US2693962A - Dice game apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 9, 1954 R TE S 2,693,962

DICE GAME APPARATUS Filed June 12, 1948 ll Sheeis-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

Nov. 9, 1954 R. STEVENS 2,693,962

DICE GAME APPARATUS Filed June 12, 1348 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 WIN INDICATOR 5T 2ND 3RD 4TH ST" 2/975) J6\'W 6"'7"89"'|O"POINT INDICATOR COUNTER 4 5 6 8 9 IO SW'TCH Ea I I I I I I 2-3 SYSTEM RELAY GROUP aIZ II 7 56 I r\ I ADDING CONTACTS (M (55 283CONTACTS RELAY 63 GROUP \POWER PLAY RELAY /SUPPL.ES ADDING COILS COIL A I com 3 CONTACTSCONTACTS SWITCH MANUAL 9 4/7 LEFT DIE RIGHT DIE DIE I A I RELAY GROUPS /9 5 DIE 52v PULSE SWITCH SHAKER COILS COILS 2533; I LEFT DIE RIGHT DIE \CAM.

J 48 f SWITCHES MOTOR IB E RAU 4a 4a FEELER SWITCH 35o o 0 6 INVENTOR. 0fioerz 62 62 9125 MAAQYWYAL Nov. 9, 1954 R. STEVENS DICE GAME APPARATUS l1 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 12, 1948 INVENTOR. 1 05622 J'fe 76226 f f I. I. f

Nov. 9, 1954 R. STEVENS DICE GAME APPARATUS ll Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 12, 1948 5505622 WQ%%%ZL vmh Nov.

R. STEVENS DICE GAME APPARATUS Filed June 12, 1948 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 PZAY COUNTER ENE ADD RESET INVENTOR.

Nov. 9, 1954 STEVENS 2,693,962

DICE GAME APPARATUS Filed June 12, 1948 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 JNVENTOR.

Nov. 9, 1954 STEVENS 2,693,962

DICE GAME AP'PARATUS Filed June 12, 1948 ll Sheets-Sheet 7 IN V EN TOR.

@14 I 5:95 Faber? 52% #622219 BY I WJ M Nov. 9, 1954 R. STEVENS DICE GAME APPARATUS ll Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed June 12, 1948 NOV. 9, 1954 N$ 2,693,962

DICE GAME APPARATUS F'iled June 12, 1948 ll Sheets-Sheet 9 Nov. 9, 1954 NS 2,693,962

DICE GAME APPARATUS Filed June 12, 1948 ll Sheets-Sheet ll IN V EN TOR.

United States Patent DICE GAME APPARATUS Robert Stevens, Buffalo, N. Y.

Application June 12, 1948, Serial No. 32,681

16 Claims. (Cl. 273-145) This invention relates to amusement apparatus and more particularly to certain combinations of mechanical, electro-mechanical and/or electrical apparatus adapted to use in playing a game.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide electrically operated apparatus with and against which a person may play a game similating and following the rules of craps in respect to the determination of wins and losses.

My invention further has within its purview the provision of amusement apparatus wherein standard dice are shaken for each cast within clear view of a player and automatically read.

As another object, the invention comprehends a system of relays adapted to the addition of a plurality of variable digits.

A further object of this invention is to provide an electro-mechanical system for reading and totalizing the numbers on a plurality of dice.

It is another object of my invention to provide electromechanical apparatus for thoroughly shaking dice for each cast within the confines of a transparent closure, which apparatus further, and when desired, has selective periods of agitation of sufiicient length and violence to frustrate any attempts at dishonest manipulation.

My amusement apparatus comprehends the provision of a coin controlled dice game wherein a coin is deposited for each series of plays and each play of a series is initiated manually.

In the presently disclosed embodiment, my invention further has within its purview the provision of a dice game wherein the number of plays of a series varies and is controlled by chance and the usual rules of playing craps, in that each series is terminated by the occurrence of any one of several events which would result in a win or loss in a crap game.

In the progress of a game of the type referred to, my disclosed apparatus has for another object of the provision of automatic and variable recording apparatus for keeping before the player and pertinent information relative to each series of plays.

My invention further has within its purview the provision of automatic apparatus for shaking and handling dice for each play of a game within the view of the player.

As another object, the invention comprehends the provision of a simple and effective form of feeler switch, as well as circuit and contact arrangements therefor to accomplish the reading of dice.

An additional object of my invention is to provide a vibratory mechanism for shaking dice at the beginning of each play.

A further obiect of this invention is to provide a mechanism for positioning and holding dice for the reading of the cast numbers at each play.

It is another object of my invention to provide unified apparatus wherein various of the aforementioned features, functions and operations are correlated into a system for use in accordance with prescribed rules of play to effect the indication of wins or losses by a player in accordance with rules and chance.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accomnanying drawings in which similar characters of reference indicate similar parts through the several views.

Referring to the eleven sheets of drawings,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view looking downwardly from in front and to one side of the exterior of an enclosed assembly which embodies a preferred form of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram which indicates generally the electrical parts of the preferred embodiment of my invention and their association in the operating system;

Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are each partial and schematic circuit diagrams which, together, make up a wiring diagram of the electrical parts embodied in the preferred form of my amusement apparatus which is illustrated generally in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of a preferred form of switch utilized in the preferred embodiment of my invention, in which view a part of the switch is cut away to depict details of inner structure and the use of the switch in association with a pair of dice is indicated;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the switch shown in Fig. 7 with an associated portion of my preferred apparatus indicated fragmentarily;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a preferred type of contact plate utilized in the switch disclosed in Figs. 7 and 8;

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a preferred form of dice positioning and gripping element adapted to use in the preferred embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an end portion of the dice positioning and gripping element shown in Fig. 10 and wherein the view is taken substan tially as indicated by the line 11-11 in Fig. 10 and the associated arrows;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view wherein the section is taken substantially on a line 12-12 of Fig. 10 and in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 13 is a side sectional view of a portion of the mechanical operating mechanism embodied in the preferred form of my amusement apparatus wherein the section is taken at a position substantially as depicted by line 13-13 of Fig. 1 and in a direction indicated by the accompanying arrows; the parts being depicted in their normal positions of rest;

Fig. 14 is a sectional bottom view wherein the section is taken substantially as indicated by a line 14-14 in Fig. 13 and in a direction as indicated by the accompanying arrows;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14, but which illustrates a different operating position of the parts which occurs during the cycle of operation of the preferred embodiment of my amusement apparatus;

Fig. 16 is a side sectional view similar to Fig. 13, drawn to a somewhat smaller scale and depicting an operating position of the parts which corresponds to that of the parts shown in Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken substantially as indicated by a line 17-17 of Fig. 16 and in the direction indicated by the accompanying arrows;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on a line 18-18 of Fig. 16 and in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Figs. 19 and 20 are respectively end sectional and end views taken substantially on lines 19-19 and 20-20 of Fig. 18 and in the directions indicated by arrows;

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary sectional view wherein the section is taken substantially at a position indicated by a line 21-21 in Fig. 15, the operating positions of the parts also corresponding to those depicted in Fig. 15 and Fig. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially at a position indicated by a line 22-22 in Fig. 21 and viewed as indicated by the accompanying arrows.

By way of preliminary understanding of the rules of the game of craps, to which the disclosed apparatus is particularly adapted, although not confined, the application of those rules to the game as played with the disclosed apparatus, and certain of their aspects will here be given consideration. In the presently disclosed amuse ment apparatus, the dice are confined to the machine at all times. Thus, there is no concern for the change of dice from one person to another or the circumstances bringing about such changes.

In accordance with the usual rules of craps, the follow ing characteristics of play are followed by the preferred form of my apparatus which is herein disclosed. Essentially, they may be summarized as follows 1. If the sum of the uppermost digits indicated by the dice on the first throw of a series is seven or eleven, the player 1s a ccorded a win. 2. If the summation of the die digits is 2, 3 or 12 on the first throw of a series, the player loses. 3. If the dice indicate a total of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 on the first throw of a series, the indicated one of those numbers becomes a point, which, if repeated in a series of plays before throwing a seven, counts as a w n If a seven precedes the throwing of a predetermined point number, the player loses.

In the accompanying drawings, an illustrative embodiment of my invention is disclosed for exemplary pur poses. Having particular reference to Fig. l, for consideration of certain of the more general aspects and arrangements of a preferred form of my amusement apparatus, the operating parts are enclosed in ahousing 25, which housing is adapted to be supported by a suitable table or stand. As viewed by a player, the housing includes a slopingfront panel 26 which, in the disclosed form of the apparatus, carries an instruction andrule card 27, a coin slot 28 (used when the apparatus is to be coin operated), apoint indicator 29, an indicator 34) for showing the number of successive wins, and aplay indicator 32 which provides a designation of the number of plays made in a given series.

In front of the slopingpanel 26, and preferably on top of thehorizontal housing panel 33, is atransparent dome 34, made of a transparent molded plastic material or the like, which encloses the playing elements of the game which, in the present instance, aredice 35 and 36. These playing elements or dice remain at all times within the view of a player or observer.

At a convenient position for manual operation, as at one side of thehousing 25, ahandle 37 is mounted for rotational movement. In the disclosed apparatus, and as will be more fully described, the deposit of a coin in thecoin slot 28 effects initial energization of the operating parts of the apparatus while manual movement of thehandle 37 in a prescribed manner initiates the cycle of operation of each play and provides some control of the length of time during which the dice are randomly shaken within thedome 34.

From the standpoint of a player and after the player has deposited a coin of a given denomination in thecoin slot 28, the player depresses thehandle 37 at will to initiate each play of a series; each series being terminated by a win or a loss. Each successive win is recorded and designated by thewin indicator 30. Each loss returns all of the indicators to their zero or off positions.

In the disclosed apparatus, and by preference, in order to prevent the dice from being only slightly moved without turning over or merely nudged over with some practiced control by a player, the apparatus embodies a control for the minimum time of dice shaking which cannot be avoided by the player. Also, and by preference, the apparatus includes a control for the maximum time of shaking of the dice, in order to prevent undue abuse of the apparatus. Between the minimum and maximum limits, the dice shaking time is within the control of the player and is dependent upon the length of time during which thehandle 37 is depressed.

During the process of play, each play involves a cycle of operations of the apparatus, which cycle is automatically carried out by the apparatus after the initiation of the play by depression of thehandle 37. That is, the dice are randomly and, by preference, quite violently shaken Wlthln the confines of thetransparent dome 34. Upon conung to rest after the shaking action, the dice are positloned within the dome without being turned over, the uppermost indicia or indicated digits of the dice are electro-mechanically ascertained by the apparatus and the results automatically indicated in accordance with the rules of the game. Following such indication, the apparatus automatically prepares for the succeeding play. The termination of a series of plays by win or loss effects the necessity for the deposit of a coin in order to continue playing. Within a series, however, when a player is attempting to make a predetermined point, the successive plays are started by the mere depression of theoperating handle 37, without the deposit of coins.

The control system and operation of a preferred embodiment of my amusement apparatus may be considered in greater detail, and for the purpose of obtaining a summarized understanding thereof without concern for the complete details of the electrical and mechanical parts and their arrangements, by reference to the schematic block diagram of Fig. 2. It is to be understood in connection with this block diagram that it is not strictly a wiring diagram, but merely a schematic illustration depicting parts and groups of parts by the blocks and the general organization or the relationships of those parts by connecting lines.

As an aid to effecting a distinction between the results produced by the occurrence of predetermined indicia on the dice on the first and subsequent plays of a series, as well as to divide certain controls, two power sources A and B are utilized. Acoin switch 38, actuated by placement of a coin in the coin slot 28 (Fig. 1), effects closure of what may be termed preparatory circuits through, or in consequence of which the functional parts of the apparatus are subsequently energized. After operation of thecoin switch 38, operation of aswitch 39 by manual movement of the handle 37 (Fig. 1) closes a circuit to a shaker mechanism andcontrol circuit 40 which, in turn, automatically closes a circuit to amotor 42 having a driven cam switch 43 actuated thereby. Themotor 42, in addition to driving the cam switch 43 which divides the cycles of operation and provides sequence control. also drives the mechanical parts of the apparatus by Which the dice are positioned after being shaken, actuates parts making the dice accessible to afeeler switch 44 and moves the feeler switch to etfect the electrical reading of the dice by the switch.

Circuits individualized to the number or indicia on the bottom face of each of thedice 35 and 36 are established bycontacts 45 and 46 of die relay groups .7 and 48 having actuating coils 49 and 50 respectively energized by a pulse of current from source A and produced through apulse relay circuit 52 in timed relationship to the operation of thefeeler switch 44, and after the circuits through the latter switch are completed. The contacts of one die relay group control the energization of actuating coils 53 of an addingrelay group 54; while the contacts of the other die relay group control circuits from one of the designated power sources tocontacts 55 of the addingrelay group 54. It is the function of the adding relay group in conjunction with the contacts of the die relay groups to interpolate the numbers on the bottom faces of the dice to those on the top faces by subtraction of the bottom face numbers from seven, and effectively to add to the top face numbers.

Asystem relay group 56 translates the added numbers into play results and, in association with aplay relay 57, correlates the play results with the number of plays in a given series. That is, on the first play of a series, circuits are formed through contacts of one die relay group and the adding group contacts to the system group from source A. If there are subsequent plays in the series, the circuits through the contacts of the same die and adding groups to the system group are from source B. Relays in the system group control thepoint indicator 29, thewin indicator 30, and theplay indicator 32, as well as win and loserelays 58 and 59 respectively. The win and lose relays terminate the series of plays, whether those series consist of one or more plays.

By way of indication of the relationship between the schematic block diagram of Fig. 2 and the actual circuit diagrams of Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, Fig. 3 shows schematicaly the circuits and contacts of thefeeler switch 44, the circuits of the actuating coils 49 and 50 and circuits of thecontacts 45 and 46 of thedie relay groups 47 and 48 respectively. Fig. 4 depicts the circuits of the actuating coils 53 andcontacts 55 of the addingrelay group 54. Fig. 5 includes schematically portions of the circuits embodying the power sources A and B,coin switch 38, playrelay 57, thesystem relay group 56,win indicator 30,play indicator 32 and the win and loserelays 58 and 59. Fig. 6 embodies a diagrammatic representation of the portion of the circuit which includes the shaker timing and actuatingparts 40, the manually operatedswitch 39 andmotor 42.

Reference is now made to the circuit diagrams of Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive, wherein the various relays and switches are shown in their normal positionssuch posi tions being those assumed when the apparatus is not in operation and the actuating parts are de-energized. Th PO Sources A and B for the apparatus are depicted in Fig. 5. In the disclosed apparatus, the power sources A and B respectively comprise half wave rectifiers and 62 connected towindings 63 and 64 of atransformer 65 which preferably has a 1:1 ratio and is utilized principally for the purpose of electrically segregating the two D. C. power sources, although both are primarily energized from a single A. C. source through power supply line leads 66a and 66b. One side of therectifier 60 is connected to one end of the winding 63 while one side of therectifier 62 is connected to one end of the transformer winding 64. Acondenser 67 is connected across the other side of therectifier 60 and the other end of the transformer winding 63. Anothercondenser 68 is connected across the other side of therectifier 62 and the other end of the transformer winding 64. Thus, the two terminals of each of thecondensers 67 and 68 serve as the positive and negative terminals of power sources A and 13.

With the power sources of the apparatus thus defined, the operation of the electrical apparatus will be considered in an order following that which occurs in the playing of a game. When acoin 69 of predetermined denomination is dropped into the coin slot 28 (Fig. 1), it effects actuation of thecoin switch 38 to close a circuit from power source A to anactuating coil 70 of acoin relay 72 through normally closed series connectedcontacts 73 and 74 of the win and loserelays 58 and 59 respectively. Momentary operation of thecoin relay 72 through normallyopen contacts 75 of thecoin switch 38 closes a holding circuit for the coin relay through normallyopen contacts 76 of that relay and the normally closedcontacts 73 and 74 of the win and loserelays 58 and 59.Contacts 77 of thecoin relay 72 close a circuit to a lead 78 (Figs. 5 and 6) through which power is supplied to the manuallyoperable switch 39, by the actuation of which the dice shaker control circuit of Fig. 6 is put in operation. This circuit also passes through the normally closed contacts of the win and loserelays 58 and 59, as well as thelead 78 in Figs. 5 and 6, and normally closedcontacts 79 of acam switch 80. A lead 82 normally provides a connection from the positive terminal of power source A to the shaker control circuit of Fig. 6. Normallyopen contacts 83 of thecoin relay 72 close a circuit from the negative terminal of power source A and a lead 84, which appears in the upper and lower portions of Fig. 5, to prepare a lo6cking circuit for certain relays of thesystem relay group 5 In the power connections between the portions of the circuit shown in Figs. 5 and 6, it may be noted that in addition to the connection from the positive terminal of power source A which is provided through thelead 82, there are also connections to the negative terminal of source A through a lead 85 in Fig. 5 to lead 85 in Fig. 6. It is through leads 85 and 82 in Fig. 6, and through ableeder resistor 86 in Fig. 6, which resistor has a relatively high resistance value, that a relativelylarge condenser 87 is normally kept charged from power source A The operation of the circuit as thus far described includes the preliminary functions which are accomplished as a result of the deposit of a coin and indicates the steps preparatory to the manual operation of theswitch 39 by movement of handle 37 (Fig. 1). As has been previously indicated, there is a considered desirability of having time limits for the dice shaking, which time limits are preestablished and automatically determined, although leaving control between those time limits to the discretion of the player. In the disclosed circuit thecondenser 87 and a condenser 88 (Fig. 6) are preselected in size to establish the dice shaking time limits.

When the manuallyoperable switch 39 is closed by the player after the deposit of a coin, it completes a circuit to anactuating coil 90 of arelay 92 in the shaker timing control circuit, and as shown in Fig. 6. This initial actuating circuit for therelay 92 is through the normally closedcontacts 79 of thecam switch 80 and through normally closedcontacts 93 of arelay 94. The initial actuation of therelay 90 from power source A and through the manuailyoperable switch 39 connects the actuatingcoil 90 of that relay across thecondenser 87 through normallyopen contacts 95 of the relay. Thecondenser 87 being normally charged from power source A through thebleeder resistor 86 and theleads 82 and 85, the discharge or" that condenser through the actuatingcoil 90 ofrelay 92 holds relay 90 in its actuated position for a period of time dependent upon the capacity of thecondenser 87; it being understood that the current flow through theresistor 86 is well below that required to eifect operation of therelay 92. The capacity of thecondenser 87 thus determines the minimum time interval of operation of the dice shaking mechanism, and has a capacity preselected to hold therelay 92 for a predetermined time interval, such as one second.

The operation ofrelay 92 closes a circuit to anactuating coil 96 of therelay 94 and through normallyopen contacts 97 of therelay 92. When therelay 94 is thus actuated, it is locked in the actuated position by a circuit closed through its normallyopen contacts 98. Also, the opening of the normally closedcontacts 93 of therelay 94 opens the initial actuating circuit for therelay 92, although leaving therelay 92 held in its actuated position by the discharge of thetiming condenser 87. The operation of therelay 92, in addition to effecting operation of therelay 94, also closes an actuating circuit through its normallyopen contacts 99 to anactuating coil 100 of arelay 102. Acondenser 103 which is connected across theactuating coil 100 of therelay 102 is charged while the power circuit to theactuating coil 100 is closed. The operation ofrelay 102 closes a circuit through normallyopen contacts 104 of that relay to anactuating electromagnet 105 of a dice shaking mechanism which will be more fully described.

Theactuating electromagnet 105 is provided withbuzzer type contacts 106 connected in series with the electromagnet and actuated thereby to produce periodic energization of the electromagnet which effects vibratory action and random shaking of the dice. Thus, operation ofrelays 92, 94 and 102 starts the shaking of the dice, which shaking action proceeds at least as long as therelay 92 remains operated as a result of its connection across thetiming condenser 87.

The operation of therelay 94 closes a circuit through normallyopen contacts 107 of that relay, normally closedcontacts 108 of therelay 102 and normally closedcontacts 109 of thecam switch 80 to themotor 42. The latter circuit, however, is opened at practically the same instant by the opening ofcontacts 108 of therelay 102, so that there is no effective operation of themotor 42 until therelay 102 becomes deenergized while therelay 94 is actuated. When therelays 92, 94 and 102 are all operated, as is the case when therelay 92 is held in its actuated position by the discharge of thetiming condenser 87, normally closedcontacts 93 of therelay 94 are opened, normallyopen contacts 110 of therelay 94 are closed, normally closed contacts 111 of therelay 92 are opened and normallyopen contacts 112 of therelay 102 are closed. Thus, the contacts 111 of. therelay 92, while they are open during the minimum operating time of the shaker electromagnet, prevent a circuit from being completed through the manually operatedswitch 39,contacts 110 ofrelay 94,contacts 112 ofrelay 102 and thetiming condenser 88 to theactuating coil 100 of therelay 102 from power source A. Thetiming condenser 88 is normally kept discharged through aresistor 113 having a high resistance value and connected thereacross.

If the manually operatedswitch 39 has been released by the player prior to the expiration of the minimum holding time of therelay 92 which is determined by thecondenser 87, the opening of the contacts ofrelay 92 will break the circuit to the actuatedcoil 100 of therelay 102, as WBrl as the operating circuit to theactuating coil 96 of therelay 94. Therelay 102 remains operated for a short period of time because of the charge accumulated by thecondenser 103 which is connected across the actuating coil of that relay. Also, therelay 94 remains actuated after the opening of the contacts ofrelay 92 and until its holding circuit is broken by thecontacts 79 of the cam switch. However, although the closing of the contacts 111 occurs upon the deenergization of therelay 92 and before thecontacts 112 of therelay 102 are opened, because of the slow release of therelay 102 caused by thecondenser 103, the power circuit to theactuating coil 100 ofrelay 102 through thetiming condenser 83 is broken by the previous opening of the manually operatedswitch 39. Following the aforementioned conditions, and upon the release ofrelay 102 whilerelay 94 is still operated, a starting circuit to themotor 42 is closed through thecontacts 79 ofcam switch 80,contacts 107 ofrelay 94,contacts 108 ofrelay 102 andcontacts 109 ofcam switch 80.

If, on the other hand, the manually operatedswitch 39 is held closed for a period of time exceeding that required for the discharge of thetiming condenser 87 through the actuating coil of therelay 92, the contacts 111 of therelay 92 will close at the end of the predetermined minimum time period and while therelays 94 and 102 are actuated; therelay 102 being held actuated by the charge of thecondenser 103. In this instance, and either until the manually operatedswitch 39 is opened by the player or until thetiming condenser 88 has acquired a charge of a magnitude such that the current flow thereto through theactuating coil 100 of therelay 102 is insuflicient to keep the latter relay operated, whichever occurs first, therelay 102 will remain operated and keep the circuit to theshaker electromagnet 105 closed through thecontacts 104. The capacity of thetiming condenser 88 is preselected to determine the maximum holding time for therelay 102 and consequently the maximum dice shaking time. This time may be, for example, three seconds. If the manually operatedswitch 39 is opened by the player prior to the time in which thetiming condenser 88 acquires a full charge, the holding circuit to the actuating coil of therelay 102 is broken by that manually operated switch, so that the dice shaking time between the minimum and maximum limits is under the control of the player.

As in the previously described instance, the deenergization ofrelay 102, either because the manually operatedswitch 39 has been opened or because thetiming condenser 88 has become charged, opens a circuit through thecontacts 104 to the shaker electromagnet and produces an additional break in the circuit connecting theactuating coil 100 to thetiming condenser 88 through thecontacts 112, so that the dice shaking action is stopped and cannot be restarted while therelay 94 is still actuated. Therelay 94 remaining actuated until themotor 42 has been started, a starting circuit for that motor is closed by the closing ofcontacts 108 of therelay 102 as previously described.

The starting of themotor 42 which actuates the mechanical operating parts of the apparatus also effects actuation of thecam switch 80 to open the normally closedcontacts 79 and 109 thereof and to close normallyopen contacts 114 of that switch. The opening of the normally closedcontacts 79 of thecam switch 80 breaks the holding circuit of therelay 94 to efiect its deenergization and also breaks the power circuit to the manually operatedswitch 39, so that the dice shaking mechanism cannot be operated during the progress of the cycle of operation of the apparatus after the dice have been once shaken for that cycle. Continued operation of themotor 42 for a complete cycle which is determined by the return of thecam switch 80 to its normal position is insured by a power circuit closed to themotor 42 through thecontacts 114 of the cam switch. If a cycle of operation is interrupted by power failure, that cycle will be completed upon the resumption of power supply and before a new cycle of operation may be started. When thecam switch 80 returns to its normal position at the end of a cycle, the operating circuit to themotor 42 is broken by thecontacts 114 and the shaker control apparatus may be restarted for another cycle by operation of the manually operatedswitch 39, the circuit to which is reestablished by the reclosing of thecontacts 79 of the cam swrtc In addition to the actuation ofswitch 80, the operation of themotor 42 actuates certain other switches and mechanical parts of the apparatus, as will be more fully described, to position the dice within thedome 34, effect exposure of the indicia on the lower surfaces of the dice, actuate thefeeler switch 44 to effect a determination of the exposed indicia and, while thefeeler switch 44 is in position for determining the exposed indicia on the dice, a switch 135 (Fig. is closed to connect one side of a relativelylarge condenser 136 to the negative terminal of power source A.

To facilitate an understanding of the operation of thefeeler switch 44, particularly the contact arrangement of that switch by which the indicia of standard dice may be determined by a number of contacts considerably less than the possible positions of such indicia, attention is directed to the contact arrangement which is schematically illustrated for thefeeler switch 44 at the lower portion of Fig. 3. When the dice are positioned by the apparatus after being shaken, the indicia or spots on each die are located at one or more of the positions designated by the circles at S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16, S17, S18, and S19. In other words, when positioned, the possible positions of the spots corresponding to each of the die numbers are as follows: lS5; 2S1 and S9 or S3 and S7; 3S1, S5 and S9 or S3, S5 and S7; 4-S1, S3, S7 and S9; S1, S3, S5, S7 and S9; 6S1, S4, S7, S3, S6, and S9 or S1, S2, S3, S7, S8 and S9. The variations in some instances depend upon the rotation of the die about its vertical axis. Also, the spot positions corresponding to each digit of the other die are similar to those listed for the one die.

As is usual with most standard dice, the spot positions are depressed into the dice and with reference to the face surfaces thereof. This difference of the levels of the spot positions from the die surfaces is utilized in the disclosed apparatus for effecting actuation of feeler switch contacts. Furthermore, by judicious selection of the contact positions and circuit connections, circuits individualized to each of the six die digits and for any die position may be closed through only five switch contacts for each die. As viewed in Fig. 3, the contacts of thefeeler switch 44 adapted to engage the die in the left hand position are designated as L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5; while similarly arranged contacts for the other die are designated by reference characters R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5. With the disclosed structure, the contact arrangement is such that feeler prongs on each of the contacts L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are aligned with spot positions S1, S3, S5, S4, S8, S11, S13, S15, S14 and S18 respectively. The arrangement is further, and by preference, such that engagement with the die surface other than at a spot position efiects separation of normally closed contacts; while alignment with a spot position leaves the contact closed, as the result of the difference between spot and die face levels.

With the disclosed contact arrangements, the die digits corresponding to the feeler switch contacts closed when those digits appear on the surface of the die exposed to the feeler switch are as follows: 1L3 and R3; 2L1 or L2 and R1 or R2; L1 and L3 or L2 and L3 and R1 and R3 or R2 and R3; 4L1 and L2 and R1 and R2; 5-L1, L2 and L3 and R1, R2 and R3; 6-L4 or L5 and R4 or R5.

Corresponding ones of the contacts of the feeler switch are all connected in parallel and to apower bus 137, which bus, as shown in Fig. 5, is connected to the positive terminal of power source A. Each of the other and co-acting contacts of the feeler switch is connected to an actuating coil of a relay of thedie relay groups 47 and 48. That is, contacts L4 and L5 are connected together and to anactuating coil 138 of a relay LRl. Contact L1 is connected to an actuating coil 139 of a relay LR2. Contact L2 is connected to anactuating coil 140 of a relay LR3, and contact L3 is connected to anactuating coil 142 of a relay LR4. Similarly, contacts R4 and R5 are connected together and to anactuating coil 143 of a relay RRl. Contact R1 is connected to anactuating coil 144 of a relay RR2. Contact R2 is connected to anactuating coil 145 of a relay RR3 and contact R3 is connected to anactuating coil 146 of a relay RR4. It is the purpose of the four relays LRl, LR2, LR3 and LR4, which comprise dierelay group 47 and the circuit connections of those relays, to act in response to current flow through various of the feeler switch contacts L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 to establish circuits individualized to the digits of one die; while the relays RRl, RR2, RR3 and RR4 which constitute dierelay group 48 and the respective circuits of those relays establish circuits individualized to the digits of the other die.

For the present, it may sutfice to state that the various die digits effect actuation of the relays of the die relay groups as follows: LR4 and RR4; LR2 or LR3 and RR2 or RR3; LR2 or LR3 and LR4 and RR2 or RR3 and RR4; LR2 and LR3 and RR2 and RR3; LR2, LR3 and LR4, RR2, RR3 and RR4; 6LR1 and RRl.

Returning to the more general aspects of the circuit operation, it may be recalled that closing of the contacts of switch 135 (Fig. 5) for a predetermined interval of time correlated with the movement of thefeeler switch 44 is effected during the operating cycle of the motor 42 (Fig. 6). The contacts ofswitch 135 complete a circuit through anactuating coil 147 of aquick acting relay 148 from power source A to acondenser 136 of relatively large capacity.Condenser 136 is bridged byresistor 149, the resistance value of which is sufiiciently high that the current flow through the resistor andactuating coil 147 of therelay 148 from power source A will neither effect actuation ofrelay 148 nor hold that relay in its actuated position. On the other hand,resistor 149 provides a bleeder circuit acrosscondenser 136 which normally keeps that condenser discharged. The current flow to thecondenser 136 from power source A and the time required for charging that condenser are determined in part by the capacity of the condenser; that capacity being selected to effect actuation of thequick acting relay 148 for a predetermined time interval after and during which the selective circuits of the feeler switch contacts are established.

Normallyopen contacts 150 of therelay 148 complete a circuit through a lead 152 (Figs. 3 and to the actuating coils of two or more of the relays LR1, LR2, LR3, LR4, RRl, RR2, RR3 and RR4 to which circuits are established by contacts of the feeler switch, as described. Also, normallyopen contacts 153 of the relay 148 (Fig. 5) close a circuit from power source A to anactuating coil 154 of theplay indicator 32 to count the play of a series by moving that indicator up one digit.

At the same time that a circuit is completed to the actuating coils of the relays of the die relay groups through thecontacts 150 of the relay 148 (Fig. 5) throughlead 152, thosesame contacts 150 close a circuit to anactuating coil 155 of aslow acting relay 156. Although various types of slow acting relays are adapted to the uses intended therelay 156 is designated by illustration in the present embodiment of my invention as a copper slug on the core which makes it somewhat slow to respond and causes it to hold its contacts closed for an appreciable time interval after the circuit to theactuating coil 155 has been opened. Thus, the timing of the actuation of therelay 156 is such that it operates after the relays of the die relay groups have been actuated. The purpose of the actuation ofrelays 148 and 156 for predetermined time intervals correlated with the operation of the feeler switch is to send pulses of current of limited time duration throughcontacts 157 and 158 of therelay 156 and leads 159 and 160 respectively to and through the contacts and circuits of thedie relay groups 48 and 47 respectively (Fig. 3) to the adding relay group shown in Fig. 4. It is to be noted that with the structure and arrangement of apparatus presently disclosed the feeler switch acts upon the bottom surfaces of the dice, while the digits of the opposed upper surfaces are subject to the usual visual reading. However, since the numbers on opposed faces of standard dice total seven, interpolation from the digits ascertained by the feeler switch may be readily effected.

Although the contact combinations of the corresponding relays of thedie relay groups 47 and 48 and the interconnections of those are similarly arranged, it is to be noted that the contacts of die relay group 47 (Fig. 3) control circuits throughleads 162, 163, 164, 165, 166 and 167 to the contacts of the relays of the addinggroups 54, shown in Fig. 4; while the contacts ofdie relay group 48 control circuits throughleads 168, 169, 170, 172, 173 and 174 (Fig. 3) to actuatingcoils 175, 176, 177, 178, 179 and 180 of relays AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, ARS and AR6 of the addingrelay group 54. However, in view of the similarity of the contact arrangements and circuits for the relays of thedie relay groups 47 and 48, it is considered suflicient to outline the contact and circuit combinations for each die digit with respect to only one of the contact groups.

As has been explained, lead 160, which is shown in Figs. 3 and 5, is energized by a pulse of current during, the period of closure of thecontacts 158 of relay 156 (Fig. 5). When the contacts of theplay relay 57 are in their normal positions, as shown in Fig. 5, which is the case on the first play of any series, the aforementioned pulse of current is from the negative terminal of power source A. It is that pulse of current which passes through contact combinations of the relays ofdie relay group 47 to selected contacts of the adding group 54 (Fig. 4). On the other hand, the pulse of current provided through thecontacts 150 and 157 ofrelays 148 and 156 respectively to lead 159 (Fig. 5) is always from the negative terminal of power source A and passes through actuated contact combinations ofdie relay group 48 to the actuating coils of the adding relay group (Fig. 4) to effect actuation of those relays of the adding group; the return circuit to power source A from the actuating coils of the dding group being through a lead 182 (Figs. 4 and Starting withdie digit 1 which effects actuation of relay LR4, a circuit is provided from lead through normally closedcontacts 183, 184 and 185 of relays LR1, LR2 and LR3 respectively and normallyopen contacts 186 of relay LR4 to lead 162. As shown in Fig. 4, lead 162 transmits the pulse of current to parallel connected ones of normally open contacts AC16, AC26, AC36, AC46, AC56 and AC66 of adding group relays AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, ARS and AR6 respectively.

Die digit "2 effects actuation of one or the other of relays LR2 and LR3. WWhen relay LR2 is actuated, the current pulse circuit fromlead 160 is through the normally closedcontacts 183 of relay LR1, normally closedcontacts 187 of relay LR3, normallyopen contacts 188 of relay LR2 and normally closedcontacts 189 of relay LR4 to thelead 163. When the relay LR3 is actuated instead of LR2, the circuit from thelead 160 is through the normally closedcontacts 183 of relay LR1, normally closedcontacts 190 of relay LR2, normallyopen contacts 192 of relay LR3 and normally closedcontacts 189 of relay LR4 to thelead 163. In either instance, and as shown in Fig. 4, the pulse of current is transmitted bylead 163 to parallel connected contacts ACIS, AC25, AC35, A045, A055 and AC65 of adding group relays AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, ARS and AR6 respectively.

When the die digit is 3, either relay LR2 or LR3 and relay LR4 are actuated. When relays LR2 and LR4 are actuated, a circuit is provided fromlead 160 through the normally closedcontacts 183 of relay LR1, normally closedcontacts 187 of relay LR3, normallyopen contacts 188 of relay LR2 and normallyopen contacts 193 of relay LR4 to thelead 164. When relays LR3 and LR4 are actuated, the circuit is the same, except that it is through the normallyopen contacts 192 of relay LR3 instead of through the normallyopen contacts 188 of relay LR2; thecontacts 190 of relay LR2 andcontacts 187 of relay LR3 also being alternated. As shown on Fig. 4, the pulse is transmitted bylead 164 to parallel connected ones of the contacts AC14, AC24, AC34, AC44, AC54 and AC64 of adding relays AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and AR6 respectively.

When the die digit is 4, relays LR2 and LR3 are actuated. In this instance, the pulse circuit fromlead 160 is through normally closedcontacts 183 of relay LR1, normallyopen contacts 194 of relay LR2, normallyopen contacts 195 of relay LR3 and normally closedcontacts 196 of relay LR4 to thelead 165. Through thelead 165, as shown in Fig. 4, connection is made to parallel con nected ones of contacts AC13, AC23, AC33, AC43, AC53 and AC63 of adding relays AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, ARS and AR6 respectively.

When the die digit is 5, relays LR2, LR3 and LR4 are actuated. In this event, the pulse circuit from thelead 160 is through the normally closedcontacts 183 of relay LR1, normallyopen contacts 194 of relay LR2, normallyopen contacts 195 of relay LR3 and normallyopen contacts 197 of relay LR4 to thelead 166. As depicted in Fig. 4, the lead 166 carries the pulse to parallel connected ones of the contacts AC12, AC22, AC3Z, AC42, AC52 and AC62 of adding relays AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, ARS and AR6.

When the die digit is 6, a pulse circuit is completed directly from thelead 166 to thelead 167 through normallyopen contacts 198 of the relay LR1, which relay is the only one of its die relay group that is actuated. Normally closedcontacts 199 of the relay LR1 are opened when the die digit is 6, so that there is no possibility of the actuation of additional ones of the relays of the die relay group. As depicted in Fig. 4, a pulse of current carried by thelead 167 is transmitted to parallel connected ones of the contacts ACII, AC21, AC31, AC41, AC51 and AC61 of relays AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, ARS and AR6 respectively.

Indie relay group 48, as shown in Fig. 3, the numbers by which the contacts of relays RRl, RRZ, RR3 and RR4 are designated correspond to the numbers applied to the contacts of relays LR1, LR2, LR3 and LR4 respectively, except that each of those contact numbers has a prime mark appended thereto. By following the same numbers in connection with the description provided for the circuit connections ofdie relay group 47 corresponding to each die digit, the circuits throughdie relay group 48 may be traced for each die digit and between the lead 1591 and leads 168, 169, 170, 172, 173 and 174 respective y.

The die digits referred to in tracing the circuits to the contacts and actuating coils of relays AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, ARS and AR6 of the adding group in Fig. 4, as described, are the digits of the bottom die faces, and not the digits designated by visible top faces. The interpolation is made in the adding group which is shown in Fig. 4. In other words, the numbers represented by the actuating coils 175, 176, 177, 178, 179 and 180 of relay coils ARI, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR and AR6 are l, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Thus a 6 on the bottom face of one die effects actuation of the relay ARI which represents thedigit 1; and 5 on the bottom face of that die effects actuation of the relay AR2 which represents thedigit 2, and so on. In like manner, a 6 on the bottom face of the other die sends a pulse of current to a contact of each of the adding relays ARI, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and 9R6, 1which contact, in each instance, represents the From the description, at this point, it may be understood that a pulse of current transmitted to one of the relays ARl, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 or AR6 effects actuation of all of the six contacts of that relay. At the same time, a pulse of current responsive to the number on the other die is transmitted to a selected one of the contacts of the actuated relay. The actuated relay being thus selectively representative of the visible digit of one die and the energized contact of that relay being selectively representative of the visible digit on the other die, a pulse of current is transmitted through the energized contacts of the actuated relay to a lead which is thus individualized to the summation of the two visible die digits.

Having reference to Fig. 4, adigit 1 visible on one die effects actuation of relay ARI to close the six contacts of that relay. When the digit on the other die is one, the current pulse is transmitted through the contacts AC11. When the visible digit of the second die is 2 instead of l, the pulse of current is transmitted through contacts AC12. In like manner, the adding group relay and its pulse transmitting contacts may be selected for each possible combination of die digits. There being various combinations of die digits which add to the same number, the contacts representative of like summations of the die digits are connected together and to output leads. instance, contacts AC13, AC22 and AC31 are each representative of the summation of die digits which total 4 and are connected to acommon output lead 204. In like manner, contacts representative of each of the summarizeddie digits 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are connected together and toleads 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210 and 211 respectively. Since, in the present instance, and for the purposes of a crap game, the die digits totalling 2, 3 and 12 are of the same effect, contacts AC11, AC12, AC21 and AC66 which are representative of those numbers are connected together and to acommon output lead 212. It may also be pointed out that for the purposes of a game of craps, thenumbers 7 and 11 may be considered special numbers, while thenumbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 are those usually referred to as point numbers or points.

By reference to the upper portion of Fig. 5, it may be observed that theleads 204, 205, 206, 208, 209 and 210 which correspond to the point numbers are respectively connected through normally closedcontacts 213, 214, 215, 216, 217 and 218 of point relays P4, P5, P6, P8, P9 and P10 to terminals of actuatingcoils 219, 220, 222, 223, 224, and 225 of those relays. The other terminals of those actuating coils are connected in parallel and to alead 226, which latter lead, as shown in the lower portion of Fig. 5, provides a return circuit to the positive terminal of power source A. Thus, when any of the point numbers are produced by the first play of a series, the corresponding one of relays P4, P5, P6, P8, P9 or P10 is energized by the pulse of current transmitted through the adding relay contacts from powersource A. Condensers 227, 228, 229, 230, 232 and 233 are connected across the respective actuating coils 219, 220, 222, 223, 224 and 225 of the point relays to insure the actuation of those relays by the current pulse. Normally open contacts 234,

For

235, 236, 237, 238, and 239 of the point relays P4, P5, P6, P8, P9 and P10 respectively are connected to thelead 84 which connects to the negative terminal of power source A through thecontacts 83 of the coin relay to form a holding c1rcu1t which maintains an actuated one of the point relays in its operated position, after being initially actuated by the current pulse, as described.

In the disclosed apparatus, gasdischarge glow lamps 240, 242, 243, 244, 245 and 246 are utilized as point indicators for each of thepoints 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 respectively. One electrode of each of the glow lamps is connected to alead 251, which lead provides a circuit to the positive terminal of power source A. Thesame lead 84 which provides the holding circuit for maintaining actuation of the point relays also provides a circuit through the normallyopen contacts 234, 235, 236, 237, 238 or 239 to the other electrode of each of the respective glow lamps, so that when a point relay is actuated, its associated glow lamp is lit. Also, normallyopen contacts 247, 248, 249, 250, 252 and 253 of the relays P4, P5, P6, P8, P9 and P10 respectively are each adapted to close a circuit from a respective one of theleads 204, 205, 206, 208, 209, and 210 to alead 254, which latter lead, as shown in the lower portion of Fig. 5, is connected to one end of anactuating coil 255 of thewin relay 58. The other end of theactuating coil 255 of the win relay being connected to the negative terminal of power source B, the win relay will not be operated by the closing of one of the normallyopen contacts 247, 248, 249, 250, 252 or 253 of the point relays unless the pulse through the adding group relays and leads 204, 205, 206, 208, 209 or 210 is from the positive terminal of power source B. On the first play of a series and as was previously explained, the pulse through the relays of the adding group is from power source A. Hence, the occurrence of a point number on the first play of a series records the point by illumination of the appropriate glow lamp and prepares a circuit, as described, to the win relay which is effective to produce actuation of that relay if the point number occurs a second time before the occurrence of a 7 which eifects operation of thelose relay 59, thereby to return the circuit parts to their normal positions.

If the sum of the die digits is 2, 3 or 12 on the first play of a series, the pulse of current from power source A which is provided by the action ofrelays 148 and 156 (Fig. 5) is transmitted to appropriate contacts of the adding relay group 54 (Fig. 4), and thence through thelead 212 and normally closedcontacts 256 of the play relay 57 (Fig. 5) to alead 257. Thelead 257, as shown in the upper portion of Fig. 5, is connected to one end of anactuating coil 258 of a relay P12. The other end of theactuating coil 258 being connected to power source A through thelead 226, actuation of that relay is effected. The operation of relay P12 closes normallyopen contacts 259 of that relay to complete a circuit from one terminal of power source B through a lead 260 (Fig. 5) to one end of anactuating coil 263 of thelose relay 59 through alead 262. Since the other end of theactuating coil 263 is connected to power source B, the lose relay will be actuated thereby eifecting release of thecoin relay 72 and the return of the circuit parts to their normal positions.

If the sum of the die digits is ll on the first play of a series, the current pulse from power source A is transmitted from the adding relay group 54 (Fig. 4) through the lead 211, which lead, as shown in Fig. 5, is connected through normally closedcontacts 264 of theplay relay 57 to alead 265. The last mentioned lead is connected to one end of anactuating coil 266 of a relay P11 whereby actuation of the relay P11 is effected by current from power source A to close its normallyopen contacts 267.Contacts 267 of relay P11 complete a circuit throughleads 254 and 260 from power source B to the actuating winding 255 of thewin relay 58. It may be noted at this point that a relay P7 has normallyopen contacts 268 connected in parallel to the normallyopen contacts 267 of the relay P11 so that actuation of the relay P7 closes a circuit to thewin relay 58 in a manner similar to that of the relay P11.

When the total of the die digits on the first play of a series is 7, the current pulse from power source A is transmitted from the adding relay contacts through a circuit comprising thelead 207, normally closedcontacts 269 of theplay relay 57 and a lead 270 to one 13 end of an actuating coil 271 of the relay P7, the other end of which actuating coil is connected to power source A through thelead 226. The resulting actuation of relay P7 effects operation of the relay, as explained.

Each actuation of thewin relay 58 closes its normally open contacts 272 (Fig. to close a circuit from power source A to an actuating winding 273 to a stepby-step or ratchetswitch 274 which comprises an operating part in the disclosed embodiment of mywin indicator 30. Each such actuation of the ratchet switch moves acontact arm 275 into engagement with a succeeding one of a series ofcontacts 276; each contact being connected to a numerical indicator 277 which may, for example, comprise an electric lamp associated with an appropriate numerical indicator. The ratchet switch thus completes circuits from power supply leads 278 to individual and succeeding numerical indicators.

Normally open contacts 279 of the win relay close a circuit from power source A to areset coil 280 of s the play indicator to return that indicator to its zero position each time the win relay is operated. Normallyopen contacts 282 of thelose relay 59 are connected in parallel to the contacts 279 of the win' relay, so that each operation of the lose relay also returns the play indicator to its Zero position. The lose" relay also has normallyopen contacts 283 which are connected in series with a reset coil 284 of theratchet switch 274, so that each operation of the lose relay causes the ratchet switch of thewin indicator 30 to return to its off position to which position it is normally biased.

The play results thus far considered have been related, in the main, and in their more final aspects, to the occurrences of the first of a series of plays. It being a peculiarity of the rules of playing craps that the first play is distinguished from others in respect to the appearance of various numbers comprising the sum of the die digits, it is necessary in the disclosed apparatus, and particularly the electrical operating portion thereof, to provide for the distinguishing of the results of first plays from those produced by later plays of a series. In the disclosed embodiment of my apparatus, a normally open cam switch 285 (Fig. 6) is actuated for a short interval of time by the operation of themotor 42 in timed relationship to the operations of thefeeler switch 44 and currentpulse producing relays 148 and 156. In relation to the provision of the current pulse through the circuits of the feeler switch contacts, die relay group contacts, adding relay group contacts and actuating coils of the relays of the system group, thecam switch 285 is momentarily closed after the occurrence of the current pulse, to close a circuit from power source A to anactuating coil 286 of theplay relay 57. This circuit is throughleads 293 and 294 in Figs. 5 and 6.

It being recalled that actuation of either the win or loserelays 58 and 59 effects de-energization of the coin relays 72, it becomes one of the functions of that coin relay to distinguish the plays of one series from the plays of another. Following the first play of a series which does not effect actuation of either the win or loserelays 58 and 59, and consequently does not de-energize thecoin relay 72, actuation of theplay relay 57 bycam switch 285 closes a holding circuit for that relay through normallyopen contacts 287 of that relay and normallyopen contacts 288 of thecoin relay 72. It is the normallyopen contacts 288 of thecoin relay 72 which prevent theplay relay 57 from being locked in its actuated position following a Win or lose on the first play of a series. On the other hand, in any series of play involving a point, theplay relay 57 is locked in its actuated position subsequent to the production of the results of the first play and until a play occurs which results in a win or a loss subsequent to that first play.

On the first play of a series, the current pulse carried bylead 160 to the contacts by relay group 47 (Fig. 3) and thence to selected contacts of the addingrelay group 54 is from the negative terminal of power source A and passes through normally closedcontacts 289 of theplay relay 57. Upon being actuated after the recording of the first play, lead 160 is connected through normallyopen contacts 290 of theplay relay 57 to the positive terminal of power source B. Hence, while the play relay is in its actuated position the current pulses transmitted through the contacts ofdie relay groups 47 to the selected contacts of the addingrelay group 54 and to selected contacts of the system group relays are from power source B rather than power source A.

As was previously explained, the occurrence of a point number on the first play of a series effected actuation of one of the point relays P4, P5, P6, P8, P9, or P10 to close the normallyopen contacts 247, 248, 249, 250, 252 or 253 of the selected point relay, which relay was locked in its actuated position. The occurrer'ice of that same point number on a later play of the same series and before the occurrence of a 7 causes a current pulse from power source B to pass through theclosed contacts 247, 248, 249, 250, 252 or 253 of the actuated point relay P4, P5, P6, P8, P9 or P10. In this event, the current pulse from power source B is transmitted to lead 254 and through that lead to theactuating coil 255 of thewin relay 58, to produce actuation of that relay.

If a 7 occurs prior to the repetition of a point" number in any series, and after the first play of a series, the pulse of current from power source B which is carried from the contacts of the addingrelay group 54 by lead 207 (Fig. 4) passes through normallyopen contacts 292 of the actuatedplay relay 57 to actuatingcoil 263 of thelose relay 59, to effect actuation of the latter relay.

If the summation of the die digits is 11 on a play subsequent to the first play of a series and before a point number is repeated in the series, the pulse of current from power source B which is carried by lead 211 (Figs. 4 and 5) produces no results, because the circuit through that lead is broken by the normally closedcontacts 264 of theplay relay 57 while the play relay is actuated. Likewise, on play subsequent to the first play of a series, thenumbers 2, 3 and 12 produce no results because the circuit oflead 212 is broken bycontacts 256 of theplay relay 57 while that relay is operated.

Any play in a series which results in a win or a loss breaks the holding circuit of thecoin relay 72 and, in turn, breaks the holding circuit of theplay relay 57. When a point number has been established with the accompanying actuation of one of the point relays, a win or loss effects de-energization of the actuated one of those point relays as a result of the opening ofcontacts 83 of the coin relay. The relays of the die and addinggroups 47, 48 and 54 being actuated for only relatively short periods of time by current pulses produced through the contacts of therelays 148 and 156, those relays return to their normal positions during the operating cycle of each play. As previously explained, the shaker control circuit of Fig. 6 is prevented from being operated after completion of a series of plays and before the deposit of a coin by the opening ofcontacts 77 of the coin relay. The motor drivencam switch 80 also returns to its normal position and stops the operation of the motor at the end of the operating cycle of each play.

Having described the electrical circuits and operation of a preferred embodiment of my invention, reference is now made more particularly to Figs. 1 and 7 to 22 inclusive of the drawings in connection with the following and more detailed description of preferred structural and mechanical aspects of my amusement apparatus. As shown in Figs. 1, 16, 17, 21 and 22, thetop panel 33 of thehousing 25 has acircular opening 300 therein over which thetransparent dome 34 is located. For securing thedome 34 in place relative to thepanel 33, it is secured in agroove 302 in the top surface of a mountingring 303 and the mounting ring is secured in thepanel opening 300.

Below thepanel 33 and adjacent opposite sides of the mountingring 303,support plates 304 and 305 are secured to the lower surface of theplate 33 and extend downwardly therefrom in substantially parallel relationship to one another.Dice supporting plates 306 and 307 are mounted between and carried by thesupport plates 304 and 305 below theopening 300 and in spaced relationship to thepanel 33. By preference, thedice supporting plates 306 and 307 are disposed in coplanar relationship, substantially parallel to the surface of thepanel 33 and have substantially straight end edges 308 and 309 respectively which abut in a plane extending substantially across a diameter of theopening 300. In order to provide for the exposure of the indicia on aseaeee the lower surfaces of the dice and 36, as shown in Figs. 15 and 21, theplate 306 is slidably mounted inopposed channels 310 and 312 in thesupport plates 304 and 305. As depicted in Fig. 14, tension springs 313 and 314 having opposed ends secured to means such as downwardly projectingpins 315 and 316 on the lower surfaces of theplates 306 and 307 respectively bias theplate 306 to its normal position against the end of theplate 307. In its movement away from theplate 307, theplate 306 is limited by astop pin 317 which is secured to ablock 318 on the lower surface of thepanel 33 and disposed for engagement with a projectingtab 319 secured to and projecting downwardly from the lower surface of the linearlymovable plate 306. When separated to a position such that thetab 319 engages thestop pin 317, as illustrated in Figs. 15 and 21, the space between theedges 308 and 309 of theplates 306 and 307 is so related to the size of the dice used in the apparatus that when the dice are centrally positioned over that space, all of the spot positions are exposed through the space and marginal portions of the dice surfaces overlie theplates 306 and 307 for support.

In order to provide for the shaking or random agitation of thedice 35 and 36, within thedome 34,surface plates 320 and 322 of a combined size larger than the area of theopening 300 are disposed in face to face relationship against the upper surfaces of the supportingplates 306 and 307 and have substantially straight end edges 324 and 325 in flush relationship to theedges 308 and 309 respectively ofplates 306 and 307. At ends opposed to theedges 324 and 325, thesurface plates 320 and 322 are hingedly supported for swinging movement away from theplates 306 and 307 by relatively lightresilient strips 326 and 327; the ends of the strips being secured to the surface plates and to levelingblocks 328 and 329, which blocks are secured to the supportingplates 306 and 307 respectively. By preference, buttons orpads 330 and 332 are secured to the lower surfaces of thesurface plates 320 and 322 and are exposed throughopenings 333 and 334 in thesupport plates 306 and 307 respectively.

Below the line of division between thedice supporting plates 306 and 307, abracket 335 is secured to thesupport plate 304 by fastening means such as a screw 336 (Fig. 22), which bracket has secured thereto and carries thedice shaking electromagnet 105 referred to in connection with the operation of the electrical circuit. Preferably theelectromagnet 105 has acore 337 and ayoke 338 which form a magnetic circuit. Anarmature 339 is resiliently supported by aleaf spring 340 frombracket 335 and at a position normally spaced from and aligned with thecore 337 andyoke 338. Projecting from the unsupported end of thearmature 339 is ahammer plate 342 aligned for engagement with the ends of linearlymovable rods 343 and 344, which rods are normally aligned for engagement with the buttons orpads 330 and 332 on the surface plates. The projectingportions 345 on thebracket 335 and projectingarms 346 secured to thesupport plate 304 providebearings 347 and 348 in which therods 343 and 344 are slidable so that vibratory movement of thearmature 339 andhammer plate 342 causes that hammer plate to strike the ends of therods 343 and 344 to drive them intermittently against thebuttons 330 and 332 thereby to produce a vigorous vibratory movement of thesurface plates 320 and 322. Such movement of those surface plates throws the dice about within thedome 34 in a random manner and with relatively vigorous action.

After the dice have been thus shaken within thedome 34 for a limited period, they come to rest on thesurface plates 320 and 322 within the area of the mountingring 303. Within that limiting area, the dice may fall to rest at any position. A mechanism is thus required for sliding the dice across the smooth upper surfaces of thesurface plates 320 and 322 to adjacent positions over the abutting edges of the surface and supporting plates in alignment for engagement by thefeeler switch 44. For positioning and gripping thedice 35 and 36 before and during the operation of thefeeler switch 44, I prefer to utilize two relatively movable dice positioning andgripping fingers 349 and 350 which are depicted in dif ferent operating positions in Figs. 14 and 15 and one of which is shown in Fig. 10. As depicted in Figs. 13 and 21, the mid-portions of thesupport plates 304 and 305 are cut-away adjacent thepanel 33 to provide spaces such as 352 through which the dice positioning and gripping fingers extend longitudinally in spaced relationship relative to the lower surface of thepanel 33 and the edges of the support plates. By preference, the spacing of the dice positioning andgripping fingers 349 and 350 relative to the top surfaces of thesurface plates 320 and 322 and the lower surface of thepanel 33 is such that those fingers engage the vertical mid-portions of the dice so that they do not have an appreciable tendency to tip the dice over as they are moved or to have the dice slip therefrom as they are firmly gripped.

Each of the dice positioning andgripping fingers 349 and 350 is supported for both linear and swinging movement toward and from opposite sides of the area in which the dice are confined. That is, at one end the dice positioning andgripping finger 349 has astud 353 secured thereto and projecting from opposite faces thereof. Likewise the dice positioning andgripping finger 350 has astud 354 secured to one of its ends and projecting from opposite faces thereof. As depicted in Figs. 13, 14 and 15, the opposite end portions of thestuds 353 and 354 are respectively slidable linearly in achannel 355 in the lower surface of thepanel 33 and guided by and betweenopposed edges 356, 357, 358 and 359 ofguide plates 360, 362, 363 and 364 respectively which guide plates, as shown in Fig. 13, are secured to the lower surface of thepanel 33 in spaced relationship thereto. It is to be noted that the dice positioning andgripping finger 349 is retained and movable between thepanel 33 and theguide plates 360 and 362, while the dice positioning andgripping finger 350 is movably carried by thepanel 33 and theguide plates 363 and 364.

In the separated or open position of the dice positioning and gripping fingers which is depicted in Fig. 14 and which is the normal position of those fingers, the location thereof is established by stops. That is, alever arm 365 is secured to the lower end of thestud 353 and projects angularly with reference to the longitudinal dimension of the finger to engage a locatingstop 366 which is secured to the lower surface of thepanel 33 through a spacing block 367 (Figs. 13 and 14). Ahook 368 which is secured to and projects angularly from thelever arm 365 at a position near thestud 353 serves as an anchor for one end of atension spring 369, which tension spring holds thelever arm 365 against the end of thestop 366 when the fingers are in their normal positions and swing thefinger 349 inwardly of the dice carrying area as the finger is moved linearly toward the dice carrying area. Likewise, the dice positioning andgripping finger 350 is provided with a similarly constructed and mountedlever arm 370 which engages astop 372 and has thereon a projectinghook 373 to which atension spring 374 is connected. The other end of thetension spring 374 is anchored to apin 375 secured to the lower surface of thepanel 33, while the other end of thetension spring 369 is secured to the projecting end of ashaft 376 mounted on thepanel 33 and which also provides a support for a part of anactuating linkage 377.

Movement and control of the position of the dice positioning andgripping finger 349 is accomplished through movement of a bell crank 373 supported for rotational movement by theshaft 376 and having anend portion 379 which engages thestud 353. In order to provide some flexibility in the gripping action of thefingers 349 and 350 against the opposite sides of the dice and in order to limit the accuracy required in the manufacture and adjustment of the gripping fingers, alever 380 is mounted for rotational movement on and relative to the bell crank 378 by apin 382 and has a surface opposed to theportion 379 of the bell crank, between which portion and surface thestud 353 is engaged. Aspring 383 having one end connected to thelever 380 and its other end anchored to the bell crank biases the lever against thestud 353 and gives to allow some over-travel of the bell crank after the dice have been gripped, as shown in Fig. 15. Abell crank 384 has abifurcated end 385 which straddles thestud 354 and is carried for rotational movement relative to thepanel 33 by ashaft 386 secured to that panel. The latter bell crank comprises a part of a linkage adapted to the control and actuation of the dice positioning andgripping finger 350. Acam 387 adjustably secured to thestud 354 serves as a variable stop for controlling the limit of inward movement of the dice positioning andgripping finger 350. Between the extreme limits of movement which are illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15, the positioning of thefingers 34; and 350 are somewhat determined bycam surfaces 388 and 389 which are formed on the outer edges of theguide plates 362 and 363 respectively, and which cam surfaces are engaged bycam followers 390 and 392 rotatably secured to the extending ends of the dice positioning andgripping fingers 350 and 349 respectively.

In the preferred structure of my dice positioning and gripping fingers, per se, as depicted in Figs. 10, 11 and 12, the body of each dice positioning and gripping finger comprises an elongated and substantially flatsheet metal strip 393 cut away along one side to present dice engaging edges 394 and 395 disposed in substantially right angular relationship to one another. At the supported end of the finger, through which the supporting stud for the finger extends, the finger is reinforced by grippingplates 396 and 397 secured to one face thereof, which grpping plates preferably hold adice gripping block 398 of a material which desirably has a relatively high friction coeificient and resilience. An example of one material satisfactory for the dice gripping purpose is cork. Another strip of thedice gripping material 399 is clamped to a face of the finger by clampingstrip 400 and extends along the mid-portion of the edge 394. Theblock 398 andstrip 399 of the dice gripping material project beyond and present edges substantially parallel to the edges 395 and 394 of the finger. Thestrip 399 is utilized principally for turning the dice to a position for gripping during inward movement of the fingers, while theblocks 398 are used principally for applying the gripping force to the dice. As indicated in Figs. 10 and 11, achannel 402 is preferably provided along the edge of each finger at the end thereof which is supported so that the two opposed fingers may nest together when the dice are gripped therebetween It is to be understood that the dice positioning and gripping fingers grip and firmly hold thedice 35 and 36 between their opposed gripping edges, and in proper relationship to the dividing line between thedice supporting plates 306 and 307, while the dice supporting plate and its attachedsurface plate 320 are retracted to the position shown in Figs. 15 and 21 and while thefeeler switch 44 is raised to a position of engagement with the dice.

Although there are various ways in which a feeler switch for this purpose might be constructed, a preferred structural embodiment of my feeler switch is illustrated in Figs. 7, 8 and 9. As there depicted, the switch comprises superposed blocks of insulatingmaterial 403, 404, 405 and 406 secured together and to a supportingyoke 407 by fastening means such asscrews 408, which screws extend through the yoke and blocks 406, 405 and 404 and are threaded into theblock 403. An electricallyconductive metal plate 409 which serves as the common contact of the various switches L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 (Fig. 3) is interposed between the insulatingblocks 404 and 405, and is secured in place by thescrews 408 which extend throughopenings 410 therein and are preferably insulated therefrom. Although the positions of the switches are somewhat different in the circuit diagram of Fig. 3 and the structural embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 9, those switches are referred to in the figures by like reference characters to associate switches having the same functional purposes.

In addition to themetal contact plate 409, the switches each include terminal elements such as 412, 413, 414, 415 and 416 carried by theblock 406 and projecting therefrom for making external connections to the various switches. Also, aterminal element 417 is secured to theplate 409 and extends through the insulatingblocks 405 and 406 for making circuit connections to the plate. Each terminal element, like theterminal element 412 in Fig. 7, preferably has alongitudinal bore 418 therein which serves as a bearing for movably supporting a stem such as 419 and 420 of a movable contact such as 422 and 423 having a mid-portion engageable with theplate 409 for making electrical contact therewith. The movable contacts such as 422 and 423 are biased into engagement with themetal plate 409 by resilient means such as compression springs 424 and 425 disposed between the heads of thecontact elements 18 and the terminal elements withinbores 426 and 427 in theblock 405.

On the sides of theplate 409 opposite themovable contacts 422 and 423, theblock 404 hasbores 428 and 429 which slidably support body portions of switch actuating plungers such as 430 and 432. The portions of reduced diameter, such as 433 and 434 of the switch actuating plungers extend throughopenings 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 442, 443, 444 and 445 in themetal plate 409 and engage the aligned movable contacts of the switch. Each switch actuating plunger has a feeler stem such as 446 and 447 mounted for longitudinal movement in a bore such as 448 and 449 in theblock 403 and normally biased to a position projecting beyond the surface of theblock 403 by its co-acting movable contact such as 422 and 423.

As previously explained, the feeler stems and switches of the feeler switch are relatively disposed for alignment with predetermined ones of the normal spot positions of dice of a predetermined size. As indicated in Figs. 7 and 8, the spots of the dice are preferably indented into the surface, as depicated at 450. The size and the normal projecting lengths of the feeler stems are such that when aligned with a spot indentation, the stem will project into that indentation and will not move its co-acting movable contact away from its contacting position against theplate 409. Thus, the movable contacts remain engaged with the contact plate when their respective plunger stems extend into aligned spot indentations of the dice. On the other hand, when no spot indentation is encountered by a plunger stem, that stem is moved inwardly against the biasing force of the compression spring of its co-acting movable contact to move that contact from its position of engagement with theplate 409. In Fig. 7, the feeler stems 446 and 447 and their co-acting movable contacts are shown in open and closed positions respectively.

As indicated in Figs. 7 and 8, theyoke 407 is secured to the end of ashaft 452 which shaft, as depicted in Figs. 17 and 21, is carried for linear movement toward and from thesupport plates 306 and 307 by ayoke 453 secured to thesupport plate 304. The normal position of thefeeler switch 44 is such that the feeler stems are spaced below the surfaces of thedice supporting plates 306 and 307. Upward movement of theshaft 452, however, moves the feeler switch upwardly when thedice supporting plate 306 is retracted; the upper position thereof being shown in Figs. 8 and 21, wherein theblock 403 is between thedice supporting plates 306 and 307 and the feeler stems are in engagement with the dice.

At the lower end of theshaft 452 and below the lower surface of theyoke 453, abracket 454 is fixedly secured thereto by fastening means such as a pin 455 (Fig. 17). At one side of theshaft 452, aset screw 456 is threaded into thebracket 454 in alignment for engagement with theyoke 453 and is provided with alocknut 451 to provide an adjustable stop for determining the upper limit of movement of the feeler switch toward the dice. On the opposite side of the shaft, the bracket is provided with a projecting portion 457 (Figs. 16 and 17) disposed in angular relationship to the axis of theshaft 45 The actuation of the dice positioning and gripping fingers, movement of thedice supporting plate 306 and movement of thefeeler switch 44 are accomplished in timed relationship to one another and to the operation of the electrical parts of the apparatus by themotor 42. As depicted in Figs. 13 and 16, this motor is suspended below the operating mechanical parts of the apparatus by amotor supporting bracket 458 secured to thesupport plate 305 by fastening means such as screws 459. By preference, the lower end of thebracket 458 is provided with a slottedmotor receiving opening 460 in which themotor 42 is clamped by fastening means such as ascrew 462. As illustrated in Fig. 18, themotor supporting bracket 458 also carries at a position adjacent the motor abearing sleeve 463 in which ashaft 464 is rotatably mounted. At one end of the shaft 464 agear 465 is drivingly mounted in meshing relationship with apinion 466 on the end of the motor shaft; said pinion and gear being of proportionate sizes to reduce the operating speed of the apparatus parts in relation to the normal motor speed. Adjacent thegear 465 and drivingly connected to the shaft is acrank arm 467 which, at a position eccentric to the axis of theshaft 464, has a crank bearing 468.

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