U.S. patent application number 10/852046 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for amusement gaming machine.
Invention is credited to Waters, David B..
Application Number | 20050261050 10/852046 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35375861 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050261050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Waters, David B. |
November 24, 2005 |
Amusement gaming machine
Abstract
This invention is directed to a system for playing bingo. The
system comprises a computer readable medium having a set of
computer readable instructions that may include instructions for
determining whether sufficient credits exist to continue play,
providing a set of unique bingo cards with each unique card having
a plurality of card numbers, displaying at least one unique bingo
card to the player, generating an initial set of called numbers
having a population of numbers less than those on the bingo card
winning pattern, comparing each called number with a card number,
determining whether an intermediate prize should be awarded
according to the initial set of called numbers and the bingo card,
selecting additional called numbers from a set of remaining called
numbers until a winning pattern is determined. The set of computer
readable instructions may also include instructions for determining
whether multiple players are playing before allowing game play to
continue.
Inventors: |
Waters, David B.; (Piedmont,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCNAIR LAW FIRM, PA
P.O. BOX 10827
GREENVILLE
SC
29603-0827
US
|
Family ID: |
35375861 |
Appl. No.: |
10/852046 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3258 20130101;
G07F 17/3276 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/019 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for playing bingo comprising: a computer readable
medium; a set of called numbers representing a finite number of
possible card numbers in communication with said computer readable
medium; and, a set of computer readable instructions embodied
within said computer readable medium for providing at least one
unique bingo card having a plurality of card numbers, generating an
initial set of called numbers having a population of numbers less
than those on the bingo card, comparing each called number of the
initial set of called numbers with each card number, determining
whether an intermediate prize should be awarded according to said
initial set of called numbers and said bingo card, and, selecting
additional called numbers from a set of remaining called numbers
until a winning pattern is determined on said at least one unique
bingo card.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said winning pattern is a
black-out pattern.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said set of computer readable
instructions for providing at least one unique bingo card includes
providing said bingo card upon a determination that sufficient
credits exist for play.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said computer readable
instructions include instructions for debiting said credits a
predetermined amount to be credited to a wide area progressive
prize.
5. The system of claim 3 including: an actuator; and, said set of
computer readable instructions include instructions for initiating
a comparison of each called number of said initial set of called
numbers with said card numbers upon a first actuation of said
actuator.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein said set of computer readable
instructions include instructions for initiating the selection of
additional called numbers until a winning pattern is determined
upon a second actuation of said actuator.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said set of computer readable
instructions include instructions for awarding a prize to said
player upon a third actuation of said actuator.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least one
unique bingo card includes the step of randomly generating a unique
bingo card.
9. The system of claim 1 where the step of providing at least one
unique bingo card includes the step of selecting a unique bingo
card from a pre-existing set of unique bingo cards.
10. The system of claim 1 including: a video display having award
indicators in communication with said computer readable medium;
and, said set of computer readable instructions include
instructions to activate said award indicators representing that
said player has won a prize.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said award indicators are a set
of reels displayed on said video display that are spun and stopped
so that they represent said determination that the player has won a
prize.
12. The system of claim 10 wherein said computer readable
instructions include instructions for receiving award indicator
modification information from a remote terminal and modifying said
award indicators according to said modification information.
13. The system of claim 1 including: a plurality of mechanical
reels in communication with said computer readable medium; and,
said set of computer readable instructions include instructions for
spinning said mechanical reels and stopping said mechanical reels
so that they represent said determination that the player has won a
prize.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein said set of computer readable
instructions include instructions for determining whether multiple
players are playing before allowing game play to continue.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein said set of computer readable
instructions include instructions for determining whether said
intermediate prize is a wide area progressive prize.
16. A system for playing bingo comprising: a central computer
readable medium; a plurality of game terminals having terminal
computer readable medium in communications with said central
computer readable medium; and a set of computer readable central
instruction embodied in said central computer readable medium for
receiving a request to play from at least one game terminal,
providing at least one unique bingo card having a plurality of card
numbers for each game terminal requesting play, generating an
initial set of called numbers, comparing each called number with
each bingo card associated with each of said game terminals,
determining whether an intermediate prize should be awarded
according to said bingo cards and said initial set of called
numbers, transmitting an intermediate prize award notification to
said game terminal having an associated bingo card resulting in an
intermediate prize, selecting additional called numbers from a set
of remaining called numbers until a winning pattern is determined
on at least one of said bingo cards, and transmitting a winning
pattern notification to said game terminal associated with said
bingo card having a winning pattern.
17. The system of claim 16 including: an actuator in communication
with said game terminal in communication with said computer
readable medium; and, said set of computer readable terminal
instructions for transmitting a request to play to said central
computer readable medium upon actuation of said actuator.
18. The system of claim 16 including: a terminal video display in
communication with said terminal computer readable medium; and,
said set of compute readable terminal instructions include
instructions for receiving an intermediate prize award notification
from said set of computer readable central instructions and
informing the player that a prize has been awarded via said video
display.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein said set of computer readable
terminal instructions include instructions for displaying a set of
virtual reels on said video display, spinning said set of reels,
and stopping said reels so that they indicate whether the player
has won a prize.
20. The system of claim 18 wherein said computer readable
instructions include instructions for receiving intermediate prize
award notification modification information from a remote terminal
and modifying said intermediate prize award notification according
to said modification instructions.
21. The system of claim 16 including: a plurality of mechanical
reels in communication with said terminal computer readable medium;
and, said set of computer readable terminal instructions include
instructions for spinning said mechanical reels and stopping said
mechanical reels so that they indicate whether the player has won a
prize.
22. The system of claim 16 wherein said set of computer readable
instructions for providing at least one unique bingo card includes
providing said bingo card upon a determination that sufficient
credits exist for play.
23. A system for playing bingo comprising: a computer readable
medium in communication with a server; a display device in
communication with said computer readable medium; an actuator in
communication with said computer readable medium; and, a set of
computer readable instructions embodied within said computer
readable medium for providing a unique bingo card, receiving an
initial set of called numbers from said server, displaying on said
display device said bingo card with said card numbers daubed
according to said initial set of called numbers upon a first
actuation of said actuator, receiving an intermediate prize
notification, and displaying intermediate prize information
according to said intermediate prize notification, sending a select
next called number request to said server upon a second actuation
of said actuator, and awarding a prize upon said third actuation of
said actuator.
24. The system of claim 23 including: a plurality of mechanical
reels in communication with said computer readable medium; and,
said set of computer readable instructions include instructions for
spinning said mechanical reels and stopping said mechanical reels
so that they indicate whether the player has won a prize.
25. The system of claim 23 wherein said set of computer readable
instructions include instructions for displaying a set of virtual
reels on said display device, spinning said set of reels, and
stopping said reels so that they indicate whether the player has
won a prize.
26. The system of claim 23 wherein said computer readable
instructions include instructions for receiving intermediate prize
notification modification information from a remote terminal and
modifying said intermediate prize award notification according to
said modification instructions.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed to an amusement gaming machine
and more specifically a system for enhancing the play of bingo type
games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The game of bingo is well-known. Traditionally, this game is
played with a bingo card having printed numbers in a five-by-five
matrix with B I N G O printed across the top of each of the five
columns. The center of the matrix may be considered a FREE space
and does not require a number to be called to cross out, or daub,
the FREE location. When numbers are called, such as B-13, the
number 13 would be marked, or daubed, to show that the called
number exists on that Bingo card. The selection of called numbers
is traditionally provided in the form of a finite number of bingo
balls that are shuffled and randomly selected from a box, cage, or
mixer. Bingo balls are selected and numbers are called until a
bingo player has his or her bingo card daubed in a winning pattern.
A winning pattern, represented by declaring BINGO, can be a row,
column, each corner, an X-pattern, black-out pattern, or any other
pattern. A black-out pattern represents the condition where all of
the numbers on the card have been called and are daubed. Typically,
multiple players play the same game and a winner is declared when
the first player realizes a winning pattern.
[0003] With the advent of modern technology, particularly
computers, bingo has matured into what has been referred to as a
Class II game in the gaming field. With Class II games, prizes are
generally rewarded from funds deposited by the bingo player to play
the game. Further, it is advantageous that for each bingo game
played, at least one prize winner should exist for each game.
Further, it is advantageous to have intermediate prizes so that
several prizes are awarded during play. Further, it is advantageous
for a bingo game system to have a progressive prize system so that
a winner can play an aggregated prize collection source.
[0004] The introduction of Class II gaming has also resulted in
bingo players being able to realize the benefits and enjoyment of
playing computer enhanced bingo. Particularly the use of high
definition graphics allows for a more exciting and enjoyable
play.
[0005] Accordingly, to provide the advantages described herein, it
is an object of this invention to provide for a computer enhanced
bingo game allowing multiple players to play against each other
while insuring a winner.
[0006] It is another object of this invention to provide a computer
enhanced bingo game having intermediate prizes and progressive
prizes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The objectives of this invention are realized by providing a
system for playing bingo comprising, a computer readable medium, a
set of called numbers representing a finite number of possible card
numbers in communication with the computer readable medium; and, a
set of computer readable instructions embodied within the computer
readable medium for providing at least one unique bingo card having
a plurality of card numbers, generating an initial set of called
numbers having a population of numbers less than those on the bingo
card, comparing each called number of the initial set of called
numbers with each card number, determining whether an intermediate
prize should be awarded according to the initial set of called
numbers and the bingo card, and, selecting additional called
numbers from a set of remaining called numbers until a winning
pattern is determined on the at least one unique bingo card. The
winning pattern can be a black-out pattern. The set of computer
readable instructions can providing the bingo card upon a
determination that sufficient credits exist for play and can debit
the player credits a predetermined amount to be credited to a wide
area progressive prize.
[0008] The system can include an actuator and the set of computer
readable instructions include instructions for initiating a
comparison of each called number of the initial set of called
numbers with the card numbers upon a first actuation of the
actuator, initiating the selection of additional called numbers
until a winning pattern is determined upon a second actuation of
the actuator, and awarding a prize to the player upon a third
actuation of the actuator.
[0009] The step of providing at least one unique bingo card can
include the step of randomly generating a unique bingo card or
selecting a unique bingo card from a pre-existing set of unique
bingo cards.
[0010] The system can include a video display having award
indicators in communication with the computer readable medium and
the set of computer readable instructions include instructions to
activate the award indicators representing that the player has won
a prize. The award indicators can be set of reels displayed on the
video display that are spun and stopped so that they represent the
determination that the player has won a prize. The computer
readable instructions can include instructions for receiving award
indicator modification information from a remote terminal and
modifying the award indicators according to the modification
information. The system can include a plurality of mechanical reels
in communication with the computer readable medium and the set of
computer readable instructions include instructions for spinning
the mechanical reels and stopping the mechanical reels so that they
represent the determination that the player has won a prize. The
system can include instructions for determining whether multiple
players are playing before allowing game play to continue and
instructions for determining whether the intermediate prize is a
wide area progressive prize.
[0011] The system can also include a central computer readable
medium, a plurality of game terminals having terminal computer
readable medium in communications with the central computer
readable medium, and a set of computer readable central instruction
embodied in the central computer readable medium for receiving a
request to play from at least one game terminal, providing at least
one unique bingo card having a plurality of card numbers for each
game terminal requesting play, generating an initial set of called
numbers, comparing each called number with each bingo card
associated with each of the game terminals, determining whether an
intermediate prize should be awarded according to the bingo cards
and the initial set of called numbers, transmitting an intermediate
prize award notification to the game terminal having an associated
bingo card resulting in an intermediate prize, selecting additional
called numbers from a set of remaining called numbers until a
winning pattern is determined on at least one of the bingo cards,
and transmitting a winning pattern notification to the game
terminal associated with the bingo card having a winning
pattern.
[0012] An actuator can be in communication with the game terminal
and the computer readable medium so and the set of computer
readable terminal instructions for transmitting a request to play
to the central computer readable medium upon actuation of the
actuator can be included. A terminal video display can be in
communication with the terminal computer readable medium and the
set of compute readable terminal instructions include instructions
for receiving an intermediate prize award notification from the set
of computer readable central instructions and informing the player
that a prize has been awarded via the video display.
[0013] The system can include a computer readable medium in
communication with a server, a display device in communication with
the computer readable medium, an actuator in communication with the
computer readable medium, and a set of computer readable
instructions embodied within the computer readable medium for
providing a unique bingo card, receiving an initial set of called
numbers from the server, displaying on the display device the bingo
card with the card numbers daubed according to the initial set of
called numbers upon a first actuation of the actuator, receiving an
intermediate prize notification, and displaying intermediate prize
information according to the intermediate prize notification,
sending a select next called number request to the server upon a
second actuation of the actuator, and awarding a prize upon the
third actuation of the actuator.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] This invention is described with references to the following
drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a flowchart of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a continuation of FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic of the player interface; and,
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] The detailed description that follows may be presented in
terms of program procedures executed on a computer or network of
computers. These procedural descriptions are representations used
by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. These
procedures herein described are generally a self-consistent
sequence of steps leading to a desired result. These steps require
physical manipulations of physical quantities such as electrical or
magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,
compared, or otherwise manipulated by a set of computer readable
instructions embodied in a computer readable medium that is
designed to perform a specific task or tasks. Actual computer or
executable code or computer readable code may be contained within
one file or one storage medium but may also span several computers
or storage mediums. The term "host" and "server" may be hardware,
software, or a combination of hardware and software that provides
the functionality described herein.
[0020] The present invention is described below with reference to
flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatus ("systems") and
computer program products according to the invention. It will be
understood that each block or step of a flowchart illustration can
be implemented by a set of computer readable instructions or code.
These computer readable instructions may be loaded onto a general
purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable
data processing apparatus to produce a machine such that the
instructions will execute on a computer or other data processing
apparatus to create a means for implementing the functions
specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0021] These computer readable instructions may also be stored in a
computer readable medium that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner, such that the instructions stored in a computer readable
medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction
means that implement the functions specified in the flowchart block
or blocks. Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer
executed process such that the instructions are executed on the
computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for
implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or
blocks. Accordingly, elements of the flowchart support combinations
of means for performing the special functions, combination of steps
for performing the specified functions and program instruction
means for performing the specified functions. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations can be implemented
by special purpose hardware based computer systems that perform the
specified functions, or steps, or combinations of special purpose
hardware or computer instructions. The term media is used to
include audio, video, animation or any other form audio or visual
information. The present invention is now described more fully
herein with reference to the drawings in which the preferred
embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however,
be embodied any many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to
those skilled in the art.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the play of the game is described in
more detail. As a threshold matter, one embodiment of the invention
includes determination as to whether the player has sufficient
credits to begin play. If the player is without sufficient credits,
the player is notified that there are insufficient credits and the
player may provide additional credits if the player wants to play.
Otherwise, game play cannot continue. In step 10, a virtual bingo
card is provided for the player to play. In the preferred
embodiment, the virtual card represents a 5.times.5 matrix without
the FREE location, thereby providing 25 number locations on the
card. To generate a virtual bingo card in the preferred embodiment,
computer readable instructions generate a two-dimensional matrix
representing a bingo card. Once a card is selected, game play is
initiated at step 28. The player may begin game play by pressing an
actuator, such as a daub button or may press a play button or
simply provide sufficient credits. A daub button may be an actual
button on a video game console that is physically actuated or a
touch screen command that appears on the display screen and allows
the user to actuate the daub button by merely tapping the screen.
In an alternative embodiment the daub button may not be a button at
all, rather it may be a voice command or other player input that
achieves the same result as actuating a daub button. After
initiating game play at step 12, a bingo card must be provided to
the player. In one embodiment, shown generally as A, the virtual
bingo card is randomly generated by the computer readable
instructions in step 14. Determination is made at step 16 as to
whether the virtual bingo card is unique. If it is, the card is
provided to the player and the game play continues. Otherwise, the
process returns to step 14. In embodiment B, a unique set of bingo
cards is generated at step 18. When a player initiates play, a card
is selected from the set at step 20 and the card is removed from
the set at step 22 to provide a unique bingo card to the player. In
an embodiment, shown generally as C, the cards can be generated
randomly as in embodiment A or pulled from a set as in embodiment B
and then displayed to the player. The player can then either select
the card to play, or seek an additional card to play. In the event
that the player selects the next card, such as touching the card on
the touch screen, the next card from the set is displayed and the
player is allowed to determine if he wishes to play that card. In
this embodiment, it is also possible to display a plurality of
cards on the screen to let the player display from the list to
allow the game to move forward. Next, the invention may determine
if there are a sufficient number of players playing the game at
step 30 so as to continue the game. In one embodiment, multiple
players are necessary to allow the players to play against each
other as embodiment does not allow an individual to play against a
computer alone. Therefore, this embodiment waits until a sufficient
number of players join. If there are not a sufficient number of
players after a predetermined period of time, this embodiment times
out at step 32 and the game ends at step 34. Once a sufficient
number of players are present, however, the invention continues. In
a preferred embodiment, 24 unique called numbers are randomly
generated at step 36. It should be noted that there cannot be a
bingo winner at this stage since only 24 of the 25 numbers have
been selected, no FREE space is used, and the winning pattern is
black-out. The black-out pattern assures that only after a certain
number of bingo numbers have been called that a winner can be
declared. Please note that in alternative embodiments alternative
winning patterns may be used that are not black-out bingo patterns.
When the winning pattern is not the black-out pattern, the initial
set of called numbers should be at least one less than the number
of card numbers so that there will be no bingo winner at this
stage. Since each card contains 25 spaces, selecting 24 balls at
step 36 insures that no player could have the winning black-out
pattern. The called 24 numbers are then compared to the virtual
bingo cards of each player in the game at step 38. For each match
found, that number on the virtual bingo card is marked, or daubed,
at step 40. While there is no bingo winner at this stage, the
invention can provide intermediate prizes that can be awarded based
on the 24 numbers called. The determination of intermediate prizes
is made at step 42. If an intermediate prize exists, it is awarded
at step 44. A video display, or mechanical reels, can have prize
indicators to display to the player representation that the player
has won an intermediate prize or Bingo. Indicators can include
virtual reels, messages, lights, sounds, or other indicator
representing the award or winning of a prize. Intermediate prizes
can be awarded when some predetermined pattern such as those shown
below, other than the bingo winning pattern of black-out.
[0023] It is understood that any pattern can be used for
intermediate prizes and such patterns are not limited to those used
for illustrative purposes, but can be any pattern of two or more
card numbers.
[0024] After the determination of intermediate prizes, the player
initiates the calling of the next, or the 25th number in the
preferred embodiment, at step 46 by actuating the daub button. This
number is then compared to the virtual bingo card of each player at
step 48 and a determination is made as to whether any player has a
black-out winning pattern at step 50. If there is a no winning
Bingo pattern, a determination as to whether more balls exist to
call is made at step 52. If so, the invention returns to step 46 to
select another number to call. If the Bingo black-out pattern is
determined, the Bingo winner is declared at step 56 and that
specific game is concluded.
[0025] Once the Bingo winner is declared at step 56, the player can
accept the award at step 58 by activating the daub button or
activator. If the award is accepted, the prize is awarded at step
60 and the player is declared a winner and the game ends. If the
player does not accept the award, the next number from the called
number set is selected and the game continues. In one embodiment,
the player has a predetermined period of time to accept the award
until the game continues. The declared Bingo will not be awarded
the prize if the player "sleeps the Bingo." "Sleeping the Bingo" is
a term used in traditional bingo to describe when a player has
Bingo, but does not so indicate such within the predetermined
period. If a player sleeps the Bingo, the player is removed from
the game and the game continues. In one embodiment, however, the
last remaining player cannot "Sleep the Bingo" and will be awarded
the Bingo prize.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, a screen, generally A, showing one
bingo game is illustrated. Bingo card 62 is shown with the numbers
daubed indicating that they have been matched to one of the bingo
ball numbers already called. In addition to displaying the bingo
card with the appropriate daubs, other indicators of winnings can
be included within the invention. For example, display reel, poker
hands, cards, dice, or any other visual representations can be used
to indicate winnings. When reels are used, they may be mechanical
reels as those in traditional slot machine games, or virtual reels
displayed on the display screen. Reels 64a, 64b, and 64c are shown
on screen A. In the event that an intermediate prize is awarded,
the reels can be aligned to represent the winning of the
intermediate prize. The reels can begin spinning when the player
initiates game play and can be stopped when the determination of
the intermediate prizes are made. Further, when the 25th bingo ball
is called, the reels can spin again and can represent whether the
player has won the Bingo game or not. Alternatively, the reels can
continue to spin until the end of the game and the intermediate
prizes won indicated by the reels with the Bingo award made through
some other indicator, such as flashing BINGO on the display.
[0027] In one embodiment, a help button 66 can be used to display
instructions about the game or to signal staff members that can
assist a player. Pay Table button 68, can exist and can display the
intermediate prizes that are available and the representative
symbol combinations for the reels. Further, a Bet Max button 70 can
be included to allow a player to bet the maximum bet per game for
both the bingo game and the intermediate prize portion of the game.
A Bet One button 72 can be included to allow a player to bet one
credit on the bingo game and the intermediate slot game. A daub
button 74 is shown as described herein.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, the operation of multiple units
over a network is shown. Server 84a communicates with game terminal
80a via hub 82a to operate the game on game terminal 80a. Server
84a contains the bingo cards that are sent to game terminal 80a for
the player to play Bingo. The server also controls the playing of
the bingo game including calling bingo numbers. The initial call of
numbers comes from the server through the hub to the game terminal
and likewise all additional numbers that are called travel the same
path. Remote terminal 86 is connected to server 84a and 84b through
network connection 88. Remote terminal 86 can be used to remotely
modify the game play occurring at any of multiple locations
represented as D and E. For example, if a payout table needs to be
updated on all the game terminals in operation, it is far easier to
update them from a remote terminal to all servers over a wide-area
network that connect to all game terminals individually.
Additionally, the games display representations and award or prize
indicators be changed from remote terminal 86 so that, for example,
terminal 80a can be quickly and remotely converted from a reel
display to poker display without having to travel to the terminal's
physical location. Further, it is advantageous to have multiple
servers controlling multiple games connected over a wide-area
network. This is advantageous in that it allows for progressive
jackpots to exist on each individual game terminal. Progressive
jackpots take a predetermined amount of all money or credits
wagered on each individual game terminal and combine it in a
central progressive jackpot which is awarded on the happening of a
predetermined event on a game terminal. The more game terminals
connected to the progressive jackpot, obviously, the higher the
potential progressive jackpot. By networking multiple servers in
multiple locations, it is possible to connect thousands of game
terminals at many different locations to achieve a higher
progressive jackpot. These progressive jackpots are very desirable
in their attractiveness to the players of the game terminals. The
players of the games are attracted to the opportunity to win a
prize in the hundreds of thousands of dollars on a simple one
dollar wager.
[0029] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be
apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *