Patents by Inventor James W. Morrow
James W. Morrow 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).
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Publication number: 20110123024Abstract: A rollback attack prevention system 10 for a gaming machine 20 includes a configuration log 30 and a revocation list 40. Preferably, the configuration log 30 includes a protected record of software that has been installed on the gaming machine 20. Further, the revocation list 40 includes an inventory of unauthorized software that the prevention system 10 prevents from being installed and/or used on the gaming machine 20.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: James W. Morrow, Marv Hein, David Carman
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Patent number: 7905780Abstract: An embedded user interface system 10 includes a web page display screen 20 and an embedded processor 30, and is incorporated into a gaming machine 40 that in turn includes a gaming presentation 50 and a gaming processor 60. The embedded processor 30 employs an internal operating system and communicates with the gaming processor 60. The display screen 20 presents information to a user via the display screen. The dictionary extension 100 receives an incoming text string, parses the text string to identify a navigation command and pull a uniform resource locator from the text string, loads the uniform resource locator pulled from the text string into a variable, and indirectly navigates the web content capable display screen to the uniform resource locator in the variable. This provides a dramatic improvement over traditional system components 70 (input/output peripherals) that have been used in the past to access service and system information, such as a 2-line, 20-character VF display and a 12-digit keypad.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Bally Gaming International, Inc.Inventors: James W. Morrow, Carmen DiMichele
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Publication number: 20110021270Abstract: A method is disclosed for authenticating a gaming device, wherein the gaming device includes a plurality of components, one of which is a storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: James W. Morrow, Lawrence McAllister, Robert Dubner, David Carman
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Patent number: 7836302Abstract: There is provided a method and system for verifying a device, having components. Identification numbers of the components are read and then verified. The process of verifying comprises matching each identification number in a database to determine whether each identification number is valid. In one embodiment, the database is remote from the device, wherein verification is performed over a network connecting a database server containing the database with the device. The device transmits the identification numbers for each of the components to the database server for verification. A file allocation structure reader may be located in a basic input/output system of the device for reading and verifying data files from a persistent storage media without loading an operating system. The device may comprise a gaming machine that contains a monitor for monitoring one or more system events being processed by the gaming machine. The monitor monitors routine and non-routine events.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: James W. Morrow, Lawrence McAllister, Robert Dubner, David Carman
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Publication number: 20100234101Abstract: A system for verifying one or more downloaded components 54 of a gaming device 10 that includes the gaming device, which has an alterable hard drive 80 (or other persistent storage media 90), and the downloaded components that further include gaming-related content 92-96. A related method includes: enabling initiation of a game on the gaming device 10; downloading the gaming-related content 92-96 to the alterable hard drive 80 while the gaming device 10 is enabled for game play; reading an identifier associated with the gaming-related content 92-96; verifying that the identifier is valid (using verification software 70); and reconfiguring the gaming device 10 to utilize the newly-downloaded, gaming-related content 92-96 in response to an initiating event.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: James W. Morrow, Lawrence McAllister, Robert Dubner, David Carmen
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Patent number: 7783881Abstract: There is provided a method and system for verifying a device, having components. Identification numbers of the components are read and then verified. The process of verifying comprises matching each identification number in a database to determine whether each identification number is valid. In one embodiment, the database is remote from the device, wherein verification is performed over a network connecting a database server containing the database with the device. The device transmits the identification numbers for each of the components to the database server for verification. A file allocation structure reader may be located in a basic input/output system of the device for reading and verifying data files from a persistent storage media without loading an operating system. The device may comprise a gaming machine that contains a monitor for monitoring one or more system events being processed by the gaming machine. The monitor monitors routine and non-routine events.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: James W. Morrow, Larence McAllister, Robert Dubner, David Carman
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Patent number: 7749076Abstract: A system for verifying one or more downloaded components 54 of a gaming device 10 that includes the gaming device, which has an alterable hard drive 80 (or other persistent storage media 90), and the downloaded components that further include gaming-related content 92-96. A related method includes: enabling initiation of a game on the gaming device 10; downloading the gaming-related content 92-96 to the alterable hard drive 80 while the gaming device 10 is enabled for game play; reading an identifier associated with the gaming-related content 92-96; verifying that the identifier is valid (using verification software 70); and reconfiguring the gaming device 10 to utilize the newly-downloaded, gaming-related content 92-96 in response to an initiating event.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: James W. Morrow
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Publication number: 20090082099Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a limited-time bonus period are disclosed herein. According to one method, one or more triggering events are established for the gaming machines, wherein the triggering events are winning game outcomes. A gaming period is initiated on the gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine generates a game outcome. If necessary, a system host is notified that one or more triggering events have been satisfied. The gaming machines then receive instructions from the system host to initiate a limited-time bonus period, wherein the limited-time bonus period is presented on a player tracking and interactive system gaming devices on a selected number of gaming machines. A notification message is displayed on the gaming machines regarding the initiation of the first limited-time bonus period, and a prize is awarded if a winning outcome is achieved by one or more of the networked gaming machines during the first limited-time bonus period.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2006Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Bally Gaming International, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, JR., Carmen DiMichele, James W. Morrow
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Publication number: 20090005176Abstract: A gaming device includes a housing and a game display carried by the housing for displaying one or more games. The gaming device further includes two card readers carried by the housing: a first card reader to read information indicative of a player identity from a player club card issued by a casino, and a second card reader to read information indicative of a financial account from a financial card issued by a financial institution.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: James W. Morrow, Carmen DiMichele, Lars A. Perry, Michael M. LeStrange, Robert Luciano, Lawrence McAllister
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Patent number: 7467404Abstract: A method for distributing software licenses for authorizing the installation of gaming software, by a user, onto a gaming machine is provided. The software installation process is initiated and an electronic key containing an encrypted license count interfaces with the gaming machine. The encrypted license count represents the number of licenses available for authorizing the installation of a particular gaming software. The encrypted license count is accessed and it is determined whether installation is permitted. Additionally a processing means for accessing a remote server, via a network connection, and increasing the licensing count stored in the electronic key is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Bally Garning, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence McAllister, James W. Morrow, Marvin A. Hein, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080254877Abstract: A method and system for verifying the continued presence of the same player at a gaming machine is provided. The system comprises a device for continuously obtaining verification data samples, wherein each verification data sample relates to one or more physical features of a first player. A subsequently obtained verification data sample is analyzed to determine whether it is substantially similar to a previously obtained verification data sample. If the subsequent verification data sample is substantially similar to the previously obtained verification data sample, then the system determines that the first player continues to be the same player present at the gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2005Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: James W. Morrow
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Publication number: 20070173311Abstract: Disclosed are a game and method for a wagering game including a Sudoku-like element. A feature game playable after determination of the primary game outcome includes an award associated with placement of one or more indicia on a grid such that no two indicia are the same in at least one of a row, a column or a diagonal of the grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: James W. Morrow, Russ F. Marsden, Marvin A. Hein, Robert A. Luciano
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Patent number: 6805633Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the sound volume of a gaming machine based on the ambient noise level to an appropriate level. The gaming machine may implement an open loop control algorithm when the machine's sound output is inactive as determined, e.g., by software, or by analyzing samples from a soundboard. A closed loop control algorithm may be implemented when the gaming machine is active. Alternatively, the machine may implement only an open loop algorithm that provides volume adjustment only when the machine's sound output is inactive, in which case the adjusted volume is maintained through an active period, then adjusted again at the next inactive period. A saturation back off feature prevents the sound level of the gaming machine from escalating to, and remains at, a maximum, saturation level.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Marvin Arthur Hein, Jr., James W. Morrow, Thomas B. Cannon
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Publication number: 20040054952Abstract: There is provided a method and system for verifying a device, having components. Identification numbers of the components are read and then verified. The process of verifying comprises matching each identification number in a database to determine whether each identification number is valid. In one embodiment, the database is remote from the device, wherein verification is performed over a network connecting a database server containing the database with the device. The device transmits the identification numbers for each of the components to the database server for verification. A file allocation structure reader may be located in a basic input/output system of the device for reading and verifying data files from a persistent storage media without loading an operating system. The device may comprise a gaming machine that contains a monitor for monitoring one or more system events being processed by the gaming machine. The monitor monitors routine and non-routine events.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: James W. Morrow, Lawrence McAllister, Robert Dubner, David Carman
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Publication number: 20040029637Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting the sound volume of a gaming machine based on the ambient noise level to an appropriate level. The gaming machine may implement an open loop control algorithm when the machine's sound output is inactive as determined, e.g., by software, or by analyzing samples from a soundboard. A closed loop control algorithm may be implemented when the gaming machine is active. Alternatively, the machine may implement only an open loop algorithm that provides volume adjustment only when the machine's sound output is inactive, in which case the adjusted volume is maintained through an active period, then adjusted again at the next inactive period. A saturation back off feature prevents the sound level of the gaming machine from escalating to, and remains at, a maximum, saturation level.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Marvin Arthur Hein, James W. Morrow, Thomas B. Cannon
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Patent number: 4841841Abstract: A steer-by-driving control for controlling a hydrostatic steering unit to permit consistent operator input during forward and reverse travel has a valve assembly including a distribution valve and a pair of sleeve valves. The sleeve valves are rotatably mounted on the distribution valve and are interconnected by a gear arrangement. One sleeve valve is rotated by the operator in response to a steer request while the other sleeve member, due to the gearing, rotates oppositely. The distribution valve member controls fluid flow through forward and reverse steer passages formed in the sleeve valves to a signal valve for distribution to a control member of a hydrostatic unit. The distribution valve member is subjected to rotary input from the hydrostatic steering unit to stop fluid flow when the proper steer position has been reached. The signal valve is positioned according to the direction of the vehicle operation to selectively send the steer signals to the proper portions of the hydrostatic control.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1988Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: James A. Redelman, James W. Morrow