Patent US5178389A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5178389A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hand-held electronic gambling game device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1991-05-07
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Granted: 1993-01-12
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Expires: 2011-05-07
Abstract
Abstract A game device, preferably hand-held, has an electronic display pattern generator, a display, and a play button to initiate generation of a game which displays sets of symbols which "rotate" after the manner of a fruit machine and which can be held from "rotating" by a hold button. The device includes the capability of limiting the number of games playable, and a lock button allows a winning display to be locked irrevocably to establish proof of a win.
Inventors
- 👤 John Bentley
- 👤 Gordon McNally
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 17:03
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/326; G07F17/3262; G07F17/3265; G07F17/3202; G07F17/3216; G07F17/3218; G07F17/3241; G07F17/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
An electronic game device comprising: (a) a display having a display driver; (b) an electronic generator for generating different display patterns on said display; (c) an operator controlled play means for initiating a game, said play means causing said electronics generator to generate a display pattern; (d) a means for limiting the number of games which can possibly be played; and (e) an operator controlled lock means for locking the device irrevocably against further plays by permanently disabling the display driver and preserving a generated pattern.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
An electronic game device comprising: (a) a display having a display driver; (b) an electronic generator for generating different display patterns on said display; (c) an operator controlled play means for initiating a game, said play means causing said electronics generator to generate a display pattern; (d) a means for limiting the number of games which can possibly be played; and (e) an operator controlled lock means for locking the device irrevocably against further plays by permanently disabling the display driver and preserving a generated pattern.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A game device as recited in claim 1, wherein said electronic generator includes a random number generator and the display patterns are provided in a random manner.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A game device as recited in claim 2, wherein timing of the operation of the play means determines the random numbers generated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A game device as recited in any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for limiting the number of games comprises a counter which is resettable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A game device as recited in claim 4, wherein credit games are provided and a means is provided for win pattern analysis and such means provides for partial resetting of said counter to provide said credit games.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
86 words
A game device as recited in claim 4, wherein an electric key provides, on application to the device, a reset signal for said counter, said electric key comprising a casing including an electric cell or battery and a pair of contacts accessible from the exterior of said casing and connected to the cell or battery, said key and device being connectable via said contacts whereby current is drawn by the device from said cell or battery to operate the device, said key being incapable of re-use.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
151 words
An electronic game device comprising: (a) a display; (b) an electronic generator for generating different display patterns on said display; (c) an operator controlled play means for initiating a game, said play means causing said electronics generator to generate a display pattern; (d) a resettable counter for limiting the number of games which can possibly be played; (e) an operator controlled lock means for locking the device irrevocably against further plays and preserving a generated pattern; and (f) an electric key which provides a reset signal for said counter, said electric key comprising a casing including an electric cell or battery and a pair of contacts accessible from the exterior of said casing and connected to said cell or battery, said key and device being connectable via said contacts whereby current is drawn by the device from said cell or battery to operate the device, said key being incapable of re-use.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
151 words
An electronic game device comprising: (a) a display; (b) an electronic generator for generating different display patterns on said display; (c) an operator controlled play means for initiating a game, said play means causing said electronics generator to generate a display pattern; (d) a resettable counter for limiting the number of games which can possibly be played; (e) an operator controlled lock means for locking the device irrevocably against further plays and preserving a generated pattern; and (f) an electric key which provides a reset signal for said counter, said electric key comprising a casing including an electric cell or battery and a pair of contacts accessible from the exterior of said casing and connected to said cell or battery, said key and device being connectable via said contacts whereby current is drawn by the device from said cell or battery to operate the device, said key being incapable of re-use.
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) | 1996-01-12 | 1996-07-13 | 1997-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-01-12 | 2000-07-13 | 2001-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-01-12 | 2004-07-13 | 2005-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |