US4826169A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Slot machine with a marker symbol
Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
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Filing: 1988-06-27
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Granted: 1989-05-02
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Expires: 2008-06-27
Abstract
Abstract A slot machine. In one embodiment, a given symbol is included in each of a series of symbols, and a judgment device is provided for locating the positions of a plurality of given symbols appearing within the windows but not all on the prize-winning line, after all the symbol series have stopped. Provision is also made for outputting a prize-winning signal when the plurality of given symbols form a predetermined arrangement. Symbol series stop position adjustment is also made, responsive to the prize-winning signal, for automatically causing at least one of the plurality of symbol series to move for the adjustment of stop position so as to attain a prize-winning symbol combination of the given symbols on the prize-winning line. In another embodiment, a specific symbol is included in one of the series of symbols; and the judgment device outputs a prize-winning signal when that specific symbol is positioned on the prize-winning line after all the symbol series have stopped. Again, symbol series stop position adjustment is made, responsive to the prize-winning signal, for automatically causing at least one of the plurality of symbol series to move so as to obtain a predetermined prize-winning symbol combination on the prize-winning line.
Inventors
- 👤 Naokata Bessho
- 👤 Norio Eguchi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:34
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/326; G07F17/3262; G07F17/3265
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
In a slot machine in which plural moving symbol series are adapted to stop so as to display a combination of symbols on a prize-winning line within display windows in which are also displayed other symbols in said series that are displaced from said prize-winning line, and in which coins corresponding in number to predetermined prize-winning symbol combinations are paid out upon the appearance of a said prize-winning combination on said line; the improvement comprising: a given symbol included in each of said series of symbols; judgment means for locating the positions of a plurality of said given symbols appearing within said windows but not all on said prize-winning line after all the symbol series have stopped, and for outputting a prize-winning signal when said plurality of given symbols form a predetermined arrangement; and symbol series stop position adjusting means responsive to said prize-winning signal for automatically causing at least one of said plurality of symbol series to move for the adjustment of stop position so as to attain a prize-winning symbol combination of said given symbols on said prize-winning line.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
In a slot machine in which plural moving symbol series are adapted to stop so as to display a combination of symbols on a prize-winning line within display windows in which are also displayed other symbols in said series that are displaced from said prize-winning line, and in which coins corresponding in number to predetermined prize-winning symbol combinations are paid out upon the appearance of a said prize-winning combination on said line; the improvement comprising: a given symbol included in each of said series of symbols; judgment means for locating the positions of a plurality of said given symbols appearing within said windows but not all on said prize-winning line after all the symbol series have stopped, and for outputting a prize-winning signal when said plurality of given symbols form a predetermined arrangement; and symbol series stop position adjusting means responsive to said prize-winning signal for automatically causing at least one of said plurality of symbol series to move for the adjustment of stop position so as to attain a prize-winning symbol combination of said given symbols on said prize-winning line.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A slot machine as defined in claim 1, wherein when said prize-winning signal is obtained, a fraction of dividend coins are paid out, and when said symbol series stop position adjustment means operates to align said given symbols on said prize-winning line, the remaining dividend coins for the combination of said given symbols on said prize-winning line are paid out.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A slot machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said symbol series is depicted on the outer periphery of a reel rotated by a pulse motor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A slot machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said given symbol is a star.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
132 words
In a slot machine in which plural moving symbol series are adapted to stop so as to display a combination of symbols on a prize-winning line within display windows, and in which coins corresponding in number to predetermined prize-winning symbol combinations are paid out upon the appearance of a said prize-winning combination on said line; the improvement comprising: a specific symbol included in one of said series of symbols; judgment means for outputting a prize-winning signal when said specific symbol is positioned on said prize-winning line after all the symbol series have stopped; and symbol series stop position adjusting means responsive to said prize-winning signal for automatically causing at least one of said plurality of symbol series to move so as to obtain a predetermined prize-winning symbol combination on said prize-winning line.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
132 words
In a slot machine in which plural moving symbol series are adapted to stop so as to display a combination of symbols on a prize-winning line within display windows, and in which coins corresponding in number to predetermined prize-winning symbol combinations are paid out upon the appearance of a said prize-winning combination on said line; the improvement comprising: a specific symbol included in one of said series of symbols; judgment means for outputting a prize-winning signal when said specific symbol is positioned on said prize-winning line after all the symbol series have stopped; and symbol series stop position adjusting means responsive to said prize-winning signal for automatically causing at least one of said plurality of symbol series to move so as to obtain a predetermined prize-winning symbol combination on said prize-winning line.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
A slot machine as defined in claim 5, wherein when said prize-winning signal is obtained, a fraction of dividend coins are paid out, and when said symbol series stop position adjusting means operates, the remaining dividend coins for said predetermined prize-winning symbol combination are paid out.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A slot machine as defined in claim 5, wherein said symbol series is depicted on the outer surface of a reel rotated by a pulse motor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A slot machine as defined in claim 5, wherein said specific symbol is a clown.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB2042782A
Cited
US4721307A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-05-01 | 1992-10-31 | 1993-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-01 | 1996-10-31 | 1997-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-01 | 2000-10-31 | 2001-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |