Abstract: A handle release mechanism for a poker machine (also known as a slot machine or a fruit machine) in which the pulling of the handle and thus operation of the machine under certain circumstances is prevented by means of a latch; instead of being controlled directly by a solenoid the freeing of the latch is controlled by means of a spring loaded cam, actuation of the solenoid permitting movement of the cam under the action of the spring thereby releasing the latch and allowing the machine to be played. This arrangement necessitates energization of the solenoid only for very short periods.

Abstract: Device to simulate the action of a conventional mechanical poker machine in an electrically operated poker machine in which the game cycle is initiated by the operation of an electric switch comprising a handle similar to that of a conventional machine connected to a friction device within the cabinet consisting of a spring loaded friction clutch arranged so that as the handle is pulled its movement will be resisted as in a conventional machine, the frictional resistance being automatically removed after the handle has travelled through a predetermined arc. The elements of the friction clutch are provided with ramps such that as the handle is pulled the frictional resistance progressively increases until at the end of the predetermined arc the ramps on the friction elements of the clutch reach their peaks and fall off into the next ramp immediately reducing the frictional load and an electric switch is actuated to start the machine.

Abstract: A display device for a machine such as a poker machine or fruit machine in which information to be displayed is arranged on a closed loop of flexible strip material arranged to pass in front of a viewing window. The closed loop is moved around the predetermined path by electric motors for example. The closed loop can be stopped or started as required and when in motion its position is sensed by an electronic sensor, the output of which is fed to a microprocessor. In a poker or fruit machine a number of such loops of flexible strip material are arranged side by side in a casing which may have the appearance of a conventional fruit machine or poker machine.

Abstract: An automatic coin dispenser in which coins are stored in a plurality of coin tubes of equal length arranged around the circumference of a rotatable base. The coins are fed into the tubes from above according to the type of machine in which the dispenser is used. Coins projecting above the top of the tubes are swept off into a suitable receptacle. Coins are dispensed from the bottoms of the tubes which are provided with a slot in the wall and an opening in the bottom giving access to the bottom coin of a column of coins for a rotatable coin ejecting mechanism arranged to eject coins radially from the bottoms of a sequence of columns of coins during rotation of the base. The dispenser is further provided with a mechanism to activate or deactivate the coin ejecting mechanism so that a predetermined number of coins may be ejected. Suitable receptacle are provided for surplus coins removed from the tops of the columns and also for coins dispensed.

Abstract: A reel spinning apparatus for use in devices in which a plurality of reels carrying representations of symbols, letters, numbers or other indicia on their peripheries are assembled linearly spaced alongside each other and are free to rotate independently of each other in which each reel is rotatably mounted in a bracket which is itself pivotably mounted on a base in which is an electric motor and a shaft carrying friction drive wheels one for each reel. The reels each have an annular surface and frictional driving contact with one of the friction drive wheels, the weight of the reel and its associated bracket acting to hold the annular surface in engagement with the friction drive wheel. The reels are thus all driven together but may be stopped individually by means of a solenoid operated detent which is engageable in any one of a plurality of notches or the like formed around the circumference of each reel.

Abstract: An improved reel spinning and stopping means for use in devices of the kind in which a number of reels carrying representations of symbols, letters, numbers or other indicia on their peripheries are assembled linearly spaced alongside each other and are free to rotate independently of each other as in slot machines, coin freed amusement devices and the like wherein each reel has associated with it a toothed sprocket having one tooth for each symbol represented on the periphery of the reel, spinning and stopping the reel being effected by a pawl means engageable between any pair of the teeth of the toothed sprocket, solenoid control means controlling the engagement of the pawl with the sprocket, spinning means arranged to cause the pawl to rotate the toothed sprocket and rotatable cam means arranged to cause the pawl to re-engage the sprocket and thus stop rotation of the reel are provided.