Patents by Inventor J. Richard Oltmann

J. Richard Oltmann 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: 8100401
    Abstract: A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 8096554
    Abstract: A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 8052148
    Abstract: A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M Kelly, Norman B Petermeier, Matthew F Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 8006977
    Abstract: A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7976022
    Abstract: A game system, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to, for example, increase a progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an game with a video rotating wheel. The position of the video wheel when it stops rotating indicates a predetermined result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7922175
    Abstract: A game including wheel means capable of rotating in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction and wheel control means operative to selectively control the rotational position of the wheel means in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. A method for controlling an indicator wheel including rotating a wheel having a plurality of segments in a first direction until a predetermined segment is aligned with a pointer and then rotating the wheel in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In certain embodiments, the wheel can be rotated again in the first direction after it has been rotated in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7922176
    Abstract: A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7878506
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment a game includes a rotating wheel and illumination effects, both under microprocessor control. In another exemplary embodiment, a wheel indicator includes a wheel, a motor for rotating the wheel, a plurality of lamps, and a microprocessor providing commands capable of causing the motor to rotate the wheel and the lamps to illuminate the display. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling a wheel and illumination display includes providing a motorized wheel, providing a plurality of lamps, and providing a microprocessor and program instructions stored in ROM coupled to said microprocessor for controlling a rotational position of said wheel and for generating light effects from said lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7832727
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment a game includes a rotating wheel and illumination effects, both under microprocessor control. In another exemplary embodiment, a wheel indicator with illumination effects includes a wheel, a motor for rotating the wheel, a plurality of lamps, and a microprocessor providing commands capable of causing the motor to rotate the wheel and the lamps to illuminate the display. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling a wheel and illumination display includes providing a motorized wheel, providing a plurality of lamps, and providing a microprocessor and program instructions stored in ROM coupled to said microprocessor for controlling a rotational position of said wheel and for generating light effects from said lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Bally Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7824252
    Abstract: In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, a game includes a rotating wheel and sound effects, both under microprocessor control. In another example embodiment, a wheel indicator with sound effects includes a wheel, a motor for rotating the wheel, a speaker, and a microprocessor providing commands capable of causing the motor to rotate the wheel and speaker to emit a sound. In another example embodiment, a method for controlling a wheel and sound display includes providing a motorized wheel, providing a speaker, and providing a microprocessor and program instructions stored in ROM coupled to said microprocessor for controlling a rotational position of said wheel and for generating sound effects from the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7823883
    Abstract: A game unit including an indicator wheel and an award dispenser. In certain embodiments, when players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award such as a ticket or token. Preferably, a game unit may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel which displays a result of a game event or status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Bally Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7775870
    Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus server connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus server 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 server 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7766329
    Abstract: A game unit including an indicator wheel and an award dispenser. In certain embodiments, when players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award such as a ticket or token. Preferably, a game unit may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel which displays a result of a game event or status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7278635
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 7100916
    Abstract: An electromechanical indicator including a body with an axis of rotation. The rotary body is provided with a number of segments radiating from the axis of rotation which are associated with at least two different indicia. A motor is coupled to the rotary body such that the rotary body is adapted for a rotating mode and a stationary mode about the axis of rotation. A pointer associated with the rotary body is adapted to point to a predetermined segment of the number of segments when the rotary body is in the stationary mode. A segment detector detects a rotary position of each of the number of segments. In operation, the motor rotates the rotary body to point the pointer to the predetermined segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Bally Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Kelly, Norman Petermeier, Matthew Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 6889678
    Abstract: A catapult device for hurling objects towards a target includes a support structure and a pivot bracket pivotally mounted on the support structure and provided with a bearing arrangement. A lever arm is pivotally connected to the support structure and is engageable with the pivot bracket. A spring-biased motion translation arrangement is coupled to the lever arm and is engageable with the bearing arrangement on the pivot bracket. A pivot arm is pivotally secured to the support structure and the motion translation arrangement. The pivot arm is provided with a receiver for holding an object to be hurled. Pivotal movement of the lever arm develops a spring force in the motion translation arrangement and enables the pivot bracket to pivot such that the motion translation arrangement moves along the bearing arrangement, and releases the spring force causing the pivot arm to swing and hurl the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: J. Richard Oltmann
  • Publication number: 20030015838
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 6491296
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 6446964
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Lazer-Tran Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, Matthew F. Kelly, J. Richard Oltmann
  • Patent number: 6382631
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: RTL Acquition, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman B. Petermeier, J. Richard Oltmann, Bryan M. Kelly