Patents by Inventor Michael L. Tillery
Michael L. Tillery 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: 20080228517Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery
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Patent number: 6970834Abstract: A computer jukebox capable of receiving and storing advertisement data representing a plurality of advertisement from a remote central management system by way of a transmission link between the computer jukebox and the central management system, comprising a communication interface, a programmable computer memory and a processor. The computer jukebox downloads advertisement data. The communication interface receives advertisement data from the remote central management system by way of the transmission link. The advertisement data represents an identity of each of the plurality of advertisements, and data representing times for each of the advertisements to be run. The programmable computer memory stores the advertisement data. The processor runs the plurality of advertisements according to the advertisement data.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery, Samuel N. Zammuto
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Publication number: 20030074219Abstract: A computer jukebox capable of receiving and storing advertisement data representing a plurality of advertisement from a remote central management system by way of a transmission link between the computer jukebox and the central management system, comprising a communication interface, a programmable computer memory and a processor. The computer jukebox downloads advertisement data. The communication interface receives advertisement data from the remote central management system by way of the transmission link. The advertisement data represents an identity of each of the plurality of advertisements, and data representing times for each of the advertisements to be run. The programmable computer memory stores the advertisement data. The processor runs the plurality of advertisements according to the advertisement data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery, Samuel N. Zammuto
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Patent number: 6397189Abstract: A central management system manages a plurality of computer jukeboxes and communicates compressed digital data with each jukebox via a transmission link. The management system also includes a host computer that maintains a master set of compressed digital data representing a plurality of songs, song associated graphics, and song identity information. Each jukebox includes a storage unit that is capable of storing a subset of the master set and a processing circuit having a decompression circuit. The processing circuit controls the operation and flow of digital data into and out of the jukebox through the transmission link as well as a visual song information display, user song selection keys, a money detector, and an audio reproduction circuit coupled to a speaker system so as to provide audio output to users of the jukebox.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery, Samuel N. Zammuto
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Patent number: 6381575Abstract: A central management system manages a plurality of computer jukeboxes and communicates compressed digital data with each jukebox via a transmission link. The management system also includes a host computer that maintains a master set of compressed digital data representing a plurality of songs, song associated graphics, and song identity information. Each jukebox includes a storage unit that is capable of storing a subset of the master set and a processing circuit having a decompression circuit. The processing circuit controls the operation and flow of digital data into and out of the jukebox through the transmission link as well as a visual song information display, user song selection keys, a money detector, and an audio reproduction circuit coupled to a speaker system so as to provide audio output to users of the jukebox.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery
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Publication number: 20010023403Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery
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Patent number: 5848398Abstract: A method and apparatus as shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery, Samuel N. Zammuto
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Patent number: 5781889Abstract: A central management system manages a plurality of computer jukeboxes and communicates compressed digital data with each jukebox via a transmission link. The management system also includes a host computer that maintains a master set of compressed digital data representing a plurality of songs, song associated graphics, and song identity information. Each jukebox includes a storage unit that is capable of storing a subset of the master set and a processing circuit having a decompression circuit. The processing circuit controls the operation and flow of digital data into and out of the jukebox through the transmission link as well as a visual song information display, user song selection keys, a money detector, and an audio reproduction circuit coupled to a speaker system so as to provide audio output to users of the jukebox.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery, Samuel N. Zammuto
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Patent number: 5355302Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for managing a plurality of computer jukeboxes at different locations from a central station. Each jukebox includes processor means for controlling the computer jukebox, storage and retrieval means for data, display means for selection menus, audio production means for playing musical records, and a user interface enabling patrons to communicate with the processor means. The central station can be used to download musical recording data to each computer jukebox, and each computer jukebox can upload usage data to the central station.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventors: John R. Martin, Michael L. Tillery, Samuel N. Zammuto
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Patent number: 5197094Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely crediting and billing usage of a plurality of electronic entertainment machines situated at different locations. Each electronic entertainment is connected via a transmission link to a billing computer situated at a central billing location. The establishment having an electronic entertainment machine may award credit to the electronic entertainment machine by remote control after a customer has paid for credit or the user can insert money in the machine. Each electronic entertainment machine records the number of credits that have been awarded to the machine. At a predetermined time, the billing computer polls each location via the transmission link, and the electronic entertainment machine at each location transmits credit data to the billing computer. Each location is then billed for the use of their respective electronic entertainment machines as determined by the number of awarded credits.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1990Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Tillery, Eugene G. Harlan, John Martin, Samuel N. Zammuto, Marcio Bonilla
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Patent number: 5114155Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dart leagues or tournaments wherein players participate at multiple remote locations. The present invention provides a plurality of remotely located electronic dart games connected via a communication medium to a central control device enabling bidirectional communication between the central control device and the plurality of remotely located electronic dart games. The invention in a preferred embodiment enables players to participate in a dart league or tournament from various locations, however, it is possible for the plurality of electronic dart games to be at one location. Each electronic dart game is capable of receiving data from and transmitting data to player cards. Each dart game player has a player card that identifies a player to a respective dart game, and the player card also stores player data and game statistics. A master dart game is located at each remote location.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1991Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Tillery, Eugene G. Harlan, John R. Martin, Samuel N. Zammuto, Marcio Bonilla
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Patent number: 4793618Abstract: An electronic target game adapted for use with a display device which is disposed within the viewing region of the game. The preferred embodiment is a dart game employing "safe" darts and a dart board which is divided into a plurality of target sections and an associated pressure sensitive switch matrix. A microprocessor executes instructions stored in an EPROM memory unit which is easily removed and interchanged from the game. The EPROM memory unit contains instructions for a variety of dart games with different rules and procedures of play. The invention provides one or more displays for selecting a game and displaying scores, instructions and various game conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1987Date of Patent: December 27, 1988Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Tillery, Paul F. Beall