GB498431A - Improvements relating to scoring apparatus for games - Google Patents

Abstract

498,431. Coin-freed game apparatus. COOKE, G. H., and BAINES, R. H. Feb. 4, 1938, No. 3626. [Class 27] [Also in Group XV] Relates to scoring apparatus for games in which scoring results in stepping forward a disc or other member to an extent corresponding to the score, the disc being eventually returned to its initial position, the attainment or passing of a predetermined score resulting in an electric contact on the disc closing a circuit to give a signal or effect some operation. The signal or operation may be the lighting of a lamp ; or in an apparatus for a bagatelle or shooting game, a further ball may be released for play ; or in a coin-freed machine the player's coin may be returned. The invention consists. in providing a switch operated in such a manner by means for effecting or causing the return of the disc to its initial position as to avoid the indication being given again or the operation being repeated as the result of the return movement of the disc. As shown, for use in a bagatelle type of game wherein balls projected from a side channel bump against electric contacts and produce electric impulses in a solenoid 11, the core of the solenoid actuates a lever 9 and pawl 81 to rotate a ratchet wheel 8 and give successive movements to a scoring disc 4 perforated with numbers n which are optically projected on to a screen. An electric contact 6 is secured in one of a series of holes 5 corresponding to the score numbers. When the score disc has been stepped forward a predetermined amount, the contact 6 engages and subsequently passes a resiliently-mounted contact 7 thereby closing a circuit to illuminate a signal lamp 19 or to effect some operation. The return of the scoring disc 4, under the influence of a spring 12, is prevented by a pawl 13 until the pawl is freed from the ratchet wheel 8 by a solenoid 16 which may be energized by a press-button, by the weight of balls accumulating in a magazine, by an inserted coin or bv movement of the coin slide. The solenoid plunger 15 operating the holding pawl 13 is normally held by a spring 14 in a forward position so as to close two spring contacts 17, 17<1> in series with the signal lamp 19. When the solenoid plunger is drawn back to release the holding pawl 13, the contacts 17, 17<1> open the lamp circuit and prevent a second signal (or further operation) when the contact 6 passes the contact 7 during the return of the scoring disc 4. Specification 498,426 is referred to.