Memory Or Matching Games (e.g., Concentration) Patents (Class 273/273)
  • Patent number: 6695311
    Abstract: A game including game pieces and rules for playing a game for a plurality of players, the goal of which is to score the most points by correctly guessing the location of hidden items. The invention provides multiple coverable items, multiple sets of markers, and multiple shells. Multiple coverable items may be hidden under multiple shells in a manner such that multiple sets of markers may be used to guess the location of the corresponding coverable items by stacking a marker onto the corresponding shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Yu, Jonathan Bedford
  • Publication number: 20040017042
    Abstract: Apparatus and system for playing the childs game ANIMOES™, wherein after an initial drawing procedure to determine the first-player position, a matching-play procedure commences by the players in turn, to if possible matchingly arrange their tile/card-pieces in variously abutted relationship relative to a previously emplaced pictographic animal-caricature of tile/card-piece exhibiting a like symbol; -thus, the first player to expend their alloted tile/card-pieces wins the desired position of “Spinmaster”. The Spinmaster is thereby freed to merely activate a random-selection spinner-device (whereupon is exhibited each of the preferred eight animal-caricatures), to see by chance which one of the other player's aminal-pictographs is selected, that player being required to emulate the sound or action known to characterize that of the particular selected animal, -making for amusing interaction of the players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ondre L. Piernas
  • Patent number: 6656049
    Abstract: An electronic game apparatus constituting a body 101, comprising legs 103, and being capable of placement on an arbitrary surface. Further, a portion of the switches 102 of an operating portion are arranged in a location that differs from the surface on which a display panel 100 is provided, making operation easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisah Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Namiko Masaki, Fujio Nobata, Madoka Nakayama, Yoshiyuki Endo
  • Patent number: 6641402
    Abstract: A contest method and process are devised in which the memory faculties of the contestants are exercised by viewing a set of randomly selected symbol groupings for a first interval of time and thereafter the specific symbols and their groupings are recollected in a second interval of time. The symbol groupings may be inscribed on one of the faces of a set of flash cards which are then shuffled, dealt to each of the contestants and concealed. Then the dealt cards are revealed for the first time interval and following a delay or immediately thereafter the contestants are directed to list correctly the symbols and their groupings during the second time interval. The number of symbols groupings correctly recalled comprises the score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: David Boggs
  • Publication number: 20030178772
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for a mathematical game between a coder and a hacker. A method is disclosed for playing a mathematical game between a coder and a hacker. Apparatus is disclosed for a mathematical game for at least two players. A method is disclosed for playing a mathematical game by at least two players. Apparatus is disclosed for a mathematical game played by at least two players. A method is disclosed for playing a mathematical game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Chiu Liang Gan
  • Patent number: 6601850
    Abstract: A game and its associated method of play. The game contains a plurality of object areas in which game objects may be placed. Game objects are randomly added to, or removed from, the object areas one by one. Before the addition or removal of each new object, the player is made to visualize a neutral field of play that is either completely filled with game objects or devoid of game objects. As such, each time a player views the object areas, an additional game object has been added or removed, but the player does not know which object has just been added. Using memories of the object areas when last viewed, a player tries to identify which of the game objects present is the game object that was just added or removed. If the player selects correctly, the cycle is repeated and another game object is randomly added or removed. If the player selects the wrong game object, the game ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Brad Ross
  • Publication number: 20030111792
    Abstract: The present invention provides a board game wherein players compete to uncover tiles and board sections in an order that matches a drawn card. The game includes a game board, player pieces, tiles, and sequence cards. The object of the game is to advance through several levels of play by matching uncovered indicia to that of the sequence cards while avoiding penalty indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Brian Yu, Jonathan Bedford
  • Publication number: 20020160344
    Abstract: A method for testing a working memory of a subject includes the steps of presenting to a subject a first representation of a plurality of items and asking the subject to select a first item from the first representation. Next the subject is presented with a second representation of the plurality of items and is asked to select a second item from the second representation, the second item different from the first item. These steps test a subject's ability to select a different item from a plurality thereof, a first type of information. As a next aspect of the test the subject is asked to recall an order of the selected items. This step requires the subject to track the order of selection, another type of information. This juxtaposition of testing aspects increases the working memory load on the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: David Tulsky
  • Patent number: 6378867
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in playing a word game, in particular a crossword game, and a method of playing such a game using the apparatus. In particular the invention is directed to an apparatus and game that is suitable for play by two or more players which includes means for indicating whether letter(s) nominated for a particular cell of the crossword by a player matches the at least one letter assigned to the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Crossout Pty, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Shalless
  • Patent number: 6346043
    Abstract: An image matching gaming method suitable for use as bonus game on a slot machine is provided. The method includes allowing the player to have an active role in selecting the bonus award. The player is allowed to see all the awards associated with possible selection after his choices have been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: International Game Technology
    Inventors: Brian F. Colin, Jeffry L. Nauman
  • Patent number: 6315290
    Abstract: A keno game method includes initially randomly selecting a predetermined number of keno numbers after the player has selected two or more keno numbered spots that the player hopes to match. For each numbered spot matched or “Hit” by the player during the base game, an additional keno number is randomly selected during the extra ball portion of the game. In one version, the quantity of additional keno numbers to be drawn is determined by the amount of “Hits” during only the initial draw of keno numbers. In another version, the quantity of additional keno numbers to be drawn is cumulative from the “Hits” achieved over both the initial draw of keno numbers and during any additional draws. An award is made to the player for the total number of “Hits” achieved during the round of the game and based on the amount wagered by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: John Edward Roethel, Michael W. Wood
  • Patent number: 6311977
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a game for utilizing common knowledge and the English language to match the answers of one's teammates to the word or phrase given on a match card. The number of possible answers is endless as there is no right or wrong answer to the word or phrase on the match cards, it depends entirely upon what each individual comes up with for his or her answer. Points are awarded when one or more teammates match the answer given by the person who reads the match card and who rolled a die. When answers are matched, that team moves its game piece along the game board corresponding to the number of points earned from the number of matching answers. Alternative embodiments include the point values on the match cards and no die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Lorie L. Kulick
  • Patent number: 6306086
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for increasing the usefulness, sensitivity and specificity of tests that measure memory and facets of memory, including learning, retention, recall and/or recognition. Specifically, the sensitivity and specificity of such tests are enhanced by selectively weighting the value of specific items recalled by the test subject, either by weighting such items within any specific testing trial or across numerous testing trials. Also disclosed are various methods of reducing ceiling effects in memory tests. The invention also provides improved tests which employ item-specific weighting for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia characterized by memory impairment, as well as a method of screening for and evaluating the efficacy of potential therapeutics directed to the treatment of such dementia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
    Inventor: Herman Buschke
  • Patent number: 6287197
    Abstract: A system for generating video pictures including various images. The system defines a target number of video images eligible for display, identifies target display positions for the images and selects various basic images from game memory. A number of change candidates is selected from among the basic images eligible for display and a change option is selected for each change candidate. The selected change options are executed to define a number of changed images, which may then be displayed with a number of the basic images to define the video pictures. The display system may be advantageously employed to generate pictures in a video game in which points are awarded for identifying the changed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Midway Games Inc.
    Inventors: Vince Dickinson, Lauren Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6270077
    Abstract: A non-competitive memory enhancement game serves to stimulate the memories of persons suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease stroke, head injury, or other reasons. The present game includes a series of subject areas or categories, with each of the categories being further divided into general knowledge and individualized or personalized knowledge areas. A series of memory cards is provided corresponding to the various general knowledge subject areas, with a series of transparent envelopes also being provided for the insertion of pictures and related questions or comments therein for the construction of personalized memory cards for individual players. A game board or other suitable playing device is provided with a series of playing positions corresponding to the subject areas of the game. Movement about the playing surface during the game is determined by chance, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Gene D. Cohen
  • Patent number: 6241246
    Abstract: A lottery ticket having a first game area with a grid of target letters arranged so that at least some of the letters form target words and a second game area having a list of preselected game words which are covered by a scratch-off layer. The game words are matched with the target words to determine if a prize has been won. An enhanced play action in the form of at least one third game area may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Oberthur Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Guttin, Carla Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6210278
    Abstract: A hand-held game that includes a plurality of input devices, an audible output device, and a controller coupled to each of the input devices and to the audible output device. Preferably, each of the input devices require a different mechanical action for action, such as a pressure switch, a pull switch or a rotational switch. The controller outputs a first command signal to the audible output device that relates to a first selected input device. The controller then outputs a second command signal to the audible output device relating to a second selected input device when the first selected input device is actuated within a predetermined period of time. When the first selected input device is not actuated within the predetermined period of time, or when an input device other than the selected input device is actuated in response to the first command signal, the controller outputs an error command signal to the audible output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Klitsner Industrial Design, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel B. Klitsner
  • Patent number: 6193521
    Abstract: A system for managing resolvers of test answers to maintain consistent and efficient test scoring for the answers. The system monitors test resolver performance in order to provide feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 6182965
    Abstract: A plurality of circular disks or rings, each disk or ring having a different color, number or other indicia affixed, printed or otherwise incorporated onto each of its two flat sides may be spun by hand to fall with one or the other of their two flat sides facing upward and showing the color, number or other indicia from which to determine score or playing action. Indicia on the disks or rings may be linked to other indicia, such as that on playing cards, game boards, pawns and the like, providing increased game complication. As an educational game, such linking of the ring indicia with external indicia may provide pre-game opportunities to select the level of difficulty. A plurality of such two-sided rings may provide combinations of the ring indicia, such as color combinations, and these combinations themselves may bring into play external indicia or may denote other playing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Escott, Esther R. Escott
  • Patent number: 6183260
    Abstract: A method and system for managing resolvers of test answers to maintain consistent and efficient scoring of test answers. The method and system routes test answers to resolvers based on classifications of resolvers and persons who generated the rest answers. Monitoring and selecting resolvers based on classifications promotes fair and consistent scoring of test answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 6168159
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a game for utilizing common knowledge and the English language to match the answers of one's teammates to the word or phrase given on a match card. The number of possible answers is endless as there is no right or wrong answer to the word or phrase on the match cards, it depends entirely upon what each individual comes up with for his or her answer. Points are awarded when one or more teammates match the answer given by the person who reads the match card and who rolled a die. When answers are matched, that team moves its game piece along the game board corresponding to the number of points earned from the number of matching answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Lorie L. Kulick
  • Patent number: 6168440
    Abstract: A method and system for increasing the speed at which test answers are processed. The method and system receives electronic representations of test answers and organizes the test answers into separate groupings. Next a particular grouping of test answers are displayed to a test resolver so that the resolver can score the test answers. In displaying the answers, the method and system uses a matrix of cells and displays one test answer in each of the cells. The test resolver can thus simultaneously view multiple test answers, which facilitates efficient scoring of the answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 6164652
    Abstract: A matching card game where players are dealt five cards apiece. Each player tries to match the cards with the dealers hand. Any matches between the players match cards and the dealers cards wins. Progressive jackpots are included with subsequent card games. An automated casino card game version monitors the tracking, and jackpots of players at gaming tables. The automated version includes a table, player LED displays on one side of the table for displaying credits available for a progressive jackpot, a dealer control panel on the opposite side of the table, and a central processing unit, the player LED displays, the dealer control panel and the central processing unit together monitoring the tracking, and jackpots of each player at the player LED displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Match the Dealer, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Lauretta, Robert W. Kelly, Kent G. Evans, James W. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6159014
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the cognitive and memory systems in a subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by the subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing and memory of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's cognitive processing of acoustic events common to speech, and memory of language constructs associated with speech elements are significantly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Scientific Learning Corp.
    Inventors: William M. Jenkins, Michael M. Merzenich, Steven Lamont Miller, Bret E. Peterson, Paula Tallal
  • Patent number: 6086478
    Abstract: A hand-held game that includes a plurality of input devices, an audible output device, and a controller coupled to each of the input devices and to the audible output device. Preferably, each of the input devices require a different mechanical action for action, such as a pressure switch, a pull switch or a rotational switch. The controller outputs a first command signal to the audible output device that relates to a first selected input device. The controller then outputs a second command signal to the audible output device relating to a second selected input device when the first selected input device is actuated within a predetermined period of time. When the first selected input device is not actuated within the predetermined period of time, or when an input device other than the selected input device is actuated in response to the first command signal, the controller outputs an error command signal to the audible output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Klitsner, Robert M. Welch
  • Patent number: 6086378
    Abstract: An educational game for teaching children how to read music by teaching them the locations of musical notes on a musical staff. The game which may be played by two or more players includes a game mat having a flat playing surface with musical clef and staff indicia depicted thereon, and a means for selecting musical notes such as playing cards or a spinner type indicator having the musical notes printed thereon. The game is played by one player selecting a musical note by choosing a card from the deck of playing cards or spinning the spinner. Once a musical note has been selected, the player selecting the musical note communicates the musical note to the other players who are standing along one side of the game mat. The players standing along side the game mat quickly locate and stand on all of the musical note positions within the lines and spaces of the musical staff depicted on the game mat. The player who correctly locates and stands on the most musical note positions generally wins the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6015346
    Abstract: A slot machine providing a video display screen controlled to display indicia images arranged in a matrix. The video screen is of the touch sensitive variety, having an array of touch sensitive areas located on its display surface with one such area associated with each matrix element. The player selects pairs of indicia by touching the screen within the area of each of the displayed indicia to be selected, thereby causing the indicia to change to reveal the associated prize values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Aristocat Leisure Industires Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Luke Bennett
  • Patent number: 5921549
    Abstract: A new Method of Playing a Modified Poker Game for providing entertainment and a wagering opportunity to at least two players. The inventive game includes a first step wherein a dealer sets a betting amount and a poker hand is dealt to the remaining players who each ante the betting amount. The player with the winning poker hand then collects an anted amounts. Next the dealer deals a second set of cards one at a time. For each card drawn, the players compare their hands to the drawn card and for each card in their hand having an equivalent denomination to any drawn card, set aside a pre-determined multiple of the betting amount into a set aside amount. The dealer then deals a third set of cards one at a time. For each card drawn, the players compare their hands to the drawn card and for each card in their hand having an equivalent denomination to any drawn card, withdraw from the set aside amount, if any, a pre-determined multiple of the betting amount to form a net set aside amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Leroy Wilson, Wilbert White
  • Patent number: 5906369
    Abstract: An electronic matching game includes a plurality of primary game pieces each representative of a mother farm animal, a plurality of secondary game pieces each representative of a baby farm animal associated with one of mother farm animals, and a plurality of removable cover members for selectively concealing the identity of each of the secondary game pieces. The apparatus further includes a base assembly having a first receptacle adapted to interchangeably receive one of the primary game pieces, and further having a second receptacle adapted to interchangeably receive one of the secondary game pieces. The base assembly includes an electronic sound generation device for producing a plurality of sounds, each sound being associated with a respective one of the primary and secondary game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Brennan, Lucinda I. Tavernise, Frederic W. Stucklen, Robert H. Beck, Michael Marra
  • Patent number: 5887872
    Abstract: A base supports a rotatable turntable having a plurality of capsule bases each having capsule recesses formed therein. A plurality of capsule lids are pivotally supported upon the turntable and overlie their respective capsule bases providing closure of the recesses. A plurality of stationary cams are supported beneath the turntable and communicate with a corresponding plurality of cam following flanges which operate the capsule lids. A motor drive rotates the turntable upon the base such that the cam following flanges of the lids are intermittently pivoted to open positions as they pass some of the cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: James Keifer, Alan Cusolito
  • Patent number: 5873727
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving game pieces during a game playing period includes a movement device having a support which supports a number of game pieces, wherein the movement device moves the number of game pieces relative to the support during the game playing period. The apparatus also includes a towing apparatus for transporting the movement device from a first location to a second location during the game playing period. The towing apparatus is movable in a predetermined path of movement. A method of playing a game with a number of players is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Fundex Games, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Barlow
  • Patent number: 5855370
    Abstract: A memory enhancing game 10 including a certain number of visually distinguishable assigned game piece members 27" having indicia 28 provided on one face 26 and twice the certain number of blank game piece members 27' wherein all of the game piece members 27 are virtually indistinguishable from one another in the face down orientation, and the steps that govern the playing of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: George E. Stoughton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5803458
    Abstract: A maze game, comprising a game board having a grid that defines a plurality of spaces. The spaces each have a colored dot, each dot either white, black, or red. The dots are covered by a playing piece during normal game play. The playing pieces each have a square base and a conical handle. Game play commences by having one player lift one of the playing pieces to reveal the dot beneath. If a black dot is revealed, the player replaces the playing piece and lifts another. If a white dot is revealed, the player replaces the playing piece and another player lifts one of the playing pieces. If a red dot is revealed, the player has won.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Scott P. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5769420
    Abstract: A method of playing a novel board game wherein player pieces are moved along a predetermined path in accordance with the ability of one player to remember a fictitious name selected by the other player before the game begins. Cards are dealt in sequence to all the players to form a card pile face up in front of each player. When the last played card matches a card previously paid, those two players try to recall and say the other player's name first. The player who says the other player's name first takes the other's card pile, counts the number of cards in it, and advances a corresponding number of spaces on the playing board. The player who reaches the finish location first, either one or more times, is the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Caroline R. Sultzbaugh
  • Patent number: 5718591
    Abstract: A method for managing resolvers of test answers to maintain consistent and efficient test scoring of the answers. The method monitors test resolver performance in order to provide feedback. By tracking a resolver's scoring rate to compile performance data, the method monitors efficiency and optionally recommends break times and provides the resolver with diversionary activities during breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 5716213
    Abstract: A method for managing resolvers of test answers to maintain consistent and efficient scoring of test answers. The method routes test answers to resolvers based on classifications of resolvers and persons who generated the test answers. Monitoring and selecting resolvers based on classifications promotes fair and consist scoring of test answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 5709551
    Abstract: A method for increasing the speed at which test answers are processed. The method receives electronic representations of test answers and organizes the test answers into separate groupings. The method next displays a particular grouping of test answers to a test resolver so that the resolver can score the test answers. In displaying the answers, the method uses a matrix of cells and displays one test answer in each of the cells. The test resolver can thus simultaneously view multiple test answers, which facilitates efficient scoring of the answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 5657992
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for entertaining a group of players is provided in which a director distributes playing cards and scenario cards from a plurality of decks of game cards, a game board is provided, and players attempt to creatively and amusingly play their cards to produce a story line on which the director has arbitrary cutting authority. The method an apparatus of the present invention provide for entertainment and education of players and the game familiarizes players with current art, literature, drama, comedy, films and celebrities. The method and apparatus of the present invention demonstrate and elicit creative thinking and mental agility in the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Anthony Bellizzi
  • Patent number: 5630754
    Abstract: Methods of disclosing a target pattern for identification. The methods are based on the principle of sequentially and non-lexicographically revealing, constructing and/or resolving a target pattern to players to permit the players to identify the target pattern. One such method includes the steps of masking the target pattern to make it imperceptible to the player, repetitively unmasking portions of the target pattern according predetermined unmasking steps, and continuing to unmask the target pattern until a completion criterion is met. Target patterns may consist of still images, audio segments, or motion video sequences depicting items and environments known to the players in their unmasked formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Resrev Partners
    Inventor: George J. Rebane
  • Patent number: 5626477
    Abstract: An education system for teaching young children basic shapes, colors, numbers, letters and words is disclosed. The system is comprised of three board-game components. The first component teaches basic shapes and colors, the second component teaches numbers and colors and the third component teaches numbers, letters, and words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Joan F. Adkison
  • Patent number: 5558521
    Abstract: A system for managing resolvers of test answers to maintain consistent and efficient scoring of test answers. The system routes test answers to resolvers based on classifications of resolvers and persons who generated the test answers. Monitoring and selecting resolvers based on classifications promotes fair and consistent scoring of test answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 5533902
    Abstract: A tool is usable as an educational tool, a diagnostic tool or a toy and is designed to develop or diagnose a user's matching, classifying, or labeling skills using primarily visual feedback and manual manipulation--skills possessed by even non-verbal students. The tool comprises one or more boards each of which may be handheld or may include devices for mounting the board on a wall, table, or another support. Each board is also constructed of a durable and preferably rigid material permitting significant rough handling by the user. Each board is composed of at least one panel, and typically two or more panels each of which presents at least one work area having a target and a pocket mounted thereon. The user's matching or classifying skills are ascertained and/or developed by inserting cards in pockets bearing characters matching those borne by the associated targets. The boards may be foldable or combinable so as to vary the number of targets involved in the matching, classifying, or labeling task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Sally E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5465982
    Abstract: Methods of disclosing a target pattern for identification. The methods are based on the principle of sequentially and non-lexicographically revealing, constructing and/or resolving a target pattern to players to permit the players to identify the target pattern. One such method includes the steps of masking the target pattern to make it imperceptible to the player, repetitively unmasking portions of the target pattern according predetermined unmasking steps, and continuing to unmask the target pattern until a completion criterion is met. Target patterns may consist of still images, audio segments, or motion video sequences depicting items and environments known to the players in their unmasked formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Resrev Partners
    Inventor: George J. Rebane
  • Patent number: 5456607
    Abstract: An improved process for testing knowledge and understanding in a computer game in which factual material (86) is placed in or referenced to geometric blocks (84) on a computer screen. A player is challenged (82) to move the blocks so that they relate spatially to a definition, attribute, or value of the factual material. A player moves the blocks using a computer input device, such as a mouse or joystick. The process compares the placement of the blocks with the definitions or attributes of the factual material, notifies the player, and records the results of the comparison, thus providing a simple, intuitive means of playing a knowledge testing game without the need for a keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Peter R. Antoniak
  • Patent number: 5456461
    Abstract: A bat for baseball and softball with an attachable tip at the exterior end comprising a cylindrical device having a first inboard portion adapted to be held by a player and a second outboard portion adapted to strike a ball upon swinging of the bat, the inboard end and the outboard portion having a common axis; the inboard portion having an enlarged knob at its end with material over the inboard portion from adjacent to the knob to a location at an intermediate extent of the inboard portion; and the outboard portion being formed with a diameter substantially equal to twice the diameter of the inboard portion with a short tapering section therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Michael T. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5437554
    Abstract: A system for managing resolvers of test answers to maintain consistent and efficient scoring of the answers. The system monitors test resolver performance in order to provide feedback. By tracking a resolver's scoring rate to compile performance data, the system monitor's efficiency and optionally recommends break times and provides the resolver with diversionary activities during breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: National Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay V. Clark, William L. Bramlett, Jr., Judith Moyer
  • Patent number: 5435564
    Abstract: An electronic word building machine including a keyboard to input a user determined set of letters, a set of words in memory, a comparison program to compare the input set of letters with the set of words in memory to provide a set of matching words from the set of words in memory, the set of matching words including words which consist only of a subset of letters from the input set of letters, a ranking program to provide a predetermined score for each of the words in the set of matching words, and a display to display on the machine each of the words in the sequence of the value of the score together with the score value of the word being displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen Kennedy, David McWherter
  • Patent number: 5411271
    Abstract: An electronic video game requires the player to match the location of information on a video screen with the correct location of a pushbutton in a corresponding array. Initially, the video screen produces a display showing nine object character icons located in nine different locations in a tic-tac-toe arrangement. The display is flashed on for a few seconds and then discontinued. Next, the video screen displays one of the characters in a clue box and challenges the player to correctly match the clue character with its previous location on an array of nine pushbuttons laid out in the same tic-tac-toe fashion. The player then chooses one pushbutton corresponding to where the player believed the character had appeared in the original video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Coastal Amusement Distributors, Inc.
    Inventor: Salvatore Mirando
  • Patent number: 5405148
    Abstract: An exhilarating childrens' amusement game allowing participants to compete in the hatching and collecting of dinosaur like figurines. Utilizing a spinner device control-member, participant take turns, choosing from the hatchery game board, trying to match the dinosaur which has been spun and landed on, competing to be the first to hatch and collect the different needed dinosaur game pieces to be declared the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Richard C. Cianci
  • Patent number: 5316309
    Abstract: A game apparatus is provided for playing a game which tests the memories of game players. The apparatus includes a base, a rotatable disk mounted on the base, and a cover mounted on the base above the disk. A clutch mechanism is provided for rotating the disk, and a braking mechanism is provided for stopping rotation of the disk in one of a plurality of predetermined positions. The cover includes a plurality of spaced apertures and the disk includes a plurality of groups of matched pictures which are oriented so that a plurality of matched pairs of pictures are aligned with the apertures when the disk is stopped in one of the predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Corporation
    Inventor: Sano Takeshi