Abstract: A reel for a gaming or amusement machine, of the type commonly known as a fruit machine, has a reel strip which has symbols at least partially within sunken regions of the reel strip. The symbols may be formed in relief in the sunken regions but do not project above a frame which surrounds the sunken regions. The surface of the frame may be arcuate, such that the reel is cylindrical in shape, or flat, such that the reel is polygonal.

Abstract: A reel mounting assembly for a slot machine is disclosed. The reel mounting assembly includes a frame for supporting a reel. An actuator is provided to adjust the position of the reel when the reel is inserted into the slot machine. The reel mounting assembly includes a base plate having two rows of slots for engagement with at least one finger on the frame. Furthermore, a control means is provided to control the rotation of said reel. Means connecting the control means to said reel mounting assembly provide additional means to secure the reel mounting assembly to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slot machine for determining winning or losing by selecting predetermined symbols from symbol trains arranged on X reels, in accordance with a random number, in which the X reels have symbol trains of different numbers of symbols arranged thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic gaming machine, in which after a game is executed by betting playing mediums such as tokens, the number of playing mediums to be paid is determined in response to the result of game. The electronic gaming machine includes a plurality of reels, and when the reels stop, one of plural symbols printed around each reel is stopped on a stop line. On the reels, a numerical and a non-numerical symbol are indicated together, and when the reels stop, an internal control unit judges the kind of symbols stopped on the stop line and the content of the numerical values. When the symbols on the stop line are all associated with the numerical values, the control unit substitutes the numerical values into a predetermined operational equation to execute the operation, and thereby determines the number of tokens to be paid in response to the operation result.

Abstract: Apparatus to increase chance predictions of lottery numbers. Said apparatus comprised of random means for selecting lottery outcomes from among fields weighted proportional to statistical data to reflect past lottery outcomes.Rotary means with peripheral fields sized based on moving averages of past lottery or game outcomes. Means to initiate and randomly terminate rotary motion of these rotary means.

Abstract: A game device, preferably hand-held, has an electronic display pattern generator, a display, and a play button to initiate generation of a game which displays sets of symbols which "rotate" after the manner of a fruit machine and which can be held from "rotating" by a hold button. The device includes the capability of limiting the number of games playable, and a lock button allows a winning display to be locked irrevocably to establish proof of a win.

Abstract: A slot machine wherein a predetermined insurance premium value is set for example by inserting a predetermined number of coins besides a value, e.g. a number of coins, to be bet on each game prior to starting a game, thereby to start an insurance period. During the insurance period, the values having been bet on games are summed. When the sum reaches a predetermined amount, a predetermined value of insurance is paid out, whereupon the insurance period is terminated. Also when a big hit occurs, the insurance period is terminated. A display displays the values having been bet on games played in the insurance period. The number of games may be used instead of the total values that have been bet on the games.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stop-control device of a rotary gaming machine used for controlling the stop action of a rotor such as a reel in a rotary gaming machine such as a slot machine. In the rotary gaming machine, a table for allocating the symbol combination mode of the rotors against the combination of codes is stored in memory means. When starting the game, after generating a plurality of any codes from code generating means, stop-control means specifies the symbol combination mode corresponding to the combination of codes generated by the code generating means referring to the memory means, and allocates the symbols to respective rotors which are stopped at a predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and its apparatus for controlling stop action of the rotary units in a rotary type gaming machine such as a slot machine. According to the method and the apparatus of the present invention, the appearance rate of each symbol of the reel at the stop position can be controlled at will by allotting a voluntarily set weighting to each symbol shown on the rotary unit prior to the execution of a game, and during the game, it can make appear and stop either one of the symbols at the aforementioned stop position with an appearance rate corresponding to the allotted weighting. By means of this, it is made possible to change the payout rate with an extremely simple work.

Abstract: A game machine displays in a display window a first and a second series of symbols in a column such that the first series of symbols are movingly displayed and thereafter a predetermined number of stationary symbols of the first series are displayed in a display window when the first series stops. If at that time a specific symbol of the first series, e.g. an opening or a transparent area, stops in the display window, the second series of symbols displayed in the position of the specific symbol are moved, and then a symbol of the second series is stopped in that position, whereby an additional game can be played in connection with the second symbol series.

Abstract: A pattern matching game machine of a prepaid card system including a plurality of pattern display units mounted on a shaft and arranged in parallel to one another, a drive motor for driving the display units under the control of a control circuit, a magnetic card reader and a card identification circuit. The control circuit includes a CPU (central processor unit), an operation circuit connected to said CPU, a printer for printing out the prize points scored by a player, a motor drive circuit for driving the display units based on the random number pulses and pulse signals, and a judgement circuit for judging whether or not the patterns on the display units are matched, whereby prize points are credited when the patterns are matched instead of discharging coins, and the prize points are printed out on a slip of paper when a signal indicating the end of a game is emitted.

Abstract: In a slot machine, pay-out data about previous games that represent the relationship between a total number of inserted coins and a total number of paid coins, are stored and displayed. There is further provided a game simulation device which simulates the games that are intended to occur thereafter. The simulated games are repeated at a high speed with neither coin insertion nor coin payment, during which time the reels are not rotated. Hypothetical coin pay-out data are formed based on a total number of coins assumed to be paid out for the simulated games on the assumption that a predetermined number of coins were inserted for each simulated game. Also, the hypothetical coin pay-out data on subsequent games are displayed on request.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a dynamic pay schedule is provided. The machine selects a pay schedule from a set of pay schedules as a function of the number of coins inserted and the current state of the machine. The state of the machine is represented by an event counter which is incremented upon the happening of certain events. The current value of the counter is displayed. The predetermined pay schedules are ranked according to value of maximum payout. As the machine advances from one state to the next, pay schedules of successively higher rank are selected so that player's potential payout increases. At least one schedule has a progressive payout, which is periodically incremented upon the occurrence of predetermined events.

Abstract: A progressive gaming system in which the gaming machines linked to the system have different play characteristics, e.g. different Denominations and Hit Frequencies, and wherein the system is further adapted such that the dollars contributed to the progressive jackpot for a machine per win on that machine is approximately equal for the different machines.

Abstract: A slot machine is provided in which the symbols or indicia to be displayed are selected by using a random number generating technique to generate a random number for each display position, the random number being selected from a range of numbers corresponding to the number of display possibilities for that position. A two step random number selection technique is used wherein the first step comprises selecting a random number from the range of numbers corresponding to the number of display possibilities for that display position, and the second step, which is only invoked in the event that a predetermined one of the range of numbers is selected in the first selection, comprises discarding the number first selected and making a further selection from the range of numbers. Accordingly, the probability of occurrence for at least one of the possible results for the display position is significantly less than that for the remainder of the possible results.

Abstract: A slot machine is provided in which the symbols or indicia to be displayed are selected by using a random number generating technique to generate a random number for each display position, the random number being selected from a first range of numbers corresponding to the number of display possiblilities for that position. A two step random number selection technique is used wherein the first step comprises selecting a random number from a second range of numbers corresponding to the number of display possibilities for that display position less one, and the second step, which is only invoked in the event that a predetermined one of the numbers in the second range is selected, comprises selecting between that predetermined number and the number in the first range which is excluded from the second range. Accordingly, the probability of occurrence for two of the possible results for the display position is different to that for the remainder of the possible results.

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to an improved gaming machine wherein the probability of winning combinations occurring may be altered with regard to conventional machines without changing the number of actual symbols or indicia available. This is carried out by assigning to each indicia on a reel or disc a particular random number from a plurality of available random numbers. The plurality of available numbers, one for each indicia, are divided into a plurality of subset tables. Prior to selecting a random number for choosing a particular indica, a selection of a subset table is made, preferably in a weighted manner, and the random number is then chosen from the particular subset table.

Abstract: A reel mounting assembly for a slot machine is disclosed. The reel mounting assembly includes a frame for supporting a reel. An actuator is provided to adjust the position of the reel when the reel is inserted into the slot machine. The reel mounting assembly includes a base plate having two rows of slots for engagement with at least one finger on the frame. Furthermore, a stepper motor, a computer, and a reel controller board are provided to control the rotation of said reel. The stepper motor and reel controller board are secured to the frame.

Abstract: Electronic slot machine system comprises a central computer unit, and a plurality of portable game units, each including a credit memory for storing a predetermined credit available for playing, a manual operator manipulatable by the player for playing the game according to a predetermined amount, a computer for determining any winnings earned by playing the game and for updating the credit memory by the predetermined amount played and by any such winnings, and a display for displaying the results of the game played, the earnings if any, and the current amount in the credit memory. The central computer unit may be coupled to a selected one of the portable playing units to credit the memory of the coupled portable game unit with the predetermined credit available for playing, and to read out the current amount in the credit memory of the coupled portable game unit.

Abstract: A slot machine is provided in which the symbols or indicia to be displayed are selected by using a random number generating technique to generate a random number for each display position, the random number being selected from a range of numbers corresponding to the number of possible indicia for that position with each number corresponding uniquely to one of the indicia. A two step random number selection technique is used wherein the first step comprises selecting one of a plurality of sub-ranges of said range of numbers, one of the sub-ranges being the full range of numbers, and the second step comprises randomly selecting a number from the selected sub-range of numbers and displaying the corresponding indicia.

Abstract: A game machine has a win judgment table. The table stores win information corresponding to each integer in a range of integers. An integers assigned to one special win paying the largest prize is located at the end of the range of integers. In the first game of a win cycle, one integer is randomly selected from the range of integers, and the win information corresponding to this integer is used to determine the outcome of the first game. In each subsequent game of said win cycle, the integer used to determine the outcome of the previous game is incremented and the resulting integer used for the current game. When the end of the integer range is reached, the special win occurs, and the next game becomes the first game of a new win cycle. It is thus assured that the special win occurs in each cycle of games, and that the number of games between special wins never exceeds a certain value.

Abstract: A slot machine has a memory in which first judgment data and second judgment data are stored. These first judgment data show for any first random number, whether any one of a group of prize-winning symbols can be selected, and the second judgment data show, for any second random number, the particular prize-winning combination to be displayed. A judgment is thus performed twice, using random numbers sequentially sampled from a random number generator, using the first and second data. According to the result of these two judgments, the stopped position of each reel is controlled such that the symbol combination of this specific winning combination will be displayed.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus of the type typically referred to as a slot machine, wherein a complete game of said apparatus consists of at least two complete playing cycles if a prize winning result does not occur at the end of the first cycle, whereby each cycle involves separate pulls of the handle of said apparatus. If at the end of a first playing cycle, the player obtains a winning combination of symbols, the game is terminated and the player is awarded a prize; if at the end of a first playing cycle the player obtains a non-winning combination of symbols, at least a second separate cycle can be played, the conclusion of which terminates the game.

Abstract: A slot machine is disclosed having three coaxially mounted reels and a mechanism for simultaneously spinning the three reels when a starting handle is pulled, and stopping them at three new stopping positions in response to control signals from a microprocessors. Each reel has a sprocket with 32 stopping positions and a coding ring with a plurality of slots arranged on a circumferential path about the reel's axis, forming a single track of digital information which may be read by a single optic sensor as the reel rotates. The track has 32 equally spaced fields of optical information corresponding to the 32 stopping positions of the reels. Each field has one slot, the slot width alternating between wide and narrow arcuate sizes about the coding ring, with one sequence of three narrow slots marking a home position for its respective reel.

Abstract: A toy money box in the form of a slot machine which has a coin store for a jackpot prize. That store has a hinged base which is normally held shut by engagement with a cam, displacement of the cam upon sensing of a winning combination for the chance wheels releasing the hinged base to release prize money. Additionally a clutch mechanism is provided between the operating handle and the operating mechanism. This reduces the chance of damage to the operating mechanism should the handle be operated when the mechanism is jammed. The wheels are set in rotation by spring loaded fingers which drive said wheels, said fingers being moved to their loaded position by said clutch and engaging a stop to causing said clutch to release the fingers which spring back and spin the chance wheels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a slot machine which comprises random number generating unit and X reels each having a plurality of symbols. All the combinations of the symbols among the reels made when one symbol of each reel is selected are identified by respective numbers, and one random number is generated by the random number generating unit, so that a combination of the symbols bearing an identification number corresponding to the random number is selected.

Abstract: A progressive jackpot is awarded in the event that the outcome of an actual series of games is the same as the outcome of a hypothetical series of games. The hypothetical game outputs are determined by a random number generator and a plurality of jackpots of differing values may be won depending on the number of games in the hypothetical series. The jackpot amount is incrementally increased for each game played which does not result in a jackpot win and is reduced to an initial value after a jackpot win.

Abstract: A device used in random symbol selection for any form of game. A series of disks upon whose periphery various indicia or symbols are placed is located under a source of air, and ae placed in a spinning motion within the confines of a housing. When the air source is removed the disks come to rest in a random fashion such that certain of the indicia appear in a transparent opening within the housing where a winning combination may be observed.

Abstract: In order to increase interest in a roulette game, roulette apparatus is provided with a counter to accumulate, and a display for displaying in the vicinity of the roulette table, a jackpot fund which increases as play progresses. A jackpot is paid out of the jackpot fund according to prescribed criteria. A parallel fund, not displayed to the players, may also be accumulated for replenishing the jackpot fund rapidly after a jackpot payout occurs.

Abstract: A receptacle for containing and receiving things has a hollow body with a groove on its outer surface. At least one article, which can be moved manually or spontaneously, is movably confined by the groove. The visual movement of the article on the groove provides an amusing effect to the user.

Abstract: Whether or not a game of a slot machine can result in a hit is determined before the symbol series stop moving, and preferably when a start lever is manipulated for starting the motion of the symbol series. For a game that can be a hit, the speed of movement of the symbol series is switched from a high speed to a low speed, or the speed is set at a low speed from the outset. For a game that cannot be a hit, the symbol series move at a high speed from the outset. From the difference between the speeds of movement, a player can know whether the game can be a hit even while the game is still in progress.

Abstract: A slot machine having a drive controller for changing the time required for series of symbols to decelerate and stop. For a game that can result in a hit, the series of symbols are controlled to stop by the required stop time set, e.g. longer than that for a game that cannot result in a hit. From the difference between required stop times, a player can know whether the game can be a hit even while the game is still in progress. The monotony of waiting until the series of symbols has fully stopped is thus to some extent relieved.

Abstract: A coin- or token-released gaming machine having a number of pay-out slots arranged in a coin panel, into which panel the user shoots a coin to hit one of the pay-out slots, the hitting of one such pay-out slot with a coin triggering a release mechanism to release a certain number of coins stored in the machine for the pay-out of a prize, whereas the missing of any such pay-out slot brings the used coin into a coin store or to internal or external recirculation for further use. In order to make the coin-released gaming machine more attractive and exciting as regards the chances of winning larger prizes than normal, the gaming machine comprises not only means for monitoring the total value of coins received, means for monitoring the total value of prizes paid out, means for setting a long term profit, means for setting a short term pay-out prize, as well as means for setting a special pay-out prize being larger than the short term pay-out prize, but also means for setting further special pay-out prizes.

Abstract: A game machine comprises hit flag counters which count up each hit request and count down upon the occurrence of each hit game. In these hit flag counters, if a hit cannot occur in spite of a hit request, the hit request is stored for the following games until the corresponding hit is obtained. A hit can be obtained only when the number of stored hit requests is not less than the number of inserted coins, so that the pay-out rate of the game machine is exactly controlled to be constant in totality.

Abstract: Convenience and speed of play in a gaming machine are enhanced by providing a payout schedule that includes one very large payout along with a number of other large payout values that are plateaued just below an administrative value.

Abstract: In a control system wherein a master control unit controls a plurality of game machines, the master control unit is provided with two calculators and a microprocessor. The two calculators accumultate, at different rates, values each corresponding to the number of coins inserted into each of the game machines for every game. The two different accumulated values are used alternately to set the amount of money to be paid out for a particular hit and one of the values is indicated by an indicator. For every occurrence of a hit, the microprocessor orders that coins be paid out according to the indicated value and that the indicated value is alternately changed from one of the two accumulated values to the other.

Abstract: A board game having a rectangular support for carrying arrays of images. Each image has a set of six manually variable rotatable drum indicators, each set, one for each player, being located are at each of the peripheral sides of the support. Each drum bears a number of peripheral images. Only one of which is visible at any one time. The number selected by throwing dice direct players to rotate the corresponding drums. An objective of the game is to display common numbers through a player's set of arrays.

Abstract: A writing implement in combination with an arrangement for selecting numbers and a visual display for selected numbers, including an electronic random generator having a circuit and display volume adapted to a number of digits, a display arrangement for respectively displaying one number, a battery, and an electrical circuit for electrically connecting the display arrangement through the battery with the random generator.

Abstract: A reel driving device which comprises a drive disk having a drive shaft fixing boss for prohibiting the drive shaft from idling, and impact mitigating bosses for mitigating an impact force exerted by the motor, provided therein opposed to each other with respect to the drive shaft fixing boss; a reel having holes for receiving the drive shaft fixing boss and the impact mitigating bosses provided at corresponding positions thereof; and reel fixing means for prohibiting the reel from moving along the drive shaft.

Abstract: A sector is provided on a rotary shaft of a stepping motor. Two end edges of this sector define two reference positions. When a sensor detects one of the end edges, a reset signal generator generates a reset signal to reset a counter which counts driving pulses for the stepping motor or fractions thereof. The reset signal generator also generates a distinguishing signal representing which end edge of the sector is detected. The rotary position of the stepping motor is determined based on the content of the counter and the distinguishing signal.

Abstract: A slot machine having three reels and a mechanism for spinning and stopping them after a starting handle is pulled, in response to control signals from a microprocessor. Each reel has a slotted coding ring forming a single track of digital information which may be read by a single optic sensor as the reel rotates. The track has 32 fields of optical information corresponding to the 32 indicia on its reel. Each field has one slot, the slot width alternating between wide and narrow sides about the track, with one sequence of three narrow slots marking a home position. A position counter counts the number of fields that pass each reel's sensor after the home position. Each time a new field is detected, the reel's direction, speed, acceleration and deceleration are checked, and an error signal is issued if the reel is not spinning properly. When the starting handle is pulled, three random numbers are generated.

Abstract: A slot machine has a single stop button which is manipulated by a player every time it is desired to stop a plurality of moving symbol columns one after another. A selection device selects a symbol column to be stopped every time the stop button is manipulated. A stop device stops the movement of the symbol column selected by the selection device. The player can stop all of the symbol columns sequentially in a predetermined order by manipulating the single stop button as many times as the number of symbol columns.

Abstract: A slot machine requiring no game media at all and comprising a game data processing unit which is provided with an input unit for specific data, a storage unit, an arithmetic processing unit, a printer, and a display; and a slot machine body which is provided with a pattern display mechanism, a starting lever, stopping buttons, a win decision unit, and a display for the input data and the results of arithmetic processing. The game data processing unit printer is operative for printing the input data and an incorrect version of the input data on opposing sides of a card and issuing the card to a player for enhanced security. Data that are the same as the specific data input in the data processing unit are input in an input unit for the specific data on the slot machine side so that a game can be started, and the game is allowed to progress or is stopped by operating the specific data input unit on the machine side.

Abstract: A slot machine has a wheel mechanism including a plurality of motors, a plurality of rotary shafts rotated about their respective axes by the driving forces of the motors, and symbol carrying members each having a relatively small radius of gyration and carrying a symbol on its visible surface. The symbol carrying members are spaced apart at equal interals in at least three horizontal rows and at least three vertical columns. Accordingly, the depth of the casing frame of the slot machine can be reduced to a remarkable extent, and a player can immediately identify the winning line visually.

Abstract: The reel tape fixing device according to this invention comprises reel tape fixing means for securing the reel tape wound on the reel frame, slide means having a flat surface which slides on a side surface of the circular reel frame, radial means for retaining a position in the radial direction, projected from the slide means, and engaged in a groove formed in the reel frame in the circumferential direction thereof, guide means for guiding the radially positioning means into the groove, projected in parallel with the slide means from a position opposed to the radial means, and circumferential means for retaining a position in the circumferential direction in mesh with a plurality of detents formed partially on the periphery of the reel frame on the opposite side of the groove.

Abstract: In order to provide a reel type gaming apparatus with the capability to pay out winnings having a higher value than an apparatus where the reels have an equal probability of stopping at each reel stop, a table is created in memory having pairs of lower and upper numerical limits which define groups of subintervals that in turn correspond to reel stops. A random number is generated and the subinterval which includes the number is identified and the reel is stopped at the corresponding reel stop. The interval between the upper and lower limits for each subinterval defines the relative stopping probability for the corresponding reel stop. In another approach probability factors are assigned to each reel stop and a microprocessor subtracts the value of each probability factor from a randomly generated probability value and increments a reel stop index until the probability value is less than the probability factor for the current stop index.

Abstract: A coin-released gaming machine having a number of pay-out slots arranged in a coin panel, into which panel the user shoots a coin to hit one of the pay-out slots, the hitting of one such pay-out slot with a coin triggering a release mechanism to portion out of a certain number of coins stored in the machine for the pay-out of a prize, whereas the missing of any such pay-out slot brings the used coin into a coin store, a control system provides for monitoring the total value of coins paid in, for monitoring the total value of prizes paid out, for setting a long term profit, for setting a long term pay-out prize, and for setting a special pay-out prize larger than the long term pay-out prize.

Abstract: A toy money box resembling a slot machine has one money slot where the money enters a store and is returned if the slot machine when operated gives a jackpot. The money box has a second slot where money passes to a store separate from the slot machine and acts as a conventional money box. A mechanism for controlling the slot machine is provided which is simpler than previous mechanisms. In one aspect, the chance wheels are rotated by a gear drive which rotates one chance wheel through a one-way clutch and similar one-way clutches between adjacent pairs of chance wheels impart the rotation sequentially to all of the wheels. A clutch mechanism between the operating handle and the gear drive can comprise a pawl rotatably engaged within a cylindrical sleeve, the end of the pawl engaging a opening in the sleeve for transmitting rotary motion from the pawl to the sleeve and a cam being provided to disengage the end of the pawl when a particular extent of rotation has been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus and game process having two steps, Step I and Step II, is disclosed having three ways of winning. In step I, the player preselects up to "Y" numbers, "Y" is equal to the number of indicators on the apparatus. In Step, I, the first way of winning (or becoming eligible to win) is by selecting any winning number which will be displayed on any one indicator. The second way of winning is by preselecting a number that occurs more than once in at least two indicators. The third way of winning is by preselecting sequence of occurrence of any number in any indicator. If a person has become eligible to win because of Step I, he or she can then in Step II hold winning numbers and re-spin the others at least once. In Step I or as another second step, he or she can play high-low in a plurality of ways, one of which is adding up the values on the winning indicators. Another Step II would be to answer trivia type questions in order to win the awards of Step I.

Abstract: A more sophisticated version of the known "crisscross" type of slot machine is disclosed. A screen has a plurality of display zones, usually notional, arrayed in rows and columns. A row of symbols are made to sequentially appear and randomly stop on each of the display zones, either electronically, optically, or mechanically. Thus the player can play for random symbol combinations not only along the horizontal and diagonal lines, as in the case of the crisscross model, but also along the vertical lines, of the array of display zones on the screen. If the display zones are provided in three rows and three columns, therefore, the inventive machine offers a maximum of as many as eight different symbol combinations on a single play, as compared with only five yielded by the crisscross type of machine. A representative slot machine in accordance with the invention is purely electronic, using a cathode ray tube for symbol display.