Patent GB-388371-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in coin-freed apparatus for providing amusement
IPC: G07F17/34
Filed: 1931-08-17
Abstract: 388,371. Coin-freed amusement apparatus. SMITH, W., 109, Queen Anne Avenue, Bromley, Kent. Aug. 17, 1931, No. 23114. [Class 27.] A master indicator is moved step by step at each actuation of the apparatus to predetermined positions and. a similar secondary indicator is set in motion and afterwards arrested by the operator. If the secondary indicator is stopped at a point coinciding with that shown on the master, coins are delivered to the successful operator. A proportion of the coins inserted by unskilful users are retained by the machine, the rest being returned as prizes. After insertion of a coin in a slot 21, Fig. 1, a lever handle 2 is depressed to move a master dial 35 through one step and set a secondary dial 67 rotating. It is then raised to stop the dial 67, and if the operator is successful in stopping it in a position corresponding to that of the dial 35, coins are delivered. The handle 2 is pivoted to a lever 1 and has a projection 73 to depress a lever 3 which is pivoted at 18, Fig. 2, and carries a pawl 20 engaging a toothed guide 19 to ensure a full stroke. A pin 42 on the lever 3 rocks a rod 44, which, by a curved arm 41 and pawl 40 engaging a ratchet wheel 39, moves the dial 35. The movement of the dial is transmitted by chain and sprocket gearing to a bar 51 loosely mounted on the spindle 12 of the dial 67. During the downward movement of the lever 3, an extension 66 removes a brake 15 from a flywheel 13 on the spindle 12, and a spring 7 is extended to move down a rack rod 8, aftera catch 10, normally holding this rod up, is released by a projection 65 on the lever 3. The rack 8 rotates a floating pinion 11 engaged by a pawl 14 on the flywheel, and so sets the flywheel and dial 67 rotating. The lever 1 is held down by a catch 64 which is released by a controlling catch 77 actuated by a projection 71 on the lever 3 when this nears its normal return position. The lever 3, when the handle 2 is lifted, is returned by a spring 6 releasing the brake 15 to stop the dial 67, and by a rod 5 setting a gear train 4 in rotation to operate a lever 53, Fig. 3, by a crank disc 74. If the dial 67 is stopped at the same indication as is shown on dial 35, a plunger 57, Figs. 2 and 3, on the flywheel 13 will be opposite a boss 52 on the bar 51. The lever 53 slides the bar 51 along the spindle 12 for the boss 52 to move the plunger 57 which actuates a hinged member 58. The member 58 releases the coins to be delivered to the operator. Coin action, mechanical connection.-The coin inserted at 21 passes to a pocket on a face cam 23, Fig. 2, pivoted at 30, and prevents an extension of the lever 3 from engaging a shoulder 31 on the cam. By engaging the coin, the lever rocks the cam to discharge the coin through a passage 24. Prize-delivery mechanism; diverting coins.- The coins fall on to a slope 28 and are diverted by a hinged flap 27, according to its position, into a money-box 70-or a hinged prize receptacle 59. The flap 27 is controlled by a rod 29 moved by a lever 32, Fig. 2, pivoted at 33, Fig. 1, and having a pivoted member 48 actuated by pins 47 on a toothed disc 46. The disc 4G is advanced step by step by a pawl 45 on the rod 44, a pawl 49 normally holding it against backward rotation by a spring 50. When the member 58 is actuated by the plunger 57 to release the coins from the receptacle 59, it releases the pawls 45, 49 by a lever 63 and the disc 46 is returned to its initial position by the spring 50. The member 58 when moved by the plunger 57, releases a catch 60 allowing the receptacle 59 to fall open and discharge the coins therein through a shoot 68. The receptacle is returned by a tail 61 on the member 58.