GB1292712A - Improvements relating to coin-operated gaming or amusement machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1292712 Coin-freed amusement machines CARFIELD (ENGS) Ltd 20 April 1971 [20 Jan 1970 14 April 1970 18 March 1971] 2671/70 17569/70 and 7438/71 Heading G4V In a "fruit machine" the facility is provided of changing the symbol at at least one of the positions in the winning combination-line after a play has taken place, the replacement symbol or symbols being visible to the player immediately prior to the change being made. The machine may have symbols on drums, reels or discs or utilize an illuminated display device, but in either case, two or more symbols are visible at at least one position when the symbols are stationary. Preferably, the change at any position is limited to the next symbol in the direction of change. The facility may not be available after every play, but only as determined by a random device. An embodiment is shown in Fig. 2 where the "selector unit" comprises two co-rotatable cams (not shown) which respectively operate switches A, B. The latter is opened by one cam after the drums have ceased rotating to stop rotation of the cams, the stopped position of the other cam determining whether switch A remains opened or closed. If closed, the change facility is available and the player presses an "adjustment button" to activate a rotary cam type "adjustment timer unit". A pulse is sent to the appropriate "drum indexing solenoid" and a "winning combination detector" and "pay-out mechanism" are energized. The "timer unit" may incorporate capacitors rather than cams. Features to ensure only one availability per game and the functioning of only one "adjustment button", may be provided. In a simplified embodiment, Fig. 3, certain symbols are marked. to represent "adjustment symbols" which when one position from the "combination line" after play, as shown, effect via a "selector disc" actuation of a "'striker switch". This switch renders the associated "adjustment button" operative. Button operation may be replaced by automatically operating adjustment mechanism.