Patents by Inventor Stephen P. Shoemaker

Stephen P. Shoemaker 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: 10593161
    Abstract: A system that uses a vending machine and an arcade game of skill in combination. The vending machine can be a beverage machine that dispenses cold beverages for a specified price, and includes a refrigerated compartment for keeping the beverages cold. Next to the vending machine is an arcade game that allows a player to win the items sold with the vending machine. A patron is offered the choice of trying to win the item using the arcade game, or simply use the vending machine to acquire the item. If the item is successfully won using the arcade game, the arcade game uses a signal that is send to the vending machine to dispense the item won from its inventory, and the item or card in the arcade game is returned to the playing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10514024
    Abstract: A detachment system for a delivery aerial drone is disclosed. The detachment system uses a pump to apply a negative pressure to a suction cup for attaching an object to be delivered. The weight of the object is coupled to a mechanical switch, such that setting down the object opens the switch and disconnects the pump. Once the pump is disconnected from its power source, the suction is removed and the object disconnects from the vacuum system. The weight of the object is coupled to a mechanical switch, such that setting down the object opens the switch and disconnects the pump. Thus, the object releases once it is gently placed on a surface such that its weight is removed from the drone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190213825
    Abstract: A device for distributing a single card from a stack of cards, where said single card is taken off the top of said stack of cards. Using a vacuum pick-up device, the invention passes a card between a pair of inwardly directed vanes to separate any attached cards so ensure that only a single card is distributed. A microprocessor controlled leveling system keeps the top card at the optimal level. The card is transported off the stack and to a collection area where it can be withdrawn by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen P Shoemaker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180330577
    Abstract: A crane game with a vacuum head adapted to pick up objects with a smooth extraction surface is disclosed wherein the objects, or targets, include perforations that present a more challenging target by reducing the available extraction surface. Targets include one or more perforations that may prevent a seal from being formed with the suction head, denying extraction of the target by the vacuum head. Values may be assigned to the targets based on the number of perforations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, JR.
  • Patent number: 10109159
    Abstract: A prize replacement system for a pusher-type or crane type arcade game is disclosed where prizes are randomly distributed over the playing field by using a rotating playing field and a prize replacement unit that drops a replacement prize onto the playing field after a prize has been won. A vacuum device collects a new prize from a storage area below the playing surface, moves the prize over the playing field, and drops the prize as the playing field rotates below. Preferably the vacuum device is capable of selecting prizes of different shapes and sizes so that a wide variety of prizes can be used with the game of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10059448
    Abstract: A pilotless drone is equipped with a life preserver or other buoyant device for delivery to a distressed swimmer. The drone includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum release mechanism to remotely release the life preserver once the drone is positioned over the swimmer. A camera on the drone can be used to locate the swimmer, and a remote control operates the release mechanism so that the operation can be performed from a remote location (such as a life guard station, vessel, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10055943
    Abstract: An arcade game with that allows a player to control the game using a video feedback plus a tactile response is provided. A player must use the video feed for controlling the game, and the video feed can be transmitted from a remote location. The video signal can be transmitted via the internet, a wireless connection, or a wired connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen P Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9950250
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arcade game with a rotating playing field and a radially projecting mechanism for moving targets located on the spinning mechanism board. Having the mechanism be radially projecting allows for more players by reducing the playing area that each player occupies. In a first embodiment, the player uses a vacuum mechanism. In another embodiment, the player uses a pusher to direct targets or prizes off the playing field in the radial direction. The pusher mechanism can push the targets toward the player (into a retrieval bin) or off the playing field at the center of the game. In a preferred embodiment, the game automatically replaces each displaced target with a new target so that the game always maintains the same number of targets on the playing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180096565
    Abstract: An arcade game with that allows a player to control the game using a video feedback plus a tactile response is provided. A player must use the video feed for controlling the game, and the video feed can be transmitted from a remote location. The video signal can be transmitted via the internet, a wireless connection, or a wired connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180028905
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arcade game with a rotating playing field and a radially projecting mechanism for moving targets located on the spinning mechanism board. Having the mechanism be radially projecting allows for more players by reducing the playing area that each player occupies. In a first embodiment, the player uses a vacuum mechanism. In another embodiment, the player uses a pusher to direct targets or prizes off the playing field in the radial direction. The pusher mechanism can push the targets toward the player (into a retrieval bin) or off the playing field at the center of the game. In a preferred embodiment, the game automatically replaces each displaced target with a new target so that the game always maintains the same number of targets on the playing field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, JR.
  • Patent number: 9818265
    Abstract: An arcade game with that allows a player to control the game using a video feedback plus a tactile response is provided. A player must use the video feed for controlling the game, and the video feed can be altered to vary the difficulty of the game. The tactile response can also be controlled to provide a more realistic game experience to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9552703
    Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extendable extraction device to enter a tube of cards in a horizontal direction. The prizes are protected by the tube's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. The extraction device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the tube's outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9539496
    Abstract: An arcade game is disclosed having a modified three dimensional control of an acquisition device using three motors, pulleys, and belts that maneuver the acquisition device in three directions. Each belt is located in a pair of pulley wheels that have a “grooved section that allows the belt to slip when the motor reaches an end of its cycle, eliminating the need for switches and clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160379450
    Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extendable extraction device to enter a tube of cards in a horizontal direction. The prizes are protected by the tube's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. The extraction device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the tube's outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160375356
    Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extendable pick-up device to enter a silo of prizes in a vertical direction. The prizes are protected by the silo's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the pick-up device to capture the prize if the pick-up device successfully enters the silo. The pick-up device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the silo's outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160375357
    Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extendable extraction device to enter a tube of cards in a horizontal direction. The prizes are protected by the tube's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. The extraction device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the tube's outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160375358
    Abstract: An arcade target game uses an extraction device to remove a card or similar type prize from a housing. The cards are protected by an outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. A displacement system is provided to lift the stack of cards in the game as they are depleted from playing the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, JR.
  • Patent number: 9526978
    Abstract: A new arcade game utilizes a vacuum pick-up device to pick-up prizes from a protected silo on a moving playing field. The playing field can be a rotating turntable or conveyor belt, and multiple players can play at multiple player stations. The prizes can be lightweight cards, such as gift cards, that are stacked in silos on a platform that can rotate in one or two directions. Each player has a designated vacuum pick-up device that the player can move radially along the turntable so that, as the turntable rotates, each player can access to the entire playing field. If the player has correctly positioned the pick-up device, the pick-up device will lowing directly into a silo where the cards are located. The suction function is triggered, and the pick-up device will extract the gift card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160364940
    Abstract: The present invention is a gift card dispenser for dispensing cards in a larger machine, such as a vending machine or arcade game, where the dispenser includes an electric motor controlled by a computer to perform a single cycle per activation. A stack of cards within the dispenser is arranged to engage a reciprocating pusher device coupled to the electric motor such that the reciprocating pusher extending from a retracted position to an extended position and then returning to the retracting position. A projection on the slider tilts the stack of cards away from the opening of the device, preventing theft of the cards with a hook or wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, JR.
  • Patent number: 9052162
    Abstract: An amusement-type shooting gallery operates using a laser incorporated into a gun, that can be used to strike distant targets within the gallery. A gun emitting a short pulse laser is aimed at a target, which includes sensors for registering a hit. The sensor on the target can be a photovoltaic sensor that sends an electrical signal when impinged by the pulse laser, and the signal can be received by a local processor. The processor can be connected to the gun by a larger network, so that the coupling between the actuation of the trigger and the striking of the target can be coupled. A network with a display is coupled to the target and gun, enabling display of the results of the shooting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.