Patent · US Expired

Reel monitoring and diagnostic device for an amusement machine

US4660833A · kind A · utility

56Cited by
6References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 24, 1985
Grant dateApr 28, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 24, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07F17/34
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A self-diagnostic apparatus is disclosed which has a transducer, such as a solenoid, for performing a mechanical movement in response to an electrical signal of at least a "first energy," such as a constant DC voltage applied over a predetermined time period. A control device, such as a microprocessor-based control circuit, is used to provide an electrical signal of greater energy than the "first energy" in response to a predetermined condition during operation of the apparatus. Such a predetermined condition may be the arrival of one of a slot machine's reels at a rotational position in which it is intended to be stopped. A diagnostic test initiating device, such as a switch, is used for signalling the start of a test of the transducer. The control device further includes a testing device which is responsive to the diagnositc test initiating device for providing an electrical signal of the first energy to the transducer. A verification device, such as an optical sensor and associated tilt detection circuitry, detects whether the transducer has performed its mechanical movement in response to the first energy electrical signal. An indicator, such as a visual display, responds to th…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.