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US4885700A
Expired / Lapsed
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Computer-controlled method and apparatus for making bingo cards
Assignee: Demco Bingo Inc
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Filing: 1988-03-07
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Granted: 1989-12-05
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Expires: 2008-03-07
Abstract
Abstract The random number generating capability of a computer is used as a basis for producing sets of alphanumeric configurations for a plurality of bingo cards, and the comparator capability of the computer is utilized to eliminate duplication from among the plurality. A computer-controlled, high-speed graphics printer is used to print, on sheets of paper, bingo cards from among the plurality.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley Kondziolka
- 👤 Henry Klein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:51
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F3/00; A63F3/06; A63F3/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of making bingo cards, comprising the steps: providing a computer having a memory, a random number generating capability and a comparator capability, producing number combinations for a plurality of bingo cards on the basis of random numbers generated by the random number generating capability of the computer, storing said number combinations in an electronic or magnetic memory, employing the comparator capability of the computer to eliminate duplication from among said stored number combinations, and using a computer-controlled, high-speed graphics printer to print, on sheets of paper, bingo cards having the said number combinations.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of making bingo cards, comprising the steps: providing a computer having a memory, a random number generating capability and a comparator capability, producing number combinations for a plurality of bingo cards on the basis of random numbers generated by the random number generating capability of the computer, storing said number combinations in an electronic or magnetic memory, employing the comparator capability of the computer to eliminate duplication from among said stored number combinations, and using a computer-controlled, high-speed graphics printer to print, on sheets of paper, bingo cards having the said number combinations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method claimed in claim 1, in which the printer is a laser printer, and in which the said computer controls the laser printer, the paper sheets being fan-folded, interconnected sheets.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method claimed in claim 2, in which there are between one and twelve different bingo cards on each sheet of said fan-folded paper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method claimed in claim 2, in which the fan-folded paper feeds out of a first box, through the laser printer, and back into a second box in fan-folded condition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
127 words
The method claimed in claim 2, in which the computer carries out the steps of: (a) producing the number combination of a bingo card using said random number generating capability, (b) comparing the new number combination sequentially with all number combinations previously stored in its memory, (c) rejecting the new number combination if it is the same as a stored number combination, and returning to (a), (d) storing the new number combination in memory if it is different from all previously stored number combinations, (e) counting the number combinations in memory and when the total has advanced by a given number (f) causing the laser printer to print bingo cards corresponding to said given number, (g) returning to (a) after each number combination is stored in memory.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method claimed in claim 1, in which the paper is a recycled paper adapted to accept water-based inks.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus for making bingo cards, comprising: computer-controllable, high-speed graphics printing means, means including a random number generator for formatting the number combination of a new bingo card, memory means for storing formatted number combinations, comparator means for comparing each newly formatted number combination with all number combinations previously stored in the memory means, and for (a) rejecting a newly formatted number combination that is identical to a previously stored number combination, and (b) storing in the memory means a newly formatted number combination that is different from all previously stored number combinations, counting means for totalling all number combinations in the memory means, means responsive to the total count that, upon the count advancing by a given increment, causes the printing means to print on a sheet of fan-folded paper bingo cards corresponding to said increment.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
137 words
An apparatus for making bingo cards, comprising: computer-controllable, high-speed graphics printing means, means including a random number generator for formatting the number combination of a new bingo card, memory means for storing formatted number combinations, comparator means for comparing each newly formatted number combination with all number combinations previously stored in the memory means, and for (a) rejecting a newly formatted number combination that is identical to a previously stored number combination, and (b) storing in the memory means a newly formatted number combination that is different from all previously stored number combinations, counting means for totalling all number combinations in the memory means, means responsive to the total count that, upon the count advancing by a given increment, causes the printing means to print on a sheet of fan-folded paper bingo cards corresponding to said increment.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-12-04 | 1993-06-05 | 1993-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-04 | 1997-06-05 | 1997-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-04 | 2001-06-05 | 2001-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |