Patents by Inventor David J. Sharpless

David J. Sharpless 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: 6869361
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system, apparatus and method for providing a bonus game which may be shared competitively, collaboratively or both among a plurality of players. Each player participating in the bonus game generates entries thereto in association with play of a base, or primary, game played on an individual gaming device. Players may also reintroduce entries for the bonus game that were generated on a gaming device at an earlier time to a different gaming device. Each gaming device is in communication with a controller that operates the shared bonus game and may communicate with or integrate a player tracking system. During the shared bonus game, the controller is configured to randomly select a bonus award amount that may be consistent with the par sheets, or pay tables, associated with the gaming devices, or separate therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David J. Sharpless, Jason R. deGrandmaison, Julie A. Mottes, Michael T. Tessmer
  • Publication number: 20030100361
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system, apparatus and method for providing a bonus game which may be shared competitively, collaboratively or both among a plurality of players. Each player participating in the bonus game generates entries thereto in association with play of a base, or primary, game played on an individual gaming device. Players may also reintroduce entries for the bonus game that were generated on a gaming device at an earlier time to a different gaming device. Each gaming device is in communication with a controller that operates the shared bonus game and may communicate with or integrate a player tracking system. During the shared bonus game, the controller is configured to randomly select a bonus award amount that may be consistent with the par sheets, or pay tables, associated with the gaming devices, or separate therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Sharpless, Jason R. deGrandmaison, Julie A. Mottes, Michael T. Tessmer