Abstract: A shock and overload relieving pawl structure for driving and indexing operations in which the pawl element is part of a floating carrier structure having simple and complex multi-angular mobility in coaction with a bi-directional normalizing spring arrangement all operative such that the carrier and its pawl element are capable of multiplex yieldability linearly, angularly or in compound linear and angular displacement from a normal operating position responsive to engagement with or by the working load or mechanism in either driving or indexing action, as in ratcheting, advancing, or arresting gears and analogous toothed and notched members, with capability of relieving adjustment in the event the engaged or controlled member becomes immovable due to malfunction or intentional restraint. The pawl structure may take variant forms for adaptation to gears, levers, slides, etc. in rotary, oscillatory, or reciprocatory action.

Abstract: Mechanism for repositioning one of a set of symbol-displaying spinning reels in game apparatus to change the symbol display. A reel-stepping gear with yieldable jambproof overload-responsive driving components changes the position of the reel by coaction with an associated code disc to step the reel in either direction once per duty cycle of the gear and change the position of the reel by an angular amount equal to the spacing of the symbols thereon, while also releasing the existing reel-indexing mechanism so the reel is free to move and then re-indexing the reel in its new position once in each duty cycle. Free-wheeling of the released reel is prevented during the repositioning operation by an automatic brake. Any number of duty cycles may be initiated to change the position of the reel a corresponding number of steps in a given game cycle.

Abstract: A mechanical governor and timer of the gear train type operative in combination with cyclically operating mechanisms, particularly game apparatus of the spinning reel type having a repetitious reversal pattern alternating in forward and reverse rotation phases in each duty cycle. Erratic timing and reel machine failure caused by localized gear and bearing wear produced in conventional timers due to the reversal pattern, is eliminated by a form of governor in which the input gear has as a part thereof an input spindle journalled in roller bearings operating in overriding clutch action in the gear hub and adapted for direct coupling with a countershaft component in the game apparatus to render the entire timing gear system unidirectional.

Abstract: A coin detecting device is described comprising a coin chute of the gravity type defining a path down which a coin travels, a delayed-reset microswitch having an actuating arm which is tripped by the passage of the coin down the path, and a plurality of unidirectional coin passing gates located along the path for preventing a cheating operation known as stringing. Stringing involves dropping a coin with a string attached past such a detecting device and manipulating the coin with the string in a manner to make it appear that several coins have passed. The coin detecting device is effective in preventing stringing with coins having slotted and unslotted bodies.

Abstract: A coin agitating attachment for use on rotary coin transport discs fed by a coin hopper for coin-dispensing and counting machines. The attachment can be made in several configurations of elastomeric materials each characterized by at least a superficial resiliency of limited stiffness such that any point of impact with or by a coin presents a yieldable contact surface which is nevertheless sufficiently rigid to repel and drive the coins while retaining the original shape or configuration.

Abstract: A hopper payout for various coin denominations is disclosed having a hopper, a rotary pin wheel, removably secured shelf wheel, and delivery opening in which the pin wheel is suspended for rotation by means of rollers oriented at the periphery of the wheel on spaced centers. The shelf wheel is removable and replaceable with differing diameter shelf wheels to accommodate varying denominations of coins. A centrally disposed agitator is similarly removable and interchangeable. The knife which removes coins from the shelf wheel is pivotally mounted to accommodate varying diameters of the varying coin dimensions. A uniformly widening coin gutter is provided to reduce the tendency of the coins to jam and shingle, irrespective of denomination and size.

Abstract: An auxiliary fraud-deterrent guard method and means for use with handle-operated reel-spinning mechanisms such as poker, fruit and slot machines which employ a trip lever requiring complete, non-retrogressive movement of the operating handle for initiation of a proper operating cycle, wherein retrogression is prevented by a blocking dog which enters behind the advancing trip lever and is automatically displaced to non-obstructing position by the decoupling action of a pawl which frees the trip lever from the handle at trip-out position. An additional feature provides a simple adaptor means mounting the dog for quick installation on existing equipment.

Abstract: A hopper payout for various coin denominations is disclosed having a hopper, a rotary pin wheel, removably secured shelf wheel, and delivery opening in which the pin wheel is suspended for rotation by means of rollers oriented at the periphery of the wheel on spaced centers. The shelf wheel is removable and replaceable with differing diameter shelf wheels to accommodate varying denominations of coins. A centrally disposed agitator is similarly removable and interchangeable. The knife which removes coins from the shelf wheel is pivotally mounted to accommodate varying diameters of the varying coin dimensions. A uniformly widening coin gutter is provided to reduce the tendency of the coins to jam and shingle, irrespective of denomination and size.