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: A spinning reel video poker machine that displays an initial array of symbols that may be on a simulation of spinning reels (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5). In response to a trigger additional symbols will become available on the video screen to extend existing paylines or provide new paylines. The new paylines may be part of an extension to an existing array or they may be part of a separate array of symbols or set of reels that becomes available in response to the trigger.