Atari Games Corporation

Atari Corporation

501 Atari Games

Gerald J Lichac

Wade O Winblad

Daniel N Van Elderen

Rick L Moncrief

Jacques D Aknin

Bonnie J Smithson

A system for simulating bicycle riding which incorporates a conventionally-appearing bicycle physically maneuverable by a system user. Front and rear bicycle wheels are provided solely for visual authenticity. The simulating system provides electrical communication between mechanical maneuvering of the bicycle and a video display to visually reflect changes in speed and bicycle position on a variable-terrain track in response to pedaling, braking and steering changes by the user. Specifically, the system permits simultaneous lateral displacement and leaning of the bicycle away from the vertical plane to simulate travel about a curve. The system also permits rotation in a vertical plane about a pivot point proximate to the rear bicycle tire to simulate 'wheelie' motion. These changes are monitored by sensors which transmit information to a computer which, in turn, correspondingly adjusts the position of an animated bicycle on the track using computer animation made possible by a unique bicycle model program. The computer considers the influence of the forces of nature on the bicycle and user. In addition, a computer-controlled motor simulates changing conditions of the track terrain, including downhill coasting by applying power assistance to bicyclist pedaling action. Finally, an audio system and a variable-speed air blower are provided, both interfaced with the computer to enhance riding simulation.

System and method for bicycle riding simulation

The present invention provides a coupon dispensing storage tray for housing either a roll or pack of detachably connected coupons such as award tickets proximate to an electronic dispenser in a coupon dispensing housing. The tray can be secured to the back of a ticket accessing door adjacent a ticket dispenser. The tray comprises a first and second side wall, a closure wall secured to the side walls at a first end and a guide wall secured to the side walls proximate to a second end. A pack or roll of tickets is positionable between the side walls so that it rests on a support wall spanning the closure wall and the guide wall. The storage tray includes a curvilinear guide arm which assists in guiding the continuous pack of tickets out of the enclosure as the pack is pulled by the electronic dispenser. The guide arm is preferably constructed in unison with the guide wall. First and second securing legs extend outwardly from the second end of both side walls. The storage tray also includes an access window in the first side wall which facilitates the replacement of a pack of tickets. The access window spans the entire width of the first side wall and preferably includes a portion of the support wall upon which the ticket pack rests.

Modular ticket storage tray

A Gattling-like gun provides for manual control of the rate of firing of projectiles in the form of balls. The balls are fed through two successive nip regions formed by pinch rollers. The first is manually controlled by a crank to vary the rate of firing. Balls delivered from the first nip region are fired at high speed by a fast rotating, fixed speed second pinch roller. The gun fires balls at round targets supported on rotating carousels. Dislodged targets roll to the front of an enclosure for dispensing to the player. The balls are separated and fed by an Archimides' spiral to a feed tube connected to the gun.

Gattling-like gun

A Gattling-gun-like amusement game provides for manual control of the rate of firing and dispensing of dislodged targets as prizes to the player. The gun fires balls at round targets supported on rotating carousels. Dislodged targets roll to the front of an enclosure for dispensing to the player. The balls are separated and fed by an Archimedes' spiral to a feed tube connected to the gun. A sensor is used with controls to limit the number of balls provided to a player. The balls are fed through two successive nip regions formed by pinch rollers. The first is manually controlled by a crank to vary the rate of firing. Balls delivered from the first nip region are fired at high speed by a fast rotating, fixed speed second pinch roller.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America

Gerald J Lichac