FR2475662A1 - TREE CONTROL MECHANISM AND DEVICE FOR STOPPING A ROTARY DRUM IN A PLAYING OR GAMING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO A GAMING APPARATUS INCLUDING MECHANISMS WHICH ALLOW TO MANUALLY ADJUST THE OPERATING SPEED OF THE APPARATUS. THIS APPARATUS INCLUDES A CONTROL SHAFT 40 WHICH CARRIES DRUMS 32 PRESENTING SIGNS, AND DISCS 34 ASSOCIATED WITH THE DRUMS. THE APPLIANCE INCLUDES A MECHANISM 60 INTENDED TO ROTATE THE SHAFT 40 AT AN INITIAL SPEED WHICH IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO THE FORCE APPLIED TO A LEVER FOR OPERATION BY A PLAYER. A MECHANISM 64 IS INTENDED TO INCREASE THE SPEED OF THE SHAFT 40 WHEN THE PLAYER IS NOT RUNNING AT A SUFFICIENT SPEED. THE APPLIANCE ALSO INCLUDES AN INDEXING MECHANISM INTENDED TO STOP THE DRUMS 32, A MECHANISM INTENDED TO ABSORB EXCESSIVE ENERGY THAT CAN BE APPLIED BY A PLAYER AT THE MANEUVER LEVER AND A MECHANISM MANEUVERING THE DRUMS 32 IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SPINNING THE DRUMS OF THE LEVER. FIELD OF APPLICATION: GAMES AND AMUSEMENT DEVICES.

Description

1. The invention relates generally to amusement machines

  or game, and more particularly game machines of the type comprising one or more rotary drums bearing signs and rotated under the effect of a traction exerted on an operating lever, then

stopped at the end of a game.

  Amusement or amusement machines of the type comprising at least one rotary drum bearing signs, and preferably at least three of these drums, have existed since

  decades and have been the subject of research and

  in recent years due to the ever increasing popularity of these devices,

  associated with the fledging of basic technology, and in parti-

  to incorporate electronic techniques into these devices. This type of gaming device was originally a mechanical device, and then it evolved to operate electro-mechanically. However, that these devices are

  purely mechanical or electromechanical, they have a

  This characteristic is that the player pulling on a lever, which triggers the rotation of the drums, causes the application of a substantially constant force of rotation trigger to the drums, which means that the speed of Rotation or initial angular velocity communicated to the drums is constant, regardless of the speed or force with which the operating lever is pulled. The incorporation of electrical components in the apparatuses, for example an electric motor or a stepper motor to trigger rotation and also controlled by a pull on the operating lever, also causes the application of a constant initial speed. to the drums, regardless of the

  force applied by a player to the operating lever.

  Although players often think that there is a technique to win on such a gaming device, they may be unaware that the speed at which the lever is pulled is in fact totally independent of the speed communicated to the drums, because the various mechanical devices that have been designed simply cause the release of energy stored in a spring when the lever is pulled over its entire stroke. Gaming devices that give the player the feeling of at least partially controlling their operation are thought to be very attractive and are a big part of the popularity of this game.

type of gaming devices.

  The subject of the invention is therefore an apparatus for amu-

  A player or game of the type described above, designed to increase the feeling of individual control or maneuvering offered to a competent player, this device actually allowing the player to adjust the initial speed of rotation of the drum, within certain limits. The invention more particularly relates to a amusement or gaming device of the type described above, in which the actual speed of

  the initial rotation of the drums is directly proportional

  within limits of speed or force

  applied to the maneuvering lever by the player.

  The invention relates more particularly to a

  main control mechanism that is functionally connected

  to the operating lever driving the shaft carrying the rotary drums, which is engaged with this shaft only during the working stroke of the lever and which communicates an initial speed of rotation to the shaft and to the drums proportional to the speed at which the lever is pulled on

this course.

  The invention also relates to an additional drive mechanism designed to increase the speed of rotation of the shaft in the case where it is actuated, this actuation being preferably carried out by means of a speed detector which produces a signal in the case where the rotational speed communicated by the main control mechanism is less than a predetermined minimum speed. The invention also relates to an improved indexing mechanism for stopping each of the drums at the end of a game played on the apparatus, the stop mechanism being particularly suitable for stopping drums.

rotating at high speed.

  3. The invention also relates to a mechanism for absorbing excessive energy which would otherwise be transmitted to the main control mechanism and which is due to the application, at the lever, of excessive speed or force pulling, by a player, that speed or force, if not absorbed, to damage the structure of the main control mechanism, drums and

  the indexing mechanism of the gaming device.

  The invention also relates to a mechanism for preventing a slippage or a small rotation of the drums after the game apparatus has been prepared for a part and before the execution of the traction stroke of the operating lever, since the drums may rotate freely in at least one direction during this time, due to the fact that none of the main control, additional control and indexing mechanisms are operatively engaged with the drums or with

the tree at this moment.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting examples and in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view through the front and left sides of a subassembly of apparatus amusement or game according to the invention, this view showing in particular the additional control mechanism according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a perspective view through the front and right sides of a amusement machine or game according to the invention, this view showing in particular the main control mechanism according to the invention; - Figure 3 is an elevation of the right side of the game apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2, this view showing in particular the main control mechanism according to the invention in the locking position and release; - Figure 4 is an elevation, similar to that of Figure 3, showing in particular the main control mechanism in its initial engagement position, before the operating lever has moved this mechanism; 4. - Figure 5 is an elevation, similar to those of Figures 3 and 4, showing in particular the main control mechanism in the position in which it was brought when the lever has been pulled substantially over its entire stroke; FIG. 6 is a partial elevation of a variant of a detail of the main control mechanism, this view notably showing the mechanism at the beginning of its engagement; - Figure 7 is a partial view along the line 7-7 of Figure 6; FIG. 8 is an elevation with partial section of a device designed to stop one of the rotary drums, this view notably showing the device in the locked or disengaged position; FIG. 9 is an elevation, partly in section, similar to that of FIG. 8, showing in particular the stop device when it has just arrived in the engagement position and whereas the rotating signs have advanced this stop device in the direction of rotation; - Figure 10 is another elevation, partially in section, similar to that of Figure 8, showing in particular the stop device immediately after stopping, when a reaction has caused a displacement of this device in direction

  opposite to that shown in Figure 9; -

  - Figure 11 is a partial section along the line 11-11 of Figure 8, showing a detail of the stop device; Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing substantially all elements of the stopper shown in Figs. 8 through 11; - Figure 13 is an elevation of the left side of the apparatus according to the invention, showing in particular the additional control mechanism shown in the release position and in the ready state; FIG. 14 is a partial elevation, on an enlarged scale, of the additional control mechanism shown in FIG. 13 and parts of which are not shown for the sake of clarity, this view notably representing the control mechanism.

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  5. additional in unlocking and engagement position, but before full actuation; FIG. 15 is another partial elevation, similar to those of FIGS. 13 and 14, of the additional control mechanism, but showing the latter immediately at the end of its action, whereas it is substantially re-locked but not returned to the ready state; FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the main elements of the additional control mechanism shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, this view notably showing a slight modification made to a part of the apparatus; FIG. 17 is a partial elevation of the modification made to the additional control mechanism shown in FIG. 16; Fig. 18 is a bottom view of the modification shown in Fig. 17; FIG. 19 is a plan view of a part of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and showing in particular the mechanism of absorption of the excess energy according to the invention, associated with the control mechanism. main; Figure 20 is a front view, partially cut away, showing the main elements of the energy absorption mechanism according to the invention; FIG. 21 is an end view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 20 and considered substantially at its left end; FIG. 22 is a fragmentary section, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 22-22 of FIG. 20, showing the energy excess absorption mechanism shown in FIGS. 19 and 20; - Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view, partially cut away, of the mechanism shown in Figure 20; - Figure 24 is another exploded perspective view, partially cut away, of the mechanism shown in Figure 19; FIG. 25 is a partial elevation of the mechanism applying a slight holding force to the drums, after the gaming apparatus has been prepared for a part, but before the drums have been rotated, this mechanism being shown in the locked or disengaged position; FIG. 26 is a partial elevation of the mechanism of FIG. 25, showing in particular this mechanism in the unlocking and engagement position; and - Figure 27 is a partial section along line 27-27

of Figure 26.

  The invention therefore generally relates to an improved amusement or play apparatus of the type having a number of rotating drums, preferably at least three drums, the outer peripheral surface of which bears symbols or other signs which are seen by a player and give a winning combination indication when a combination of identical symbols appears in a sight window at the end of a game, i.e. after the gaming device has been started and the drums stopped after a certain amount of rotation. The gaming device according to the invention comprises several particular mechanisms resulting from a fundamental mode of operation which distinguishes the gaming device according to the invention from prior and conventional gaming devices, namely a mode in which the speed of rotation drums when triggering the game is determined by the player and in fact depends on the speed at which the player draws the operating lever, provided that the speed is within predetermined limits,

  as described in more detail below.

  The apparatus according to the invention comprises a number of control mechanisms which do not exist in prior and conventional gaming devices of this type, as described generally with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and the other figures as necessary. to give a general idea of this apparatus, each of these mechanisms being also described in detail later. Figures 1 and 2 247566f 7. show a subassembly 30 which has three separate drums 32 whose outer surface has signs to be seen by a player. A relatively flat disc 34, also attached to each drum 32, has a plurality of notches 36 located along its outer edge and approximately equidistant over the entire circumference of the disc. The discs also have a number of openings 38 that are used to decode the position taken by each drum 32 at the end of a game to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved. The discs 34 are attached to the drums 32 and the drums 32 are carried by a common shaft 40 which protrudes outwardly beyond left and right side flanges 42 and 44 of the subassembly as shown. The drums are provided with freewheel bearings (not shown) which allow each drum and disk assembly to be driven in the rotational direction of rotation, but to rotate freely relative to the shaft in rotation. opposite. Thus, once the control shaft 40 has been driven to trigger the rotation of the drums, it can be stopped and these drums continue to rotate until they are stopped separately or together, although the shaft 40 order has been stopped

  previously or that its rotation has been substantially slowed down.

  The shaft 40 journalled properly in bearings placed in the flanges 42 and 44 and the latter also have notches 46 input that facilitate disassembly

  of the tree 40 and the drums that are connected to it functional-

  LEMENT. The subassembly 30 is suitably placed in the general enclosure of the amusement machine or gaming device, the appearance of which is substantially conventional, a lever 48 for maneuvering (FIGS. 20, 23 and 24) being disposed at the outside a wall

  lateral 50 of this enclosure (see Figure 20).

  The application of traction to the lever 48 has the effect of rotating the shaft, to which this lever is connected, and this rotational movement is transmitted through a number of mechanisms that have the effect of making turn the shaft 40 at a speed proportional to that at which the lever 48 is pulled. So the player can

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  8. Really determine the initial speed of rotation of the drums 32. As shown in Figure 2, the shaft 40 carrying the drums 32 is initially driven by a

  main control mechanism 60 which is connected functionally

  by other mechanisms to the operating lever 48, as described below. The main control mechanism 60 can engage with a ratchet wheel 62 which is attached to the shaft 40 to rotate the shaft 40 only while the lever 48 is pulled. Therefore, once the main control mechanism has been triggered following the introduction of a coin or any other action performed by a player and having the effect of preparing the apparatus for a game, a -traction on the lever 48 causes the application of a rotational force 4 through the main control mechanism 60 and causes a rotation of the ratchet wheel 62 and the shaft 40 during the application of traction to the lever 48 When the latter has been pulled to the end of the stroke, the main control mechanism 60 disengages automatically and the shaft 40 can then rotate freely without being disturbed by the

main control mechanism.

  According to an important characteristic of the invention, if the player pulls the lever 48 too slowly to give a predetermined minimum speed of rotation to the

  drums during a game, this too low spinning speed

  is detected by a suitable circuit for detecting

  <not shown). This circuit may comprise a light assembly consisting of a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor placed near the disk 34, as well as a suitable electrical synchronization circuit so that, if the speed of rotation is less than a predetermined minimum value , an additional control mechanism, indicated generally at 64 and shown in Figure 1 on the left side of the subassembly 30, is actuated to accelerate the shaft 40 and increase the rotational speed of the drums. The additional control mechanism 64 engages another ratchet wheel 66 attached to the left end of the shaft 40 and substantially similar to the ratchet wheel 62 at the other end of the shaft. The additional control mechanism 64 is also designed to engage with the ratchet wheel 66 only while

  this mechanism 64 is active, and it also emerges automati-

  at the end of his race. Thus, the two control mechanisms, namely the main mechanism and the additional mechanism, apply to the shaft 40 an initial rotational force which is essentially momentary, and they are automatically released at the end of the application of the force of rotation. training so that the tree is not bothered by them

  when they have completed their duties.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, an improved mechanism 70 is intended to stop each of the rotary tarbours, this mechanism being also often called "indexing mechanism" and being represented in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 to 12. This mechanism comprises a stop member which is inserted into one of the notches 36 when it is actuated in order to stop the disc 34 and the associated drum 32. The improved indexing mechanism described in the present reference is particularly useful in the where the drums are rotated at a high speed, that is to say greater than the rotational speeds typically used in conventional game machines of the prior art. Although the indexing mechanism described herein is particularly suitable for stopping drums rotating at a relatively high speed, it is also suitable for other gaming machines of the same general type, including drums.

  which rotate at a relatively low speed.

  While the additional control mechanism is intended to increase the speed of rotation in the case where the player does not pull the lever at a speed or under a force sufficient to rotate the drums at the predetermined minimum speed, a mechanism 72 of Excessive energy absorption, shown in Figs. 19 to 24, is provided and is operably connected to the operating lever 48 to absorb excessive energy or excess energy that may occur if the player pulls the operating lever. at an unusually high speed or force. This 10. excess energy absorption mechanism is necessary to protect the main control mechanism as well as the indexing mechanism, because of the excessive speed that might otherwise be communicated by a player too strong or too fiery. Neither the main control mechanism 60 nor the additional control mechanism 64 are engaged with the shaft 40, except during their period of action, and it can also be considered that none of the indexing mechanisms 70 is also engaged with the disks during their rotation and before they are actuated, these mechanisms being in fact retracted into the waiting position at the time of the authorization of the game device to a party, for example when the player introduces a piece in

  the device. However, during the period following the

  and prior to the pulling of the lever 48, the drums may rotate relatively freely and thus may cause some sliding movement that may be caused by a player shaking or striking the gaming device, for example. According to another characteristic of the invention, a mechanism, shown in Figures 25, 26 and 27, is intended to oppose a slight resistance to any movement of the drums during this period. This resistance is actually light and it does not need to be very large, because no force capable of causing any rotational movement is applied at this time. The mechanism is released during a rotation caused by a maneuver of the

  main control mechanism, this maneuver

  in the retracted position the mechanism applying the

  resistance or holding mechanism.

  The main control mechanism 60 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, as well as a variant of a part of this mechanism, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and constituting an important characteristic of the invention. FIG. 3 represents firstly the main control mechanism in its locking or waiting position in which it is substantially

  released from the shaft 40 and engaged with the ratchet wheel 62.

  1 1. The latter has a number of teeth 76 whose radially oriented parts are intended to engage with a drive surface presented by the main control mechanism. The application of traction to the lever 48 has the effect of bringing a flat spring 78 against a stop or a transverse projection 80 of a plate 82 to control arm of the main control mechanism after the flat spring 78 s' is moved about an arc of about 500 in the opposite direction of that of the clockwise, as shown

  in Figure 3. The arc of about 50 traveled before the start

  with the main control mechanism makes it possible to

  give some clearance to the lever 48, as desired.

  It should be noted that pulling the lever 48 over a full stroke generally involves pulling the lever on a

  arc of about 40 to 60 which, due to different engres-

  swings, causes a rotation of the main control mechanism on the aforementioned bow 500, preceding the engagement, then on an arc of about 1500 before this mechanism reaches the end of the arc of its stroke, so that the 40 to 60 angular movement of the lever cause an overall rotational movement about 190 to 2100 by the flat spring 78. It should be noted that the aforementioned values concerning the rotational movements are obviously only approximate and can be easily modified by a change in

  relative dimensions of gears, wheels and others.

  The control arm plate 82 is rotatably mounted on and around the shaft 40 in response to the movement of the flat spring 78 bearing it against the stop 80. The plate 82 has a further stop 84 against which the flat spring 78 drive can carry when returning to its normal position of rest and waiting shown in Figure 3, although a spring 86, a first end is connected to the plate 82 and whose opposite end is properly connected to a bolt 88 fixed to the flange 44, can tend to bring the plate 82 to its rest position. The control arm plate 82 has a second flat member 90 which is fixed thereto and which carries a projection or transverse stop 92 12.

  intended to bear against a return bumper, indicated globally

  94 and preferably comprising a sole plate 96 of rubber or similar material against which the abutment 92 on its return. The stopper 94 is suitably fixed to the flange 44 and limits the return movement towards the

position shown in Figure 3.

  The control arm plate 82 (and the element 90) carries a control arm 100 which is pivotable on the plate 82 by means of an axle 102. The control arm 100 has a transverse projection or ratchet 104 which can engage with the teeth 76 of the ratchet wheel 62 when the arm 100 pivots counterclockwise on the axis 102. A projection 106 is also intended to receive the force of a helical spring '108 which bears against this projection 106 as well as against a second axis 110 bearing

  also a pivoting latch 112 preferably armature.

  made of ferromagnetic material. Spring 108 tends to

  move the control arm 100 to the engaged position

  with the ratchet wheel 62, but this arm 100 is kept apart, in the locking position as shown in FIG. 3, by a surface 114 of a release pawle against which the end of the latch 112 bears. The latch 112 is rotatably mounted on the axis and is in the form of a roughly right angle elbow member having a surface 116 adjacent a coil 118 for pivoting the latch 112. in the opposite direction to that of the clockwise, that is to attract the portion 116 to the coil 118 when the latter is energized. At this moment, the latch 112 is disengaged from the pawl 114 of the control arm, which allows the latter to move so that its pawl 104 engages with one of the teeth 76 of the ratchet wheel 62. 4 shows the control arm 100 in its latching position, after the latch 112 has released the arm 100 so that it can engage. A spring 120 tends to rotate the latch 112 counterclockwise to maintain engagement with the pawl 114 of the control arm. When the pawl 104 is engaged with the ratchet wheel 62, the flat spring 78, which bears against the abutment 80 of the plate 82 and which rotates the latter, also drives the ratchet wheel 62 and thus turns the ratchet

drums 32.

  When the flat spring 78 rotates the plate 82 to the control arm over its entire arc, the stop 92 of the element 90 approaches a stopper 122 end of stroke against which it ends up wearing, this bumper having a sole 124 against which actually bears the stop 92 so that its movement in the opposite direction of that of the clockwise is limited. However, before reaching the end of the race, the outer free end 126 of the control arm 100 approaches a clearance axis 128 and, as a result of coming into contact with the surface 130 of the arm 100, the free end 126 moves downward, as shown in FIG. 5, in order to disengage from a tooth 76 of the ratchet wheel 62, which effectively turns the control arm in the direction clockwise around its axis 102 of pivoting. While the 100 arm continues

  to move away from the ratchet wheel 62, the release catch 114

  ration is disengaged from the end of the latch 112 which, thanks to the return spring 120, again blocks the control arm 100 in the position shown in FIG. 3. When the lever 48 for maneuvering is brought back to its normal rest position , the flat spring 78 returns to its rest position, shown in FIG. 3, by turning in a clockwise direction and the main control mechanism is again in the waiting position in which it is ready to operate for a following game made by a player. It should be noted that the coil 118 is preferably energized in response to the acceptance of a coin introduced into the gaming device by a player although it may be controlled by a received signal after all gaming stops. drums, for example if the device is not of the type

  working with coins. A characteristic

  It is important to note that the ratchet wheel is not rotated when the latch 112 is released. 14. Figures 6 and 7 show an amendment to the main control mechanism and comprising a

  second control arm 100 'whose form and function

  The main difference is that this arm has a protrusion or pawl 104 'slightly spaced from the ratchet 104 of the control arm. The control arm 100 'can pivot on the axis 102 independently of the pivoting of the arm 100 so that, upon release by the latch 112, the two control arms are biased to a latching position and, depending on the position angularly accurate ratchet wheel 62, one or the other of the pawls 104 and 104 'engages with one of the teeth 76 of the ratchet wheel 62. When the control plate 82 arrives at the end of its arc of rotation, the two arms 100 and 100 'of control bear against the axis 128 which causes the relocking, by means of the latch 112, of the two control arms 100 and 1001 in the position shown for the arm 100 of order

  in Figure 5. The other control arm can be advantageously

  incorporated in the main control mechanism to ensure the engagement of the pawl 104 or 104 'rather than a possible "rebound" radially outwardly relative to the ratchet wheel 62 at the beginning of the rotation of the plate 82 to

control arm.

  To stop the rotation of the drums after they have been rotated by the main control mechanism 60 or, if appropriate, by the main mechanism 60 and then by the additional control mechanism 64, an indexing mechanism 70 is associated each drum and one of these mechanisms 70 is shown in FIGS. 8 to 12. FIG. 8 firstly shows the indexing mechanism in its normal or waiting position, this mechanism stopping the rotation of the drums in FIG. being released at the appropriate time so that a stop roller 140, carried by a

  142 axis engages in one of the notches 36 of the disk 34.

  Since this disc 34 can rotate at a very fast speed

  or at a speed at least greater than that generally

  hitherto encountered in the conventional and prior art game apparatuses of the type described herein, stopping the disc 34 and the drum 32 can cause a violent shock due to the high speed, and

  it may cause a reaction in the opposite direction after

  the initial stop of the stop roller 140, ie a clockwise reaction which is

  opposite to that indicated by the arrow 144.

  To dampen or otherwise absorb a certain part of the shock occurring at the beginning of the engagement of the stop roller 140 and also to absorb the reaction in the opposite direction, the indexing mechanism has the possibility of absorbing shocks. In addition, the mass of the structure actually displaced to engage the stop member 140 with one of the notches is minimized because of the particular design of this mechanism over that of many conventional indexing mechanisms, so that the stop member rapidly penetrates completely into a notch 36 in such a way that the disc is easily stopped without the stop member bouncing along the edge and penetrates into a notch which can be moved away from a plurality of notches from that initially encountered. Due to the low mass displaced during engagement with a notch, the stop member can quickly enter a notch and engage fully with it to stop the notch.

disc 34.

  As shown first in FIG. 8, the indexing mechanism 70 has an indexing, elongated and sliding arm 146 which is slidably mounted on a support 148 at its lower end, and whose upper end is shown as having a fork-shaped section of which a first side 150 is made in one piece with the lower section of the sliding arm 146 of indexing, the other side 152 (see Figure 12) having substantially the same shape and being attached to the first side 150 by a number of members 154 which may be screws, rivets or the like. The fork-shaped end has a transverse projection 156 which has two apertures 158 and 160 (FIG. 12) for receiving suitable linkage axes in order to maintain other elements described hereinafter. The opening 158 is approximately aligned with the longitudinal direction of the indexing sliding arm 146 and an axis 162 maintains a first end of a flat and elongated link 164 whose other end is connected to one end of the axis. 142 bearing the roller 140 stop. An opening 166 is formed in a position similar to that of the opening 158, but in the other side 152 of the fork-shaped end of the sliding arm 146, and this opening receives an axis (not shown) intended to maintain a pivoting arm 170 indexing in which the other end of the axis 142, carrying the roller 140 stop, is also fixed. The link 164 and the swivel arm 170 thus pivot on the axes 162 and 166 and are designed to rotate counterclockwise to engage with a notch when the arm

  pivoting 170 indexing is released.

  The pivot arm 170 has a projection 172 to which a first end of a pulling spring 174 is attached, the other end of this spring being hooked to an opening 175 in the side 152 of the fork. The spring 174 acts on the pivot arm 170 and tends to the

  move to an interlocking position with the disk 34.

  The swivel arm 170 has a latch 178 against which a transverse projection 180 of a locking member 182 is carried which is carried by the projection 156 on which it can pivot by means of an axis 184. The latch 182 is preferably made of ferromagnetic material and has a second transverse projection 186 for cooperating with a control coil 188 which attracts the projection 186 of the latch 182 and rotates the latch 182 in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. said coil is excited by means of electrical conductors 190. The latch 182 has a projection 192 against an edge of which can carry a first end of a spring 194 whose other end is on an edge of the transverse projection 156. The spring 194 is wound on the axis 184 and it tends to rotate the lock in the opposite direction to that of the 17. clockwise so that the projection 180 is maintained in contact t with the cleat 178 of the pivot arm 170 to hold the latter in the locked position shown on the

figure 8.

  When the coil 188 is energized and thus attracts the latch 182 by turning it clockwise, the projection 180 disengages from the latch 178 and allows the pivoting arm to move toward the disk 34 so that that the stop roller 140 can snap into a notch and stop the disc and the associated drum. To facilitate rapid movement of the pivot arm 170, the overall weight of the latter is preferably reduced and, for this purpose,

  the central part of the arm has a rounded recess 196.

  Once the pivoting arm has been released and the stopper 110 has engaged with a notch as shown in FIG. 9, the driving force of the disc 34 is oriented in the direction of rotation which is opposed to that of the disc. clockwise, which causes the application of a force, in the direction indicated by the arrow 198, on the indexing mechanism 70. It should be noted that the orientation of the stop member 140, when engaged, is approximately

  in alignment with the longitudinal dirrction of the sliding arm

  The indexing force 146 is such that the force is applied approximately in the longitudinal direction of the arm 146 as desired. In this regard, indexing sliding arm 146 is mounted on plate 148 so as to be oriented approximately tangentially to the circumference of disk 34 at a point

  of this disc corresponding to the position of the particular notch

  with which the 140 stop member is engaged.

  To dampen the initial shock to which the indexing mechanism is subjected, the sliding arm 146 indexing has the possibility of moving on a stroke oriented in its longitudinal direction, and in both directions relative to the rest position in which it is shown in FIG. 8. When the stopper is engaged with a notch, as shown in FIG. 9, the sliding arm 146 can move upwards, as shown in FIG. 9, and it can also move down as 18. This may be the case as a result of a recoil or an initial reaction to the stop, the downward motion of the element

  slide 146 being shown in particular in FIG.

  The sliding movement of the indexing arm 146 is possible thanks to the mounting mode of this arm 146 on the plate 148. In particular, the lower section of the sliding arm 146 comprises two elongate and transverse projections 200 and 202, the latter being adjusting in an elongate slot 204 of the mounting plate 148. The sliding arm 146 also carries an axis 206 which fits into another elongate slot 208, but shorter than the previous one, of the mounting bracket, the ends of this slot constituting stop surfaces which limit the stroke.

  sliding of the indexing arm 146.

  In order to oppose a certain resistance to the sliding movement and to keep the indexing arm 146 in the centered position, two centering arms 209 and 210, each having one end connected to the mounting support 148 by means of an axis 212, are used. rotation. The other ends of the centering arms also comprise fixing pins 214 to which a pulling spring 216 is connected, this spring tending to bring the centering arms towards one another. An axis 218 is attached to the mounting plate 148 and the sides of the two centering arms 209 and 210 are intended to bear against this axis when the sliding arm is in its rest position or centered position, as shown in FIG. 8. When applying a force tending to move the sliding arm 146 upwards as shown in FIG. 9, the axis 206 bears against the centering arm 208 and forces it away from the axis 218, against the opposite resistance

by the spring 216.

  In the case where the disc 34 reacts to this movement and applies to the indexing sliding arm 146 a downward force, the lower centering arm 210 is moved away from the axis 218 by the axis 206 which bears against its edge. , as shown in FIG. 10, and the force of the spring 216 resists the downward movement of the sliding arm 146. The spring 216 then returns the centering arm 210 in contact with the axis 19. 218 and the sliding arm is also brought back to his rest position. Since the upward force is usually much larger than the force of the

  downward reaction, great resistance

  this movement can be achieved. In this respect, a bracket 220 may be attached to the mounting plate 148 and this bracket has a projection 222 to which a compression spring 224 may be attached to bear against a

  transverse flange 226 of the indexing sliding arm 146.

  Thus, when the sliding arm is moved upwards in the direction indicated by the arrow 198 in FIG. 9, the spring 224 comes into contact with the transverse flange 226 and opposes an additional resistance to the continuation of the

upward movement.

  To disengage the indexing pivot arm 170 from the disk 34 after the latter has completely stopped so as to allow the player to perform a new game with the game apparatus, the indexing pivot arm 170 has a protrusion 230 against which is intended to carry a repositioning mechanism which comprises a repositioning arm 232 carrying a roller 234 at its outer end. The repositioning arm is attached to a shaft 236 which preferably extends approximately the entire width of the subassembly 30, a repositioning arm 232 being

  placed in the immediate vicinity of each indexing mechanism 70.

  When the repositioning mechanism is actuated, it pivots counterclockwise on the shaft 236, bears against the repositioning protrusion 230 by rotating it clockwise on the shaft. 162 and thus rotates the indexing arm to a latching position with the locking projection 180 to lock the latter in its retracted position as shown in FIG.

  repositioning mechanism controlling the shaft 236 and

  3 comprises a repositioning arm 238 fixed to the shaft 236 and biased by a tension spring 240 which holds said arm in the position shown, the other end of the arm 238 being connected to one end of a rod 242 by means of an axis 244 and the other end of the rod being connected by an axis 248 to a plunger 246 which is part of a coil 50 which can be excited by conductors 252. When the coil is energized, the plunger is pulled to the right so that plunger 246, link 242 and arm 248 move to the right, as shown, causing shaft 236 to rotate counterclockwise , as is

  necessary for the repositioning action.

  As mentioned above, in the case where the player pulls on the lever with insufficient force or insufficient speed so that the drums are rotated at a speed lower than the predetermined minimum speed, this eventuality is then detected by a suitable speed detection device associated with at least one of the drums or the shaft 40. If it is detected that the drums are rotating too slowly, the additional control mechanism 64, shown generally on the

  Figure 1 and in detail in Figures 13 to 16, is actuated.

  This control mechanism 64 is shown in the standby or rest position in FIG. 13, in the starting engagement position with the ratchet wheel 66 in FIG. 14 and at the end of its working run in FIG. 15. The mechanism is shown in exploded perspective in FIG. 16 and a variant of a part of this mechanism is shown in FIGS.

Figures 17 and 18.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the additional control mechanism includes a control plate 260 which is carried by the shaft 40 on which it can freely rotate. This control plate 260 carries a pawl 262 which is mounted on the plate by means of an axis 264 around which it can rotate. The pawl 262 has a transverse projection 266 for engaging with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 66 when the pawl 262 is rotated clockwise to this engagement position. However, the pawl 262 comprises a catch 268 against which a transverse projection 270 of a latch 272 of the pawl also carried by the plate 260 of 21. controls on which it is mounted by means of an axis 274. The lock 272 of the ratchet comprises a helical spring 276 which normally tends to rotate this latch clockwise, that is to say so that the projection 270 is normally biased against the cleat 268 of the pawl 262. The latter is also recalled to the ratchet wheel 66 by a helical spring 278, a first end of which bears against the pawl 262 and whose opposite end bears against the edge of the control plate 260, as shown on

  Figures 14 and 15. Thus, it appears from the description

  that when the latch 272 is actuated so that the protrusion 270 moves away from the latch 268, the pawl 262 is urged to rotate clockwise about the axis 264, causing interlocking

  the protrusion 266 with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 66.

  To enable the unlocking of the pawl 262, the latch 272 has a transverse projection 280 against which carries an end of a movable plunger 282 of a spool 284, the opposite end of the plunger 282 having a flange 286 against which a spring 288 compression that normally reminds the plunger to its retracted position in which it is shown in Figures 13 and 15. The coil 284 is properly attached to the flange 42 of the subassembly. When the spool is energized, the plunger 282 is forced upwardly as shown in the figures to contact the protrusion 280 and rotate the latch 272 in the opposite direction of the needle lock. a watch, on the axis 274, so as to disengage the projection 270 from the cleat 268 so that the spring 278 moves and

  engage the ratchet with the ratchet wheel 66.

  To drive the control plate after the pawl 262 has engaged with the ratchet wheel as shown in Fig. 14, a control arm 292 has two elongated slots 294 which receive two axes 296 disposed approximately horizontally and guiding the 292 control arm so that it can slide on a roughly horizontal run. The control arm 292 is operably connected to the control plate 260 by an axis 300 which enters a slot 302, 22.

  directed upwards and arranged in the control arm 292.

  The latter is preferably attached to the flange 42 by means of locking washers or other members attached to the pins 296, and the open slot 302 allows the greater part of the additional control arm assembly to be disassembled.

  when the shaft 40 carrying the drums and the like is removed.

  Thus, when the control arm 292 is pulled to the left, it rotates the control plate 260 in the clockwise direction and applies a rotational force to the ratchet wheel 66 and, therefore, the 40. A spool 304 is also suitably mounted on the flange 42 and has a retractable plunger 306 which is connected to the control arm by an axis 308 or the like, so that the excitation of the spool 304 pulls the link and the arm

  to the left, as shown in the figure.

  When this movement continues, the lower surface 310 of the pawl 262 bears against an inclined surface 312 of a bracket 314, as shown in FIG. 15, and the pawl 262 actually rotates counterclockwise in order to retracting the projection 266 and disengaging it from the ratchet wheel 66 towards the end of the stroke of the control arm 292, which brings the latch back into contact with the latch 268 and holds the pawl 262 in the locking position shown on FIG. 13. A pulling spring 316 is fixed by a first end to the axis 308 and at its other end to a suitable hole formed in the bracket 314. This spring 316 exerts a force which tends to bring the arm 292 down. control in its rest or standby position, as shown in Figure 13. When the lock is re-locked and the control plate is returned to its rest position, the protrusion 280 of the lock is again in a position p allowing the plunger 282 of the spool 284

  to bear against her during a subsequent operation.

  The exploded perspective view of Figure 16

  represents an amendment to the supplementary mechanism

  The control unit shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, this modification being also shown in detail in FIGS. 17 and 18, is essentially a second ratchet 262 'which has a transverse projection 266' and a cleat 268 '. two pawls 262 and 262 'being intended to engage with the ratchet wheel 66 when the latch 272 is released. As shown in FIG. 17, the pawl 262 'is substantially shorter so that the projection 266' is spaced from the projection 266 of the other pawl, the spacing of the protrusions being approximately equal to half of the pawl 266 '. the ratchet teeth 66 are spaced apart. Thus, when the ratchet lock is released, one of the projections 266 and 266 'immediately engages with a tooth and drives the ratchet wheel as desired rather than bouncing. and get away from this ratchet wheel as it may be. It should be noted that the two pawls 262 and 262 'are biased towards the wheel.

Ratchet 66.

  According to another important characteristic of

  the invention and as indicated above, the form of embodiment

  of the game apparatus described herein includes a mechanism 72 for absorbing excess energy or excess energy, shown in detail in FIGS. 19-24, for effectively limiting the maximum speed at which the drums can be rotated when the lever 48 is pulled too vigorously. The connection between the operating lever 48 and the main control mechanism will be briefly described with regard to the exploded perspective view of FIG. 24, as well as the plan view of FIG. 19, before the absorption mechanism 72 excessive energy is described in detail. The lever 48 is connected to a shaft 320 (not shown in FIG. 24) which, itself, is connected via the energy absorption mechanism 72 to a control gear 322 which inputs the means of a chain 326 a smaller driven pinion 324. This pinion 324 is fixed on a shaft 328 which is connected to a resistance application mechanism 330, briefly described hereinafter, and the shaft 328 also carries a square. 332 to which the flat spring 78 is fixed in order to drive the

  main control mechanism 60.

  Although the resistance applying mechanism 330 generally absorbs a certain portion of the energy, its main function is to give a feeling of resistance to a player pulling the lever in order to simulate the sensation offered by the apparatus. previous game which are essentially mechanical and which are of the type in which the pull of the lever has the effect of storing energy in a spring mechanism, this energy being released at the end of the stroke of the lever. The mechanism. The resistance member is of the type comprising two circular disks 334 and 336, one of which is fixed to a shaft 338 while the other is rotatably fixed, a circular sole 338 of leather being interposed between the disks 334. and 336. A compression spring 340 is mounted to urge the discs 334 and 336 against each other, the leather sole 338 producing the resistance against rotational movements.

  two discs. The spring 340 carries a first end

  against the disk 334 and its opposite end bears against a circular support 342 which is also fixed

preferably to the shaft 328.

  The excessive energy absorbing mechanism 72 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 20 to 23 and generally comprises an elongate lever arm 350 attached to the shaft 320 so that the rotation of the shaft 320 also turn the lever arm 350, and a second lever arm 352 which is attached to the far left portion of the shaft 320 by a bolt 354 or the like, so that the second lever is also attached to that shaft and rotates when the tree 320 turns. The second lever arm 352 has a transverse projection 356 which bears against an end 358 of a relatively large coil spring 360 disposed around the shaft and whose opposite end 362 bears against an axis 364 which is attached to the control gear 322. The axis 364 also protrudes from the other side of the toothed wheel 322 and engages the lever arm 350. It should however be noted that the axis 364 can be

  consists, in fact, of two axes or projections arranged angularly

  resemble and protrude from the toothed wheel, rather than from the single axis shown, the operating principle being the same in this case. The spring 360 is preferably rotated about one turn or more so that its upper end 362 is normally biased against the axis 364 and, therefore, against the lever arm 350. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the opposite end 358 of the spring penetrates into a notch 366 of the transverse projection 356. In order that the spring 360 retains a well cylindrical shape, a supporting cylinder 368, made of plastic or other material and whose outside diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the helical spring 360, is held concentrically to this spring 360 by means of three positioning axes 370 located on the toothed wheel 322, and by means of axes 372 arranged in the same manner and connected to the second

lever arm 352.

  During operation, it should be noted that due to the fact that the control gear 322 can freely rotate on the shaft 320, it is rotated in response to pulling the lever, by the intermediate lever arm 352 and spring 360 which bears against the axis 364. The control arm 350 also bears against the axis 364 and prevents the spring 360 from unwinding but, when the operating lever is moved to the As shown in FIG. 21, the entire mechanism shown rotates clockwise around the shaft 320 provided that the operating lever is not moved at an abnormally high speed. However, in the case of too vigorous traction applied to the lever, the lever arm 350 moves relative to the end 362 of the spring and to the axis 364 and may move away from the axis 364 and the Excessive energy is then absorbed by the spring 360. In this way, the gear wheel 322 controls all of the traction force exerted on the operating lever and transmitted to this gear, which thus ensures the protection of the gear. mechanism

  Main order, as desired.

  It is obvious from the previous description

  of the main control mechanism 60 and the additional mechanism

  64, none of these mechanisms are operably engaged with the shaft or disks 34, except for momentary moment during the actual driving of these elements. Likewise, the indexing mechanism 70 is not engaged with the disc 34 after it has been repositioned at the end of a game, and after the player has introduced a coin or otherwise prepared the game. In the one-piece apparatus, none of these three mechanisms are in contact with the shaft 40 or the discs 34 before the lever 48 is pulled, therefore the drums can slide or rotate freely under the gaming device, for example under the effect of jolts or blows applied by the player, etc. This sliding movement of the drums is undesirable because the player may attempt to rotate the drums to expose a combination winner of the symbols worn by these drums and he can then try to persuade the staff of a gaming establishment that he has won, which is why a mechanism is provided to prevent this movement of sliding drums during this lapse of time and this m canism is shown in detail in FIGS. 25, 26 and 27. After the drums and discs have been stopped by the action of the indexing mechanism and preferably after a piece has been introduced into the game apparatus or that the latter has been otherwise prepared for another part, the mechanism, indicated generally in 380, is released so as to be able to engage with the outer peripheral edge of the disk 34. This mechanism 380 is mounted on a bracket 382 by means of a mounting bracket 384 which carries an electrical coil 386 whose conductors 388 are connected to a suitable control circuit, and the mounting bracket has a flange 390 to which a spring 392 is attached. This

  spring 392 is preferably made of ferro-

  magnetic so as to be attracted by the action of the coil 386 when placed in the zone of influence of this coil, and this spring is shown in Figure 25 in the release position or waiting. In this position, the

  spring 392 is flexed and thus maintained by the exciter

  When the game apparatus is ready for a new game, the spool 386 is de-energized 27, allowing the flexible spring 392 to be released and then take the position in which it is depicted. Figure 26 for bearing against the edge of the disk 34. A slightly curved section 394 is located near the outer end of this spring and an additional mass may also be placed at the end, this mass may have the shape of a small square plate 396 of ferromagnetic material. The rounded portion 394 is adapted to have an edge 398 which can be applied against the edge of the disc 34 when the latter is driven by the main control mechanism, so that this edge 398 is propelled outwards towards the spool 386 to be then subjected to the influence of the latter and then maintained during the rotation of the drum. As shown in FIG. 27, the bracket 384 is connected to the profiled bracket 382 so as to be coplanar with the disk, and suitable spacers 400 and screws 402 secure the bracket 384 to the bracket 382.

in a classic way.

  It follows from the previous description that

  the improved gaming device described and shown has many desirable features, including the ability for a player to control the operation of a gaming device of the type described, which is impossible with conventional and previous gaming devices. In addition, a large number of mechanisms described herein, while being particularly suitable for the described gaming device, are also suitable for conventional gaming devices of this type, that is, devices in which the speed of the drums may not be directly proportional to the speed at which the operating lever is pulled. In this

  In this respect, the indexing mechanism 70 has the characteristics

  desirable for use in conventional gaming apparatuses and the additional control mechanism can be used as a control mechanism in a conventional type gaming apparatus, rather than simply as a mechanism for increasing the rotational speed of the drums, as described for the preferred embodiment

of the invention.

  28. It goes without saying that many modifications

  may be brought to the gaming device described and

  felt without departing from the scope of the invention.

29.

Claims (41)

  1. - Mechanism for controlling a rotary shaft (40) forming part of a device of the type in which this shaft Lourillonne, by its opposite ends, in a frame and carries a ratchet wheel (62) which is fixed on a first end of this shaft, the mechanism (60) being intended for   print to the shaft an initial speed of rotation   proportional to the force applied to a lever (48) by manipulation of an operator, the mechanism being characterized in that it comprises a locking device (112) which, when actuated, releases said mechanism so that it can engage with the ratchet wheel to contact and rotate the wheel, as well as the shaft, on a first predetermined arc, the housing having a cam surface (128) against which the mechanism carries before said arc is completed, this cam surface disengaging the mechanism of the ratchet wheel, the shaft then rotating at a speed proportional to that imparted to the ratchet wheel and to the shaft before the clearance.   2. Mechanism according to claim 1, characterized   characterized in that it is carried by the shaft and that it can rotate relative thereto, from a rest position and over a second predetermined arc and larger than the first bow.   3. - Mechanism according to claim 2, characterized   characterized in that it also comprises a plate (82) freely rotatable on the shaft and having a front driving surface against which carries a control element operatively associated with the operating lever, a control arm (100) which is rotatably mounted on the plate and which has at least one contact surface that can bear against the ratchet wheel when the arm pivots to engage with said wheel, the control arm having a member (108) for to return it to the engagement position with the ratchet wheel, the locking device, carried by said plate, being intended to hold the control arm away from the ratchet wheel and to release this control arm. when actuated, a member (118) attached to the frame for actuating the device   locking when requested.   4. - Mechanism according to claim 3, characterized   characterized in that it comprises a member (78) intended to return the plate towards its rest position when the mechanism is clear of the ratchet wheel.   5. - Mechanism according to claim 3, characterized   characterized in that it comprises a first stop member (124) fixed to the frame in order to limit the rotation of the plate at the end of the first and second arcs, the ends of the   arcs being in the same position.   6. - Mechanism according to claim 3, characterized   characterized in that it comprises a second stop member (94) fixed to the frame in order to stop the plate in said position of   rest at the return of this plate to said rest position.   7. - Mechanism according to claim 3, characterized   characterized in that the locking device comprises a bent element (112) which is pivotable on an axis (110), which is made of ferromagnetic material and a first end portion of which bears against the control arm while retaining it, the locking releasing the control arm when the device pivots so that said first end portion is remote from the control arm in response to a biasing of said actuating member (118), the locking device having a member (120) for biasing this device to the position of contact with the control arm.   8. - Mechanism according to claim 7,   characterized in that the actuating element comprises an electrically energizable coil (118), which is fixed to the frame, near an end section (116) opposite the first end section, and which is intended to attract said opposite extreme section in order to rotate the device of   lock when this coil is energized.   9. - Control mechanism of a shaft (40) carrying several drums (32) which have signs, the drums being driven by the shaft when the latter is 31. rotated in a first direction, and these drums being able to rotating relative to the shaft in the opposite direction, the mechanism, which is driven by a control element engageable with it and whose speed can vary and is determined by an operator operating a lever (48) operatively connected to said element driving device (78), characterized in that it comprises a ratchet wheel (62) whose circumference has teeth (76) and which is fixed to said shaft (40) so as to rotate it, a plate (82) rotatable about an axis from a rest position to an end position, said plate having at least one drive surface (80) for contacting the control member when the lever maneuver is handled, a control arm (100) which is pivotable on the plate and which has a contact surface (104) engageable with the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the   control arm is tilted to this engaging position.   the control arm having an organ (108)   to return it normally to the engaged position   a locking device (112) carried by the plate for retaining the control arm remote from the ratchet teeth and for releasing the control arm when actuated, an element (118). controlling the locking device to release the control arm when this member (118) is actuated, and elements (128, 120) for disengaging the control arm and repositioning the locking device when   a rotation of the plate on a first predetermined arc.   10. - Control mechanism for increasing the speed of rotation of a shaft (40) carrying a ratchet wheel (66) when this mechanism is actuated, characterized in that it comprises a plate (260) movable relative to the shaft between a rest position and a feed position, a pawl <262) carried by the plate and adapted to be moved relative to this plate and to engage with the ratchet wheel, a member (276) return of the pawl to a position of engagement with the ratchet wheel, a locking device (272) carried by the plate and intended to retain the ratchet 32. away from the ratchet wheel, this locking device being able to release the ratchet when actuated, locking device control elements (282, 284) for releasing said locking device when actuated, a control member (292) operatively connected to the plate and for moving it of said p resting osition to said advance position after actuation of the latch control members, and elements (314, 316) for disengaging the pawl and repositioning the latch in response to a movement of the plate to said advance position.   11. - Mechanism according to claim 10, characterized   characterized in that the plate is carried by the shaft and is rotatable relative thereto, over a predetermined arc, of   said rest position at said advance position.   12. - Mechanism according to claim 10, characterized   characterized in that the locking device comprises a pivoting member having a first end portion (270) engageable with the pawl to hold it, and an opposing end section (280) operably associated with the control members of the device locking device, the latter including- also a member (276) intended to recall it   towards the engagement position with the ratchet.   13. - Mechanism according to claim 12, characterized   characterized in that the control elements of the locking device comprise an electric coil (284) and a plunger (282) capable of performing an extension movement and bearing against said opposite extreme section (280) in order to move the locking device to that he releases the ratchet. 14. - Mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that the control element comprises a drive member (304) electrically actuated and having an output member (306) which moves from a rest position to a position in advance during the electrical excitation of said drive member, said control element further comprising a member (308) of   link that connects the output member to the plate. 33.   15. - Mechanism according to claim 10, characterized   characterized in that it comprises a member (316) for biasing the control element and the plate towards their rest positions. 16. - Mechanism according to claim 15, characterized in that the driving element comprises an electric coil (304) comprising a plunger (306) movable axially and constituting the output member, the member (308). link being connected by a first end to the plunger   and by its opposite end to the plate.   17. - Mechanism according to claim 10, characterized   characterized in that it comprises a device for sequentially actuating the control elements of the locking device, then the control element, in response to its trigger.   18. - Mechanism according to claim 17, characterized   characterized in that it comprises a device for detecting the rotational speed of the shaft and for triggering the sequential actuator in response to detecting a rotational speed below a predetermined speed. 19. - Mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that the release elements comprise a cam surface (312) located near the ratchet wheel and against which the ratchet (262) carries when the   plate approaches its position in advance during   said cam surface repositioning the pawl and locking device as it bears against the pawl.   20. - Mechanism according to claim 10, characterized   characterized in that the pawl comprises a pivoting element whose one end has a locking surface (268) intended to be retained by the locking device, and the other end has at least one transverse projection (266) intended for 'engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel.   21. - Mechanism according to claim 20, characterized   characterized in that the pawl comprises two transverse protrusions 34 (266, 266 ') intended to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel and spaced from each other by a distance approximately corresponding to the half of the gap   adjacent teeth of the ratchet wheel (66).   22. - Mechanism for momentarily driving a rotary shaft (40) to increase its rotational speed, this shaft being part of an apparatus of the type in which said shaft (40) is journalled by its opposite ends in a frame and door a ratchet wheel (66) fixed to a first end section of said shaft, the mechanism being characterized in that it comprises a plate (260) which is rotatable on the shaft and which carries a pivoting pawl (262) engaging with the ratchet wheel when released, which pawl is biased toward said latching position, a locking device (272) for retaining the ratchet away from the ratchet wheel and releasing it when said device is actuated, elements (282, 284) controlling the locking device when actuated, a control element (292) for moving the plate over a predetermined arc to rotate the ratchet wheel when the pawl is engaged with it, cam elements (312, 314) intended to bear against the pawl when the ratchet is approaching the end of the predetermined arc, so as to disengage it from the ratchet wheel; ratchet and repositioning the locking device to retain said pawl, and a device for actuating the control elements and then actuating the control element <292) on receipt of a control signal. 23. - Device for stopping a rotating drum (32) of the type used in a amusement machine or game and to which at least one circular disk (34) is associated and has several notches (36) formed in its circumference and intended receiving a member (140) for stopping the rotation of the disc and the drum, the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises a mounting member (148) for attaching said device to the frame of the game apparatus, an arm ( 146) mounted movably on the mounting member and having a section (150, 152) located in close proximity to the circumference of the disc and movable in opposite directions from a position resting, along a stroke that is approximately tangent to the circumference of the disc at the point where the stop member (140) engages in a notch, a device for restoring the indexing arm so that said section be called back to said position ion of rest, a pivoting arm (170) which is fixed to this section of the indexing arm and which can pivot relative thereto, the pivoting arm carrying said stop member which engages in one of the notches when this arm pivots towards the disk, a member (174) for biasing the arm pivoting towards the disk, a locking device (182) carried by the indexing arm and intended to hold the pivoting arm away from the disk, this device for lock that can release the pivot arm when actuated, and an element (188) that, when actuated, acts on the locking device to release the indexing arm. 24. - Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the indexing arm (146) comprises an elongated element, a first end section is mounted so as to slide on the mounting member (148), this elongate element longitudinally slidable and oriented along a line which is approximately tangent to the circumference of the disc at the point where the stopping member   engages in one of said notches.   25. - Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the longitudinal direction of said elongated element is substantially aligned with the point of attachment of the pivoting arm on the elongated member and with the stop member.   when the latter is introduced into one of the notches.   26. - Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the pivoting arm comprises a projection (230) of repositioning which is approximately away from the disc, from said stop member when the latter is   inserted into one of the notches, a lever (232) for restoring   tion to be in contact with this projection to disengage the stopper from the notch and to place the locking device in such a manner that it retains the   pivoting arm away from the latching position.   27. - Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the locking device comprises a pivoting member made of ferromagnetic material and a first end portion has opposite transverse projections one of which (180) has a retaining surface of the arm pivoting, the other projection (186) having a surface for cooperating with the control element of the device locking.   28. - Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the locking device comprises   a member (194) for returning it to the pivoting arm.   29. - Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the control element of the locking device comprises a coil (188) which can be electrically excited, which is fixed to the mounting element near said other projection ( 186) of the element * of the locking device and intended to attract this element   and releasing the pivot arm (170).   30. - Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the indexing arm has a transverse projection (202) which can be housed and slide in an elongate slot (204) of said mounting member, the width of the slot n ' being slightly greater than that of the projection so that the sliding of the indexing arm is guided along said race.   31. - Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the restoring member of the indexing arm comprises two elongate arms (209, 210) for centering, oriented approximately parallel to each other, close together. one of the other and disposed approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the indexing arm, each centering arm having a first end section (212) which is connected to the mounting member and an opposite end section which extends on the indexing arm, a first stop member (218) being attached to the mounting member, between the centering arms, so as to stop the movement of the latter towards each other. another, a second stop member (206) attached to the arm, indexing, between the centering arms, being intended to bear against one of the centering arms when sliding the indexing arm in a direction along of said stroke, and against the other centering arm when sliding the indexing arm opposite direction, a spring (216) tending to   bring the centering arms closer to each other.   32. - Device for an amusement apparatus   play or frame which is of the type comprising at least one rotating drum (32) and a disc (34) fixedly connected to said drum and having a plurality of notches (36) adapted to receive a member (140) for stopping the rotation of the drum and disk, the device, intended to carry the stop member and to introduce it into one of the notches when it is actuated, being characterized in that it comprises a plate (148 ) to be fixed to the frame of the apparatus, and an elongated element (146) indexing on a first end section which is mounted a pivoting arm (170) which carries the stop member (140) and which is biased towards the disk, the other end of the indexing element being slidably connected to the mounting plate and said indexing member having a device for returning it to its rest position, indexing element slidable in opposite directions s, from said rest position, along a path approximately tangent to the periphery of the disk, at a point where the stop member enters one of the notches, the indexing element having a locking device (182) for keeping the pivoting arm away from the notches and for releasing said arm to stop rotation of the disk, the indexer biasing device being able to absorb shocks in any one of two-way during the stop maneuver.   33. - Device intended for a amusement or amusement machine of the type comprising a lever (48) for maneuvering which is pulled over a certain stroke by an operator having started the apparatus, this device (72), 38. which is intended to absorb excessive force that can be applied by the operator to the operating lever, so that the latter is moved on its stroke at a high speed, being characterized in that it comprises a control shaft (320) which rotates in the apparatus and to a portion of which the operating lever is fixed, a gear wheel (322) controlled by the shaft and being freely rotatable relative thereto, the gear wheel having transverse projections on its opposing faces, first and second arms (352, 350) each attached to the shaft, a torsion spring <360) mounted around the shaft and having a first end (358) bearing against the first arm (352) and whose opposite end (362) por against one of the projections (364) of the toothed wheel, the other projection (364) of the toothed wheel bearing against a first side of the second arm (350), the application of a pull to the lever tending to moving the other protrusion (364), carried by the gear wheel, away from said second arm, the spring being wound in a direction such that it applies a force tending to maintain contact between said other arm protrusion and the second arm.   34. - Device according to claim 33, characterized in that the transverse projections consist of a single axis (364) which is fixed in a hole in the toothed wheel and which protrudes outwards two sides of this wheel.   35. - Device according to claim 33, characterized in that the spring is a helical spring (360) with several turns and comprises a cylinder (368) whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the spring so that the latter be maintained under normal cylindrical shape.   36. - Device according to claim 33, characterized in that it comprises a driven pinion (324) mounted on a second shaft (328), the toothed wheel and the pinion being oriented in the same plane and an endless chain (326). ) passing on this toothed wheel and pinion so that the driven pinion is driven by said chain and said wheel control gear.   39. 37. - Device according to claim 36, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (330) braking connected to the second shaft and intended to apply a   resistance opposing rotation of said second shaft.   38. - Device for absorbing energy   applied to a control shaft (40) during its acceleration   in response to the application of excessive rotational force to the shaft in a first direction so that the entire unabsorbed rotational force is not transmitted to a functionally associated control gear (322) to this shaft, the device being characterized in that it comprises a control shaft (320) mounted to properly journal and rotate under the effect of a rotational force applied to said shaft, a toothed wheel (322 ) carried by the control shaft and freely rotatable relative thereto, the toothed wheel having external projections (364> protruding on opposite sides thereof, first and second arms (352, 350) axially spaced apart from one another; the other and fixedly connected to the control shaft, a helical spring (360) which surrounds the control shaft, between the first arm (352) and the toothed wheel (322), a first end (358) thereof spring bearing against the first arm and s an opposite end (362) bearing against one of the projections (364) of the toothed wheel, the spring being loaded so as to exert on the gear wheel a restoring force oriented in said first direction, the other projection of the wheel toothed bearing against the second arm (350), an acceleration of the control shaft in the first direction   tending to separate the projection from the second arm.   39. - Device for an amusement apparatus   or a game of the type comprising at least one disc (34) which can rotate freely and which has a plurality of notches (36) formed along its circumference, this device, which is intended to oppose any slight rotation of the disc when No rotational force is applied to the latter, being characterized in that it comprises support elements (382, 384) for mounting said device near the circumference of the disk, a movable and elongated member (392 40. a first end portion of which is attached to the support members and whose other end is intended to bear lightly against the circumferential edge of the disc and to resist rotation of the disc when this element is not in the position of withdrawal, an element (386) for retaining said element (392) in the retracted position, the movable element having a surface profile (394) against which said edge   the disc can wear to keep this element away from   engagement with the disk and bring it closer to a retracted position in response to rapid rotation initial disk.   40. - Device according to claim 39, characterized in that the movable and elongate member comprises a thin flexible and resilient blade (392), which is fixed to the mounting elements at an angle so that said edge of the disc can wear normally lightly against   this blade when the latter is not retracted.   41. - Device according to claim 40,   characterized in that a piece (396) of ferrous material   magnet is attached to the free end of the blade to increase the force of attraction occurring between the blade and the retainer (386).   42. - Device according to claim 41, characterized in that the retaining element comprises an electromagnet (386) for holding the blade in its retracted position when said blade is brought close to   of this electromagnet and that the latter is excited.   43. - Device according to claim 40, characterized in that the surface profile comprises a curved recess (394) formed in the free end of the blade and intended to bear against outer portions of the circumferential edge between adjacent notches, the outer section being adapted to bear against the boundary between said recess and the general plane of the blade, at the outer end of the recess, to move said blade from the latching position to the position of   withdrawal in response to an initial fast rotation of the disk.   41. 44. - Device for producing, when engaged, a relatively light resistance opposing a rotation of a disc (34) which can freely rotate in at least one direction on a shaft (40), this disc being part of a amusement or amusement machine, the device, which disengages automatically when a fast rotational force is applied to the disc, being characterized in that it comprises support elements (382, 384 ) by means of which it is mounted near the circumferential edge of the disk, an elastic, elongate, flexible and thin blade (392) attached to the mounting members at an angle, so as to be normally biased in light contact against the circumferential edge of the disk when the blade is not in the retracted position, an element (386) for holding the blade in the retracted position, said blade having a profile (394) of the surface against which said edge can come into contact with. in that said blade is moved away from this contact position towards its withdrawal position under the effect of a   fast rotation of the disc.