Amusement devices: games – Chance devices – Rotating disk
Patent
1994-02-28
1995-02-14
Layno, Benjamin H.
Amusement devices: games
Chance devices
Rotating disk
G07F 1734
Patent
active
053888294
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to the construction of reel mechanisms for gaming machines which are sometimes referred to as fruit machines or amusement machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that gaming machines can include adjacent reel mechanisms each comprising a reel marked around its circumferential surface with symbols such as fruit. In operation, the reels are caused to spin about a common axis by pulling a handle or pressing a button. When the reels come to a standstill, the positions of the symbols on the different reels in relation to one or more predetermined lines decide whether or not a player has won.
Each predetermined line may take the form of a row of windows or other openings in the gaming machine.
Each reel is typically formed from a reel strip and a reel support.
The reel strip is usually formed of a plastics material. Typically it is a translucent plastics material with a predetermined number of the symbols printed or otherwise provided thereon. The reel strip is usually illuminated from behind, with a respective lamp being provided for the or each of the openings associated with the reel strip.
For each of the reel strips, there may be an array of for example three of the lamps associated with opening(s) through which an adjacent three of the symbols can be seen.
The reel support is usually also formed of a plastics material. It may include a pair of co-axial rings joined by circumferentially spaced cross-pieces to define a skeletal drum around which the reel strip is to be wrapped. Alternatively, it may include a single ring formed with an annular slot into which an edge of the reel strip is to be inserted. The or one of the rings may have several spokes extending radially inwardly therefrom to a central drive connector for releasable connection with a rotatable spindle of a motor such as a stepper motor.
The motor may be adjustably carried by a support which is to be mounted on support structure within the gaming machine, the support also being used to carry an optical device which is to be connected to electrical circuitry within the gaming machine.
Each of the optical devices may include an emitter and an associated sensor located in positions such that a part of the associated reel passes therebetween upon each revolution of the reel. For example, a projecting part of a reel in the form of a tab may be used to break a beam of light or infra-red radiation directed from an emitter to a sensor. The breaking of the beam may be detected by the electrical circuitry to provide information as to the angular position of the reel relatively to the optical device and/or the number of times that the reel has been spun.
It is important operationally that when the tab is positioned centrally between the emitter and the sensor of the optical device, or at a known position relatively thereto, one of the symbols on the reel strip is positioned between a lamp and an opening associated therewith, whereby said symbol is both fully and clearly visible.
Hitherto, in order to achieve this relationship it has been necessary to make several checks and adjust as appropriate.
For each of the reel strips, the lamp(s) need to be in the correct position relatively to the associated opening(s). The relationship of the opening(s) to the support structure is known for any given gaming machine and is commonly different for different gaming machines. It is thus necessary to be able to adjust the positions of the lamp(s) and this capability is usually provided by mounting the lamp(s) for angular adjustment on the associated support. There can be a releasable pin-and-slot type connection, between a housing for the lamp(s) and the support, enabling the lamp(s) to be moved relatively to the associated opening(s). There can also be calibrations on the support to facilitate setting of the lamp(s) in a predetermined position correct for the given gaming machine.
It is also necessary for the symbol(s) to be in the correct position relatively to the associated tab. As the relationship of the opening(s) t
REFERENCES:
patent: 4912389 (1990-03-01), Eguchi
patent: 5152529 (1992-10-01), Okada
Layno Benjamin H.
Starpoint Electronics Limited
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