US5851149A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Distributed gaming system
Assignee: TECH LINK INTERNATIONAL Ltd
•
Filing: 1995-08-04
•
Granted: 1998-12-22
•
Expires: 2015-08-04
Abstract
Abstract The Distributed Gaming System provides a user with remote location gaming, for example from within a hotel room. Using the room's television and a remote control, the user, such as a hotel guest, is able to play games similar to those available on a Video Lottery Terminal. The games are displayed on a TV through the use of a TV set-top box. The set top box connects the TV to a network of computer systems through which the Gaming System is distributed and managed. Game access is obtained using a payment swipe device. A special feature of system is the progressive jackpots that are available to game players; these jackpots are at the hotel, jurisdiction, and global levels.
Inventors
- 👤 John Xidos
- 👤 Ross MacDougall
- 👤 David Carrigan
- 👤 Gary Hammond
- 👤 Pamela Little
- 👤 Bruce Reid
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:09
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/3244; G07F17/3255
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 104
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server, the back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, wherein the back-office server includes means for receiving, securing and storing gaming transaction data during video gaming, the central network control center including means for playing a jackpot.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server, the back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, wherein the back-office server includes means for receiving, securing and storing gaming transaction data during video gaming, the central network control center including means for playing a jackpot.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A gaming system as in claim 1 wherein the means for playing a jackpot includes means for defining a hierarchy of jackpots, the hierarchy of jackpots having a first jackpot corresponding to each gaming location and a second jackpot corresponding to a plurality of gaming locations.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A gaming system as in claim 2 wherein the NCC includes means for determining eligibility for winning the first and second jackpots on the basis of first and second betting thresholds respectively wherein the second betting threshold is larger than the first betting threshold.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system as in claim 3 wherein the NCC further includes means for defining a third jackpot corresponding to all gaming locations within the gaming system and the NCC includes means for determining eligibility for winning the third jackpot on the basis of a third betting threshold, the third betting threshold larger than the second betting threshold.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the means for playing a jackpot includes means for identifying a jackpot winner by comparing a jackpot number generated by the NCC with a random number generated for a player at a remote game site during gaming.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes means for generating revenue reports.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes means for providing predetermined system access to a system regulator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes means for receiving daily transaction logs from each remote gaming location.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes means for processing data from daily transactions logs to determine system daily revenue.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes means for managing system software, the means for managing system software including program means for developing software at the NCC for use within a jurisdiction of the gaming system, program means for obtaining certification from a system regulator for software developed for a jurisdiction and program means for distributing software from the NCC to each gaming site within a jurisdiction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
84 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes means for managing system equipment, the means for managing system equipment including program means for installing gaming equipment within the gaming system wherein the gaming equipment is provided with a unique logical and physical address, program means for tracking the operational status of gaming equipment within the gaming system and program means for testing equipment wherein gaming equipment is disabled from active gaming for physical testing of the working order of the gaming equipment.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes a customer support server the customer support server including means for identifying a gaming session, means for reviewing a gaming session, and means for reviewing payment transactions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as in claim 13 wherein the NCC includes tamper resist means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes tampering recognition means for identifying tampering.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes means for encrypting incoming and outgoing data.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes means for supporting a variable number of back office servers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the NCC includes uninterrupted power supply means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the WAN includes a system regulator, the system regulator having means for accessing financial information from the central network control center.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the WAN includes a payment processing centre.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the WAN includes a bank server.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as in claim 2 wherein the NCC is a UNIX platform.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as in claim 2 wherein each back office server is a UNIX platform.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 2 wherein each back office server includes means for providing a gaming session.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as in claim 23 wherein the means for providing a gaming session includes means for controlling access to a gaming session.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 24 wherein the means for controlling access includes means for restricting access to a gaming session.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 24 wherein the means for controlling access includes means for validating access to a gaming session.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 23 wherein the means for providing a gaming session includes means for introducing a gaming session.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 23 wherein the means for providing a gaming session includes means for playing a game.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 28 wherein the means for playing a game includes means for initiating a gaming session.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 28 wherein the means for playing a game includes means for monitoring game activity.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 28 wherein the means for playing a game includes means for closing a game session.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 28 wherein the means for playing a game includes means for managing revenue.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 28 wherein the game is selected from any one of blackjack, poker or keno.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein each back office server includes back office server tamper resist means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein each back office server includes tampering recognition means for identifying tampering.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein each back office server includes means for encrypting incoming and outgoing data.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein each back office server includes an uninterrupted power supply means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein each back office server includes means for receiving a payment transaction from remote gaming equipment.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein each back office server includes means for obtaining validation of a payment transaction.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a set top box.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as in claim 40 wherein the set-top box includes logic means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as in claim 41 wherein the logic means includes an operating system.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 41 wherein the logic means includes means for communication and equipment management.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 41 wherein the logic means includes means for graphic generation and display.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as in claim 41 wherein the logic means includes means for recognizing tampering.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 41 wherein the logic means includes means for encrypting incoming and outgoing data.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as in claim 41 wherein the logic means includes remote control signal recognition means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as in claim 41 wherein the logic means includes payment device signal recognition means for receiving signals from the payment device and for transmitting payment device data to each back office server.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as in claim 40 wherein the set-top box communicates with the back office server via a transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP).
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as in claim 40 wherein the set-top box includes tamper resist means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a television.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a payment device.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as in claim 52 wherein the payment device is selected from any one of or a combination of a credit card swipe, debit card or smart card reader.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a video channel.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a remote control.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 55 wherein the remote control communicates with the set-top box via an infra-red link.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system as in claim 3 wherein the means for playing a jackpot includes a means for identifying a jackpot winner by comparing a jackpot number generated by the NCC with a random number generated for a player at a remote game site during gaming.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as in claim 57 wherein the NCC includes means for generating revenue reports.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 58 wherein the NCC includes means for providing predetermined system access to a system regulator.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 59 wherein the NCC includes means for receiving daily transaction logs from each remote gaming location.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as in claim 60 wherein the NCC includes means for processing data from daily transactions logs to determine system daily revenue.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system as in claim 61 wherein the NCC includes means for managing system software, the means for managing system software including program means for developing software at the NCC for use within a jurisdiction of the gaming system, program means for obtaining certification from a system regulator for software developed for a jurisdiction and program means for distributing software from the NCC to each gaming site within a jurisdiction.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
84 words
A system as in claim 62 wherein the NCC includes means for managing system equipment, the means for managing system equipment including program means for installing gaming equipment within the gaming system wherein the gaming equipment is provided with a unique logical and physical address, program means for tracking the operational status of gaming equipment within the gaming system and program means for testing equipment wherein gaming equipment is disabled from active gaming for physical testing of the working order of the gaming equipment.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as in claim 63 wherein the NCC includes a customer support server.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as in claim 64 wherein the NCC includes tampering recognition means for identifying tampering.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 65 wherein the NCC includes means for encrypting incoming and outgoing data.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 66 wherein the NCC includes means for supporting a variable number of back office servers.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as in claim 67 wherein the NCC includes uninterrupted power supply means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 68 wherein the system regulator includes means for accessing financial information from the central server.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as in claim 69 wherein the WAN includes a payment processing centre.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as in claim 70 wherein the WAN includes a bank server.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 71 wherein the back office server includes means for providing a gaming session.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 72 wherein the back office server includes back office server tamper resist means.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 73 wherein the back office server includes tampering recognition means for identifying tampering.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 74 wherein the back office server includes means for encrypting incoming and outgoing data.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 75 wherein the back office server includes an uninterrupted power supply means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as in claim 76 wherein the back office server includes means for receiving a payment transaction from remote gaming equipment.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 77 wherein the back office server includes means for obtaining validation of a payment transaction.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 78 wherein the video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a set top box.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 79 wherein the video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a television.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 80 wherein the video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a payment device.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as in claim 81 wherein the payment device is selected from any one of or a combination of a credit card swipe, debit card or smart card reader.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 82 wherein the video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a video channel.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 83 wherein the video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites includes a remote control.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
273 words
A method of operating a gaming system comprising the steps of: at a network control center operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server having means for receiving, securing and storing gaming transaction data during video gaming, the back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites a) establishing a first jackpot amount with a corresponding betting threshold for a gaming location; b) establishing a second jackpot amount with a corresponding betting threshold for a plurality of gaming locations; c) establishing a third jackpot amount with a corresponding betting threshold for all the gaming locations within the gaming system; d) determining first, second and third winning numbers for the first, second and third jackpots; e) distributing the winning numbers to each back office server at each gaming location; and at the gaming location f) providing gaming activity to players requesting game activity at each remote gaming site; g) monitoring gaming activity at each back-office server to identify active players and determining the eligibility of active players for winning in accordance with the betting thresholds; h) generating a first random number at the remote gaming site for a player during gaming and comparing the first random number with a winning number for a jackpot at a remote gaming site for a player to determine a winning player if the first and second random numbers are the same; i) transmitting a message from the network control center to a winning player informing the winning player of a win.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
273 words
A method of operating a gaming system comprising the steps of: at a network control center operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server having means for receiving, securing and storing gaming transaction data during video gaming, the back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites a) establishing a first jackpot amount with a corresponding betting threshold for a gaming location; b) establishing a second jackpot amount with a corresponding betting threshold for a plurality of gaming locations; c) establishing a third jackpot amount with a corresponding betting threshold for all the gaming locations within the gaming system; d) determining first, second and third winning numbers for the first, second and third jackpots; e) distributing the winning numbers to each back office server at each gaming location; and at the gaming location f) providing gaming activity to players requesting game activity at each remote gaming site; g) monitoring gaming activity at each back-office server to identify active players and determining the eligibility of active players for winning in accordance with the betting thresholds; h) generating a first random number at the remote gaming site for a player during gaming and comparing the first random number with a winning number for a jackpot at a remote gaming site for a player to determine a winning player if the first and second random numbers are the same; i) transmitting a message from the network control center to a winning player informing the winning player of a win.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
161 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote locations comprising: a plurality of local area networks (LAN's) for communication with a network operations server and a payment processing center through a wide area network (WAN), each LAN including: a plurality of set top boxes in remote locations, each set top box for communication with a back office server and respective televisions, remote control units, and payment swipe devices; wherein the back office server includes program means for enabling interactive video gaming between a user and the television using the remote control unit wherein credit for said interactive video gaming is activated through the payment swipe device and approved by the payment processing center through the WAN and where the network operations server is for communication with each LAN and for communication with the payment processing center and wherein the back-office server also includes means for receiving, securing and storing gaming transaction data during video gaming.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
161 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote locations comprising: a plurality of local area networks (LAN's) for communication with a network operations server and a payment processing center through a wide area network (WAN), each LAN including: a plurality of set top boxes in remote locations, each set top box for communication with a back office server and respective televisions, remote control units, and payment swipe devices; wherein the back office server includes program means for enabling interactive video gaming between a user and the television using the remote control unit wherein credit for said interactive video gaming is activated through the payment swipe device and approved by the payment processing center through the WAN and where the network operations server is for communication with each LAN and for communication with the payment processing center and wherein the back-office server also includes means for receiving, securing and storing gaming transaction data during video gaming.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
150 words
A gaming network enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote locations comprising: a plurality of local area networks (LAN), each LAN including a back office server, the back office server having video gaming software and means for receiving, securing and storing gaming transaction data during video gaming and a plurality of distributed gaming units, each gaming unit including: a set-top box operatively linked to a payment device and display means at a remote location; the set-top box also in operative communication with the back office server, the set-top box for controlling a gaming session with a user via signals received from the payment device, user and back office server, the back office server for controlling and maintaining each gaming unit; a wide area network operatively linking the back office server of each LAN to a central server, the central server for controlling and maintaining each LAN.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
150 words
A gaming network enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote locations comprising: a plurality of local area networks (LAN), each LAN including a back office server, the back office server having video gaming software and means for receiving, securing and storing gaming transaction data during video gaming and a plurality of distributed gaming units, each gaming unit including: a set-top box operatively linked to a payment device and display means at a remote location; the set-top box also in operative communication with the back office server, the set-top box for controlling a gaming session with a user via signals received from the payment device, user and back office server, the back office server for controlling and maintaining each gaming unit; a wide area network operatively linking the back office server of each LAN to a central server, the central server for controlling and maintaining each LAN.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
24 words
A gaming network as in clam 87 wherein the WAN includes a payment processing server operatively connected to each LAN and the central server.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
24 words
A gaming network as in clam 87 wherein the WAN includes a payment processing server operatively connected to each LAN and the central server.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
25 words
A gaming network as in claim 87 wherein the WAN further includes a customer support server operatively connected to the central server and each LAN.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
21 words
A gaming network as in claim 87 wherein the WAN further includes a monitoring server operatively connected to the central server.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
26 words
A gaming system as in claim 88 wherein the WAN further includes a bank server operatively connected to the payment processing centre! server and central server.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
126 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, the central network control center including means for playing a jackpot wherein the NCC includes means for providing predetermined system access to a system regulator.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
126 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of video gaming equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, the central network control center including means for playing a jackpot wherein the NCC includes means for providing predetermined system access to a system regulator.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
115 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of gaming video equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, the central network control center including means for playing a progressive and hierarchal jackpot.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
115 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of gaming video equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, the central network control center including means for playing a progressive and hierarchal jackpot.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
134 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of gaming video equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, the central network control center including means for playing a jackpot and wherein the WAN includes a system regulator, the system regulator having means for accessing financial information from the central network center.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
134 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of gaming video equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, the central network control center including means for playing a jackpot and wherein the WAN includes a system regulator, the system regulator having means for accessing financial information from the central network center.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
132 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of gaming video equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, the central network control center including means for playing a jackpot wherein the WAN includes a system regulator, a payment processing server and a bank server operatively connected to the NCC.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
132 words
A gaming system enabling users to participate in gaming at a plurality of remote gaming sites comprising: a central network control center (NCC) operatively connected to a plurality of gaming locations through a wide area network (WAN), each gaming location including a back office server operatively connected through a local area network (LAN) with a plurality of gaming video equipment in remote gaming sites, the video gaming equipment including a set-top box operatively connected to a payment device, video display means, user interface means and the back office server, the video gaming equipment enabling video gaming at each remote gaming site, the central network control center including means for playing a jackpot wherein the WAN includes a system regulator, a payment processing server and a bank server operatively connected to the NCC.
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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) | 2001-12-21 | 2002-06-22 | 2002-12-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-12-21 | 2006-06-22 | 2006-12-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-12-21 | 2010-06-22 | 2010-12-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |