DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides for an improved gaming chip and a unique fabrication process.
The utilization of a small encoded electronic device yields a gaming chip which is impossible to counterfeit, and easy to trace, sort and identify.
It should be understood, however, that the scope of the present invention encompasses the chip, and its process, with and without the electronic device.
The invention will be described herein including the electronic device, though it is understood it may be omitted.
The invention utilizes a programmable electronic circuit (transponder) which is encoded with desired identification information.
The preferred electronic transponder used in accordance with the present invention is one designed by Indala Corporation and is similar to the identification products covered by U.
S.
Pat.
No.
4,818,855.
Each transponder has a unique code in alternating octal hex, an equivalence of 32 bits, resulting in thirty-four billion possible combinations.
Information to be encoded may consist of, but is not limited to, casino designation, denominational chip value, serial number and date of issue.
Once programmed, the electronic transponder is wired to a small antenna, preferably of the layered coil type.
Alternatively, an antenna may be wound around a plastic ring (described later) to enhance signalling range.
A mounting vehicle in the general shape of a flat discoidal ring having a central aperature and with a thickness approximately equivalent to the overall thickness of the finished gaming chip is then employed to hold the transponder and antenna.
The mounting vehicle may have a relatively narrow break channel, or slot, which extends from the interior of the vehicle to its outer edge and may receive an insert of dialectric material, if desired.
Alternatively, the break channel may extend to a location near the mounting vehicle's outer periphery without extending entirely to the outer edge of the vehicle.
Although the break channel is not necessary, its inclusion enhances transponder signalling, especially in an outwardly direction from the edge of the chip
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Communications 
