Patents by Inventor Joseph E. Kaminkow

Joseph E. Kaminkow 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: 7427236
    Abstract: A gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate or individual outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Zeke Brill, Hans Elias, Paulina Rodgers, Kehl T. LeSourd, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle, Kirk A. Tedsen, Michael MacVittie
  • Patent number: 7413510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device and method having a bonus game, where the bonus game displays a target set including a plurality of player selectable symbols. At least one of the symbols is designated as a target symbol in a target set. The gaming device provides a predetermined number of picks to begin a bonus game and enables a player to use the picks to pick symbols from the target set. If the player picks a symbol that is not a target symbol, a relationship indicator indicates the relationship between the target symbol and the picked symbol. The player continues to pick symbols in the target set until the player picks the target symbol. If the player picks a target symbol, the gaming device enables the player to pick symbols from a new target set. The player continues to pick symbols in target sets until the player has no picks remaining. Preferably, the gaming device provides an award for each picked target symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Megan N. Schlegel, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Randall D. Mead
  • Publication number: 20080188287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device and method having a bonus game, where the bonus game displays a target set including a plurality of player selectable symbols. At least one of the symbols is designated as a target symbol in a target set. The gaming device provides a predetermined number of picks to begin a bonus game and enables a player to use the picks to pick symbols from the target set. If the player picks a symbol that is not a target symbol, a relationship indicator indicates the relationship between the target symbol and the picked symbol. The player continues to pick symbols in the target set until the player picks the target symbol. If the player picks a target symbol, the gaming device enables the player to pick symbols from a new target set. The player continues to pick symbols in target sets until the player has no picks remaining. Preferably, the gaming device provides an award for each picked target symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Megan N. Schlegel, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Randall D. Mead
  • Patent number: 7399225
    Abstract: A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wild indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Publication number: 20080167105
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for operating a gaming device that enables or activates one or more poker hands upon the receipt or wager of a single credit from the player. 3 The gaming device of the present invention maintains and displays a plurality of poker hands and an input device that enables a player to bet one or more credits. When the player wagers a credit, the processor of the gaming device activates a number of the poker hands, the number pre-selected or player selected to be one or more and preferably each of the poker hands maintained by the gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Publication number: 20080167108
    Abstract: A gaming device that randomly generates and displays a set of different amounts on a display device. In one embodiment, the game generates three amounts. The game asks the player to pick one of the amounts for which the player thinks that the game will generate a comparison amount having a higher value. That is, the game asks the player to pick an amount that will be less than the generated comparison amount. Or, the game can ask the player to pick an amount that will be higher than the generated comparison amount. Alternatively, the game can ask the player to pick, for one of the displayed amounts, whether a generated comparison amount will be higher or lower than the displayed amount. In any of these three embodiments, if the player is correct, the game provides an award to the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Peter Gerrard, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 7361088
    Abstract: A gaming device having a game which involves the disclosure of various values to a player in increments. The player selects one or more symbols, and the game incrementally discloses values associated with such symbols. The gaming device determines an amount based on the disclosed values. In addition, the gaming device enables the player to affect the award based on this amount by making one or more inputs. This type of gaming device increases player excitement and enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Darren Maya, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 7361087
    Abstract: A gaming device that randomly generates and displays a set of different amounts on a display device. In one embodiment, the game generates three amounts. The game asks the player to pick one of the amounts for which the player thinks that the game will generate a comparison amount having a higher value. That is, the game asks the player to pick an amount that will be less than the generated comparison amount. Or, the game can ask the player to pick an amount that will be higher than the generated comparison amount. Alternatively, the game can ask the player to pick, for one of the displayed amounts, whether a generated comparison amount will be higher or lower than the displayed amount. In any of these three embodiments, if the player is correct, the game provides an award to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Peter Gerrard, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 7351146
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for operating a gaming device that enables or activates one or more paylines upon the receipt or wager of a single credit from the player. The gaming device of the present invention maintains and displays a plurality of paylines and an input device that enables a player to bet one or more credits. When the player wagers a credit, the processor of the gaming device activates a number of the paylines, the number pre-selected or player selected to be one or more and preferably each of the paylines maintained by the gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 7338367
    Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus game, where one embodiment of the gaming device includes a display device; a processor that controls the display device; and several selections including awards and at least one accumulated award. The gaming device provides a player with a number of picks to start a game. The player picks selections attempting to obtain awards. If the player picks an accumulated award, the player receives two or more awards that are associated with selections preferably adjacent to the accumulated award. The player continues to pick selections until there are no picks remaining. In another embodiment, the selections include at least one terminator where a player continues to pick selections until the player picks a terminator or until there are no picks remaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7338364
    Abstract: A gaming device with a bonus scheme which includes a plurality of value sets and a plurality of inputs which a player can make. After a player makes particular inputs, the gaming device stores in memory or designates certain values in certain value sets which are associated with the input outcomes. After a terminating condition occurs, the gaming device awards the player with certain stored or designated values. This type of bonus scheme adds excitement to bonus rounds and increases player entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Publication number: 20080004097
    Abstract: The invention provides for generating a customizable gaming-machine template for advertising on a gaming-machine. A customizable template may be generated to allow a user, such as a casino or licensee, to customize secondary gaming information to be displayed on the gaming-machine. The user may select what type of information is to be displayed, when is it displayed (e.g., times of days), triggers for its display (e.g., particular states of the gaming-machine) and a format for its display (e.g., size, shape, device, colors, display locations, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Darren Maya, Aaron Jones, Kevin Ashman, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 7314409
    Abstract: A gaming device including a game having a plurality of matingly interconnected indicators which are in the form of puzzle pieces that form a puzzle, and a plurality of masked selections associated with the puzzle pieces. The gaming device enables a player picks the selections to reveal one or more of the puzzle pieces in the puzzle. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides an award for each puzzle piece revealed in the puzzle. The player continues to pick selections until the player obtains a designated combination or section of puzzle pieces. After completing the designated combination, the gaming device provides the player with any awards associated with the puzzle pieces in the designated combination. In one embodiment, the gaming device also provides the player with the awards associated with any matingly interconnected puzzle pieces previously selected by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Darren Maya, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7311604
    Abstract: A gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate or individual outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Zeke Brill, Hans Elias, Paulina Rodgers, Kehl T. LeSourd, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle, Kirk A. Tedsen, Michael MacVittie
  • Patent number: 7311598
    Abstract: A gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate or individual outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Zeke Brill, Hans Elias, Paulina Rodgers, Kehl T. LeSourd, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle, Kirk A. Tedsen, Michael MacVittie
  • Patent number: 7306520
    Abstract: A gaming device including a first and second indicator plate which are adjacent to each other and on the same axis where the second plate overlaps at least a portion of the first plate and the first and second plates are in different planes. In one embodiment, the first plate includes at least one symbol where one or more awards are associated with the symbol. The second plate is composed of a substantially transparent material, which enables a player to see through at least a portion of the second plate to view one or more symbols on the first plate. The second plate also includes a plurality of sections, which indicate one or more symbols on the first plate. In one embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to select one or more of the sections on the second plate to indicate a symbol or symbols on the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Jamie J. Goins
  • Patent number: 7306518
    Abstract: A gaming device having a game which displays an award distributor and a sequence of groups to a player. A processor causes the award distributor to indicate an award. Furthermore, the gaming device enables the player to pick one of the groups in the sequence. The processor reveals at least one element associated with the picked group in the sequence. A multiplier provided to the player changes based on the number of elements revealed in the sequence. The processor provides an activation award to the player, which equals the indicated award multiplied by the multiplier. The player continues to play the game until all of the groups are picked in the sequence. In another embodiment, at least one risk symbol is associated with the award distributor wherein the risk symbols modify one or more game components in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7303469
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device bonus round that contains a plurality of groups each having a plurality of selections that the player can pick and receive an award. The groups and selections form a theme that provides enjoyment and excitement to the player. The game enables the player to pick a predetermined number of selections from each group. After the player picks from each selection group, the game uncovers, reveals and awards an award hidden underneath and the awards of selections that the player did not choose. The bonus round includes audio and visual displays, in accordance with the game theme, that either direct or follow along with the player's progress of the bonus round. As the player proceeds through the bonus round, the game accumulates the awards and displays the accumulation at the end of the round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 7300348
    Abstract: A gaming device having a game with a grid which has a plurality of segments. The grid segments are defined by a plurality of independently selectable first coordinates and second coordinates. The gaming device provides the player with a number of opportunities to select segments of the grid and obtain awards by independently selecting both a first coordinate and a second coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 7264545
    Abstract: A processor controlled gaming device having a display device, wherein the display device shows the player an offer, enables the player to keep the offer and provides a predefined number of chances for the player to change a component of or upgrade the offer. The player may use all the chances, wherein the game awards the final offer or keep any one of the initial or intermediate offers. In a general embodiment, the game displays a plurality of masked values and a plurality of displayed values on the display device. The initial offer is a combination and preferably an addition of each of the displayed values. The game in one preferred general embodiment allows the player to select the displayed value to mask and thus remove from the offer and the masked value to reveal and add to the offer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Darren Maya, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist