This invention relates to coin-operated amusement games referred to as
cranes. Cranes have a plurality of prizes that are distributed across the
play field of a container that has a claw or other engagement device
suspended above the prizes. A player remotely controls the location of
the claw above the prizes to a desired location and the claw is then
lowered toward the prizes. The play field surface on which the prizes are
distributed can be vertically moved as the prizes are withdrawn to
maintain the appearance that the container is substantially full of
prizes. The drive mechanism that moves the play field surface includes a
motor coupled to an drive belt that drives a threaded nut. As the nut is
driven, opposite threads on a threaded rod are engaged and the rod is
caused to move upward or downward. One end of the threaded rod is
received in a bushing on the bottom surface of the play field surface.
The invention also includes a motor for rotating the claw with respect to
the play field surface and air powered claw device.