US2786682A - Chance device and control means therefor - Google Patents

Description

March 26, 1957 B. T. MCMANUS 2,786,682

CHANCE DEVICE AND CONTROL MEANS THEREFOR Filed Jan. 26, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 IFOR AMUSEMENI ONLY) IN VEN TOR.

ATTORNEYS.

March 26, 1957 B. T. MCMANUS 2,786,682

CHANCE DEVICE AND CONTROL MEANS THEREFOR Filed Jan. 26, 1951 6 Shets-Sheet 2 E H V o o o 0' 2,65

20.; I v I 2 a {a1 19 .F 55 7x57 266 m 1.95 O 3 .452 7 2w Y 22/ 20/ J p INVENTOR.

, ATTORNEYS.

March 26, 1957 B. T. MCMANUS CHANCE DEVICE AND CONTROL MEANS THEREFOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 26, 1951 INVENTOR. r gid/ W &

ATTORNEYS.

March 26, 1957 Filed Jan. 26, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.'

ATTORNEYS.

March 26, 1957 B. T. M MANUS 2,786,632

CHANCE DEVICE AND CONTROL MEANS THEREFOR 6 Sheefs-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 26, l 95 1 ATTORIVE'Y5 INVENTOR. u 5 12%mdffi-M March 26, 1957 'B. T. M MANL JS CHANCE DEVICE AND CONTROL MEANS THEREFOR Filed Jan. 26-, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 United States Patent CHANCE DEVICE AND CONTROL MEANS THEREFOR Bernard T. McManus, Lander, Wyo., assignor to P & M Enterprises, Inc., Rock Springs, Wyo.

Application January 26, 1951, Serial No. 208,005

7 Claims. (Cl. 273-143) This invention relates to an amusement device and it relates more particularly to an amusement device which embodies elements of a machine of the type shown and described in the following United States Letters Patents: 1,586,455, May 25, 1926; 1,570,910, January 26, 1926; 1,677,647, July 17, 1928; 1,697,537, January 1, 1929; 1,706,896, March 26, 1929; 1,798,416, March 24, 1931.

Generally the unit comprises a plurality of drums mounted for revolving movement about a common axis and having a number of symbols on the peripheral surfaces thereof. In present practice, the drums are put into play, that is, they are given a spinning movement by actuation of an operating lever upon insertion of coins or other tokens in the machine. If the wheels come to rest with a certain combination of symbols, hereafter called awinning combination, payoff automatically occurred in coins, premiums or the like. Devices of the type described are capable of considerable amusement without the gambling feature and it is an object of this invention to produce a machine of the type described which is substantially free of the objectionable feature of coin control or operation of coin delivery for winning combinations.

Another object is to produce an amusement device of the type described which may be used exclusively for amusement, which can be played without the use of coins or other tokens, which does not pay off in coins or otherwise upon attaining a winning combination, but which records the score obtained or increases the number of plays responsive to attaining a winning combination.

A further object is to produce an amusement device of the type described which is sturdy in construction and simple in operation and which may be used for the enjoyment of young and old alike.

A still further object is to produce an amusement device of the type described adapted to be controlled and the score recorded at a station separate and apart from the portion of the machine which forms the playing part.

A still further object is to produce an amusement device of the type described which may be freely played or set for a predetermined number of plays and adapted to have the winning score separately recorded or, in the alternative, added to increase the number of plays.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter appear and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which- Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the device embodying features of this invention;

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view showing elements which form a part of the control and recording unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the control and recording unit shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view showing the parts of the control and recording unit;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective View showing the 2,786,682 Patented Mar. 26, 1957 arrangement of some of the par-ts of the operating machine shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the control disc for recording the scores of the winning combinations;

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the modified form of a control and recording device embodying features of this invention;

Figure 8 is a wiring diagram of the device embodying features of this invention, and

Figure 9 is an electrical diagram of the device embodying features of this invention.

As shown in the drawings, the device comprises the combination of a playing unit and a control and recording unit, wherein the operation of the machine is controlled and the score recorded.

The playing unit includes a housing 10 having a number of windows 11 arranged in side by side relation and corresponding in number to the drums or wheels 12 mounted therein for revolving movement. The peripheral surfaces of the drums, three of which are shown, are provided with symbols which are visible through the windows so that the operator can see the passing symbols and the combination of symbols which he has. secured when the wheels or drums 12 come to rest.

The drums are mounted on separate telescoping shafts so that a separate ratchet wheel 13 may be adapted to turn with each drum. The ratchet wheels are provided with openings 15 therethrough in positions to correspond with symbols on the corresponding periphery thereof such that feelers in the form of fingers 14 projecting inwardly from a number of spring-pressed lever arms 16 may enter into one or more of the openings, in the event that the wheels 'have stopped in certain positions. The lever arms 16 are pivoted upon a common shaft which passes through registered openings 17 in the lower end portion thereof.

Means (not shown) are provided for rocking and holding the lever arms 16 in position away from the ratchet wheels 13 while the drums 12 and the wheels 13 are turning, but in timed relation with the stoppage of the drums and wheels, the lever arms are released and permitted to be rocked forwardly by spring members Whereby the fieelers or fingers 14 may enter into any openings in alignment therewith. Entrance of the fingers into registered openings of the ratchet wheels corresponding to predetermined combinations of symbols on the periphery of the drum enables the lever arms to rock forwardly a greater distance to permit operating fingers 18 on the upper ends thereof to engage and deflect contact arms 19 of a complex switch member, which will hereinafter be described, to record or otherwise indicate winning combinations.

The parts and their operation which actually make up the operating machine need not here be fully described since the parts and their operation are substan tially old in the art and form no part of this invention except for modifications which will hereinafter be de scribed to adapt the machine for use in combination with the control and recording unit, which will hereinafter be described. Suffice it to say that the parts are set and put into operation by rocking movement of the hand operated lever arm 20 which is operatively connected to pin 21 on the end of rocker arm 22. Rocker arm 22 is pivoted at 23 upon a shaft and operable therewith is a rack sector 25 having a switch mechanism 24 positioned rearwardly and in the path thereof for engagement with the sector 25 during a portion of its rocking movement.

Means are provided for controlling rocking movement of the rocker arm 22. Such means include an upright lever arm 30 having an opening 31 in its lower end portion for pivotal mounting upon a suitable shaft. A shoulder 32 extends inwardly from the upper portion of the lever arm 3% in the path of a laterally extending projection on the end of rocker arm 22 so as to prevent operational swinging movement of the rocker arm 22 when the lever arm 3% is in normal position of adjustment. When the machine is adapted to be operated, as will hereinafter be pointed out, lever \arm 3:? is rocked in counter-clockwise direction to enable the projection to clear the shoulder 32. Counter-clockwise movement of the lever arm 30 is effected by operation from another lever arm 33 pivoted at 34 intermediate its ends. A pin 35 at the lower end of the lever arm 33 is slidable in a vertically arranged slot 36 in the upper end portion of the lever arm 30. The other end portion of the lever arm 33 is provided with a laterally extending pin 37 of large and small diameter.

Pivoted at 40 is another horizontally disposed rocker arm 41 having an upward extension 42 at the forward end provided with a cam surface 43 in the portion positioned below the pin 37. The cam surface terminates in a receiving groove 44 formed in the upper wall of the rocker arm 41. The opposite end portion 45 of the rocker arm 41 is pivotally connected between yoke 46 extending upwardly from a platform 47 fixed onto the end of the plunger 48 which forms a part of the solenoid valve 49.

It will be apparent from this description that energization of the solenoid switch through leads 49 will cause the plunger to go home whereby the rocker arm 41 will be rockedwabout its pivot in the clockwise direction. Such movement will cause the cam surface 43 to rise and engage the pin 37 whereby the lever arm 33 will be actuated to turn in a clockwise direction. Responsive to the operative connection between the pin 35 and the slotted portion 36 of the lever arm 33, the latter will be rocked. in the counter-clockwise direction whereby the shoulder 32 will be positioned out of the path of the extension on rocker arm 22. so that it can be actuated in operational movement.

As the plunger of the solenoid 49 goes home, the larger portion of the pin 37 is adapted to seat Within the receiving groove 44. in order to prevent. chattering and also to minimize Wear on the solenoid, the sector 25 is adapted to shift far enough as the extension clears the shoulder 32 to permit the contacts of switch 24 to break whereby the solenoid 49 is de-energized and the plunger returned to its original extended position. Coincident with clearance of the extension on rocker arm 22 of the shoulder 32' of lever arm 30, the movement of the lever arms 30 and 33 are adapted to reverse in response to action of a spring 34' sothat the pin 37 isable to unseat from the grooved portion 44 and permit the rocker arm 41 to be returned to its original position. of adjustment.

A horizontally disposed timing lever 50 is usually arranged in the rearward portion of the machine and is operatively connected to the rocker arm 22 so as to be swung about its pivot 51 in the counter-clockwise direction responsive to operational movement of the rocker arm 22. Although the parts thereof are not shown, the timing lever is constantly urged to return to its original position of adjustment by spring members and the movement thereof is slowed in timed relation by suitable gov erning means. In timed relation with the return movement of the timing lever 50, the revolving movement of the drums 12 and ratchet Wheels 13 are successively stopped so that all of the elements are in position of rest before the timing lever reaches its original position of adjustment, allof which are old in the art as described in the aforementioned patents.

Positioned in advance of the free end of the timing lever is a switch 52 having one Contact plate 53 in connection with reset mechanism, which will hereinafter be described, and another contact plate 54.. in connection. with the add and subtract mechanism, which will also be later described. The switch operating plate 55. @X".

tending forwardly below plates 53 and 54 and usually in spaced relation therewith, has a V-shaped end section 56 which extends in the path, of the timing lever so that the V-shaped section 56 will be engaged by the timing lever as it is rocked in the counter-clockwise direction whereby the contact plate 55 is deflected upwardly to nrake the switch. Leads 57 and 58 connect the respective contact plates 53 and 54 with reset and subtract mechanisms.

Another switch mechanism 59 is positioned rearwardly of the timing lever 5%). This switch has a contact arm 64) which lies in the path of a rearwardi'yextending arm 61 fixed, as by a rivet 62, ontoan intermediate portion of the timing lever 50. As the timing lever 50 is rocked in the counter-clockwise direction, the arm 61 swings away from the switch 59 and permits the contact plate 6% to shift outwardly and break the switch. Under such conditions the mechanism for recording winning combinations becomes disconnected so that inadvertent scoring will be prevented and other parts will be inactivated to prevent additional recording of the score or a winning combination previously secured. Otherwise, vibrational movement of parts of the machine efi'iected while the drums and ratchet wheels are rotating might cause certain contacts tobe made and a score recorded when such has not actually been obtained. As the timing lever 54) returns to its normal position of adjustment, the arm 61 deflects contact. plate dtlto make the switch and set the recording mechanism to score a winning combination, if such is obtained.

Since amusement devices of the type heretofore described are relatively old in the art, detailed description thereof has not been made. Description, however, in greater detail has been made of the parts which are believed to be new and which impart a new function and operation in combination with the control and recording unit which will nowbe described.

In the preferred embodiment, the control and recording unit comprises a base plate 70 having an upright front panel section 71 which forms a part of the enclosing housing. The front panel is provided with an. opening 72- fitted with a frosted glass plate '73, marked Plays in the drawing. Substantially paralleltherewith and laterally thereof is another opening 74- fitted with a frosted glassplate. 75, marked Score.

Located, in, thepanel is a further opening '79 covered with a frosted glass marked Joker and having a light bulb disposed rearwardly thereof which becomes illuminated when the finger of the last lever arm 16 passes all the waythroughregistcrcd openings in the three aligned ratchet wheels 13 so that the projection 13 makes contact betweenrthe switch parts 19 which will hereinafter be described.

Trip finger located. to extend forwardly from the front panel 71. connects with the power source to establish an electrical connection with all of the parts in advance of their operation. Trip finger 81 energizes sole.- noid 49 after finger 80 has been tripped to permit free play of the machine.

Located rearwardly. of opening 72 is an upright panel 82 which, rotatably mounts a shaft 83. Fixed onto the shaft forwardly of the panel 82'is a large disc member 84' formed of metal or the like having a plurality of numerals 85; such as ranging from l5O or more, stem-- cilled'or otherwise formed as letter openings in equidistantly spaced relation about the peripheral end portion thereof. The stencilled numeral portions in the upper portionof the shaft are adapted to be aligned with a light source in, the form of a bulb 86 positioned rearwardly on the panel 82, an opening in alignment in panel 82 to permit the light rays to pass therethroughinto -alens similar in construction and arrangement to thelenses -152 in Figure; 4; which increases. the. intensity of the light rays which 'then pass through; the numeral openings. Thenumeraled outline of the light rays is confined to the uppermost numeral'by a blocking plate 259 and is further intensified by an aligned lens 89 between the disc member 84 and the front panel section 71 where by the numeral is cast onto the frosted glass so that it can be read from in front of the control and recording box.

Fixed on the front portion of the shaft 83 extending rearwardly of the panel 82 and for rotational movement with the shaft is a ratchet wheel 95 having rack teeth 96 formed all around the periphery thereof in proportion with the numeral spacing in disc 84. The ratchet wheel and shaft are constantly urged to turn in the counterclockwise direction by a torsional spring 97 positioned to telescope over the shaft 83. One end of the spring is hooked into an eye on the rearward end portion of the shaft while the other end of the spring has a laterally extending end section 98 which hooks into a platform 99 fixed to the panel 82.

The :adding and subtracting mechanism includes an upright rocker arm 100 pivoted intermediate its end upon pin 101 extending rearwardly from panel 82. A spring 102, anchored at one end into an opening 103 in the upper end portion of the rocker arm 100 and at the other end onto a post 104 fixed in panel 82, constantly urges the rocker arm 100 to turn in a clockwise direction. The other end of the rocker arm is pivoted onto the end of a horizontally disposed plunger 105 of solenoid 106, which is secured to the base. An adjustable stop in the form of a screw 107 threaded through bracket 108 and secured in its adjusted position by nut 109 is positioned in spaced relation with the plunger 105 to govern the extent of turning movement of the rocker arm 100.

A lever arm 110 is pivoted at one end upon post 111 fixed to the upper end portion of rocker arm. 100. An inturned flanged pawl 112 integral with the outer end of the lever mm 110 is constantly urged into engagement with the teeth 96 of the ratchet wheel 95 by a spring 113 anchored at one end onto pin 114 intermediate the ends of the lever arm 110. The other end of the spring is anchored onto pin 115 fixed to an intermediate portion of rocker arm 100. The lever arm is also provided with a ledge 116 in the form of an extension integral with the upper outer edge portion thereof.

Another rocker arm 120 pivoted intermediate its ends upon pin 121 extending rearwardly from the panel 82 is constantly urged to rock in a counter-clockwise direction about its pivot by a torsional spring 122 telescoped about the pin 121 and having one end portion hooked over the upper edge of the rocker arm 120 to the left of the pivot while the other end of the spring extends and bears upon a post 123 fixed to the rear wall of the panel 82. The other end portion of the rocker arm 120 is located below the ledge 116 and has a turned flange 124 which operates as a latching pawl when in engagement with the teeth 96 of the ratchet wheel 95 and prevents counter-clockwise turning movement thereof. The other end of the rocker arm 120 is pivoted from the upper end of plunger 125 of solenoid 126.

A bushing rotatably positioned on the end portion of pin 121 mounts a bell crank lever 128 for rocking movement in either direction. One arm 129 of the bell crank lever has an inturned flange that is constantly urged in the direction to engage the teeth of the ratchet wheel 95 by a coil spring 131 anchored at one end onto pin 132 fixed to the arm and at the other end onto pm 114 on the lever arm 110. The other arm portion of the bell crank lever has an integral flange which extends beneath the corresponding portion of the rocker arm 120 so as to be engaged thereby during movement of the rocker arm towards position for engaging the teeth 96 whereby the pawl portion 130 of the bell crank lever is actuated against the force of the spring 131 to become disengaged from the teeth.

A rod 135 extending rearwardly from the ratchet wheel 95 at a point offset from its center is adapted to engage contact plate 136 of a double acting switch 137. The contact plate 136 is formed of resilient metal whereby the plate is normally positioned to establish contact with plate 138 whereby circuit is established to light bulb 86. When the numbered disc 84 is in zero position, the rod deflects the contact plate 136 in the downward direction and breaks the contact for the light and makes contact with plate 138' whereby plate 138 is deflected and breaks contact thereof with plate 139 which causes de-energization of solenoid 49. Thus, when the disc is in some other position than zero, indicating that a number of plays can be made, the rod 135 is out of contact with plate 136 so that the light switch is made and bulb 86 is illuminated and solenoid 49 is energized to permit the operating lever 20 to be depressed for playing the machine.

Positioned rearwardly of the score window 75 and in laterally spaced relation with panel 82 is another upright panel 140 which mounts the scoring mechanism. Panel 140 rotatably mounts shaft 141 which is constantly urged to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction by a torsional spring 142 anchored at one end into an eyelet on the shaft 141 and having a laterally extending portion 143 at the other end which anchors into bracket 144.

Fixed onto the portion of the shaft 141 extending forwardly of panel 140 is a disc member 145 having a plurality of numerals 146 ranging from 0-50 or more in the form of stencilled openings equally spaced about the outer rim portion thereof. The disc 145 is dimensioned to position the numerals which are uppermost in alignment with a light source in the form of a bulb 147 fixed in light socket 148 which causes light rays to pass through an opening in the panel and then through a lens 150 which magnifies the intensity of the light rays cast upon the disc 145 and passing through the numerals. A shield 151 is located on the forward side adjacent the disc member to confine the light rays pas-sing through to the uppermost numeral which light rays are further intensified by a lens 152 positioned between the shield 151 and the window 75 upon which the numeral is cast.

A ratchet wheel 155 having teeth 156 about the periphery thereof in proportion to the numerals on the disc 145 is fixed onto a portion of the shaft 141 extending rearwardly of panel 140.

Mechanism for registering the score and eliminating the score is operatively associated with the ratchet wheel. Such mechanism includes a vertically disposed rocker arm 157 pivoted intermediate its ends upon pin 158 fixed onto the rear wall of panel 140. A spring 159 anchored at one end about pin 160 and at the other end onto an eyelet 161 on the end of the rocker arm 157 constantly urges the rocker arm to turn about its pivot in a clockwise direction. The other end of the rocker arm is pivoted from the end of aplunger 162 of solenoid 163.

A lever arm 164 is pivoted at one end upon pin 165 extending from the outer end portion of the rocker arm 157. A pawl 166 in the form of a flange integral with the free end portion of the lever 164 is constantly urged to rock in the direction to engage the teeth 156 of the ratchet wheel 155 by a spring 167 anchored at one end upon pin 168 intermediate the end-s of the lever 165 and at the other end upon a pin 169 near the center of the rocker arm 157. A ledge 170 extends outwardly from the upper end portion of the lever arm 164.

A rocker arm 171 pivoted intermediate its ends upon pin 172, extending rearwardly from panel 140, .is constantly urged to rock in the counter-clockwise direction about its pivot by a torsional spring 173 having one end hooked over the upper edge portion of the rocker arm to the left of the pivot while the other end is engaged upon a post 174 fixed onto panel 140. The outer end portion of the rocker arm 171 is adapted to be located below the ledge 170 and it is also provided with a pawl 175' in the form of a flanged member which operates to latch with the teeth 156 of the ratchet Wheel 155 to preengaged to permit. pivotal movement by the upper end of plunger'l'io of solenoid 177.

A rod 189 extending rearwardly and offset on the ratchet wheel 155 is adapted to engage and deflect breaker plate 181 to break contact with the light switch plate 182 when the disc member 145 is rotated to zero position whereby the light bulb 147 becomes extinguished. Plate 183' is adapted to stop subsequent turningmovement of the disc 1'45, shaft 141' and ratchet wheel 155 to prevent subsequent recording in the event that the disc member has already been operated through a substantially complete: revolution. When rod 180' is in other than zero position, such as when a score is made, the plate 181 is permitted to return to its normal position: of adjustment and make contact with plate 182 whereby the bulb 147 is illuminated to throw light upon the numeral which is reflected upon the window 7 5.

The step-up mechanism for controlling the recording of the winning score in response to winning plays includes an upright plate 190' secured to the base plate 70. The plate mounts a rotatable shaft 191 having. a contact arm 1921 (Figure 6) fixed onto the portion extending to one side of the plate 190. The contact arm is formed of resilient metal capable of conducting electricity and the outer end portion is adapted. to bear upon. the surface of a stationary disc plate 193 formed of insulating material and fixed to the plate 1%. A plurality of contact points or rivets 194 are arranged in spaced apart relation about the edge portion of the insulated plate 193 in. position to be contacted by the end portion ofthe contact arm 1% as it rotates.

The portion of the shaft which extends beyond the other side of the plate 1% is provided with a ratchet wheel 195 having rack teeth 1% formed in the periphery thereof and dimensioned when the ratchet wheelis turned the equivalent of one tooth to cause the contact arm 192 to travel from one contact point 194 to the next. The shaft and the ratchet wheel and contact arm are constantly urged to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction by a torsional spring 197 which telescopes onto the shaft and has one end anchored to the shaft while the other. end portion 198 extends outwardly to engage a stop pin. 199 fixed to the plate 190.

A horizontally disposed solenoid 280 havinga plunger 201 reciprocal therein responsive to energization or deenergization of the solenoid is fixed to the. base plate. Pivotally connected :onto the forward-portion ofthe, end plunger 201 is a vertically disposed rocker arm 2.92 pivoted intermediate its ends upon a pin 203 fixed to the plate 199.

A lever arm 2% is pivoted at one end uponpin 205 on the outer end portion of the rocker arm 202 and is constantly urged to rock in the clockwise direction to establish engagement between a pawl 206 on the end thereof with the teeth 1% of the ratchet wheel 195. The lever arm 204 is constantly urged in the described clockwise direction by a coil spring 2l7 anchored between pins 208 and 20? fixed onto intermediate portions of the lever arm 2194 and the rocker arm 202, respectively. An overhanging ledge 21il extends beyond the end of the lever ar-m 204 and from the upper edge thereof.

Another rocker arm 211 pivoted intermediate its ends on pin 212, which is fixed onto the plate 190, has one end portion which is disposed beneath the overhanging ledge 21% and is provided with a pawl 213 in the form of a flange. The rocker arm 211 is constantly urged. by a torsional spring 214 to turn in the counterclockwisedimotion for seating the pawl 213 in operative engagement with teeth" 1% to pnevent inadvertent turning movement of the ratchet wheel 195' and shaft associated therewith. The" torsional spring 214' is locateduabout the pin 212'.'and has one end looped over the rocker arm 211.10 the left of the pivot While the other end is anchored to the plate masses- 190'. The other end ofthe rocker arm is. pivotally connected to the upper end of a plunger 216 of solenoid'217.

Located inwardlybetween the mechanism just described and a transformer 220 for converting 110 volt circuit to 6 volts for the bulbs and- 24 volts for the solenoids is a motor operated actuating mechanism which includes a small electric motor 221 adapted to cause rotation of vertically disposed shaft 222' which mounts, a horizontally v disposed turntable 223 formed. of rigid insulating material.

The turntable has a' number of V-shaped cars 2124 extending in equidistantly spaced apart relation from the periphery thereof. Located in the path of the cars is a switch plate 225 having a V-shaped end portion 226 which is deflected inwardly as the ear extensions 22.4 pass by to establish contact with plate 227 whereby the circuit isestablished to energize solenoid 163 for increasing the score, as will hereinafter be pointed out.

Electrical impulses picked up by the contact arm 192 from hot contact points or rivets 194' are transmitted directly to the shaft 191 which is in electrical communication with the plate 190 connected by suitable leads to a relay 228 located on the back portion of the assembly. One arm of the relay directs electrical current at the correct voltage to the motor 221' while the other arm directs current at the correct voltage to the switch mechanism 229 for energization of the solenoid 163;

The. contact rivets 194' are interconnected in groups corresponding to the increasing differences between the winning scores. forwhich the device has been set. Each group is directly connected by suitable leads to the corresponding contact plates, indicated generally by the numeral. 19, located in the path of the extension 18 which is adapted to make the series of switches when one or another of the fingers 14'pass through the require registered openings 15 in the event that a winning combination of symbolsexists on the stopped drums 12.

For example, if' the winning plays resulting from the various combinations are in the order of 3', 5, l1, l3, l8 and the jack-pot or joker, the first three contact rivets willbe connected in series and then by a lead 236 to the second series switch plate 19 spaced inwardly from each of the switches 19. When 19 is deflected to make contact with 19 the. first. three rivets become hot. The next two contact points are connected by a suitable lead 231. to the third of the aligned switch plates 1% so that when any of thehotplates 19 are deflected to malte the switches controlled by plates. 19 and 19 the first five contact points will be hot. The next six contact points are connectedin series with lead232. so that when finger 14 passes sufficiently. far through openings in the ratchet wheels 13 stopped at a predetermined winning combination calling for a score of 11., the extension moves forwardly to make contact with the plates 19 19 and 19 to make the switches whereby the first eleven contact points become hot and. so on.

Operation Until: switch lever is tripped, the described. elements remain unconnected to the electrical power source. Under such:conditions,.shoulder 32 remains in the path. of the projectionon rocker arm. 22 so as to prevent operation thereof. While in this position, the-machine is locked against operation of any part.

When the lever 80 is tripped; as indicated in Figure l, the machine still cannot be played until solenoid 49 is energized to retract shoulder 32' from the path of the projectionof rocker arm 22. Solenoid 4% does not become energized untilthe rod 135 rises off of contact plate 136 responsive to clockwise turning'movement of the ratchet wheel. 5 to dispose a numeral of l or more. in the line of light from bulb 86 which is coincidentally illuminated and casts reflection of the numeral upon the front screen 73.

To effect. such turningt movement of the ratchet wheel andnumbered' disc 3'4; button 245? is depressed so as to establish contact between leads of switch 241 asso-.

ciated therewith. Depression of button 240 energizes solenoid 1116 which causes plunger 105 to go home and rock arm 1% in the counter-clockwise direction. Responsive to such movement, lever arm 110 is drawn in the direction to the left in Figure 2 whereby pawl 112 rides over the tooth positioned counter-clockwise thereof and is urged by spring 113 to seat in position to engage the wall of said tooth during return movement. When the button 241 is released, solenoid 106 becomes deenergized, plunger Hi5 returns to its normal position of adjustment and permits arm 1% to be swung by spring 116 in the clockwise direction to a position determined by the plunger and by the adjustable stop screw 107. The combined forces of the spring 116 and the plunger 105 is sufiicient to drive the lever arm 110 in the direction to cause the pawl 112 to engage the facing tooth and turn the ratchet wheel 95 one segment in the clockwise direction. This brings numeral 1 of the numbered disc 84 into the line of light from bulb 86 whereby the numeral is cast upon screen '73. During such turning movement of the ratchet wheel in the clockwise direction to add on plays, the pawl 124 on the end of rocker arm 12% rides over the sloping surface of the next tooth and is urged by torsional spring 122 to seat against the face of the next adjacent tooth whereby the ratchet wheel is further held against inadvertent turning movement in the opposite direction. As soon as the ratchet wheel and the numbered disc are turned to any position higher than zero position, rod 135 becomes disengaged from plate 136 so as to make switch 138 whereby the bulb 86 becomes illuminated and to make switch 134 whereby the solenoid 49 becomes energized.

in the event that the machine is to be set for a predetermined number of plays, the push button 240 is depressed a corresponding number of times to shift the ratchet wheel in the manner described and bring the corresponding numeral on the numbered disc 84 in the line of light where it appears on the frosted window or screen 73. It will be evident that the switches for the light bulb 86 and for energizing the solenoid 49 will remain made until the number of plays are all used up and the numbered disc wheel and its associated ratchet wheel 95 returns to zero or the starting position.

When the control mechanism has thus been set for one or more plays, solenoid 49 becomes energized whereby plunger 48 goes home and rocker arm 41 is correspondingly rotated in the clockwise direction. Through operative engagement between the cam surface 43 and the pin 37, lever arm 33 is rocked in the clockwise direction and pin 37 seats within the receiving groove 44. The operative sliding connection between pin 35 and slot 36 causes conjoint swinging movement of the lever arm 30 in the counter-clockwise direction about its pivot 31 to carry the shoulder 32 out of the path of the projection on rocker arm 22 thereby to free the arm for operational movement.

Such movement can now be effected manually or otherwise by depressing the operating lever 20 which causes rocker arm 22 to swing about its pivot 23. During the initial stages of such movements, that is, after the projection has cleared the stop shoulder 32, the lever members are adapted to reverse their direction of swinging movement and free pin 37 from its seated relation in groove 44. At just about the same time, the sector 25 shifts sufficiently in the direction away from switch 24 to permit the switch to break and thereby cause de'energization of the solenoid 49 whereby the operating lever is again locked against operational movement.

Through operative connections between the rocker arm 22 and the timing lever 50, the latter is caused to swing in the counter-clockwise direction as the operating lever is depressed. As the timing lever shifts from its starting position, arm 61 moves away from contact plate 60 of switch 59 so that the switch breaks whereby the win recording mechanism becomes fully disassociated to prevent inadvertent recording of wins in event that contacts might beestablished by vibration or in the event that switches from previouswinners might remain in the made position. By the arrangement shown, recording of any wins is prevented until the timing lever 50 returns to its original position of adjustment and reestablishes contact to deflect plate 60 and make switch 59.

As the timing lever 50 reaches the end of its forward movement, it engages the V-shaped end portion 56 of switch plate 55 to deflect the plate and make the reset and subtract switches represented by contact plates 53 and 54, respectively. When the reset switch is made, solenoid 217 becomes energized and causes plunger 216 to go home. Arm 211 is rocked in the clockwise direction about its pivot to raise pawl 213 out of contact with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 195. The free end of rocker arm 211 engages ledge 210 of lever arm 204 during its rocking movement to swing lever 204 in the upward direction and disengage pawl 206 from the teeth of the ratchet wheel 195. Thus the pawls which prevent counter-clockwise movement of the ratchet wheel 195 are all retracted so as to permit the torsional spring 197 to turn the ratchet wheel 195 to zero position. Thus provisions are made to have the contact arm 192 resting upon the first contact point 194 at the start of each play.

As the subtract switch is made, as previously described, solenoid 126 is energized to retract plunger 125. This causes rocker arm to turn in the clockwise direction whereupon bell crank lever. 129 swings about its pivot 121 in the clockwise direction as urged by coil spring 131 to cause pawl 130 to bear upon the toothed surface of the ratchet wheel a short distance in advance of the abutment wall portion of a tooth. Coincident with movement of pawl 130 into position to arrest rotation of the ratchet wheel, pawl 124 on the end of rocker arm 1120 becomes disengaged to release the ratchet wheel which is still stopped by pawl 112 on the end of lever arm 110. As the rocker arm continues to swing in the clockwise direction, it engages the underside of ledge 116 and lifts pawl 112 out of engagement with the teeth to release the ratchet wheel. Responsive to the force exerted by spring 97, the ratchet wheel turns less than a full segment until the oncoming tooth is engaged by pawl 130.

Solenoid 126 is de-energized as the timing lever 50 starts its return movement. Plunger 125 returns to its original position of adjustment and rocker arm 120 correspondingly swings in the counter-clockwise direction. As an incidence to such movement, lever arm 110 is permitted to be rocked by spring 113 to bring pawl 112 to bear upon the periphery of the ratchet wheel in position to engage the oncoming tooth thereof in advance of the release of the ratchet wheel by pawl 130. Near the end of return movement of the rocker arm, the underside of the rocker arm 120 engages the underlying flange of the bell crank lever and rocks the lever in the counter-clockwise direction to withdraw pawl from engagement with the ratchet wheel. Thus the cycle of energization and de-energization of solenoid 126 causes the ratchet wheel to shift one segment in the counter-clockwise direction to subtract one numeral from that positioned in the line of light of bulb 86.

As the timing lever reaches the end of its priming stroke, the spring forces for actuating the drums are released and the drums 12 are caused to rotate. In timed relation with the slowed return of the timing lever 50, the turning movement of the drums are successively stopped and the lever arms 16 are released as a unit near the end of its return stroke and after all of the drums have stopped so as to permit fingers 14 in alignment with openings in the ratchet wheels 13 to enter such openings and record winning plays, if any. Upon full return of the timing lever, the arm 61 deflects, contact. plate 60' to" make switch 59 whereby recording of such wins may be efiected.

Description of operations which take place in the event that a Winning combination is secured will now be made for a machine of the type illustrated set to record wins in the combination of 3, 5, ll, 13, 18 and what will hereinafter be referred to as the joker or jack-pot.

In the event that the drums stop with a combination of symbols which correspondingly permit finger 14 to pass through registered openings 15 in ratchet wheels 13* and 13', extension arm 18 engages plate 256) to deflect switchplate 19 sufficient to make contact with the next adjacent switch. plate connected to ead 23%. As a. result, the first three contact rivets 19-4 on disk 193 become hot. Electrical current is then able to pass from contactipoint (l) to the contact arm 192 and then pass from the contact arm to' the shaft 191 and plate 190; Suitable leads. connect the plate 1% with relay 3:28 which in turn is connected by leads to the motor 221 whereby the table 223 turns until projection 224 deflects the V'-sl1aped end portion 225 of contact plate 225 sufficient to make switch 229.

When switch 229 is made, solenoid 2% becomes energizedancl causes plunger 2% to go home, rocking arm 292 counter-clockwise about its pivot 2%. This causes lever arm 204 to be retracted whereby pawl 2% overrides the tooth in the counter-clockwise direction thereof to be positioned by spring 207 to face the next tooth. As. the projection passes beyond the contact plate 225, switch 229 breaks and solenoid we is de-energized. Arm 202 is rocked in the clockwise direction, actuating lever arm 204' inthe direction to the right in Figure 4 whereby engagement between the pawl and the tooth causes the ratchet wheel to turn one increment in the clockwise direction exposed by the force of the torsional spring 197.

Coincident with the turning movement of the ratchet Wheel 195, contact arm 192 is swung into contact with the second rivet 194. Since this rivet too is hot, the same operations follow whereby the contact arm successively engages the third contact point and finally ends up with the fourth which is not hot and the described operations cease.

When switch 229 is made, solenoid 163 is also energized and causes plunger 162 to go home. Arm 157 is rocked counter-clockwise from its pivot, lever arm 16% is retracted and pawl 166 overrides the tooth counterclockwise thereof. When the switch is broken and solenoid163 is de-energized, plunger. 162 shifts out and rocks arm 157' clockwise. This actuates lever arm 16 i in the direction to the right in Figure 2 whereby pawl 166 engages the next tooth and causes the ratchet wheel to turn one segment in the clockwise direction. Pawl 175 is able to override the teeth and is urged by its spring member to engage the oncoming tooth by way of securing the ratchet wheel in its adjusted position.

It will be apparent that the above cycle will take place three times in accordance with the number of hot points on the control. device. The numbered disc 14-5 turns with the ratchet wheel 155 to position the third higher numeral on the periphery thereof in the line of light of bulb 147 for casting the numeral upon the screen '75.

When the ratchet wheel is turned to any position above its zero. position, in other words, when any number is to be recorded on the screen, rod ise no longer contacts plate 181'. so that switch 182 will be made and bulb 147 illuminated in the event that the drums stop with a combination of symbols which place openings 15 in ratchet wheels 13 13 and 13 in alignment with finger 14 so that it is able to pass completely therethrough, extension arm 1 engages plate 250 in a manner to deflect plate 19 sufficientto' make contact with the plate connected to lead 231 as well as the plate: connected to lead 230.

In. response to such movement, the first three rivet Cil points connected to lead 230 and the next two rivet points connected to lead 231. are made hot. As a result, contact arm is caused successively to engage each of the points whereby the drum 223 is caused to make switch 229' five times before it is stopped, with the result that solenoid 163 is repeatedly energized and de-energized five times to add 5 to the numeral originally positioned in the line of light of the bulb 147.

In the event that the drums stop with a combination of symbols to be rewarded by an advance of 11 in the score, it will be found that openings in ratchet wheels 13 13 and 13 will stop in alignment with finger 1 1 so as to enable lever 16 to rock forwardly to its fullest extent. Coincident with such movement, extension arm iii deflects contact plate 19 positioned in advance thereof sufficient to establish successive contact with plates associated with leads 239, 231 and 232.

This renders the first group of three, the next group of two and the third group of six contact points hot so that the contact arm 192 successively engages each of these points before it reaches the twelfth cold contact point. The table 223 correspondingly turns to deflect plate 225 and make switch 229 eleven times and thereby correspondingly to advance the ratchet wheel 155 eleven segments and add 11 to the numeral originally positioned in the lineof light of bulb 147.

In the event that the drums-12 stop to position openings in ratchet wheels 13*, 13 and 13 in alignment with finger 14 so as. to enable the finger to pass therethrough, the extension arm 18 will deflect contact plate ii an amount suflicient to make switches associated with leads 230, 231, 232 and 233. Connection of such leads with the hot line will. make the first group of three, the second group of two, the third group of six, and the fourth group of two contact points hot whereby the motor. will be caused. to turn an amount to make switch 229 thirteen. times. Thus. contact arm. 192 will be carried in. successive. steps. to each of the hot points and will end. up. with. the fourteenth contact point which is cold and simultaneously solenoid 163- will be energizedand tie-energized thirteen times to advance the ratchet wheel 155 thirteen segments and position the thirteenth higher numeral in the line of light of bulb 147.

In the event that drums 1-2 stop in position to dispose openings in ratchet wheels 13, 13 and E3 in align ment with finger 14 sons to enable the finger to pass therethrough, extension arm 18 will engage contact plate 19 and deflect same sufiicientlyto establish contact with plates connected with leads 23tt, 231 232, 233 and 234; As a result, the contact points-194- in groups of the first three, the next two, thenext six, the following two and the next five will become hot so that the switch 229 will be made eighteen times to record an advance of 18 on the score cast upon the screen 75.

in the event that the drums should stop in position to enable finger 14 to pass through registered openings in each of the ratchet wheels 13 13 and 13, extension arm 13 will be advanced beyond its normal position to establish engagement between the contact plate 19 and plate 235 connected by lead-236 to-the bulb 237 located behind the window 79' so as to illuminate the bulb and indicate a jack-pot winner.

in the event that it is desired to permit the machine to be freely played while recording scores obtained, solenoid 4) may be energized independent of the position of post 135 forming apart of the add and subtract mechanism' such that the operating lever 20mm be repeatedly actuated without regard to the position of the ratchet wheel 95.

It is desired to have the solenoid 49 deenergized during the major portion of the time that themachine is operating so as to reducepower consumption and rattling noises in parts associated therewith but, in order'topermit successive plays when allowed in accordance with position 13 of post 135 off of zero or tripping of lever 81, the plunger is returned to its retracted position as an incidence to the return of sector 25 to its original position of adjustment to make switch 24.

When play has been completed and it is desired to re-,

turn the score disc to zero position, such may be efiected by pushing button 250 to make switch 252 associated therewith. This energizes solenoid 177 which retracts plunger 176. Rocker aim 171 is rocked in a clockwise direction about its pivot 172 to withdraw pawl 175 from engagement with teeth 156 of ratchet wheel 155. Pawl 166 is subsequently also removed when the lever arm 164 is rocked upwardly about its pivot 165 upon engagement of the lever arm 171 with ledge 170. Thus when all of the holding parts are disengaged from the teeth of the ratchet wheel, the ratchet wheel is able to turn in response to the force exerted by spring 142 until rod 180 engages and deflects switch plate 181. This determines the zero.

position and breaks the light switch 182 whereby bulb 147 becomes extinguished.

It will be evident from this description that the number of plays may be increased simply by depression of button 248 a predetermined number of times and that the number of plays remaining will be decreased each time that a play is made, until rod 135 engages and defleets plate 136 to break switch 139 and prevent further energization of solenoid 49 except by the free play switch 81. At the same time the light switch 138 is broken to extinguish bulb 86 to indicate that zero position has been reached and no further plays remain in the machine.

Numeral 253 indicates fuses used to protect circuits in the wiring setup of this device. Screw members 254, 255 and 256 extending through slotted members 257 in supporting plate 258 connected to panel 82 support lenses and blocking plate 259 for adjustment relative to the numbered disc 84. Similarly supporting screws 260, 261

and 262 operable in slots 263 in supporting plate 264 adjustably support lens 150, blocking plate 151 and lens 152 in position.

Numeral 265 indicates an adapter through which the leads from the machine are connected to the leads di rected to various units in the control and recording device described. I

By way of modification, switch 229 may be connected by suitable leads to solenoid 106 as well as solenoids 200 and 163, for adding the wins onto the number of plays yet available in the machine as Well as for adding the Wins onto the total original recording. For example, if the player already has a score of 24 and still has ten plays coming and if the player obtains a combination of'symbols on the next play which is rewarded by a score of 11, his score will be increased in the manner described to 35 while the number of plays which has been reduced by one upon effecting the new play will then be increased by 11 to make 20 plays coming. Increase of plays in response to making the switch 229 in the manner described will correspond to the reaction of parts that take place when solenoid 163 is otherwise energized by push button 240.

It will be evident that, in this modification, simultaneous energization of solenoids 200, 163 and 106 will occur when switch 229 is made, each solenoid being operated to advance the corresponding ratchet wheels 195, 155 and 95 one segment in the manner described.

To militate against ratchet wheels 155 and 95 being operated through zero when turning in the clockwise direction, means for stopping the ratchet wheels are provided which include stops in the form of plates 183 and 136, respectively, which extend into the path of rods 180 and 135, respectively, which engage the plates on the underside to stop further rotational movement. 7

Instead of the modification described, another very desirable arrangement in control device may be efiected wherein the scoring unit is eliminated and leads from switch 229 are connected to solenoids 200 and 106 onlyl The first solenoid regulates the recording of the wins and the second regulates the recording of the wins by increas ing the number of plays'coming by the same reaction of parts which take place when button 240 is pressed. In such modification, it is unnecessary to make use of a score or to register the initial setting of plays. As shown in Figure 7, the front panel 270 of the control device may comprise a single screen 271 in opening 272 which opening is in alignment with the light beam which travels from the light bulb 86 through the opening in the panel 82, the lens, numbered disc wheel 84, block out plate 259 and lens 89.

Screen 273 in opening 27 5 through-which the illumination of light bulb 237 may be observed may be positioned below the opening 272. The light bulb 237 will, as previously described, be illuminatedin the event that lever Ed advances all the way as finger 14 passes through registered openings in the ratchet wheels 13 13 and 13 to make switch 19. The push buttons 240 and 250, as well as trip levers and 81, are substantially the same as described in the previous modification and impart substantially the same function.

It will be apparent from the description that I have provided a new and improved amusement device capable of remote control and capable of operation without the use of coins. The device is also capable of operation in a manner accurately to record winning scores and to permit the addition of the winning score coincident to registration or independent-1y thereof to the number of plays coming in the machine. My improved amusement device provides, when plays are not available, for locking the device against undesirable operation or selectively for permitting free play of the device without setting the play unit or without scoring.

The device produced in accordance with this invention embodies features for disconnecting the scoring unit while parts of the machine are in motion so as to militate against inadvertent scoring which might be occasioned from previous settings or by undesirable contact made by the switches as an incidence to the vibrations or to the jarring motions which might occur as an incidence to operation.

It will be further apparent that the device described embodies elements which prevent scoring unless winning switches are contacted in predetermined combinations. In other words, if switch plates connected to lead plates 231, 232, 233 and 234 are rendered hot without the switch connected to lead while switch 230 is being made, no current will pass into the first, second or third contact rivets 194 and as aresult, no current will pass into the contact arm 192 or motor 221.

It will be understood that numerous changes may be made in the details of construction, arrangement and operation without departing from the spirit of the invention, especially as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In an amusement device, a first unit having elements which are operated in play and stop in various combinations some of which are selected to be winning combinations of predetermined value, an operating member for putting said elements into play, means for preventing operation of said operating member, a second unit including control mechanism having a control member shiftable toward and away from zero position, means operated by said control member and cooperating with the blocking means for rendering said blocking means of the first unit ineffective when said control member is in other than zero position and for rendering said blocking means effective when said control member is in zero position to prevent plays, manually operated means for advancing said control member increments away from zero position to add to the number of plays, means responsive to mechanism actuated during each play for returning said control member one increment towards zero position, means for indicating the number of plays available corresponding to the number of increments that '15 the control member is away from zero position, scoring mechanism including a scoring member shiftable towards and away from zero position, and means for simultaneously operating said control member to increase the number of plays and the scoring member to increase the score in accordance with the value when the elements stop at a winning combination in play.

2. In an amusement device having elements which are operated in play and stop in various combinations some of which are selected to be winning combinations of predetermined value, an operating member for putting said elements into play, means for preventing operation of said operating member, control mechanism including a control member shiftable towards and away from zero position, means cooperating with said control member or rendering said means for preventing operation of said operating member ineliective to permit plays when in other than zero position and for rendering said means for preventing operation of said operating member efieclive when in zero position, means for manually advancing said control member a predetermined number of increments away from zero position for setting said member for a corresponding number of plays, means responsive to eilecting each play for returning said control member one increment towards zero position, scoring mechanism including a scoring member shiftable towards and away from zero position, means for simultaneously operating said control member to increase the number of plays and the scoring member to increase the score in accordance with the value when the elements stop at a winning combination in play, and other manually operated means for separately rendering said means controlling the operation of said operating member ineffective independent of said control mechanism to permit free play.

3. In an amusement device, the combination of one unit having elements which are operated in play and stop in various combinations some of which are selected to be winning combinations of different values, an operating member for putting said elements into play and means for blocking operation of said operating member to prevent play, a second unit separate and apart from the first and including control mechanism having a control member shiftable toward and away from zero position, electro responsive means operated by said control member and cooperating with the blocking means for rendering said blocking means of the first unit ineffective when said control member is in other than zero position to permit plays and for rendering said blocking means effective when said control member is in zero position to prevent plays, manually operated means for advancing said control member increments away from zero position to add to the number of plays, means responsive to mechanism actuated during each play for returning said control memher one increment towards zero position, means for indicating the number of plays available corresponding to the number of increments said control member is away from zero position, and means effective for advancing said control member increments away from zero corresponding to the value of winning combinations secured in play correspondingly to increase the number of plays available.

4. In an amusement device, the combination of one unit having elements which are operated in play and stop in arious combinations some of which are selected to be winning combinations of different values, an oper ating member for putting said elements into play and means for blocking operation of said operating member to prevent play, and second unit including control mechanism having a control member shiftable toward and away from zero position, clectro responsive means operated by said control member and cooperating with the blocking means for rendering said blocking means ineffective when in other than zero position, manually operable means for shifting said control member increments away from zero position to set the mechanism for permitting a corresponding number of plays, means responsive to each play for returning the control member one increment towards zero position, scoring mechanism in cluding a scoring member shiftable toward and away from zero position, means for shifting said scoring member increments away from zero position corresponding with the value of the winning combination obtained during each play, manually operated means for returning said scoring member to Zero position, and means separate and apart from said control and scoring mechanism for rendering said blocking means ineffective to permit free play.

5. For use in combination with an amusement device having a number of elements which are operated in play and stop in various combinations some of which are winning combinations of predetermined value, an operating member and means for blocking operation of said operating member to prevent play, a control mechanism having a control member shiftable toward and away from zero position, means responsive and operated by said control member and cooperating with the blocking means for rendering said blocking means ineffective when said control member is in other than Zero position to permit plays and for rendering said blocking means effective when said control member is in zero position to prevent plays, manually operated means for advancing said control member increments away from zero position to add to the number of plays, means responsive to mechanism actuated during each play for returning said control member one increment towards zero position, means for indicating the number of plays available corresponding to the number of increments said control member is away from zero position, a scoring member shiftable in increments toward and away from zero position, means for advancing said scoring member away from Zero position in increments corresponding to the value of winning combinations secured in play, and means for returning said scoring member to zero position when play has been completed.

6. For use in combination with an amusement device having a number of elements which are operated in play and stop in various combinations some of which are winning combinations of predetermined value, an operating member and means for blocking operation of said operating member to prevent play, a control mechanism having a control member shiftable toward and away from zero position, means operated by said control member and cooperating with the blocking means for rendering the blocking means ineffective when said control member is in other than zero position to permit plays and for rendering said blocking means efiective when said control member is in zero position to prevent plays, manually operated means for advancing said control member increments away from zero position to add to the number of plays, means responsive to mechanism actuated during each play for returning said control member one increment toward zero position, a scoring member shiftable in increments toward and away from zero position, means for advancing said scoring member away from zero position in increments corresponding to the value of winning combinations secured in play, means for returning said scoring member to zero position when play has been completed, means for indicating the number of increments the control member is off of zero position, and means for indicating the number of increments said scoring member is off of zero position.

7. For use in combination with an amusement device having a number of elements which are operated in play and stop in various combinations some of which are winning combinations of predetermined value, an operating member and means for blocking operation of said operating member to prevent play, a device separate and apart from the amusement device comprising a control member shiftable in increments toward and away from Zero position, means operative in response to said con- 17 trol member for rendering said blocking means effective to prevent play while said member is in zero position and ineffective while in other than zero position to permit plays in number corresponding to the number of increments said member is away from zero position, means for manually advancing said control member in increments away from zero position, means responsive to operation of said operating member for returning said control member one increment towards zero position, a scoring member shiftable in increments toward and away from zero position, means for advancing said scoring member away from zero position in increments corresponding to the value of winning combinations secured in play, means for returning said scoring member to zero position when play has been completed, means for indicating the number of increments the control member is oil of zero position, means for indicating the number of increments said scoring member is 01f of zero position, and other means for rendering said blocking means inefiective to permit free play independent of the position of said control member. 20

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Mills ....Aug. 20, 1935 Mills -Jan. 26, 1926 Mills May 25, 1926 Mills July 17, 1928 Mills Jan. 1, 1929 Mills Mar. 26, 1929 Halpin "Mar. 24, 1931 Tigerman "Apr. 13, 1937 Macourek Sept. 21, 1937 Edgeworth Ju1y 26, 1938 French Feb. 28, 1939 Lamica May 9, 1939 Eckert "Sept. 22, 1942 Johansson ....May 18, 1948

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