Amusement machine

Abstract

A slot machine having multiple spinning reels coaxially mounted in a frame for relative rotation. All machine movements are electrically activated by pulling a starting handle. The handle operates an electric switch which, in turn, initiates sequencing of the machine by a processor. A spinning-arresting mechanism for each reel is constructed as a unitary module which can be plugged into the machine or readily removed therefrom. The module includes start and stop solenoids cooperating with a single, spring-powered lever and associated linkage for guiding the lever through a three phase movement. During the first phase, the lever moves from its reel arresting position to its reel spinning position. During this movement, the lever engages a sprocket connected with the reel and thereby imparts rotational movement to the reel. In the second phase, the lever, after having completed the spinning of the reel, moves towards a cocked position where the lever rests out of contact with the sprocket. During the third phase, the lever moves from its cocked position back into engagement with the sprocket for arresting the rotation of the reel when a preselected peripheral reel field appears at the display window. The first and third movement phases are powered by springs which form part of the module. The second movement phase is effected by a power-driven cam of the machine which engages appropriate linkage of the module and applies the required energy to stress the springs for powering the lever during its first and third phases.