US2998252A - Electrically driven random indicium selector - Google Patents

Description

T. R. ST. MARTRN Aug. 29, 1961 ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN RANDOM VINDIGIUM SELECTOR Filed Jan. 27-, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 www ATTQQMEYS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Tir2 u illlifvldlllfl l .113 N .I. S 8m m g 2 0o. w. nw m mm .1 I! v g 1 I: 2 mm. m. @m M M w v W Y f 1 .B

Aug. 29, 1961 T. R. 51'. MARTEN ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN RANDOM INDIC IUM SELECTOR Filed Jan. 27, 1959 ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN RANDOM INDICIUM SELECTOR Filed Jan. 27, 1959 T. R. ST. MARTIN Aug. 29, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

THCBMRS E. 51'. WEE-TEN ATTQRNEYs ELEYCTRICALLY DRIVEN RANDOM INDICIUM SELECTOR Filed Jan. 27, 1.959

Aug 29, 3961 T. R. ST. MARTIN 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. THoMAs Q. 31. MmzrnM ATTQE NEYS 2,998,252 ELECTRICAL'LY DRIVEN RANDOM INDICIUM SELECTOR Thomas R. St. Martin, 209 Compton Terrace, Kingsport, Tenn.

Filed Jan. 27, 1959, Ser. No. 789,361 3 Claims. (Cl. 27'3'1'43) This invention relates to a device intended for use as a stimulus to retail merchandising operations, by affording a purchaser the opportunity of playing a game of chance.

For the purpose of stimulating sales, many retail establishments utilize any of various chance games, which the customers are permitted to play for the purpose of receiving free services or goods, special prizes, etc. The main object of the present invention is to provide a device which is intended to be employed in this manner, with the construction being such as to afiord the player a high degree of amusement, heightened by a high degree of the interest which naturally results when one has the opportunity of playing a game of chance with an opportunity of receiving something of value in the event of a win.

One object of importance is to provide a game of chance of the character described which will be readily portable. In this Way, it is proposed to permit the device to be carried by the employee of the retail establishment directly to the customer, so that the customer may play the game of chance with minimum inconvenience. Thus, if the device is used in a gasoline service station, it can be carried directly to ones automobile, so that the purchaser may operate the device without leaving the vehicle.

Another object of importance is to provide a particularly improved operating mechanism for a device of the character stated, characterized by its being primarily an electrically driven assemblage of components, thus to eliminate mechanical, moving parts that may tend to get out of order.

Another object is to provide a device of the character stated including a series of relatively rotatable drums or wheels carrying indicia, operable in such a way as to cause some drums to be braked to a stop before others. In this way, it is proposed to heighten the interest, asthe customer waits for the last drums or wheels to come to a halt.

Another object of importance is to provide novel, efficiently operating, electro-mechanical means constituting the braking mechanism, said means being so designed as to incorporate a plurality of solenoid or equivalent electrical means, going into operation at closely spaced intervals to release the brake or stop elements for movement into engagement with the rotating wheels.

Another object is to provide a novel wiring or circuit arrangement in the device, such as to initiate the entire operating cycle of the device responsive merely to depression of a start button.

A further object of importance is to incorporate, in the starting assembly, means causing operation of a subtractive predetermining counter, so that when a customer has a prescribed number of plays, the counter will, in effect, record each play in a way such as to de-activate the machine after the customer has operated the same the permitted number of times.

A further object of importance is to incorporate in the device means for automatically blowing a fuse in the main circuit thereof, whenever there is a winning play, thus requiring resetting of the device before it can be used once again.

Still another object is to incorporate in the circuit arrangement a counting mechanism that will keep a record of the total number of plays made, this mechanism being of the additive or cumulative type, as distinguished from the subtractive counter referred to above that controls the number of plays made by a single customer.

Another object is to associate with the series of indicia drums or wheels a series of electric light bulbs, arranged in a row in such a way as to illuminate the entire row of bulbs responsive to awinning play.

Another object is to provide a novel mounting of the drums or wheels carrying the indicia, such as to adapt said drums particularly for being brought instantaneously to a stop responsive to operation of the above mentioned brake mechanism.

Still another object of importance is to drive the several drums by electrical means, with all the drums being driven from a single motor despite the fact that the several drums are freely rotatable relative to each other and to the motor shaft when the device is not in use, with the drums or wheels being linked for rotation conjointly with one another and with the motor shaft responsive to operation of a novel clutch mechanism, electrically operable to initiate rotational movement of the several drums responsive to depression of the above mentioned push button.

Another object of importance is to provide a novel linkage between the brake arms and their associated solenoids, such that each solenoid controls operation of a plurality of brake arms.

Still another object is to so design the device as to facilitate maintenance or repair, not only by reason of producing the entire operating cycle by comparatively simple electrical means, but also by reason of the fact that the casing is specially designed to swiftly provide access to any component of the entire device.

A further object of importance is to provide a device of the character stated that will permit swift re-setting, whenever desired by the owner of the device (as for example, after a winning play), through the medium of a predetermining winning play mechanism of novel design.

A further object is to so design the device as to permit predetermination of the winning play by selection of a number out of a range of one-hundred-million numbers. In the illustrated example, this is the range permitted, but it will be understood that said range can be increased or decreased, it being a characteristic of the invention that the construction is such as to permit an added digit to be incorporated in the winning number in an exceedingly simple manner, resulting wholly from the novel electrical system having a minimum of mechanical components.

Other objects will appear from the following description, the claims appended thereto, and from the annexed drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a wiring diagram of the random indicium selector comprising the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the device;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged vertical section view through the device substantially on line 3-3 of FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical sectional view through the device on the same scale as FIGURE 3, taken substantially on line 44 of FIGURE 3; and

FIGURE 5 is ahorizontal sectional view through the device, on substantially the same scale as- FIGURE 3, taken generally on line 55 of FIGURE 3.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the device of the present invention can be appropriately considered as comprising a plurality of individually recognizable assemblages or main components. Accordingly, to facilitate an understanding of the construction and operation of the invention, the description thereof will hereinafter be broken down into sections, each under a heading designating one of said main components or assemblies.

Casing The casing of the device has been generally designated 10. It will be understood that the casing can take any of various forms, that shown merely being illustrative of one that could undoubtedly be employed to advantage.

The casing illustrated by way of example includes a flat, rectangular, horizontal bottom plate 12 provided at its several corners with rubber feet 14. Integral with the back edge of bottom plate 12 is a vertical, rectangular back wall 16. Casing further includes vertical side walls 18 integral or otherwise made rigid with the bottom and back walls. In the illustrated example (see FIGURE 3) each side wall has a vertical back edge, and has a front edge that includes a vertical lower edge portion 20 merging into an inclined intermediate edge portion 22, in turn merging into a vertical top edge portion 24.

An access plate 26 of the casing is formed to comprise the front and top walls thereof. Referring to FIG- URES 2 and 3, plate 26 is shaped, when viewed in Vertical section as in FIGURE 3, correspondingly to the front edge of each side wall, and in contact with the outer surfaces of the side walls, the plate 26 has side flanges 28. At its lower end, plate 26 is hingedly con nectcd to side walls 18 by hinge pins 30.

Plate 26 at its upper end is formed to include a top wall 32, provided with a conventional, key-operated lock 34 having (see FIGURE 3) radial locking arm 36 engageable under a locking lug 38 provided upon the inner surface of back wall 16.

In the upper part of the inclined portion of access plate 26 there is provided an elongated, transversely extending viewing opening 40 through which are visible the indicia of the indicia drums when the drums are braked to a stop. Of course, only one indicium of each drum is visible through the opening 40, providing a row or series of indicia as shown in FIGURE 2, which can be compared with a predetermined series immediately tl'liereabove to ascertain whether there has been a winning p ay.

Viewing opening 40, along its top and bottom adges, is bordered by downwardly-struck flanges 42, 42 (see FIGURE 3) extending into close proximity to the indicia drums, for the purpose of preventing one from inserting his finger or some object into the opening, while, at the same time, confining visibility of the drums to the particular indicia that are to be seen through opening 40.

Immediately above opening 46, and extending in parallel, co-extensive relation therewtih, is a partly cylindrical, outwardly-struck portion of the access plate 26.

This defines a housing for a portion of the winning play predetermining assembly. Uniformly spaced along the length of housing 44 are rectangular sight apertures 46, through which can be seen the indicia signifying the winning play.

Above the apertures 46 are circular lamp bulb openings 48, through which project the front portions of electric lamp bulbs to be described hereinafter. The several openings 48 are aligned vertically with the several apertures 46, and with corresponding openings defined in the main viewing opening 40 through the provision of cross members 49 alternating with the indicia drums of the device.

Formed in the plate 26 is a rectangular orifice or window 50, through which may be seen the additive counter indicating the total number of plays which the machine has received.

Inner support case or main frame The inner support case or main frame has been generally designated 54, and is formed from a wide sheet of rigid metal stock, approximately of inverted U-shape so as to include vertical side legs 56 (see FIGURE 4) integral at their upper ends with a horizontal bight or top part 58. At their lower ends, side legs 56 are inte gral with outwardly directed base flanges 60 secured fixedly to the bottom wall 12 by connecting screws 62.

As seen from FIGURE 3, the side legs are substantially wider than the top part 58, with the upper portions of the side legs having inclined edges contacted by the inclined part of the access plate 26.

The inner support case further includes a lower support plate 64 extending horizontally between the side legs. Plate 64 at its opposite ends has depending end flanges 66 secured to side legs 56 by bolts 67.

At one end, plate 64 has a downwardly offset, forwardly projecting tongue 68 (FIGURES 3 and 4) constituting a support bracket for the drive motor of the indicia or random selection drums.

Indicia or random selection drum assembly The invention includes an assembly generally desig nated' 69, of indicia or random selection drums. These dnums are those that rotate during operation of the device, with the drums being braked to a stop and being visible through the main viewing opening 40.

This assembly includes the means for driving the drums, and referreing to FIGURE 4, it will be seen that said means comprises a motor 70' supported upon brackets 68. A worm 72 is connected to the shaft of the motor for rotation therewith, and drives a worm gear 74 (see FIGURES 1 and 3), which is connected to an elongated, horizontally disposed main shaft 76 for rotation therewith. Main shaft 76 at is opposite ends is journaled in suitable bearings provided in the side legs 56.

A plurality of individual drums 78 is provided upon shaft 76, and it will be understood that although seven drums are shown in the illustrated example, this number is not critical to successful operation of the invention.

The construction of all the drums is identical, so the description of one will suffice for all. Each drum includes a hub or sleeve 80, freely rotatable relative to main shaft 76. Secured to and projecting radially outwardly from sleeve 80 is a radial lug or projection 81. In this connection, projection 81 is intended to be removable from the sleeve, so as to be re-connected to the sleeve at another location angularly spaced from that at which the projection may have been disposed. This is required during the pre-setting of the winning play. The sleeve, thus, could have a plurality of angularly spaced radial openings, in any of which the projection 81 may be fixedly engageable. Then, again, the projection could be formed upon a ring, not shown, which ring could be rotatably adjusted upon the sleeve and then secured fixedly to the sleeve in any selected position of adjustment. This is a modification thought to be sufliciently obvious as not to require special illustration herein.

Integral with the sleeve 80 at one end thereof is a peripherally notched brake or looking disc 82, and integral with the other end of the sleeve is a drum member or indicia wheel 84.

As will be noted from FIGURE 4, each indicia wheel 84 is provided with a peripheral series of numerals, ascending in value from 0 to 9. It will be understood, in this regard, that although the device has been shown with numerals displayed as the indicia upon the drum member or wheel 84, any of various other types of indicia can be used, as for example, geometrical designs, colors, pictures, etc.

All the several drums 78 are freely rotatable upon the shaft, relative to one another, and to the shaft, when the device is not in operation. However, when the device is placed in operation, a clutching mechanism is brought into play in such a manner as to cause all the drums to rotate conjointly with the shaft at the initiation of the cycle of operation.

Clutch assembly The clutch assembly has been generally designated 91, and includes a plurality of clutch discs 86, 88, formed of cork material in a typical embodiment of the invention. It is mainly important to note that the clutch discs are so designed as to be mountable upon the shaft 7 6, with the clutch discs having their opposite faces so designed as to cause the same to engage the components at opposite sides of the discs when said components are shifted relative to one another in an axial direction toward said opposite faces of the clutch discs.

There is a single disc 86, this comprising an end disc and being disposed between the driving or worm gear 74 and the drum 78 immediately adjacent thereto. The remaining discs 88 are disposed between adjacent drums. There is also an end clutch disc 89 interposed between a drum 78 at one end of the series of drums and a clutch plate to be described hereinafter.

Disc 86 is interposed between component portions of a thrust bearing 90 interposed between worm gear 74 and the adjacent drum 78.

Mounted fixedly upon the inner surface of that side leg 56 remote from gear 74 are inwardly projecting bearing ears or support brackets 92. As will be noted from FIGURE 3, the brackets are aligned along a line parallel to and adjacent the inclined portion of the access plate 26.

Extending downwardly from the support brackets, in the space between the same, is a yoke 96, pivotally sus pended from the support brackets by means of a pin 94 extending along said line of transverse alignment of the brackets.

The yoke 06 includes elongated yoke arms 97, and it will be noted that the longitudinal center line of the yoke (see FIGURE 3), extends perpendicularly to the length of the inclined pin 94.

The yoke arms 97 may also be appropriately termed torque or friction arms, and said arms, when swung in a counterclockwise direction about the pin 94 from their FIGURE 4 positions, operate to produce clutching engagement of the several discs 86, 88, 89 with their associated components to produce conjoint rotational movement of the drums.

To swing the yoke arms in this manner, there is provided a solenoid 98 (FIGURES 3 and 4), mounted in a transversely tilted position upon a solenoid support bracket 100 fixedly secured to and extending upwardly from the bottom plate 12. Solenoid 98 includes (see FIGURE 4), a yoke member 102 comprising the core or plunger of the solenoid. A stem 104 is pivotally connected to member 102., and extends through a compression spring 106 abutting at one end against the lower, connected ends of the arms 97, and at its other end against a cross pin 108 that pivotally connects stern 104 to the yoke member 102. Stern 104 is provided with a cross pin 109 at its outer end, extending through transversely aligned openings provided in the lower ends of the arms 97. In this way, there is produced a connection between the lower ends of the arms 97, which at the same time serves to connect said arms pivotally to the stem 104.

It will be understood that any degrees of looseness may be provided in the pivotal connections at 108, 109, to insure that there will be no binding of relatively movable parts whenever the solenoid is energized or de-energized.

When the solenoid is energized, stem 104 is retracted, causing the arms 97 to be swung in FIGURE 4 in a counterclo'ckwise direction.

Secured fixedly to the respective arms 97, at a location spaced downwardly of the pivot point of the arms, is a U-shaped crossbar 110, on the bight portion of which are m t d rollers 112, It will be understood t ball hearings or other means can be provided to minimize friction'for the purpose of assuring free rotational movement of the rollers 112. These details are considered sufiicient'ly obvious as not to require special illustration, and in fact, ball bearings or any other equivalent means can be employed wherever desired in the entire structure, as will be readily understood.

The rollers 112 are normally closely spaced from a clutch plate 1-14 carried by and movable axially of the main shaft 76. It will accordingly be readily seen that the energizing of the solenoid 98, producing the aforementioned pivotal movement of the arms 97, will shift the rollers 112 into engagement with the clutch plate .114. This will shift the clutch plate 114 axially of the shaft 76 to the right in FIGURE 4.

The several drums and clutch discs will accordingly tend to move axially to the right in FIGURE 4, causing compression of the several clutch discs. This causes all the drums to be engaged with shaft 76 and worm gear 74 for rotation conjointly therewith.

Whenever solenoid 98 is de-energized, compression spring 106 is free to expand, so as to return the arms 97 to the normal, de-clutching position shown in FIGURE 4.

Brake and lock mechanism The combined brake and lock mechanism of the invention has been generally designated at 116, and as shown in FIGURE 3, includes an elongated brake solenoid support bracket 118 formed from a sheet of rigid metal stock, fixedly secured to bottom wall 12 adjacent the front edge thereof and having an inclined support portion 110. Mounted in closely spaced relation upon the support portion 119 are corerspondingly inclined solenoids 120, which will hereinafter be termed as the brake solenoids so as to distinguish the same from other solenoids incorporated in the structure comprising the present invention.

The solenoids 120 are provided with yoke-like cores 122, carrying cross pins 124 that are rigid with forwardly projecting connecting arms. In the illustrated example there are three solenoids, and the connecting arms of the end solenoids have been designated at 126. The connecting arm of the middle solenoid has been designated at 128.

Arms 126 are fixedly secured to and are arranged at right angles to end crossbars 130. Similarly, arm 128, as shown to particular advantage in FIGURE 4, is fixedly connected to the intermediate portion of an intermediate crossbar 132. Crossbar 132 is longer than either bar 130. Arm 128 has an offset intermediate its ends, as shown in FIGURE 4.

Corresponding in number to the drums 78, and swinging in planes common to the planes of the toothed brake discs 82, are elongated, straight, brake arms 134. These may alternatively be termed as locking arms or stops. Brake arms 134 are pivoted, intermediate their ends but closer to the lower than to the upper ends thereof, upon an elongated brake arm support shaft 136, the ends of which are engaged in openings of side legs 56. Spacer sleeves 138, receiving shaft 136, space the brake arms 134 apart to maintain the same in positions in which enlarged heads or tips 140 thereof may engage in appropriate notches 141 (see Figure 3) of the associated brake discs 82.

Connected between the brake solenoid support bracket 118 and the lower ends of the several brake arms 134 are tension or contractile springs 142.

The end portions of each crossbar are engaged in adjacent brake arms 134. In other words, two brake arms 134 are conjointly swingable, by each end crossbar 130. The remaining three brake arms occupy the middle of the series of brake arms, and are conjointly movable by the longer, intermediate crossbar 132. This has its end portions extending through two brake arms, while its mid-length portion extends through another brass The connections of the crossbars 130, 132 to the several brake arms are disposed a short distance downwardly from the tips 140. Therefore, when the solenoids 120 are energized, to retract cores 122 thereof, arms 134 will be pivoted from their FIGURE 3 positions in a counterclockwise direction, viewing the same as in FIGURE 3, against the tension of the springs 142. On de-energizing of the solenoids, the springs 142 are free to contract, so as to return the arms 134 to their FIGURE 3 positions, in which they are lockingly engageable with their associated brake discs 82.

At this point, it may be noted that the several solenoids 120 are so designed and arranged in the electrical circuits embodied in the invention that although they are all de-energized simultaneously, all the brake arms will not simultaneously move into engagement with their associated brake discs 82. This is by reason of the fact that resistance means is incorporated in the circuit, arranged in such a manner with respect to the several solenoids that although the circuit between the solenoids and the source of electrical power is opened, each solenoid will receive,'for a predetermined, short period of time, a charge of electricity resulting from the provision of the resistance. In this way, one solenoid remains charged for a prescribed period of time following the disconnection of the source of electric power therefrom; a second solenoid 128 remains charged for a different, predetermined period of time so as to release its brake arms at a time different from the time of release of the brake arms of the first solenoid; and the third solenoid releases its brake arms at yet a ditferent time. One of the solenoids, for example, may be de-energized instantly upon opening of the circuit between the solenoids and the source of electrical power. The remaining solenoids, though no power is being supplied thereto from said source, remain charged for different periods of time following the cessation of the flow of electrical power thereto.

The result is that two of the drums will be stopped; then another group, as for example, the three intermediate drums would be stopped; and finally, the remaining two drums will be brought to a halt. To the viewer, this adds a measure of attractiveness and excitement to the playing of the game, above and beyond that which would result if all the drums were braked to a stop simultaneously.

Winning play indicator mechanism Generally designated at 144 is a winning play indicator mechanism. This includes a series of snap switches 146, corresponding in number and individually associated with the several drums 78. Mechanism 144 further includes a series of lamp bulbs, again corresponding in number to the drums and individually associated with the drums.

The switches 146, in the illustrated example, are mounted upon the support plate 64 (see FIGURE 3). The switches are provided with switch arms. 148, pro jecting forwardly into tangentially contacting relation to the sleeves 86. The switch arms, of course, are of springable material, and in fact, it may be noted at this point that the snap acting switches illustrated are conventional items, per se, capable of being purchased on the open market.

Switches 146 include depressible plungers 150 normally spring biased to a projecting position as shown in FIGURE 3. The plungers, within the switch casings, have bridging elements (see FIGURE 1) adapted to engage the switch contacts when the plungers are depressed to close a circuit through the associated switch.

The free ends of the switch arms 148 are engageable by the projections 81, during rotation of the drums. Each time a drum turns through 3 60-degrees, its projection 81 will engage the switch arm at one point during the rotational movement, biasing the switch arm downwardly 8 in FIGURE 3, to depress plunger and close the associated switch contacts.

Each time a switch 146 closes, it permits current to flow through a lamp bulb 152 associated therewith. Referring to FIGURE 4, the lamp bulbs are engaged in sockets carried by inwardly-struck lamp socket supports 154 of a rectangular lamp-socket-suport plate 156. The striking of the supports 154 inwardly defines a rectangular framet 157 on plate 156, and said frame is in direct contact with the vertical top portion of access plate 26 (see FIGURE 3).

The lamp-socket-support plate 156 is mounted upon an upwardly projecting top bracket 158. This is in the form of a wide plate (see FIGURE 4) extending the full length of the lamp-socket-support plate 156, and projecting at one end beyond said plate 156, to provide a support for a subtractive predeterrnining counter to be described in detail hereinafter.

From the above, it may be noted that if any drum 78 is braked to a stop at a point in its rotational cycle such that its projection 81 is in full contact with switch arm 148 (to do this, the projection 81 should point straight downwardly in FIGURE 3, else the associated switch 146 will not be closed), the lamp bulb 152 directly above said drum will be connected to a source of electrical power by its associated switch 146. In other words, in these circumstances the associated switch 146 will be closed, to permit current to flow through the bulb 152.

Additive play counter Generally designated at 160 is a counting device, which is mounted upon one of the side walls 18 of the casing, at the location of the opening 52. The counting machanism 168 is of conventional design, and as shown in FIG- URE 2, is so arranged as to permit a reading thereof from a location outside the casing. This counter keeps a record of the total number of plays on the device. This device, per se, is of conventional construction, being capable of purchase on the open market. It is merely essential that this counter be one which is elecrically operated, in such a way that on each flow of electrical current through a circuit in which the counter is connected, that is, on each closure of said circuit, the counter will be operated to add to its previously accumulated total, to the extent of a single unit.

Starting mechanism Generally designated at 162 is a starting mechanism, which is operated by the user in such a way as to initiate the cycle of opertaion of the device. Mechanism 162 includes a switch blade 164 which is of tapering 01' wedge shape as shown in FIGURE 1. Blade 164, along one longitudinal edge thereof, has a series of teeth or serrations 166. Blade 164 projects exteriorly of the casing, through a guide slot 167 of the casing. Outside the easing, blale 164 is provided with a head 168 constituting a button capable of depression by a user.

Designated at 170 is a snapacting switch, mounted upon the top part 58 of main frame 54. Switch 170 includes a switch arm 172, on the free end of which is provided a roller 174 engageable by the other longitudinal edge of blade 164 when the blade is moved in the direction of its length by depression of button or head 168. This shifts the switch arm 172 downwardly in FIGURE 3, causing depression of a plunger 17 6 of the switch to close the switch contacts.

The arrangement, as will be apparent hereinatfer following consideration of the circuit embodied in the in vention, is one which will cause the complete cycle of operation of the device to be instituted, whether or not the switch button is held in a depressed position. Further, as will be apparent, said cycle does not depend for continuance upon the depression of the button, and cannot be repeated if the user were to hold the button in a depressed condition.

Referring to FIGURE 4, a tapering, longitudinal e'x- 9 tension 178 is formed upon the top bracket 158, and formed in said extension 178 is a guide slot 179, in which the blade 164 has a slidable, straight line movement when the switch button is depressed.

The return of the switch button to its normal position results from a return spring action embodied in a predetermining counter to be described in detail hereinafter, acting upon a disc in mesh with the blade 164.

Play series limit means The invention includes a means designed to permit each customer to have only a predetermined number of plays. In other words, assuming that a customer has made a purchase at the establishment in an amount such as to entitle him to eight plays of the machine comprising the present invention, the play series limit means, generally designated at 180 is quickly set by the establishment owner or employee to permit only the prescribed eight plays. The customer thus is entitled to a series of plays, the number of which is predetermined in advance. At the end of said series, the means 180 operates to prevent further playing of the game of chance by said customer. Subsequently, when another purchase is made, the means 180 is operated once again in a manner to permit a prescribed number of plays.

The means 180, in the illustrated example, is a subtractive predetermining counter including three individually rotatable setting knobs 184. The dials of the counter are visible through a front window 50 of the casing.

The counter 182 illustrated by way of example is manufactured by Veeder-Root Incorporated, Hartford, Connecticut, as No. HI-1122l3.

In this connection, it is to be understood that I may prefer to use some other type of counter. It is mainly important that the counter be one which is connectible in an electrical circuit, and which can be pre-set at a prescribed figure, in such a way that each closure of the circuit will subtract one unit from the figure. When the counter has returned to zero, the circuit opens, and cannot be closed until the counter is re-set to permit a number of additional closures.

In the illustrated example, the setting knobs are disposed exteriorly of the casing. Therefore, they are in a position such that if a customer is not closely watched, he may possibly re-set the device to permit additional plays, thereby extending his allowed series of plays. However, the knobs could be enclosed within an extension of the casing, which could be provided with a door closed by a key-operated lock, so that access to the knobs is permitted only to authorized individuals. Or, a suitable means can be embodied directly in the counter, to lock the knobs against rotation in the event the knobs are to remain in an exposed position. In still another arrangement, the knobs might be removable from the shaft of the counter, or otherwise separable from the machine in such a way as to prevent operation of the counter by the user of the machine.

I have found, in this regard, that another counter capable of purchase on the open market, that will be fully satisfactory for the intended purposes, is one which is made by L. G. White, Silver Spring, Maryland.

Within the casing, there is connected to the shaft of the counter a counter disc 186. As shown in FIGURE 4, this is secured to shaft 188 at the end of the counter remote from the knobs. Referring to FIGURE 1, disc 186 is toothed for a part only of its circumference. The teeth of the disc 186 are in mesh with the teeth 166, so that each time the switch button 168 is depressed, the disc 186 will be turned through an angular distance such as to subtract one unit from the counter.

Operational cycle timing means Generally designated at 190 is an operational cycle timing means. This includes an electric motor 192. Motor 192 is mounted upon the lower support plate 6 4,

l and connected to the shaft of the motor 192 (which will hereinafter be termed a timing motor) is a worm 194 in mesh with a worm gear 196 mounted upon a stub shaft 198 projecting inwarly from the adjacent side leg 56 (see FIGURE 5).

On the peripheral portion of worm gear 196 there is provided a lug or projection 200. The projection 200 is so arranged that on rotation of the worm gear through a predetermined angular distance, the lug will ultimately engage the free end portion of the arm 204 of a switch 202. Switch 202 is normally closed (see FIG- URE 1). Therefore, when worm gear 196 rotates in a clockwise direction, viewing the same as in FIGURE 1, its lug 200 will engage the plunger 206 of the switch, depressing the same to open the switch.

The construction of the device is such that its cycle of operation continues throughout the length of time that it takes to rotate worm gear 196 through approximately 360-degrees. Worm gear 196 can, of course, be timed to rotate at a selected speed, and in a preferred embodiment, the worm gear will rotate at 20 r.p.m-.

Also comprising a part of the operational cycle timing means is a holding relay 208, which remains energized as long as the device is to be permitted to remain in operation.

In other words, the holding relay is the main control on the flow of electrical power to the various components of the device. As long as the holding relay is energized, the device will remain in operation. The holding relay remains energized as long as the timing worm gear is turning with its lug 200 not yet in engagement with switch ar-m 204.

The relay 208 includes a double set of bridging elements, said elements being respectively designated at 210, 212. Elements 210, 212 are respectively adapted to bridge sets of contacts 211, 213.

Winning play pre-determining mechanism The mechanism for pre-establishment of a play which will comprise the winning play has been generally designated 214. As the main components of said mechanism, there are provided dials having peripheral series of indicia corresponding to those on the several drums 78. In this way, one can pre-set the wheels or dials of the mechanism 214, to permit the winning play to be visible through the sight apertures 46. A swift comparison, indicium by indicium, can be made between the play appearing through the sight apertures 46, and that obtained as a result of use of the machine.

Mechanism 214 includes a shaft 216, the ends of which are engaged in the upper portions of the side legs 56 (see FIGURE 4). At one end, shaft 216 has a noncircular, axial extension 218 engaging in a correspondingly formed opening of the adjacent side leg 56. This prevents rotation of the shaft 216.

Fixedly mounted in a diametrically extending opening of the shaft 216 is a lock arm 220, having a lateral extension 221 at one end. Spaced longitudinally of the shaft 216 from arm 220 and from one another are double lock arms 222. Each of these, at its opposite ends, has oppositely extending extensions 223.

Designated at 224 are indicium wheels, each of which has a peripheral series of indicia similar to that on each drum 78. Each wheel 224 includes a peripherally notched hub 228. Spacer sleeves 226 are employed to space the wheels 224 apart so that they will be coplanar with the drum members 84 with which they are paired.

By reason of this arrangement, the extensions 221 and 223 can be engaged in selected notches of adjacent wheels 224. The extensions, it may be noted, are of a springable nature.

Thus, each wheel 224 can be manually rotated to a selected position, and will be lockingly engaged in said position by an adjacent extension 221 or 223, as the case may be.

1 1 Circuitry It is appropriate now to consider the Wiring of the structure. This is shown in FIGURE 1.

In this connection, as shown in FIGURE 1, a source of electrical power 230 is embodied in the circuit. In the illustrated example, this comprises a pair of batteries, mountable within the casing as shown. However, this source, and also a source of electrical power designated at 252 and described hereinafter, can comprise a conventional 110 volt AC. power source. Batteries are shown merely by way of indicating an embodiment that will be fully portable, as for example to any location on the premises of a gasoline service station.

Extending from one contact of switch 170 is a lead 234, to one side of the starting power source 230. From the other side of source 230 extends a lead 236, connected to one terminal of relay 208.

Connected to lead 236 is lead 238, connected to one terminal of motor 192. From the other terminal of motor 192 extends a lead 240, connected to a lead 242 that extends to the other terminal of switch 170.

Therefore, on closure of switch 170 responsive to depression of the button 168, a circuit will be closed as follows: From power source 230 through lead 236, lead 238, motor 192, lead 240, lead 242, switch 170, and lead 234 back to the source of power.

The momentary energization of motor 192 results, even if switch button 168 is immediately released, in rotation of worm gear 196 to an extent such as to cause the lug 200, which at the beginning of operation would have been in engagement with switch arm 204, to snap past the arm 204. Therefore, even though the above mentioned starting circuits should be opened immediately by opening of switch 170, the switch 202 will, at the same time, have been closed, since spring-urged plunger 206 thereof will now be free to move to its FIGURE 1 position.

As a result, a holding circuit will be closed, concurrently with the opening of the starting circuit. The holding circuit will remain closed through one 360-degree cycle of the worm gear 196 which comprises a timing disc.

The holding circuit may be traced as follows: Main source of electrical power 252, lead 250, one terminal of counter 182, the other terminal of counter 182, lead 251, lead 242, lead 240, motor 192, lead 238, lead 236, holding relay 208, lead 244, closed switch 202, lead 246, and lead 254 back to the other side of the power source 252.

If, as previously noted, all the plays of the series permitted the particular customer have been used up, the circuit cannot be closed through the counter 182, and accordingly, the holding circuit will not close so that the device remains de-activated if the player attempts to make a play in addition to the allowed series.

The closing of the holding circuit closes a circuit to the drive motor 70, the solenoids 120, and solenoid 98, which may be traced as follows: Power source 252, lead 250, counter 182, lead 251, lead 248, closed contacts 211, lead 249, lead 268, solenoid 98, and return through lead 264, fuses 262, 260, lead 256, closed contacts 213, lead 254, and back to the power source 252. Connected in parallel in this circuit are the additive counter 160, which is connected to the opposite sides of the circuit by leads 258, 259, respectively; the motor 70, which is connected to the opposite sides of the circuit by leads 263, 265; and the several solenoids 120, each of which is connected to the opposite sides of the circuit by leads 266, 267, respectively.

Therefore, at the instant the holding circuit is established and maintained, there is correspondingly established and maintained an operating circuit which energizes the drive motor 70, simultaneously with operation of the clutch respective to energization of solenoid 98. The several drums 78 thus begin rotating conjointly. In this connection, since solenoids 120 were energized simultaneously with energizing of the drive motor, said solenoids 120 retracted the several brake arms to free the drums for rotational movement.

As the drums continue rotation, they will close their associated switches 146 momentarily on each 360-degree cycle. This, however, does not affect the rotational movement of the drums, and it may be noted that the switch arms 148 will be engaged by lugs 81 only lightly, so as not to inhibit the turning movement of the several drums.

As the drums turn, the timing gear 196 will be making its single 360-degree rotational cycle, and ultimately, will turn to a point at which its lug 200 will once again engage switch arm 204, depressing plunger 206.

This opens the holding circuit, and as a result, relay 208 is de-energized. Motor 192 stops operation with the lug 200 still in engagement with the switch arm 204, at the left-hand side of the switch arm viewing the same as in FIGURE 1. Further, the contacts 211, 213 are opened, so that the operating circuit is also opened. Motor 70 is de-energized, as is solenoid 98, so that the clutch reverts to its disengaged or de-clutching condition. The several drums 78, being free to rotate on shaft 76, may continue rotating by reason of the momentum imparted thereto while under positive drive.

Solenoids were de-energized simultaneously with motor 70 and solenoid 98, that is, current ceased to flow from the power source 252 to the several solenoids 120. However, as previously noted, the resistance means associated with the series of solenoids 120 causes said solenoids to remain charged for predetermined, different periods of time. At the moment the holding circuit opens, one of the solenoids 120 might be instantly de-energized to release its brake arms for movement toward the notched brake discs associated therewith. This instantly halts those drums rigid with these particular brake discs. The drums associated with the other solenoids 120 may continue to rotate due to the temporary continuance, for different periods of time, of the charge of the remaining solenoids. However, at difierent times, the remaining solenoids release their associated brake arms, so that ultimately all the wheels or drums 78 are brought to a stop, with certain indicia thereof visible through the viewing opening 40. If these indicia are indentical, from one end of the row to the tother, with corresponding indicia of the pre-esatablished winning number seen through sight apertures 46, there has been a Winning play. In these circumstances, all the lugs 81 will be in engagement with their associated arms 148, to close all the switches 146.

The signal lamps associated with the several switches 146 are on a circuit separate from that used to drive the drums, operate the brake release arms, etc. This is for the purpose of causing the entire row of signal lamps to be illuminated in response to a winning play, and to remain illuminated after the main circuit opens. Said main circuit, as previously described, would open for the purpose of producing the stopping of the rotational movement of the drums.

It is further desired that after the lamps have all become lit in response to a winning play, and have remained lit for a few seconds, they should automatically be de-energized responsive to opening of the signal lamp circuit in which they are connected with the switches 146. It is also desired that when they are de-energized in this way, means be operated to de-activate the entire device to prevent any plays Whatever thereon until such time as the winning play number has been changed by means of the mechanism 214.

Accordingly, there is provided a lead 270 extending from the positive terminal of the battery 252 to one terminal of that switch 146 disposed at the left-hand end of the row of switches 146 in FIGURE 1. A lead 272 is connected to the other terminal of this switch, extending to a lead 274 connected to one terminal of the signal lamp bulb 152 associated with the left-hand switch 146.

The other terminal of this bulb 152 is connected to a lead 276 which extends to lead 264.

Also connected to lead 272 is' a lead 278 extending to one terminal of the next adjacent switch 146, from the other terminal of which extends a lead.28.0,- Lead 280 is connected to one terminal of the bulb 152 associated With said next adjacent switch, this being the second from the left in FIGURE 1. A lead 281 is connected between the other terminal of this bulb 152 and the lead 276.

This arrangement is continued through the remainder of the row of signal lamp bulbs. Thus, lead 282 is connected to lead 280, extending to one terminal of the next switch 146, from the other terminal of which extends a lead 283 extending to a lead 284 connected to its associated bulb 152. This bulb has a connection 285 to the lead 276.

This arrangement, in being carried out to the end of the row, includes leads 286, 290, 292, and 2% extending from each switch to its associated bulb. The arrangement also includes leads 288, 289, and 294 providing connections between adjacent switches. Leads 306, 308, 310, and 312 provide connections between the associated bulbs 152 and lead 276.

The bulbs are selected to be of a wattage such as to load the circuit in which they are connected to such an extent, when all the bulbs are energized at one time, as to burn out one of the fuses 260, 262.

Considering the signal lamp circuit, which has been generally designated 314, it has been deemed appropriate to provide a reference letter for each signal unit comprising a switch 146 and its associated bulb 152. Thus, said units have been designated A through G.

Accordingly, tracing the circuit 314, and assuming all the switches 146 to be closed responsive to a winning play, it will be seen that the flow will be as follows: Power source 252, lead 270, switch 146 of signal unit A, lead 272, lead 278, switch of unit B, lead 280, lead 282, switch of unit C, lead 283, lead 284, switch of unit D, lead 286, lead 288, switch of unit E, lead 290, lead 289, switch of unit F, lead 294, switch of unit G, lead 296, bulb 152 of unit G, lead 312, lead 276, lead 264, fuses 262, 260, lead 256, lead 298, lead 254, and back to the source of power. Connected between one terminal of each switch and the lead 276 are the lamp bulbs of units A, B, C, D, E, and -F.

It will be observed that the signal lamp circuit will not be energized until such time as there has been a winning play, and this circuit closes after all the other circuits open. However, the signal lamp circuit, by closing, loads the main circuit, a part of which has the fuses and comprises a portion of the signal lamp circuit. This loading causes the fuses to burn out, deactivating the main circuit and preventing re-use of the device until such time as the fuses have been replaced and the winning play has been re-set.

The arrangement can be such as to cause the signal lamp circuit to remain activated for a predetermined period of time, as for example, five or ten seconds. In this connection, any other suitable circuit-loading means can be employed in circuit with the lamp bulbs, if desired to load the circuits sufficiently to blow the fuses.

Of course, the circuit arrangements illustrated are merely an example of one circuit that could be employed, and it is entirely possible that in a commercial embodiment, there may be certain revisions in the circuitry, so long as the same end result is obtained without departure from the spirit of the invention as called for by the appended claims.

It is believed apparent that the invention is not necessarily confined to the specific use or uses thereof described above, since it may be utilized for any purpose to which it may be suited. Nor is the invention to be necessarily limited to the specific construction illustrated and described, since such construction is only intended to be illustrative of the principles of operation and the means presently devised to carry out said principles, it being considered that the invention comprehends any changes in constructionthat may be permitted within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A chance device comprising a support, a horizontal shaft journaled across the support, means on an end of the shaft for connecting the shaft to rotating means, said connecting means having an abutment fixed on the shaft, a plurality of drum members circumposed on the shaft between said abutment and the other end of the shaft, said drum members being freely rotatable and slidable on the shaft and relative to each other, said drum members comprising hubs circumposed on the shaft, peripherally numbered drums fixed on one end of the hub, peripheral notched wheels fixed on the hubs at the other ends thereof, and pins projecting from the hubs between the drums and the wheels, said rotating means being an electric motor,- a solenoid operated clutch yoke pivoted on the support and having clutch disc engaging means, a clutch disc slidably circumposed on the said other end of the shaft between the clutch disc engaging means and the adjacent drum member, said yoke being operable from an inoperative position to an operative position wherein said engaging means engages the clutch disc and moves the clutch disc and the drum elements along the shaft in the direction of said abutment so as to frictionally engage related drum member hub ends with the clutch disc and the abutment and with each other so as to connect the drum members together for rotation with the shaft.

2. A chance device comprising a support, a horizontal shaft journaled across the support, means on an end of the shaft for connecting the shaft to rotating means, said connecting means having an abutment fixed on the shaft, a plurality of drum members circumposed on the shaft between said abutment and the other end of the shaft, said drum members being freely rotatable and slidable on the shaft and relative to each other, said drum members comprising hubs circumposed on the shaft, peripherally numbered drums fixed on one end of the hubs, peripherally notched wheels fixed on the hubs at the other ends thereof, and pins projecting from the hubs between the drums and the wheels, said rotating means being an electric motor, a solenoid operated clutch yoke pivoted on the support and having clutch disc engaging means, a clutch disc slidably circumposed on the said other end of the shaft between the clutch disc engaging means and the adjacent drum member, said yoke being operable from an inoperative position to an operative position wherein said engaging means engages the clutch disc and moves the clutch disc and the drum elements along the shaft in the direction of said abutment so as to frictionally engage related drum member hub ends with the clutch disc and the abutment and with each other so as to connect the drum members together for rotation with the shaft, automatic electrically-controlled brake means operable to stop rotation of said drums comprising solenoid retracted spring operated brake arms pivoted on the supports and having terminals engageable in notches of the notched wheels in the operated positions of the brake arms, and switches connected in circuit with lamps corresponding to each of said drum members, said switches having switch actuators located in the paths of movement of said pins to be operated by engagement of the pins with the actuators.

3. A chance device of the random indicium selection type comprising: support means having a viewing opening; an indicia selection drum assembly including a plurality of rotatable drums each having a series of indicia, said drums being visible through the viewing opening for observation of an indicium of each drum on halting of the movement of said drums, said assembly further including a rotating means for imparting rotatable movement to said drums; clutch means connecting the several drums for conjoint rotation at least at the start of the rotatable movement thereof; said indicia selection drum assembly including a shaft on which the several drums are slidably and rotatively circumposed, said means of said assembly comprising a motor having a driving connection with said shaft, said clutch means comprising a clutch plate slidable on said shaft and engageable with a drum to move the drums toward each other, friction discs on the shaft interposed between adjacent drums to connect said drums together for rotation with one another as said drums are moved together, and said clutch means comprising a solenoid-operated yoke pivotally suspended on said support means, and rollers carried by said plate for engaging the clutch yoke for shifting the same in a direction to move 16 said drums together, and automatic electrically-controlled brake means operable to stop rotation of said drums.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 689,365 McMullen Dec. 17, 1901 2,069,134 Collins et a1. Jan. 26, 1937 2,175,892 Greene Oct. 10, 1939 2,545,644 Benton et a1 Mar. 20, 1951 2,781,949 Stoneburner Feb. 19, 1957 2,786,682 McManus Mar. 26, 1957

Images