Patents by Inventor Steven S. Ritchie

Steven S. Ritchie 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: 6932703
    Abstract: A slot machine game that simulates a bank robbery is provided having a vault mechanical assembly that includes a plurality of doors and gates that may be sequentially opened by attaining winning outcomes at successive levels of the game. Upon completion of each level of the game, the game allows the player to either risk the player's winning and proceed to the next level or “cash out”, thereby adding excitement to the game. In order to provide visual stimulation, the vault doors and gates are moveable between a closed and an open position during operation of the game. Simulated sounds such as explosions may also be used to enhance the enjoyment of the game and to attract attention to the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Steven S. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 4685677
    Abstract: A microprocessor computer system includes random access and read only memories and a set of operator switches permitting the storage of game play information. During operation of the amusement device, game play is monitored and the score required to receive a free play is periodically adjusted to maintain a selected free play percentage. The percentage is determined by either the factory setting or the operator through the operator switches. The data used to compute the free play percentage is constantly checked by the system to insure that it is valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Williams Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Demar, Steven S. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 4606545
    Abstract: A pinball machine having a plurality of inclined playfields is provided. The adjacent playfields are linked by at least one path allowing a ball to descend to the lower playfield and a path allowing a ball to be propelled by a player controlled flipper to the upper playfield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Williams Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven S. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 4373725
    Abstract: Magnetic control of a ball on a pinball playfield is provided by an electromagnet located on the playfield and a mechanism manually operable by a player for energizing the electromagnet. The energizing mechanism includes a first switch external on the playfield operable by player and a second switch on the playfield which is activated by a ball hitting a target thereon. The first and second switch are connected in series with the electromagnet to control the latter. A timing mechanism is provided to limit the energization of the electromagnet to a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Williams Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven S. Ritchie
  • Patent number: D335150
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Biagi, Steven S. Ritchie