Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Neal, Gerber and Eisenberg LLP
  • Patent number: 8231457
    Abstract: A game, and more particularly to an electronic game that simulates trading securities on an exchange. The game is preferably played as a video gaming machine for gambling purposes. A computing device is provided having, among other things, a video screen display on which a line chart is displayed. The computing device also includes a selection device, which provides a means by which the player interacts with the computing device to “buy” or “sell”. The line chart includes a vertical axis that corresponds to the value or price of one or more securities, and a horizontal axis that corresponds to time. A segmented line is plotted on the line chart during a round of play. A random number generator randomly determines the vertical axis value for each point plotted along the segmented line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Eugene Jarvis, Andrew Eloff
  • Patent number: 8234026
    Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher K. Wyatt, Ivan E. Fox
  • Patent number: 8231450
    Abstract: The gaming system, gaming device and method disclosed herein provide an award enhancement feature that enables a player to obtain a round up factor for an award. The award enhancement feature of the present disclosure enables increasing the value of an award by rounding the award value up to a higher value based on the award value and the round up factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Kurt M. Larsen
  • Patent number: 8226519
    Abstract: A control system for use in a vehicle having left and right clutch assemblies, each clutch assembly including a brake mechanism and a drive mechanism. The control system includes a steering switch having a left steering position to actuate the left brake mechanism and the right drive mechanism, a neutral steering position to actuate the left and right drive mechanisms, and a right steering position to actuate the left drive mechanism and the right brake mechanism. The system may also include an operator switch having a first position to actuate brake mechanisms and disable the steering switch, and a second position that passes control of both brake clutch assemblies to the steering switch. The system may further include a brake switch having a brake position that actuates both brake mechanisms and disables the operator switch and the steering switch, and a drive position that passes control of both clutch assemblies to the operator switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raymond Hauser, Christopher K. Wyatt, Lonnie E. Holder, Scott W. Keller
  • Patent number: 8227948
    Abstract: An electric motor includes an upper housing, a lower housing including a flange for mounting the upper housing thereon and a cone-shaped portion extending away from the flange and the upper housing. The electric motor further includes a stator assembly formed of a first core having a first height and fitted into the upper housing, a rotor assembly rigidly joined to a shaft to rotate therewith in the stator assembly and formed of a second core having a second height, and a hub connected to a lower end of the shaft to rotate therewith in relation to the cone-shaped portion. The hub is configured to secure an operable implement to the electric motor. The second height is greater than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ivan E. Fox, Christopher K. Wyatt, Jim Hendershot
  • Patent number: 8226467
    Abstract: A gaming system which utilizes a random number generator where the process of selecting one or more seeds for the random number generator includes participation of a player. In one embodiment, the player picks one of a plurality of displayed selections at a gaming device. Each selection is associated with a different external seeding source of data not controlled by the gaming system. A gaming system gathers the data from the external seeding sources associated with the different seeds. The gaming system uses the data gathered from the seeding source associated with the player's picked selection to determine one or more seeds. The determined seeds are used to initialize a random number generator, which generates one or more numbers and at least in part determine the outcome of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Reid M. Weber, Michael M. Oberberger
  • Patent number: 8226469
    Abstract: A gaming system provides a bonus gaming session, which is activated during a play of a five-card draw poker base game when a predetermined plurality of the first set of five cards dealt meets a predetermined criteria, for example at least four of the five cards dealt and held by the player share a common suit. When activated, the gaming system repeats plays of the game in the bonus gaming session until a winning draw poker outcome has been generated. In the bonus gaming session, the card that is not co-suited with the plurality of the held first set of cards is discarded and randomly replaced until a winning five-card hand is generated. The gaming device provides an award when the winning five-card hand is generated. The gaming system provides a correspondingly larger award for a wining flush hand for each additional re-drawn fifth card required to achieve a winning five-card flush hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jason P. Pawloski, Christopher T. Brune
  • Patent number: 8226085
    Abstract: A gaming table, method and device including a plurality of rotors interchangeably operable in a decoupled mode and a coupled mode. The system includes a rotor coupler and a coupler actuator. The system provides an award associated with an indication of a combination of symbols of the rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David K. Bontempo, Mark C. Nicely, Benjamin J. Zoltewicz
  • Patent number: 8226468
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system and method include the gaming system randomly generating a plurality of symbols, displaying the generated symbols and prior to determining any awards for a play of a game, determining whether an expanding symbol is displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion. If the expanding symbol is displayed at the point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to “expand,” replacing at least another one of the displayed symbols. After the gaming system causes the symbol expansions, the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations, determines any awards associated with the winning symbol combinations, and provides the player with any determined awards. In various embodiments, the point of symbol expansion is a symbol position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Hoffman, Paulina Rodgers, Christmas C. Parker
  • Patent number: 8221223
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request for a cashout of a balance from a player. In response to receiving the cashout request, at least one benefit to offer is determined based upon the balance. A value of the benefit is greater than the cashout amount. An offer is provided to the player, which the player may accept in lieu of the cashout amount. In some embodiments, the player may accept the offer in lieu of a portion of the cashout amount or in addition to the cashout amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Gregory M. Gelman, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 8221215
    Abstract: Described are methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. A method according to an embodiment includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. The method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 8221226
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming device that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider, Cara L. Iddings
  • Patent number: 8221218
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying multiple gaming device interfaces for the same wagering game is provided. The game can be a slot game although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the exact same game is played using one of a plurality of different display interfaces, wherein the gaming device enables the player to select which interface to play. The player can play the game using one interface and then switch interfaces to provide a fresh display or to change the player's luck. The player can then switch back to the original interface or select a brand new interface depending upon how many interfaces overall are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John G. Gilliland, Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow, James A. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 8221276
    Abstract: A hydraulic motor assembly having a motor, gear reduction set and axle disposed in a housing is disclosed. A brake assembly may be mounted externally to the axle housing portion of the assembly to provide braking for the output axle. The housing may be formed of separate components, including the axle housing portion, an external surface of a ring gear and a hydraulic motor port block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Shane A. Deters
  • Patent number: 8221627
    Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided for the nitrification and denitrification of digested biosolids. The rate of nitrification/denitrification is controlled by sensing the amount of oxygen or another parameter in the digested biosolids and adjusting the amount of oxygen supplied to the biosolids, such as through automated adjustment of an aeration device. To promote nitrification, the amount of oxygen available in the digested biosolids is increased. To promote denitrification, the amount of oxygen available in the digested biosolids is decreased. The processes and apparatus are well suited for reducing the concentration of ammonium in biosolids or off-gas resulting from aerobic thermophilic digestion of wastewater sludges. The processes and apparatus are well suited for reducing the dosage of chemicals required for dewatering operations of biosolids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thermal Process Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Staton, Jim Eloff, Richard L. Pressley
  • Patent number: 8221206
    Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators adapted to generate a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions. In one embodiment, a player selects a first symbol position, the selected symbol position is activated and the gaming device reveals whether a terminator is associated with the selected symbol position. In this embodiment, the player continues selecting symbol positions (and the gaming device continues activating the selected symbol positions) until a terminator is revealed to be associated with a selected symbol position. After a terminator is revealed, the gaming device randomly generating a symbol at each of the activated symbol positions. The gaming device determines an outcome based on the symbols or combinations of symbols generated at the activated symbol positions and provides the player the determined outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel M. Marks, Anthony M. Singer, Howard M. Marks
  • Patent number: 8221245
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for planning and customizing a gaming vacation. Initially, a central controller receives preference and configuration data from a user at a user terminal. A preparation code is then determined and associated with the configuration data. The configuration data and the associated preparation code are transmitted from the central controller to a casino server. The central controller provides feedback regarding the user's requests. The feedback may include, for example, marketing offers for the user and/or configuring a gaming device according to the configuration data associated with a preparation code received from a user at the gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Norman C. Gilman, Scott T. Friesen, Steven M. Santisi
  • Patent number: 8221214
    Abstract: A game system including a plurality of symbols, a rotor and an award amount. The plurality of symbols include at least one secondary award group of the symbols. A wager is placeable on the secondary award group. The rotor displays the symbols and a plurality of ball landings adjacent to the symbols. A plurality of the symbols are indicatable after multiple spins of the rotor. The game system is operable to provide a secondary award based on the indication of one or more symbols within the secondary award group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark C. Nicely
  • Patent number: 8216039
    Abstract: A gaming system having a game with game elements is provided. The game includes a number of game elements provided to the player and the dealer, where the game elements are subsequently divided into two or more groups or hands. The gaming system sets the dealer game elements to form a first dealer hand and a second dealer hand, according to a set of “House-Way” game element setting rules. The gaming system enables the player to either manually set the player game elements to form the first player hand and the second player hand, or elect to have the gaming system automatically set the player hands according to one of several different “House-Way” and/or “Expert-Way” methods. If the player elects to manually set the player hands, the gaming system indicates to the player whether the player's game element setting selections are in accordance with any of the “House-Way” or “Expert-Way” rules. For the player and dealer hands, the first hand must have a rank greater than or equal to the rank of the second hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Ernie M. Lafky, Timothy B. Richards
  • Patent number: D664004
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Art and Cook
    Inventor: Alon Benishai