Patents by Inventor Norman B. Petermeier
Norman B. Petermeier 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).
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Publication number: 20080176619Abstract: The invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game outcome. A prize selection menu is then displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize that has a prize cost within the player's prize credit amount. The player is dispensed a specific prize ticket that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize contributed to by multiple players. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: Bally Gaming International, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Matthew F. Kelly, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link, Norman B. Petermeier
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Patent number: 7278635Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 6758755Abstract: The present invention provides a system for allowing redemption of prizes resulting from playing games on a plurality of game apparatuses. The system includes a plurality of game apparatuses each adapted for displaying a user interface for allowing a user to play a plurality of games. Also included is a prize database server adapted for connecting to the game apparatuses via a wide area network. In use, a user identification code is received from the game apparatuses that corresponds to the user. Also received is an indication of an outcome of the game upon the user playing the game via the corresponding user interface. The prize database server also tracks a number of prize credits awarded the user based on the outcome of the game in addition to allowing redemption of the prize credits for a prize.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Arcade Planet, Inc.Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Patent number: 6645068Abstract: A method and article of manufacture are provided for implementing a user profile-driven gaming and prize redeeming system. The user profile-driven gaming and prize redemption system allows for the tailoring of a user's experience of playing a computer implemented game on a network gaming system by first receiving an identifier selected from a group of identifiers including a user identifier relating to the user (i.e., player) of the network gaming system, a game identifier relating to a particular game played by the user of the network gaming system, and a site identifier relating to the location (i.e. web site) from which the game is being played. The network gaming system then alters the computer-implemented game played by the user in a manner based upon the selected identifier. The foregoing technique may also be applied to a prize redemption system.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Arcade Planet, Inc.Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Publication number: 20030027630Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and article of manufacture for providing a progressive prize awarding and redeeming scheme in an intermittently accessed network gaming system. A host server of a network system transmits a beginning prize credit value and an increment rate which are received by a game apparatus connected to the network system. Periodically, a current progressive prize credit value is calculated based on the beginning prize credit value and the increment rate and is displayed to the user. At the end of the game, the current progressive prize credit value is transmitted from the game apparatus of the user to the host server for redemption purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Publication number: 20030015838Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 6491296Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 6454648Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and article of manufacture for providing a progressive prize awarding and redeeming scheme in an intermittently accessed network gaming system. A host server of a network system transmits a beginning prize credit value and an increment rate which are received by a game apparatus connected to the network system. Periodically, a current progressive prize credit value is calculated based on the beginning prize credit value and the increment rate and is displayed to the user. At the end of the game, the current progressive prize credit value is transmitted from the game apparatus of the user to the host server for redemption purposes.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Patent number: 6446964Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Lazer-Tran CorporationInventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Publication number: 20020077169Abstract: The present invention provides a system for allowing redemption of prizes resulting from playing games on a plurality of game apparatuses. The system includes a plurality of game apparatuses each adapted for displaying a user interface for allowing a user to play a plurality of games. Also included is a prize database server adapted for connecting to the game apparatuses via a wide area network. In use, a user identification code is received from the game apparatuses that corresponds to the user. Also received is an indication of an outcome of the game upon the user playing the game via the corresponding user interface. The prize database server also tracks a number of prize credits awarded the user based on the outcome of the game in addition to allowing redemption of the prize credits for a prize.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 1999Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: MATTHEW F. KELLY, BRYAN M. KELLY, NORMAN B. PETERMEIER, JOHN G. KROECKEL, JOHN E. LINK
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Publication number: 20020068622Abstract: The present invention provides a graphical user interface for providing gaming and prize awarding and redeeming capabilities to a computer network system in a manner that lets a provider of the network system present and display information to a user of the network system. The graphical user interface allows for the showing of a frame, or screen/display, to the user while also allowing a game to be executed in the frame. Indicated on the frame are prize credits awarded based on an outcome of playing the game. Additionally, a link is displayed on the frame for depicting a prize redemption interface designed to allow use of the prize credits to obtain a prize offered on the network system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Patent number: 6382631Abstract: Disclosed is a skill-based water gun game. In one embodiment, a water gun game apparatus includes a water tub and a water gun. The water tub has an inner chamber and an outer channel that forms a loop around the inner chamber. The inner chamber and the outer channel are in communication through a front aperture formed in the water tub. The water gun is capable of discharging water towards the water tub. The water gun is used to shoot targets that circulate in the outer channel into the inner channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: RTL Acquition, Inc.Inventors: Norman B. Petermeier, J. Richard Oltmann, Bryan M. Kelly
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Publication number: 20020017756Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Publication number: 20020010025Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and article of manufacture for determining payment for participating in a network gaming tournament. First, a plurality of networked game apparatuses are provided for allowing games to be played by a plurality of players in a tournament. An indication of an outcome of at least one game played by each of the players is then received. Based on a sum of the outcomes of the games of all of the players, a total amount of prize credits or prizes is determined. Subsequently, a first portion of the total amount of prize credits or prizes is partitioned for payment for participation in the tournament, and a second portion of the total amount of prize credits or prizes is awarded to at least one winning player based on the outcome of the at least one game thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Patent number: 6306035Abstract: The present invention provides a graphical user interface for providing gaming and prize awarding and redeeming capabilities to a computer network system in a manner that lets a provider of the network system present and display information to a user of the network system. The graphical user interface allows for the showing of a frame, or screen/display, to the user while also allowing a game to be executed in the frame. Indicated on the frame are prize credits awarded based on an outcome of playing the game. Additionally, a link is displayed on the frame for depicting a prize redemption interface designed to allow use of the prize credits to obtain a prize offered on the network system.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Arcade Planet, Inc.Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Patent number: 6293865Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and article of manufacture for determining payment for participating in a network gaming tournament. First, a plurality of networked game apparatuses are provided for allowing games to be played by a plurality of players in a tournament. An indication of an outcome of at least one game played by each of the players is then received. Based on a sum of the outcomes of the games of all of the players, a total amount of prize credits or prizes is determined. Subsequently, a first portion of the total amount of prize credits or prizes is partitioned for payment for participation in the tournament, and a second portion of the total amount of prize credits or prizes is awarded to at least one winning player based on the outcome of the at least one game thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Arcade Planet, Inc.Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Patent number: 6244595Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Lazer-Tran CorporationInventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
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Patent number: 6015344Abstract: The present invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game. A prize selection menu is displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize having a prize cost within the player's prize credit amount. The player can be dispensed a specific prize ticket from the game apparatus or other unit that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses. Prize input is entered into a prize table describing multiple available prizes and payout information that indicates a desired amount of payout that the operator wishes to provide back to players.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
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Patent number: 6012722Abstract: Disclosed is a skill-based water gun game. In one embodiment, a water gun game apparatus includes a water tub and a water gun. The water tub has an inner chamber and an outer channel that forms a loop around the inner chamber. The inner chamber and the outer channel are in communication through a front aperture formed in the water tub. The water gun is capable of discharging water towards the water tub. The water gun is used to shoot targets that circulate in the outer channel into the inner channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.Inventors: Norman B. Petermeier, J. Richard Oltmann, Bryan M. Kelly
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Patent number: 6007426Abstract: The present invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. The prize redemption system includes a server in communication with the game apparatuses to form a wide area network that may include the Internet. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game outcome. A prize selection menu is then displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize that has a prize cost within the player's prize credit amount. The player is dispensed a specific prize ticket that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize contributed to by multiple players. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: RLT Acquisitions, Inc.Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link