window 39 on one side of the generator 30 and one disk 34 can be viewed through an appropriate size window 39 on an opposite side of the generator 30 .
- a mask 33 with windows 34 may be provided for the Daily 3 lottery on one side and Daily 4 lottery on an opposite side.
- the base in the base are 3 posts 40 for maintaining the space between the cover 32 and base 31 .
- the covers 32 are attached to the base, as shown in Figs. in FIGS. 11 and 12 with fingers 41 in the covers 32 that engage recesses 42 in the base 31 .
- traps 41 are portions of transparent covers 44 .
- the masks 33 are transparent labels or graphics on the outer surfaces of the covers 44 . They 44 are separated by a base 45 which divides the generator 43 into front and rear portions for storing disks 34 .
- our invention provides a novel, easy to use number generator for selecting lottery numbers having features which are neither anticipated nor obvious over the prior art.
- One important feature is that it can apply with minor modifications to all of a State's lotteries.
- One distinguishing feature of our invention is that when the generator is shaken traps are completely filled with disks. By providing masks with different length windows, the generator may be used for different lotteries.
- One important benefit is that our generator is a true random generator as opposed to electronic generators with are based on algorithms.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to number generators and, more particularly, to a random number generator for placing lottery number bets.
- 2009 lottery sales exceeded the combined incomes of America's five most profitable corporations. Lotteries have become so popular that it is believed that they may be adopted for trimming federal budget deficits. Ordinary people have acquired fortunes that were heretofore impossible. At the present time, players individually select lottery numbers or “easy pick” numbers are generated by machines at lottery stations.
- Adell, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,507,492 and 5,803,454 are exemplary of hand held lottery number generators in the prior art. Adell U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,492 discloses a combined number generator and key chain. The number generator has a trap and small circular disks for displaying lottery numbers. The generator is shaken to capture disks in a trap. Adell U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,454 discloses a beverage coaster and number generator.
- One deficiency of the Adell patents is that the disks are difficult to capture. Another deficiency that the number generators are applicable to single lotteries. Most states have six or more lotteries that will require different number generators.
- Electronic number generators also exist in the art. One deficiency of electronic generators is that they are based on algorithms and are therefore not random number generators. Another shortcoming is that they are expensive
- Manufacturers have been unwilling to invest in lottery number generators because large investments are required to service all of a State's lotteries. By way of example, Michigan has 7 lotteries that would require 9 Adell generators, namely, 2 for the Mega-Millions lottery, 2 for the Power Ball lottery, and 1 for each of the remaining 5 lotteries.
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Michigan Lotteries Lottery Numbers Mega-Millions 5 of 56 plus 1 of 46 Daily 3 3 of 30 Daily 4 4 of 40 Fantasy 5 5 of 39 Lotto 47 6 of 47 Power Ball 5 of 59 plus 1 of 39 Lucky Lines 7 of 49 - The present invention is an easy to use generator for randomly generating lottery numbers. A distinguishing feature of the invention is that with minor modifications it can be adapted for all of a State's lotteries. Another feature is that numbers are generated on opposite sides of the generator.
- The number generator comprises a base, a pair of transparent “see through” covers, a mask and a plurality of numbered disks. Numbers are generated by shaking the generator to capture numbered disks in the base. Another distinguishing feature is that the same number of disks is captured for all lotteries.
- The method is comprised of the steps of cutting disks from a common blank which correspond in number to a set from which numbers are chosen, loading the disks in the generator, installing a mask having a window for viewing numbers through a window in the mask, shaking the generator to fill a trap in the generator and viewing a set of numbers through the window. One benefit of the is the generator is that it can be assembled without regard to “top” and “bottom” orientations of its components.
- The mask can have several forms. In one form the mask is a thin sheet of material with graphics that is interposed between the base and the lens. In a second form, the mask is a transparent label which is adhesively attached to the outside surface of a lens. In another form, the mask is printed on the outside or inside surface of the lens. In each form a window is provided for viewing sets of numbered disks in generator. The length of the window establishes the number of disks that are exposed to view. In a first embodiment of the invention the trap is an integral portion of the base. In another embodiment, the trap is an integral portion of the lens.
- In employing the teaching of the present invention, a plurality of alternate constructions can be provided to achieve the desired results and capabilities. In this disclosure, some alternate constructions are discussed. However, these embodiments are intended as examples, and should not be considered as limiting.
- Further benefits, features and embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings which describe the invention in detail. A preferred embodiment is disclosed in accordance with the best mode which is contemplated for practicing the invention and the specific features in which exclusive property rights are claimed are set forth in each of the numbered claims which are appended to the detailed description.
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of a lottery number generator according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 2-2 inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the lottery number generator. -
FIG. 4 is a front view of a base. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 5-5 inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is a rear view of the base. -
FIG. 7 is a front view of a cover. -
FIG. 8 is a right side view of the cover. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 9-9 inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the cover. -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a front view of a second alternate embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 14-14 inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a rear view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 16 is a front view of the lens of the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 17-17 inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 is a rear view of the lens shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 19 is a front view of the base of the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 20-20 inFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 21 is a rear view of the base of the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 . - Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like and corresponding parts throughout the several views, in
FIGS. 1 through 3 , inclusive, alottery number generator 30 is shown according to the invention. Thelottery number generator 30 is comprised of anopaque base 31, a pair of identicaltransparent covers 32 on opposite sides of thebase 31, athin mask 33 on outer surfaces ofopposite covers 32 and a plurality of thin cylindrical numbereddisks 34 in opposite sides of thebase 31. The same numbers are preferably marked on opposite sides of thedisks 34. Thedisks 34 are of different colors to distinguish the front of thegenerator 30 from the rear of thegenerator 30. - Although the
lottery number generator 30 is kidney shaped, it is not our intention to limit thegenerator 30 to this shape since other shapes are possible within the spirit of our invention. Themask 33 may have several forms. One form, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 , is a thintransparent label 33 adhesively attached, to the outer surface of eachcover 32. Another form, as shown inFIG. 12 , is athin sheet 36 between eachcover 32 and thebase 31. It may also be printing on the outer 47 or inner surfaces of thecovers 32. - On opposite sides of the base 31 are
traps 37 for capturing the numbereddisks 34. Thetraps 37 are linear arrays ofarcuate pockets 38 that extend laterally across thebase 31. When thegenerator 30 is shaken, thepockets 38 fill with the numbereddisks 34. Directly above thetraps 37 some of thedisks 34 are visible throughwindows 39 in themasks 33. For example, for a lottery requiring 3 numbers from a selection set of 30 numbers, three of thedisks 34 are visible through thewindow 39. - By providing
traps 37,disks 34 andmasks 33 on opposite sides of thegenerator 30, the requirements of some lotteries can be satisfied, For example, for the Multi-Millions lottery, 5 disks can be viewed through anappropriate size window 39 on one side of thegenerator 30 and onedisk 34 can be viewed through anappropriate size window 39 on an opposite side of thegenerator 30. Amask 33 withwindows 34 may be provided for the Daily 3 lottery on one side and Daily 4 lottery on an opposite side. By merely changing the amounts ofdisks 34 andmasks 33, thegenerator 30 can be adapted to all of a State's lotteries. - With reference to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , in the base are 3posts 40 for maintaining the space between thecover 32 andbase 31. Thecovers 32 are attached to the base, as shown in Figs. inFIGS. 11 and 12 withfingers 41 in thecovers 32 that engage recesses 42 in thebase 31. - Referring now to
FIGS. 13 through 20 , inclusive, analternate embodiment 43 is shown wherein traps 41 are portions of transparent covers 44. In thisembodiment 43, themasks 33 are transparent labels or graphics on the outer surfaces of thecovers 44. They 44 are separated by a base 45 which divides thegenerator 43 into front and rear portions for storingdisks 34. - From the foregoing, it is apparent that our invention provides a novel, easy to use number generator for selecting lottery numbers having features which are neither anticipated nor obvious over the prior art. One important feature is that it can apply with minor modifications to all of a State's lotteries. One distinguishing feature of our invention is that when the generator is shaken traps are completely filled with disks. By providing masks with different length windows, the generator may be used for different lotteries. One important benefit is that our generator is a true random generator as opposed to electronic generators with are based on algorithms.
- Although only two embodiments of our invention have been described it is further obvious that other embodiments can be derived after studying our disclosure, by such changes as providing a generator with a single trap, mask and set of disks, substitution of parts, changes in shape and inversion of elements without departing from the spirit thereof.
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/928,766 US20120153568A1 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2010-12-17 | Random number generator and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/928,766 US20120153568A1 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2010-12-17 | Random number generator and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120153568A1 true US20120153568A1 (en) | 2012-06-21 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
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US12/928,766 Abandoned US20120153568A1 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2010-12-17 | Random number generator and method |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160095189A1 (en) * | 2014-09-29 | 2016-03-31 | Koninklijke Philips N.V | Systems and methods for lighting control |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3188040A (en) * | 1963-11-20 | 1965-06-08 | Edwin H Eichler | Coaster device |
US4807881A (en) * | 1987-04-20 | 1989-02-28 | Ramiro Jaquez | Random character selector |
US5358245A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1994-10-25 | Robert Adell | Lottery number picker |
US5454567A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1995-10-03 | Adell; Robert | Combined card and key carrying case and lottery number picker |
US5507492A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1996-04-16 | Adell; Robert | Combined card and key case and lottery number picker for daily and weekly lotteries |
US5522591A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1996-06-04 | Adell; Robert | Lottery number picker kit |
US5803454A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1998-09-08 | Adell; Robert | Combined coaster and lottery number picker |
US7424735B2 (en) * | 2001-04-23 | 2008-09-09 | Symantec Corporation | System and method for computer security using multiple cages |
-
2010
- 2010-12-17 US US12/928,766 patent/US20120153568A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3188040A (en) * | 1963-11-20 | 1965-06-08 | Edwin H Eichler | Coaster device |
US4807881A (en) * | 1987-04-20 | 1989-02-28 | Ramiro Jaquez | Random character selector |
US5358245A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1994-10-25 | Robert Adell | Lottery number picker |
US5522591A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1996-06-04 | Adell; Robert | Lottery number picker kit |
US5803454A (en) * | 1993-07-06 | 1998-09-08 | Adell; Robert | Combined coaster and lottery number picker |
US5454567A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1995-10-03 | Adell; Robert | Combined card and key carrying case and lottery number picker |
US5507492A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1996-04-16 | Adell; Robert | Combined card and key case and lottery number picker for daily and weekly lotteries |
US7424735B2 (en) * | 2001-04-23 | 2008-09-09 | Symantec Corporation | System and method for computer security using multiple cages |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160095189A1 (en) * | 2014-09-29 | 2016-03-31 | Koninklijke Philips N.V | Systems and methods for lighting control |
US9730298B2 (en) * | 2014-09-29 | 2017-08-08 | Philips Lighting Holding B.V. | Systems and methods for lighting control |
US9986624B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2018-05-29 | Philips Lighting Holding B.V. | Systems and methods for lighting control |
US10349494B2 (en) | 2014-09-29 | 2019-07-09 | Signify Holding B.V. | Systems and methods for lighting control |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SCITEK, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GREY, JAMES W.;RHODES, ALEX;REEL/FRAME:025617/0439 Effective date: 20101216 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GREY, JAMES W., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SCITEK, INC., A MICHIGAN CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:026682/0792 Effective date: 20110726 Owner name: RHODES, ALEX, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SCITEK, INC., A MICHIGAN CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:026682/0792 Effective date: 20110726 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |