Abstract: Methods, devices and circuits for detecting malfunctions in stepper motors. A signal from a driver circuit to a stepper motor that is proportional to the current in the windings of the stepper motor is detected. This signal is then amplified and integrated for ease of comparison. The resulting signal is then compared to a specific entry in a table of values with each entry in the table corresponding to an operating profile of the stepper motor. If the resulting signal does not correspond to the operating profile for which the motor a configured, the stepper motor is jammed. A suitable alarm and a corresponding sequence of actions may then be triggered.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing mechanism (40) includes a drive (42) receiving sheet material (24) from a supply (22). The drive advances the sheet material. A printer (48) prints ticket information on the sheet material as it is advanced by the drive thereby to form a printed ticket. A retaining mechanism (64) receives the printed ticket advanced by the drive and holds the printed ticket in a manner such that the leading end of the next ticket printed contacts and ejects the held ticket prior to itself being held by the retaining mechanism.

Abstract: A video slot machine includes a display screen on which the wheels of a slot machine are simulated. The display screen is divided into an array of cells with each cell displaying an individual game element selected randomly from a group of available game elements during a game play. Pay-out lines are associated with the rows, columns and diagonals of the array of cells and visually indicate some of the pre-determined sets of cells which are examined to detect winning combinations of displayed game elements. Pay-out tables are stored in memory within the machine and hold information concerning combinations of elements in all of the pre-determined sets of cells which result in a win when displayed on the screen as well as the amount to be paid for each.