Wheel indicator and ticket dispenser apparatus
View Patent ↗A game unit including an indicator wheel and an award dispenser. In certain embodiments, when players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award such as a ticket or token. Preferably, a game unit may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel which displays a result of a game event or status.
1. A wheel indicator with award dispenser comprising:
a wheel-shaped indicator having a surface displaying a plurality of segments radially extending from an axis of rotation and capable of rotating, at least fractionally, in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions;
a motor coupled to said wheel shaped indicator to rotate said wheel shaped indicator around said axis of rotation;
an award dispenser; and
a controller providing signals to said motor and to said award dispenser.
2. A wheel indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 1 further comprising a rotational position sensor detecting a rotational position of said wheel shaped indicator and providing a signal to said controller.
3. A wheel indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said controller further communicates with a game which includes at least an element of chance.
4. A wheel shaped indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 3 wherein said wheel may be rotated in response to an event of said game.
5. A wheel indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 4 wherein said award is a ticket redeemable for at least one of cash and prizes.
6. A wheel indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 5 wherein said ticket is dependent upon a result of a play of said game.
7. A wheel indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 5 wherein said ticket is a paper ticket including indicia representative of its value.
8. A wheel indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 1 further comprising a sound effects generator coupled to said controller.
9. A wheel shaped indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein said wheel can be rotated in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction under the control of said controller.
10. A wheel indicator with award dispenser as recited in claim 1 further comprising a progressive bonus apparatus coupled to said controller.
11. A wheel detector with award dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said wheel shaped indicator is illuminated.
12. A wheel detector with award dispenser as recited in claim 11 wherein at least one of said segments of said wheel shaped indicator is illuminated.
13. A wheel detector with award dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said award dispenser is illuminated.