Patents by Inventor John F. Mendes, Jr.

John F. Mendes, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6736723
    Abstract: An arcade race game having interchangeable components allowing for the formation of various games. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the race progression indication device. The first player to reach a predetermined point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game. The game structure is preferably pre-wired to accommodate various games. The processor may also be programmed to accommodate various game formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Lane, John F. Mendes, Jr., David A. Wise
  • Patent number: 6579174
    Abstract: An arcade race game having interchangeable components allowing for the formation of various games. The object of the game is to hit a target causing actuation of the race progression indication device. The first player to reach a predetermined point activates a detection device which stops the game and signals the winner of the game. The game structure is preferably pre-wired to accommodate various games. The processor may also be programmed to accommodate various game formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Lane, John F. Mendes, Jr., David A. Wise
  • Patent number: 6450889
    Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes one or more individual competition games that measure the fractional performance of a player, and an indicator of progress for each individual game. Each indicator of moves at a variable rate, the rate being determined by the fractional performance of a player in an associated game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Mendes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6306041
    Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes a gaming surface, an actuator, a first feedback device, a game piece, a steering mechanism, a second feedback device, and a processor. A racing track may be depicted on the gaming surface. An actuator is preferably adapted to rotate the surface about an axis on command. The game piece is preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the surface. The steering mechanism is preferably indirectly connected to the game piece, and it may be adapted to move or rotate the game piece over a predetermined range. With use of the steering mechanism, a game player may position the game piece near the center of the racing track as the surface rotates about the central axis. A player's performance may be determined fractionally by continually determining the rotational position of the track and the lateral position of the game piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Mendes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6289637
    Abstract: A portable arcade unit having a frame, a means for attaching a wheel means, a means for attaching a hitch means, and a detachable roof. The portable arcade unit may be disassembled for storage and transportation purposes and quickly rebuilt on-site to form an aesthetically pleasing building unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Mendes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6279903
    Abstract: An amusement game in which a game piece descends adjacent a playing surface. A preferred embodiment of the game includes a playing surface, a game piece, a plurality of deflecting members, and a receiving mechanism. The playing surface is preferably inclined. The deflecting members are preferably adapted to deflect the descending game piece. Nevertheless, the game piece is preferably adapted to descend past the deflecting members. The receiving mechanism is preferably positioned below the deflecting members. The receiving mechanism may have a recessed portion and a handle. The handle is preferably adapted to enable a player to move the recessed portion relative to the playing surface. Consequently, the player is preferably enabled to move the recessed portion to catch the game piece with the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Mendes, Jr., Michael J. Dobson, Jack D. Cook, II
  • Patent number: 6257585
    Abstract: An arcade-style racing game is described. The game preferably includes a surface an actuator, a game piece, and a steering mechanism. A racing track may be depicted on the surface. An actuator is preferably adapted to rotate the surface about a central axis on command. The game piece is preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the surface. The steering mechanism is preferably connected to the game piece and it may be adapted to rotate or turn the game piece a predetermined range. With use of the steering mechanism, a game player may position the game piece substantially within the boundaries of the racing track as the surface rotates about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bob's Space Racers, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Mendes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5439230
    Abstract: A game in which two or more players compete to fill a column of water by engaging a target with a fluid or solid projectile stream or a light beam. Detectors upon a target are adapted to signal a separate water pressure device in order to force water from a reservoir up into and through a transparent or translucent column. At the top of such column a detector awaits the rising column of water in order to signal its arrival and indicate the success of the player in engaging his or her respective target. The apparatus can be configured so that each player's column is filled from a separate reservoir or from a common reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: John F. Mendes, Jr.