Patents by Inventor Nicholas D. Moffett

Nicholas D. Moffett 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: 7905773
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for playing a game having a slot mode and a pinball mode generally include activating the slot mode to display different combinations of symbols and create a slot credit score, activating the pinball mode to play a pinball game and create a pinball credit score, and adding the pinball credit score to the slot credit score when the game switches from the pinball mode to the slot mode. The pinball game may include at least two flippers for operation by a player. The slot mode may switch to the pinball mode upon display of a combination of symbols including a pinball symbol. Machine-readable media may embody instructions for causing one or more machines to perform operations related to the game. Systems for playing the game may include an input, a processor that executes instructions in response to an input, and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Moffett, VI, Emily S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7281712
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus that is operable by a player in a slot mode and a pinball mode. In the slot mode the player operates a slot machine to display different combinations of symbols. In the pinball mode the player operates a pinball machine having a flipper and a play area to play a pinball game. The play area is oriented at an angle that is greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees above horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Moffett, VI, Emily S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7073790
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus that can be operated by a player in a slot mode and a pinball mode. The apparatus includes a slot machine that can be activated by the player in the slot mode to display different combinations of symbols. The apparatus also includes a pinball machine that can be operated by the player in the pinball mode to play a pinball game. A lever is provided for use with both the slot machine and the pinball machine. The player can manipulate the lever to activate the slot machine when the apparatus is in the slot mode and can manipulate the lever to operate the pinball machine when the apparatus is in the pinball mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Moffett, VI, Emily S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7070183
    Abstract: A combination of a slot machine and a pinball machine. The top section of the invention replicates a conventional reel-type slot machine, whereas the bottom section of the device is a conventional pinball machine. The slot machine is designed with solid sides and a stable base to prevent tilting, which commonly occurs during pinball play. A single handle allows a player to spin the slot reels or launch the pinball into action. The machine is equipped with various indicators and coin insert slots which allow a player to initiate play and monitor the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Moffett, VI, Emily S. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040222585
    Abstract: A combination of a slot machine and a pinball machine. The top section of the invention replicates a conventional reel-type slot machine, whereas the bottom section of the device is a conventional pinball machine. The slot machine is designed with solid sides and a stable base to prevent tilting, which commonly occurs during pinball play. A single handle allows a player to spin the slot reels or launch the pinball into action. The machine is equipped with various indicators and coin insert slots which allow a player to initiate play and monitor the results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Moffett, Emily S. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20020066996
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method of gaming, the gaming device being an apparatus which combines features of slot and pinball machines. Winning a bonus round while initially playing in the slot machine mode allows a player to increase his/her winnings while playing in the pinball machine mode. Accumulating points while initially playing in the pinball machine mode allows a player to increase his/her winnings while playing in the slot machine mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Emily S. Nelson, Nicholas D. Moffett