Abstract: A rapidly incrementing multiple progressive gaming system. One or more gaming controllers are coupled to a progressive controller. Coin drop and win information at each gaming controller is provided to and accumulated by the progressive controller. Meter amounts generated at the progressive controller are transmitted back to the gaming controllers to provide multiple continually incrementing progressive bonus values. Upon game win, all gaming controllers not in play are reset to an initial starting value. Gaming controllers in play during a win are allowed to complete play at a progressive bonus value as established at beginning of game play. Any additional wins generated during the completion interval are paid at this progressive bonus value. A current progressive value is provided to update the game controller either continually or upon game completion. The game payouts are frozen upon detection of the coin drop so that the player knows the value(s) being played for.

Abstract: A slot machine. In one embodiment, a given symbol is included in each of a series of symbols, and a judgment device is provided for locating the positions of a plurality of given symbols appearing within the windows but not all on the prize-winning line, after all the symbol series have stopped. Provision is also made for outputting a prize-winning signal when the plurality of given symbols form a predetermined arrangement. Symbol series stop position adjustment is also made, responsive to the prize-winning signal, for automatically causing at least one of the plurality of symbol series to move for the adjustment of stop position so as to attain a prize-winning symbol combination of the given symbols on the prize-winning line. In another embodiment, a specific symbol is included in one of the series of symbols; and the judgment device outputs a prize-winning signal when that specific symbol is positioned on the prize-winning line after all the symbol series have stopped.

Abstract: A lottery machine comprising a display which can display combinations of indicia selected from a predetermined set of such combinations, and a control device arranged to sequentially select game results from a predetermined set of game results and to display an indicia combination corresponding to the selected result on the display. Each game on the machine is initiated by a player and can only be initiated after the player has established a credit in the machine. At the commencement of operation of the machine, or when a previous set of game results have all been used, the control device sequentially selects each possible game result for the next series of games to be played and randomly allocates the results to game numbers in the series in order to produce a new set of predetermined game results.

Abstract: The invention provides a compact device for selecting the numbers to play in a game of chance, such as a lottery game. The device includes a number generator portion comprising a number wheel having a circumferential edge partitioned into segments, each bearing a different numerical indicia from the field of lottery numbers. A motor is connected to the number wheel so that when the motor is activated by a switch, the number wheel rotates about the motor axis. The number wheel and motor are contained in a housing having a window portion aligned so that only one of the numerical indicia of the number wheel is visible through the window at a time. By repetitive activation of the switch, a series of more or less random numbers will thus be generated. The housing can be configured so that it forms a relatively small, cylindrical barrel, suitable for attachment to a similarly-sized accessory portion such as a pen or flashlight.

Abstract: A powder down door open memory latch circuit for a gaming device which determines whether a door on the gaming device has been opened during a power failure. The circuit includes a cam switch coupled to a lock on the door of the gaming device, the switch being actuated to provide a signal when the door is unlocked. The circuit also includes a hinge switch mounted adjacent a hinge connecting the door to the cabinet of the gaming device to provide a signal when the door is opened. Each of the switch signals is coupled to a respective battery powered memory latch to cause the latches to change from a cleared state to a second state when the door is unlocked and open. Upon the restoration of power after a powder failure, the main processor for the gaming device determines the states of the latches and if the memory latch states indicate that the door was unlocked and opened during a power failure, the processor tilts the gaming device to prevent further operation thereof.

Abstract: Slot machine display reels are provided with a plurality of symbols occupying differing proportions of the circumference of the reel, such that those symbols which require greater prominance occupy a larger proportion of the circumference. Associated with each reel is a spinning mechanism which is able to position any symbol on the reel centrally within an associated display window, irrespective of the size of that symbol, by taking the size of the respective symbol into account when determining the stopping position.

Abstract: A slot machine of the type having a number of drums, an actuating lever, a kicker, a drum rotating mechanism, detecting mechanism for detecting any hit mode and a coin discharging mechanism. An actuating frame and a kicker engaging with the hook of the actuating lever are formed as different bodies. When the kick projections of the kicker hit the ridge of an index notched disk provided on the drum, it is allowed to escape in the reverse direction at once. The kicker is adapted for energizing operation when each kick projection enters a notch of a corresponding notched disk, whereby the kick projections are protected from excessive loading. Moreover, when the rotary drums are stopped, the hit mode according to the permutations displayed on the rotary drums is automatically detected.

Abstract: A slot machine of the type having a plurality of reels and pulse motors for rotating the respective reels wherein the pulse motors can be stopped individually by touching stop switches provided one for each of the respective reels. Every stop switch is provided with a light-emitting indicator for indicating that the stop switch is operable, and the stop switch becomes operable only when its corresponding pulse motor, and hence the associated reel, has reached a predetermined speed of rotation. In this way, the display of selected symbols cannot be controlled by the player stopping the reels during an initial phase of their movement when they are turning only very slowly.

Abstract: A slot machine having X series of symbols arranged side by side which selects a combination of symbols on a winning line. For the selection of a combination of symbols, a random number is sampled from a series of random numbers the number of which is 2.sup.n and is referred to symbol tables associated with each symbol series wherein are coded data on symbols of which the number is equal to the Xth root of 2.sup.n. A combination of symbols is thus selected with the same probability as for sampling a random number.

Abstract: An apparatus for stopping a reel of a slot machine is provided, wherein the reel is rotated by a stepping motor which is driven with multi-phase drive pulses sequentially offset in phase. The apparatus includes a stop signal generator for generating a stop signal to be used for stopping the reel and a stop pulse generator circuit for simultaneously supplying stop pulses of the same phase to respective phases of the stepping motor to which the drive pulses are supplied. All of the respective phases of the motor are simultaneously magnetically excited responsive to the stop pulses received by the stepping motor.

Abstract: An apparatus and game process having three ways of winning. The player preselects up to "Y" numbers, "Y" is equal to the number of indicators on the apparatus. The first way of winning 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 occurence of any number in any indicator.

Abstract: A reel mounting apparatus for a gaming device or other similar type of device wherein there are utilized a plurality of freely rotatable reels. Each reel is mounted in close proximity to each other reel. The periphery of each reel connects with a series of supporting wheels with there being a separate set of supporting wheels for each reel. One of the wheels, termed a driving wheel, is connected to a motor, which when activated, caused rotation of the reel. The driving wheel and one of the remaining supporting wheels are spring biased into firm contact with the reel.

Abstract: The machine is a coin operated gaming machine wherein at each play random number display devices is actuated a plurality of times and a number corresponding to the number displayed by the random display device at each actuation is illuminated in a display matrix of the machine containing all numbers, the objective being at each play to win by illuminating a row of numbers or the four corner numbers in the display matrix. Winnings are in the form of tokens dispensed from the machine and the tokens can be exchanged for gifts contained in a display case forming part of the machine casing.

Abstract: A reel of a slot machine is rotatably fitted on a shaft of a motor and coupled to the shaft by an elastic member. When the motor is started, energy is stored in the elastic member, and the reel is suddenly caused to start rotation at a high speed by the energy stored in the elastic member. A projection on the reel engages a drive lever to fix the relative position of the parts after the initial period of relative movement of the shaft and reel. The elastic member can be a coil tension spring or a leaf spring sandwiching the drive lever, a portion of the leaf spring on the rear side of the lever being secured to the reel.

Abstract: A rotary flap display system has a large number of indicia bearing flaps mounted on a motor driven hub within a housing. The housing has a lug along the upper edge of an opening through which the flaps may be seen for restraining the flap to flip forward one at a time. The lug includes a hole through which a jet of air emerges to assist flipping of each flap as it passes the lug.

Abstract: A slot machine having a plurality of symbol series disposed side by side and movable lengthwise independently, selects a combination of symbols on a winning line which is judged as to whether it coincides with any one of the predetermined prize-winning symbol combinations to pay out a predetermined number of coins. At least one of the symbol series includes a special mark as distinguished from the symbols. When the slot machine selects any one of the predetermined prize-winning symbol combinations, and one of the symbols of this combination is replaced with the special mark, the slot machine pays out coins as a special dividend the number of which is larger than that of coins to be paid out upon the one predetermined prize-winning symbol combination.

Abstract: In a slot machine, a specific winning line among a plurality of winning lines, e.g., an effective winning line or a winning line on which a winning symbol array appears, is optically identified. To identify a winning line or lines, series of light emitting diodes are disposed along the winning line or lines to selectively drive and illuminate the diode series. A liquid crystal display panel may be mounted in a display window. In this case, display patterns in front of the symbols are selectively flashed.

Abstract: A slot machine which selects combinations of symbols on prize-winning lines by causing a plurality of lengthwise movable symbol rows arranged side by side, each of which comprises a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged at regular distances thereon, to move lengthwise, and then stopping each symbol row at one of the possible stop positions, in each of which it displays at least one complete symbol to a player through a window to position the symbols shown in the windows shifted lengthwise a half of the distance between the transversely adjacent symbols. When all the reels stop, a win decision is made base on the combinations of complete symbols stopping on the winning line or lines. The winning lines are therefore necessarily all diagonal.

Abstract: A slot machine having multiple spinning reels coaxially mounted in a frame for relative rotation. All machine movements are electrically activated by pulling a starting handle. The handle operates an electric switch which, in turn, initiates sequencing of the machine by a processor.The reel and sprocket are mounted so that relative rotational movements between them in a first rotational direction are prevented when the two are in a predetermined angular orientation. However, relative rotational movement between the reel and sprocket is permitted over a limited arc in the opposite rotational direction. A spring interposed between them permits a slight overtravel of the reel beyond the arrest position of the sprocket, and thereafter returns it to its normal position relative to the sprocket. To prevent undesirable oscillations, a friction clutch is interposed between the reel and the sprocket.

Abstract: A reel mapping scheme which allows one standard reel stop control software routine to control the stopping of the reels when the device is operated as a standard gaming device, a multiple stop gaming device or a virtual reel gaming device. The gaming device includes a number of rotating symbol bearing reels, each reel having n stop positions associated with each symbol on the reel. For each reel, the gaming device stores a map of the symbols on the reel in a symbol map memory and a map of the stop positions on the reel in a stop map memory where the data stored in the first location in the reel map memory represents the first stop for a symbol whose data is stored in the first location in the symbol map memory. Three mapping indexes are stored for each reel. One index stores only one value representing an address offset to the reel map memory at one location for each symbol on the reel to provide a standard gaming device.

Abstract: A slot machine having five rotatable reels, each bearing on its outer periphery symbols of at least twelve different playing cards consisting of at least three cards of each suit and four out of 20 different cards consisting of the aces, tens and face cards of a deck of playing cards, and with spot cards numbered two through nine. Combinations of cards are displayed in horizontal rows at random during each game, and prizes are awarded when prize-winning combinations of cards corresponding to specified hands suitable for melding in a poker game occur on prize-winning rows previously selected. For selectively discarding any of the cards of an occurring combination, the slot machine is provided with pushbuttons which restart the rotation of a selected reel or reels.

Abstract: A gaming device of the type that utilizes multiple rotatable reels or a video display to display a random combination of predetermined symbols, and which issues a win indication or a payout whenever one of several predetermined winning combinations of symbols is obtained. Certain ones of the predetermined winning combinations of symbols are defined by the machine and others are player selectable.

Abstract: A slot machine having multiple spinning reels coaxially mounted in a frame for relative rotation. All machine movements are electrically activated by pulling a starting handle. The handle operates an electric switch which, in turn, initiates sequencing of the machine by a processor. A spinning-arresting mechanism for each reel is constructed as a unitary module which can be plugged into the machine or readily removed therefrom. The module includes start and stop solenoids cooperating with a single, spring-powered lever and associated linkage for guiding the lever through a three phase movement. During the first phase, the lever moves from its reel arresting position to its reel spinning position. During this movement, the lever engages a sprocket connected with the reel and thereby imparts rotational movement to the reel. In the second phase, the lever, after having completed the spinning of the reel, moves towards a cocked position where the lever rests out of contact with the sprocket.

Abstract: An odds indicator for a poker machine consisting of a cylinder having on its external surface a number of axially distributed bands each bearing on its circumference indicia each indicating a ratio by which a prize offered for a prize winning combination is to be multiplied, one ratio of the ratios displayed on each band being visible through a viewing window in the front of the machine in a column one above the other or side by side, there being displayed on the front of the machine a list of prize winning combinations opposite each of which, or a number which, one of the visible ratios appears and an indication of the prize to be delivered on achieving that particular combination when any one of the ratios displayed on a band is visible, the cylinder being rotatable so as to enable the visible ratios seen through the viewing window to be changed.

Abstract: A slot machine of the type having a plurality of rotatable reels, each bearing an annular row of various symbols on the outer surface thereof, or a corresponding CRT display, which selects and displays combinations of symbols during each game, and which pays out coins not only when predetermined prize-winning combinations of symbols occur on prize-winning rows but also when a predetermined number of consecutive lost games take place.

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 of a cam on a pivoted arm with a cam follower found on the base, displacement of the pivoted arm 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 change wheels.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic apparatus is disclosed which has a transducer, such as a solenoid, for performing a mechanical movement in response to an electrical signal of at least a "first energy," such as a constant DC voltage applied over a predetermined time period. A control device, such as a microprocessor-based control circuit, is used to provide an electrical signal of greater energy than the "first energy" in response to a predetermined condition during operation of the apparatus. Such a predetermined condition may be the arrival of one of a slot machine's reels at a rotational position in which it is intended to be stopped. A diagnostic test initiating device, such as a switch, is used for signalling the start of a test of the transducer. The control device further includes a testing device which is responsive to the diagnositc test initiating device for providing an electrical signal of the first energy to the transducer.

Abstract: A slot machine has a game number counter which cumulatively counts the number of games played. Whether the number of games counted by the game number counter reaches a predetermined number or not is detected by a comparator; and if both numbers coincide, a coincidence signal is output from the comparator. The slot machine has also a winning number counter which cumulatively counts the number of wins occurring during the period until the number of games reaches the predetermined number. At the time the coincidence signal is obtained, the number of wins cumulatively counted by the winning number counter is compared with a standard number of winnings. As a result of this comparison, if the number of wins in the winning number counter is larger than the standard number of wins, the following game is set to decrease the likelihood of a win; but in the contrary case, the same control is actuated for shifting a winning combination of symbols onto a winning line.

Abstract: A slot machine having a plurality of reels each of which is provided with an annular row of symbols on its periphery and is driven and stopped by a pulse motor associated therewith. The position of the respective reel can be detected by the content of a counter which counts the pulse signals fed to the pulse motor during revolution of the reel, the counter being reset to zero photoelectrically at the same point in each revolution of the reel.

Abstract: A slot machine having multiple spinning reels coaxially mounted in a frame for relative rotation. All machine movements are electrically activated by pulling a starting handle. The handle operates an electric switch which, in turn, initiates sequencing of the machine by a processor.A spinning arresting mechanism for each reel is constructed as a unitary module which can be plugged into the machine or readily removed therefrom. The module includes start and stop solenoids cooperating with a single, spring-powered lever and associated linkage for guiding the lever through a three phase movement. During the first phase, the lever moves from its reel arresting position to its reel spinning position. During this movement, the lever engages a sprocket connected with the reel and thereby imparts rotational movement to the reel. In the second phase, the lever, after having completed the spinning of the reel, moves towards a cocked position where the lever rests out of contact with the sprocket.

Abstract: A gaming device having random multiple payouts. The device has a random number generator which generates a multiple payout random number. The device further includes a counter for accumulating the number of game wins. When the multiple payout random number equals the number of accumulated wins in the counter, a multiple payout is made for a winning game. The device also includes a multiple payout indicator to provide an indication to the player that a multiple payout will be made for the next winning game.

Abstract: A slot machine reel comprises a cylindrical body having symbols on the periphery thereof and a reinforcing plate fixed to the cylindrical body and coupled therethrough to a drive shaft of a motor. The cylindrical body has a bridge fixed thereto and including arms formed to extend toward the central portion of the body, and the reinforcing plate is fixed to the bridge. The cylindrical body and bridge are preferably plastic moldings so as to make the reel light in weight, and the reinforcing plate is preferably a metal plate such as aluminum so as to obtain a firm coupling to the drive shaft of a motor. The cylindrical body is comprised by two short cylindrical frames having tongues that extend toward each other and to which a belt-type sheet bearing printed symbols is secured. The surfaces of the tongues to which the sheet is secured are set radially inwardly the thickness of the sheet, so that the peripheries of the frames and the sheet are flush with each other.

Abstract: A game machine has indicia which indicate the proper time to control visible moving symbols. The indicia comprise lights or sounds to make a player recognize the proper time when predetermined prize-winning symbol or combination of symbols will occur on one or a plurality of rotatable reels in a stopped position of the reels as controlled by the player.

Abstract: A teaching machine comprising circuitry to select and a display to present problems to a student, switches to receive said student's response, circuitry to determine if the answer is correct and, in one embodiment, an electronic game to reward said student for correct response by allowing said student to play a game. The same machine also having, in one embodiment, circuitry for detecting and concentrating on student's problem areas using a recurrence probability associated with each of a plurality of problems, whether math, spelling, or other, which is modified by the response of the student depending on said student's speed and correctness. Each problem to be presented to said student being selected in a random type manner using the probabilities associated with each problem. The teaching machine also having, in one embodiment, circuitry to modify the time in which the student is allowed to answer based on said student's response.

Abstract: A system of collecting data accumulated by a poker machine and relating to the operation of the poker machine, the system comprising a plurality of poker machines each of which has a control unit (1) which is adapted to collect and store data during its normal operation and to transmit this data in the form of modulated light (5) upon receipt of suitable external stimulus such as the operation of a switch (2) on the poker machine, a portable receiver adapted to receive the transmitted signal and to store this data in a memory (15). In this way data is collected from each poker machine in the particular installation all of the data being stored temporarily in the memory (15) of the portable receiver. Once data from all machines in the system has been collected or once the storage (15) in the receiver unit is full, the data is then dumped into a computer, or printed out on a printer (16), via a communications cable which can be connected to the receiver unit.

Abstract: A poker or slot machine in which security is provided against tampering by monitoring the status of the reels of the machine and storing the status in a non-volatile memory. In the event of a power failure, the control unit of the machine tests the status of the reels upon power up and if the position of the reels is different to that indicated by the status held in the non-volatile memory, an alarm is initiated. If the status stored in the non-volatile memory indicates that a reel was spinning when just prior to the power failure, that reel will be respun upon power up. The control unit also monitors opening of the door providing access to the reel mechanism and causes the reels to respin whenever this door is closed.

Abstract: A bearing stop plate assembly for slot machines for support of the reel shelf and alignment of the reel mechanism and handle mechanism comprising a bearing plate having a first and second side, with perimeter flanges perpendicular to the second sides, the perpendicular flanges having a plurality of openings therethrough for securing the bearing plate within the slot machine, a horizontal slide guide extending outwardly from the first side of the bearing plate for cooperation with the downwardly depending lip of the reel shelf, the slide guide having a plurality of openings to receive threaded fasteners in order to secure the reel shelf, the slide guide and threaded fasteners thereby positioning and securing the reel shelf and maintaining the alignment of the handle and reel mechanism of the slot machine.

Abstract: A device for regulating the direction of rotation of a slot machine handle is disclosed, which ensures reliable forward and return motions of the handle. A rack member is moved through a guide member in an interlocked relation to the handle. A rachet pawl is rotatably mounted in the guide member. The rack member has a series of teeth thereon, with a recess at each end of the series. Only when the pawl is in one of those recesses, can the direction of movement of the rack be reversed. As a result, only when the handle has been fully pulled, or fully returned, can its direction of rotation be reversed.

Abstract: A space combat game is disclosed herein which includes a game board having playing spaces and a plurality of groups of planetary, directional, internment, battle, safety and control spaces each having specific rules of play. Die is provided to determine the number of spaces a player must travel in a turn. An attack success indicator is provided to determine the outcome of an attack of one player on another. A player score sheet is also included to accurately record the total number of points received by a player during the game.

Abstract: A slot machine is provided which has a winning probability table for storing a relation between a group and random numbers, the group being one of a plurality of groups made up by classifying prize-winning symbol combinations. The range of random numbers is properly fixed so that the winning probability is determined. Prior to the start of a game, one of the random numbers is sampled from a plurality of random numbers. The decisions on whether there is a win or not, and on which group the sampled random number belongs to if there is a win, are made with reference to the winning probability table. A hit request signal is generated for the latter decision. The hits are of different sizes, that is to say that different hits pay different numbers of wins. The larger the hit, the fewer random numbers correspond to it. The stopping series of symbols is controlled in accordance with the hit request signal.

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: A type of poker, slot or fruit machine of conventional construction but having on one or more of the drums or other symbol display elements a designated symbol. Whenever, the designated symbol appears on the pay line at the end of a play cycle the fact is recorded and one of a number of additional lights on the front of the machine is lighted. After a predetermined number of play cycles, preferably six or less, a prize is delivered depending on the number of times that the designated symbol has appeared on the pay line.

Abstract: A slot machine has a plurality of reels, each having an annular series of various symbols on the periphery thereof and having, on a side thereof, a plurality of light shield plates different in shape from each other for distinguishing regions into which the reel is divided. Pulse signals for causing a pulse motor to rotate by an angle corresponding to each region are counted. A position of the reel either in rotation or stopped is determined based on the number of counted pulse signals and the region as distinguished by the detection of the shape of the associated light shield plate.

Abstract: A device for generating an impact sound for a slot machine is disclosed, which is constructed to intentionally produce an impact sound when reels start to be rotated by motors. An operating member is rotated in an interlocked relation to the rotation of a handle while storing restoring force in a spring. When the handle is turned to a predetermined extent, the motors are started to cause rotation of the reels. Substantially simultaneously with the start of rotation of the reels, the operating member is returned by the restoring force stored in the spring, and an impact force is generated with the collision of the returned operating member with a stopper.

Abstract: A three dimensional visual effect of rotating mechanical reels is given to a two dimensional display on a video screen by using a film having a continuous tone gradient from dark to light, the darkest portions extending along the upper and lower edges of the film, respectively, with the lightest adjacent the center of the film. The film is placed over the video screen images so that the darkened tone gradients of the film are over the upper and lower portion of the display, and the lighter portion of the film at the center is over the center of the display.

Abstract: A slot machine includes a plurality of rotary drums on the periphery of which plural frames of patterns are depicted. Detecting plates are connected to each rotary drum and the detecting plates are provided with pattern detecting elements whose number corresponds to the number of frames. Readers detect passage of the pattern detecting elements during drum rotation, and a control device counts the output of the readers and specifies the patterns positioned on a stop line based on the counted value after the drum stops. Each of the detecting plates provides for pattern confirmation which discriminates the pattern positioned on the stop line at least from the preceding and following frames of patterns when the drum is stopped, and the counted value is corrected in response to the pattern confirming device.

Abstract: A device for removably holding a display plate with a pay-out table or like thereon at the front of a game machine body is disclosed. A transversally disposed lower plate retainer has a longitudinal groove, in which the lower end of the display plate is inserted, and notches extending from the front surface of the lower plate retainer to the groove. Hands can be inserted into the notches to grasp the lower edge of the display plate. A top bent portion of a cover plate is inserted in the groove of the lower plate retainer adjacent to the lower edge of the display plate. The cover plate covers the lower plate retainer and has a portion held urged by part of a front door.

Abstract: A slot machine has a plurality of rotatable reels with an annular series of symbols on the peripheral surfaces thereof. The reels rotate at high speed in an original game and at low speed in an immediately subsequent bonus game and can be brought to a stop, individually, by means of stop switches associated one with each of the reels. Therefore, in the bonus game, the player has an increased chance of causing a prize winning symbol or combination of symbols to appear in the windows in the selectively stopped positions of the reels.

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: A slot machine comprising a plurality of rotatable drums bearing pictures, symbols, etc. on their peripheries, a plurality of coin cases, a mechanism for rotating the drums, a mechanism for stopping the drums, and a mechanism for discharging coins. By a simple operation of pulling an actuating lever forward, the slot machine automatically rotates the drums for a period of time, automatically stops the drums in regular sequence and at intervals, and automatically discharges coins by opening one or some or all of the coin cases when one or more predetermined pictures, symbols, etc. or a predetermined combination thereof is obtained. Thus, the slot machine of the invention is easy to operate, and offers diversified and interesting games.