US4014550A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic odd ball game
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1975-11-20
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Granted: 1977-03-29
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Expires: 1995-11-20
Abstract
Abstract An electronic game for finding which one of 12 signals is different than the other signals and whether it is larger or smaller in magnitude includes 12 single pole double throw center-off toggle switches. A circular shift register is initialized with a digital one state in only one cell and clocked for a random period of time while an INITIALIZE button is depressed. Each cell of the shift register feeds a different one of the switch wipers. First and second contacts of the switches are respectively fed to different OR gates which in turn feed a random inverting means whose outputs feed drive a meter for comparing the sums of signals on the first and second contacts.
Inventors
- 👤 Orvin Wilcox
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:16
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/06; A63F7/00; A63F7/06; A63F7/0664; A63F2250/00; A63F2250/10; A63F2250/1021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A game apparatus determining which one of plural items is different comprising: a plurality of single pole, double throw, center-off switches respectively representative of each of said items; each of said switches having a wiper associated with first and second contacts; random generator means coupled to said wipers for placing a first electrical signal on a random one of said wipers and a second electrical signal on each of the other wipers; electrical comparator means having two input terminals for receiving two input signals; said comparator means being configured for indicating whether said input signals are equal, and if not equal which is the greater in magnitude; first and second adder means respectively fed by each of said first and second contacts, each of said adder means having an output terminal; and means for coupling the output terminal of one of said adder means to one of said input terminals and for coupling the output of the other of said adder means to the other of said input terminals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
A game apparatus determining which one of plural items is different comprising: a plurality of single pole, double throw, center-off switches respectively representative of each of said items; each of said switches having a wiper associated with first and second contacts; random generator means coupled to said wipers for placing a first electrical signal on a random one of said wipers and a second electrical signal on each of the other wipers; electrical comparator means having two input terminals for receiving two input signals; said comparator means being configured for indicating whether said input signals are equal, and if not equal which is the greater in magnitude; first and second adder means respectively fed by each of said first and second contacts, each of said adder means having an output terminal; and means for coupling the output terminal of one of said adder means to one of said input terminals and for coupling the output of the other of said adder means to the other of said input terminals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said random generator means comprises a recirculating shift register having a plurality of cells, each of said cells driving a different one of said wipers; means for initializing said shift register with a digital one state in only one of said cells; and means for clocking said shift register for a random period of time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first and second adder means comprise OR means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said coupling means comprises a random inverting means interposed between said adder output terminals and said comparator input terminals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-03-28 | 1980-09-27 | 1981-03-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-28 | 1984-09-27 | 1985-03-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-28 | 1988-09-27 | 1989-03-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |