GB1200172A - Improvements in or relating to gaming machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1,200,172. Coil-freed apparatus. CLUB MECHANISMS Ltd. 28 Sept., 1967 [28 Sept., 1966], No.43336/66. Heading G4V. A fruit machine comprises independently rotatable drums 5a-5c bearing symbols 4a- 4c and perforations 8a-8c beneath each symbol, the perforations being arranged transversely according to the type of symbol associated therewith, and set of feelers 20a-20c positioned adjacent each drum to sense the perforations and actuate a pay-out or indicating mechanism when a winning combination of symbols occurs. The drums are set in motion simultaneously on energization of solenoids 19a-19c and arrested one after the other as the solenoids are de-energized. Each solenoid drives a drum through a pair of pawls cooperating with a ratchet wheel fast with the drum. A solenoid 26 is energized after the drums have been arrested to lower a cross-bar 25 and allow feelers 20a-20c to contact the drums. The pay-out mechanism comprises a solenoidoperated coin slide. In a modification, the sets of feelers control a counter operating the coin slide a number of times corresponding to the winning combination. Alternatively, the payout mechanism comprises a rotatable disc feeding coins from a hopper to a counter. Push-buttons (33a)-(33c) are provided to operate relays (R3a)-(R3c) isolating solenoids (19a)-(19c) and prevent rotation of one or two drums, if required, Fig. 5 (not shown). Each relay (R3a)-(R3c) operates a corresponding relay (R4) to prevent the same pushbutton being used at the next play. Following a winning play, the pay-out solenoid (46) closes a switch (48) to render the push-buttons inoperative at the next play.