← Back to Patent Explorer
US4091437A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Free play apparatus for coin operated amusement devices

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-10-12
•
Granted: 1978-05-23
•
Expires: 1996-10-12
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract Apparatus is disclosed which automatically times non-play time for coin operated amusement devices and provides a predetermined period when the device may be actuated to provide a free play.

Inventors

  • 👤 Walter Soroka

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-25 18:41
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/3244

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim 168 words
Apparatus for providing a free play in a coin operated device, comprising, in combination: sensing means for sensing a current in the coin operated device for determining when the coin operated device is in use; first timing means responsive to the sensing means for timing a first predetermined time period; a multivibrator having a first stable state and a second stable state, and responsive to the sensing means, to the switch means, and to a second timing means to cause the multivibrator to go to its first stable state, and responsive to the first timing means to cause the multivibrator to go to its second stable state; second timing means responsive to the multivibrator for timing a second predetermined time period after the first predetermined time period; switch means actuable during the second predetermined time period for selecting a free play in the coin operated device; and voltage means to provide a source of current for the first timing means, the second timing means, and the switch means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 168 words
Apparatus for providing a free play in a coin operated device, comprising, in combination: sensing means for sensing a current in the coin operated device for determining when the coin operated device is in use; first timing means responsive to the sensing means for timing a first predetermined time period; a multivibrator having a first stable state and a second stable state, and responsive to the sensing means, to the switch means, and to a second timing means to cause the multivibrator to go to its first stable state, and responsive to the first timing means to cause the multivibrator to go to its second stable state; second timing means responsive to the multivibrator for timing a second predetermined time period after the first predetermined time period; switch means actuable during the second predetermined time period for selecting a free play in the coin operated device; and voltage means to provide a source of current for the first timing means, the second timing means, and the switch means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 50 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which the first timing means includes a first transistor turned off from a conducting state when no current is sensed by the sensing means, and a capacitor connected to the first transistor to charge to a predetermined voltage when the first transistor turns off.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 50 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in which the second timing means includes a first relay actuable in response to the multivibrator going to its second stable state, and a second capacitor connected to the multivibrator to charge to a predetermined voltage when the multivibrator goes to its second stable state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 46 words
The apparatus of claim 3 in which the first timing means further includes a first zener diode connected to the first capacitor and to the multivibrator to cause the multivibrator to change to its second stable state when the first capacitor charges to a predetermined voltage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 46 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which the second timing means further includes a second zener diode connected to the second capacitor and to the multivibrator to cause the multivibrator to change to its first stable state when the second capacitor charges to a predetermined voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 38 words
The apparatus of claim 5 in which the switch means includes a second relay actuable in response to actuation of the switch during the second time period to cause the multivibrator to go to its first stable state.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 39 words
The apparatus of claim 6 in which the second timing means includes a switch connected to the multivibrator to cause the multivibrator to change from its first stable state to its second stable state during the first time period.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3147346A Cited
US3202255A Cited
US3266610A Cited
US3988727A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1981-05-22 1981-11-21 1982-05-23 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1985-05-22 1985-11-21 1986-05-23 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1989-05-22 1989-11-21 1990-05-23 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag