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).

  • Gaming device having symbols with transformation probabilities
    Patent number: 7252592
    Abstract: A gaming device which includes symbols having a transformation probability. The gaming device in one embodiment includes an activator symbol. When the activator symbol is displayed, a processor of the gaming device determines the transformation probability of each of the displayed symbols and randomly determines which, if any, symbols are to be transformed into wild symbols or other functional symbols based on the transformation probability of the symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Paulina Rodgers, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Shawn Van Asdale
  • Gaming device having pivoting symbol indicator
    Patent number: 7241220
    Abstract: A gaming device including a mechanical display which includes a housing, a symbol display mechanism rotatably connected to the housing, a plurality of independent symbol display members including at least one symbol rotatably connected to the symbol display mechanism and a pivoting symbol indicator connected to the center of the symbol display mechanism. Upon a triggering event in a game, the symbol display mechanism rotates relative to the housing and each of the symbol display members rotate relative to the symbol display mechanism. The pivoting symbol indicator pivots downward towards one of the symbol display members to indicate the symbol on the symbol display member. The mechanical display may be used in a primary game, a secondary game or any suitable type of game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Markus Rothkranz, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Steve P. McGahn, Gene E. Powell, Randall D. Mead, Joseph R. Hedrick, Karen M. Cregan
  • Gaming device having an unveiling award mechanical secondary display
    Patent number: 7238109
    Abstract: A gaming device, which awards an initial award to a player, discloses to a player that a higher valued enticement award is available and selectable, and enables the player to selectively swap the initial award for an opportunity to select the enticement award. The game preferably discloses the value of the initial award and the enticement award. The game masks the enticement award in a pattern along with one or more masked consolation awards, the consolation awards having values less than the value of the initial award. The game reveals the awards using a secondary display having mechanical doors that open and close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven P. McGahn, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Gaming device having multiple selectable changing awards
    Patent number: 7220180
    Abstract: A gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that enables the player to build a number of awards by selecting choices from one or more sets of choices and further enables the player to select a final award choice that randomly provides one of the awards when the player finishes building the awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Paulina Glavich
  • Gaming device having a rotatable mechanical award indicator partially covered by a mask
    Patent number: 7217189
    Abstract: A gaming device including a rotatable mechanical award indicator which has a plurality of award symbols. The gaming device includes a mask, preferably overlaying the mechanical award indicator, which reveals only a predetermined number of the award symbols. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of player selectable symbols associated with different movements of the mechanical award indicator. This type of gaming device adds excitement to bonus games and increases player entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Gaming device having a mechanical award indicator
    Patent number: 7210997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device which includes an award indicator which includes rotating objects. At least one award value and preferably other symbols are displayed on the faces of the objects. The gaming device provides players with certain award values displayed by the objects after the objects have stopped rotating. This type of gaming device provides players with increased entertainment and enjoyment when playing gaming devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, James M. Gray, Michael S. Hoy, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Daniel J. Waller
  • Gaming device having extender symbols
    Patent number: 7169042
    Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels or cards having several symbols. The symbols include at least one extender symbol. In one embodiment, when the extender symbol is randomly generated on the reels, one of the symbols randomly generated on the reels changes into another of the symbols randomly generated on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David H. Muir, Gregg J. Palmer, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Gaming device having a multiple selection and award distribution bonus scheme
    Patent number: 7160188
    Abstract: A gaming device having a multiple selection and award distribution bonus scheme. A selection is chosen from a group of selections. The game determines awards for distribution to the selection. Once determined, the awards are distributed to the selection and a player is provided with the awards. The game preferably utilizes a number of award pools in order to determine the award distribution. This award pool determination is based on, for example, a number of probability tables associated with the award pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Randall D. Mead, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Gaming device having an adjacent selection bonus scheme
    Patent number: 7160186
    Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus game with an adjacent selection feature. In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device provides a plurality of adjacent player selectable selections. An award is associated with each player selectable selection. The award associated with each selectable selection is not initially displayed or revealed to the player. The player selectable selections are arranged or grouped into a plurality of associated or related selection sets. In one embodiment, each selection set has a different number of player selectable selections. In one embodiment, the related plurality of selection sets are arranged adjacent to each other to enable each player selectable selection in one set to be adjacent to at least one player selectable selection from another selection set. The player's pick in each selection set limits the available selections in the subsequent selection sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Cari L. Blomquist
  • Gaming device with moving screen simulation
    Patent number: 7156740
    Abstract: A gaming device which simulates movement of the gaming device screen. The screen displays certain imagery, and after a predetermined event occurs the computer of the gaming device repositions the imagery, causing the screen to appear to move. This feature, usable in primary games and bonus rounds, enhances the enjoyment and entertainment which players experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with the reels in the primary game
    Patent number: 7156737
    Abstract: A gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with the reels in the primary game. One embodiment includes a mechanical die shaker mounted directly adjacent to the reels of the gaming device. The die shaker includes a suitable container that houses at least one die. In one embodiment, the gaming device activates the mechanical die shaker to shake or actuate the die simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. If the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels, the player obtains an award associated with the position of the shaken die. In this embodiment, if the player does not obtain one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels, the player will not obtain any award based on the shaken die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Michael MacVittie
  • Gaming system dome cap for a shared symbol display cap
    Patent number: D534590
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Michael MacVittie, Kehl T. LeSourd, Kirk A. Tedsen, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle
  • Gaming system display
    Patent number: D536386
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Michael MacVittie, Kehl T. LeSourd, Kirk A. Tedsen, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle
  • Gaming system dome for a shared symbol display
    Patent number: D536387
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Michael MacVittie, Kehl T. LeSourd, Kirk A. Tedsen, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle
  • Gaming system combined shared symbol display and protective dome
    Patent number: D536388
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kehl T. LeSourd, Kirk A. Tedsen, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle
  • Gaming system combined light candle and indicator for a shared symbol display
    Patent number: D536742
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Michael MacVittie, Kehl T. LeSourd, Kirk A. Tedsen, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle
  • Gaming system dome cap for a shared symbol display
    Patent number: D536743
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Michael MacVittie, Kehl T. LeSourd, Kirk A. Tedsen, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle
  • Gaming device having multiple symbol displays
    Patent number: D537127
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Lance R. Peterson
  • Gaming system dome cap for a shared symbol display
    Patent number: D537886
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Michael MacVittie, Kehl T. LeSourd, Kirk A. Tedsen, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle
  • Gaming system having a combined dome and display device
    Patent number: D548800
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Michael MacVittie