Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a mounting plate that carries a locking hook. The locking hook is pivotal with respect to the mounting plate and may be pivoted from an unlocked position to a locked position. A motor is in communication with a locking hook, and is capable of causing the locking hook to be pivoted to the locked position. The locking mechanism may be opened by use of an electronic key, and may contain electronics capable of recording the date and time a particular key was used to open the locking mechanism. Also, the locking mechanism may be capable of being locked without the use of the motor when the motor is disabled due to power disruption or other circumstances.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a mounting plate that carries a locking hook. The locking hook is pivotal with respect to the mounting plate and may be pivoted from an unlocked position to a locked position. A motor is in communication with a locking hook, and is capable of causing the locking hook to be pivoted to the locked position. The locking mechanism may be opened by use of an electronic key, and may contain electronics capable of recording the date and time a particular key was used to open the locking mechanism. Also, the locking mechanism may be capable of being locked without the use of the motor when the motor is disabled due to power disruption or other circumstances.

Abstract: A reel assembly for a gaming machine includes a reel structure adapted for rotation about a motor output shaft. A drive lever is adapted for connecting the output shaft to the reel structure at a point radially spaced from the output shaft to provide a resilient, radially extending coupling between the output shaft and the reel structure. The drive lever is of sufficient length to allow flexing thereof and is capable of storing energy at the start of rotation to cause the reel structure to be suddenly rotated by the restored energy. The drive lever has a terminal end mounted to said reel structure in a manner that prevents tangential movement of said terminal end relative to said reel structure.