Patents by Inventor William R. Wells

William R. Wells 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: 8336697
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20120302325
    Abstract: A machine having a card processing assembly. The card processing assembly has a card drive and a heating device. The heating device is operable to cause a human-readable symbol to be viewable on a data card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Eric Meyerhofer, Joseph R. Hedrick, William R. Wells, Franco Crivelli
  • Patent number: 8317604
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 8282480
    Abstract: A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8243929
    Abstract: A gaming system is provided with biometric facilities for identifying or verifying the identity of a player or perspective player. In one aspect reference biometric data is stored in a portable biometric data storage device such as a smart card, PCMCIA card or the like and is preferably left in the possession or control of the individual or individuals to whom the biometric data relates. The reference biometric data is read in individual gaming terminals and compared, in individual gaming terminals to measured biometric data of a player or perspective player. In one aspect, gaming terminals use biometric verification or indication to implement a practical and feasible cashless gaming terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Richard Wilder, Harold E. Mattice, Chancey W. Griswold
  • Patent number: 8241119
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 8231463
    Abstract: A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Chauncey W. Griswold, Ricky Lew, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, Harold E. Mattice
  • Patent number: 8210759
    Abstract: A machine having a card processing assembly. The card processing assembly has a card drive and a heating device. The heating device is operable to cause a human-readable symbol to be viewable on a data card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Eric Meyerhofer, Joseph R. Hedrick, William R. Wells, Franco Crivelli
  • Publication number: 20120108338
    Abstract: A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: LEAP FORWARD GAMING
    Inventors: William R. WELLS, Ali SAFFARI, Christopher LUNDY, Craig PAULSEN
  • Publication number: 20120100908
    Abstract: A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: LEAP FORWARD GAMING
    Inventors: William R. WELLS, Ali SAFFARI, Christopher LUNDY, Craig PAULSEN
  • Publication number: 20120064978
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: LEAP FORWARD GAMING
    Inventor: William R. WELLS
  • Publication number: 20120064966
    Abstract: A machine having a card processing assembly. The machine has a plurality of card holders connectable to the card processing assembly. One card holder is configured to hold data cards associated with one condition. At least one other card holder is configured to hold data cards associated with another condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, William R. Wells, Franco Crivelli, Greg Parrott
  • Publication number: 20120061913
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for a self-contained dice shaker assembly. The self-contained dice shaker assembly may include a container device defining an opening into an interior configured for receipt of one or more dice and a sensor assembly in communication with the container interior. The sensor assembly may be configured to monitor, in accordance with one or more predetermined parameters, the shake quality of the dice in the container during a shaking event. The self-contained dice shaker assembly may include an identification assembly operable to identify the outcome of a respective outcome face of each die associated with the outcome of a shaking event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20120058816
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: LEAP FORWARD GAMING
    Inventor: William R. WELLS
  • Publication number: 20120052958
    Abstract: A gaming device having a card management system which is operable to manage a plurality of circulating data cards. The gaming device includes a card read-write device for reading data cards, a plurality of vertically-stacked card holders for holding a plurality of data cards and one or more card transporters for moving data cards to and from the card holders. The gaming device is operable with a portable card changeover machine. The present invention increases the convenience and efficiency for playing and managing gaming devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, William R. Wells, Franco Crivelli, Greg Parrott
  • Patent number: 8123616
    Abstract: In a method of facilitating the playing of a game via a gaming apparatus, a wager may be received via a value input device. Biometric data associated with a game play selection of a game may be received, and whether to permit the game play selection may be determined based on the received biometric data. A video image relating to the game may be displayed on a display unit, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Richard L. Wilder
  • Publication number: 20120021824
    Abstract: A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Chauncey W. Griswold, Ricky Lew, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, Harold E. Mattice
  • Patent number: 8088014
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 8083592
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 8079904
    Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting cashless gaming or player tracking within a gaming environment are disclosed. Players with associated player accounts are provided player tracking instruments having rewriteable displays. Also provided are gaming devices or machines having display panels adapted to display content and communicate with the player tracking cards or instruments. Data on player tracking instruments is updated and displayed thereupon. The player tracking instruments may contain an RFID tag to receive communications from a transceiver associated with the gaming device or machine. A feedback loop from a master gaming controller to a transceiver to a player tracking instrument to an input display panel and back to the master gaming controller can be created. Player tracking instruments may also have lights, speakers, vibration components, and other advanced features thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian Gadda, Harold E. Mattice, James Stockdale, William R. Wells, Richard L. Wilder