Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a value output device. The value output device includes a frame, a hopper mounted to the frame having a hopper opening, an outlet spaced from the hopper opening, a first plate moveable relative to the hopper opening between a first position wherein the plate blocks the hopper opening and a second position wherein the plate is spaced from the hopper opening, and a carrier moveable between the outlet and the hopper opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical display and indication for gaming devices. The display includes a set of symbols or indicia. The displays also cooperate with a plurality of radially spaced apart translating indicators, such as arrows. The indicators translate radially and sequentially, each pointing at one point towards a respective, associated symbol. The player can see each symbol and thus is able to know which symbols are relatively better than others. The radially translating indicators provide a random, visual element to the outcome, wherein the player watches the indicators sequentially point to different symbols until the motion stops, leaving a single or multiple indicated symbol(s), which is(are) provided in some fashion to the player.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device which includes an award indicator which includes rotating objects. At least one award value and preferably other symbols are displayed on the faces of the objects. The gaming device provides players with certain award values displayed by the objects after the objects have stopped rotating. This type of gaming device provides players with increased entertainment and enjoyment when playing gaming devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device which includes an award indicator which includes rotating objects. At least one award value and preferably other symbols are displayed on the faces of the objects. The gaming device provides players with certain award values displayed by the objects after the objects have stopped rotating. This type of gaming device provides players with increased entertainment and enjoyment when playing gaming devices.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, and a value output device. The value output device includes a frame, a hopper mounted to the frame having a hopper opening, an outlet spaced from the hopper opening, a first plate moveable relative to the hopper opening between a first position wherein the plate blocks the hopper opening and a second position wherein the plate is spaced from the hopper opening, and a carrier moveable between the outlet and the hopper opening. The gaming apparatus also includes a controller operatively coupled to said display unit, said value input device, and said value output device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical display and indication for gaming devices. The display includes a set of symbols or indicia. The displays also cooperate with a plurality of radially spaced apart translating indicators, such as arrows. The indicators translate radially and sequentially, each pointing at one point towards a respective, associated symbol. The player can see each symbol and thus is able to know which symbols are relatively better than others. The radially translating indicators provide a random, visual element to the outcome, wherein the player watches the indicators sequentially point to different symbols until the motion stops, leaving a single or multiple indicated symbol(s), which is(are) provided in some fashion to the player.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for emulating a storm associated with a gaming device. The invention includes a topper unit connected to the housing of the gaming device, where the topper unit includes a blower mechanism to create an air stream that emulates winds associated with a storm. The topper unit further includes an illumination source that emulates lightening associated with a storm. Thunder is provided by a sound card that transmits the thunder through speakers attached to the gaming device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device which includes an award indicator which includes rotating objects. At least one award value and preferably other symbols are displayed on the faces of the objects. The gaming device provides players with certain award values displayed by the objects after the objects have stopped rotating. This type of gaming device provides players with increased entertainment and enjoyment when playing gaming devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device which includes an award indicator which includes rotating objects. At least one award value and preferably other symbols are displayed on the faces of the objects. The gaming device provides players with certain award values displayed by the objects after the objects have stopped rotating. This type of gaming device provides players with increased entertainment and enjoyment when playing gaming devices.

Abstract: A coin output hopper capable of handling coins of different diameters and thicknesses is provided. A backplate is supported by a spring suspension to maintain the backplate substantially parallel to a rotating holeywheel/pinwheel despite misalignments, warping or other misshaping of the pinwheel. A coin guide is provided with a geometry to engage with different diameter coins so as to position the coins in the desired position within a coin pocket. A deflector is provided with a geometry which engages different diameter coins to accelerate coins along a knife edge exit path. The coins are forced along a path toward and along the knife edge by pins positioned such that excessive forces are avoided for any of a range of coin diameters.

Abstract: A gaming device is provided with detectors configured to substantially reduce the potential for unauthorized manipulation of a coin output system. A pair of detectors can be used to output an error signal when the sequence or timing of detector blockages departs from that which would be expected from normal coin movement. A second optical detector is configured to provide a signal used to output an error signal when the second detector detects radiation or light during a time that a first detector is also detecting light from a paired radiation source. An error signal is preferably output when an optical detector is blocked for a period of time which exceeds a maximum blockage threshold, and preferably the threshold may be dynamically adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coin counter for use with a coin handling apparatus for receiving coins at a first location and discharging the coins at a second location through a coin discharge slot remote from the first location. The coin handling apparatus includes a coin transport channel extending from the first location to the second location and dimensioned so that coins can move therein in a single, edge-to-edge file. The channel terminates at the coin discharge slot at the second location. A sensor is located proximate to the coin discharge slot for sensing the passage of each coin as it leaves the channel through the coin discharge slot. A counter means is coupled with the sensor for counting the total number of coins passing through the coin discharge slot.

Abstract: An improved coin handling machine of the type having a rotating coin bowl and coin stripper is presented which allows a coin to be stabilized prior to exiting the machine, reducing jamming of the machine and subsequent maintenance. Improvements include the provision of a set of coin pushers on the underside of the drum wheel disk, a coin guide for helping the coins remain in their respective coin receiving spaces and one or more pressure pads placed strategically above the coin stripper for discharging the coins out of the machine, the pressure pad(s) preventing the coins from gravitationally dropping over the coin stripper as the coins move toward the coin exit chute.