Cartridge programming system

Patent 4597058 Issued on June 24, 1986. Estimated Expiration Date:

June 24, 2003. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3609227

3718906

3744031

Coin-operated recording machine
Patent #: 3990710
Issued on: 11/09/1976
Inventor: Hughes

Interactive enquiry system
Patent #: 4186438
Issued on: 01/29/1980
Inventor: Benson , et al.

System arrangement for distribution and use of video games
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Issued on: 01/27/1981
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Patent #: 4300040
Issued on: 11/10/1981
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Patent #: 4335809
Issued on: 06/22/1982
Inventor: Wain

Vending ordering terminal Patent #: 4414467
Issued on: 11/08/1983
Inventor: Gould , et al.

Inventors

Assignee

Romox, Inc.

Application

No. 06/500657 filed on 06/03/1983

US Classes:

711/115, Detachable memory360/15, RECORD COPYING379/93.12, Sales, ordering, or banking system379/93.25, Having remote database (e.g., videotex system)700/234, Demonstration or duplication of article (e.g., software, video)700/236, Data collection or reporting (e.g., sales, inventory)700/237, Authorization (e.g., password, time usage limit, personal identification number (PIN)707/104.1Application of database or data structure (e.g., distributed, multimedia, image)

Examiners

Primary: Thomas, James D.
Assistant: Munteanu-Ramnic, Florin

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Flehr, Hohbach, Test, Albritton & Herbert

International Classes

G06F 1/00 (20060101)
G06F 9/445 (20060101)
G06F 21/00 (20060101)
G07F 7/10 (20060101)

Abstract

A cartridge programming system is provided for loading selected computer programs into a reprogrammable plug-in cartridge memory. A host computer controls a plurality of remote programming terminals. The terminals contain a library of programs. The consumer can select one and have it loaded into a blank cartridge. The terminal verifies the integrity of the copy and records the transaction. The host can send new programs to the terminals via dial-up telephone lines and can request data on copying-transactions. Various security measures help assure accurate accounting of copies made, thereby assuring authors and their assignees that proper royalties can be billed.