Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more stacked wild symbols which when appearing, trigger one or more re-spins wherein stacked wild symbols are locked in place for at least one re-spin. Awards are paid following each game outcome. In the event that a portion of a stacked wild symbol is displayed as part of a game outcome, the associated reel may nudge upward or downward to shift the entire stacked wild symbol into view, awards are then paid on the winning outcomes, and one or more re-spins may ensue with any displayed stacked wild symbols being locked for at least one subsequent re-spin.

Abstract: A gaming machine, method, and program product provide a slot machine game with a tiered bonus feature. A bonus feature includes a bonus feature prize selector and a bonus feature control selector. The bonus feature prize selector selects a current prize, and the bonus feature control selector selects a control outcome governing bonus feature prize selector. The control outcome may be awarding a current bonus prize selected or upgrading the current bonus prize selected on the first bonus wheel. In response to the upgrading outcome being selected, the bonus feature prize selector is made to select a replacement current prize from among a subset of the number of bonus feature prize tiers comprising each bonus feature prize tier having a value higher than prior value of the current prize.

Abstract: A wagering game, gaming machine, gaming network, and associated methods are disclosed wherein a wheel game includes dynamic paytable features associated with various trigger symbol types. Operating the gaming machine includes displaying a plurality of reels in each primary game including symbol locations which are updated with symbols to display the wager results, the reels including a plurality of wheel trigger symbols having a plurality of types each associated with a respective one of the wheel segment types. At least some wheel trigger symbols of each type including a multiplier value. A wheel spin selects a segment of a wheel. Responsive to the selected segment's type matching that of a selected wheel trigger symbol in the designated winning pattern, a wheel spin paytable is modified in a first display area applying the multiplier value of the selected wheel trigger symbol.

Abstract: A wagering game, gaming machine, gaming network, and associated methods are disclosed wherein a wheel game includes dynamic paytable features associated with various trigger symbol types. Operating the gaming machine includes displaying a plurality of reels in each primary game including symbol locations which are updated with symbols to display the wager results, the reels including a plurality of wheel trigger symbols having a plurality of types each associated with a respective one of the wheel segment types. At least some wheel trigger symbols of each type including a multiplier value. A wheel spin selects a segment of a wheel. Responsive to the selected segment's type matching that of a selected wheel trigger symbol in the designated winning pattern, a wheel spin paytable is modified in a first display area applying the multiplier value of the selected wheel trigger symbol.

Abstract: Multiple different game symbol weighting sets are defined for selection in a given play of a reel-type game. Each game symbol weighting set defines a probability of each reel strip in the reel-type game landing at each particular stop position for that reel strip. By providing multiple different game symbol weighting sets, certain game symbols such as special themed game symbols may be favored for one or more plays of the game to increase the chance of hitting winning symbol combinations using that game symbol.

Abstract: A gaming machine, method, and program product provide a slot machine game with a tiered bonus feature. A bonus feature includes a bonus feature prize selector and a bonus feature control selector. The bonus feature prize selector selects a current prize, and the bonus feature control selector selects a control outcome governing bonus feature prize selector. The control outcome may be awarding a current bonus prize selected or upgrading the current bonus prize selected on the first bonus wheel. In response to the upgrading outcome being selected, the bonus feature prize selector is made to select a replacement current prize from among a subset of the number of bonus feature prize tiers comprising each bonus feature prize tier having a value higher than prior value of the current prize.

Abstract: A multilayer particle shield for a spacecraft includes an inboard exterior layer configured to be disposed proximal to the spacecraft, an outboard exterior layer configured to be disposed distal from the spacecraft and at least one interior layer disposed between the inboard exterior layer and the outboard exterior layer, wherein the interior layer includes a semi-rigid, porous, compressible spacer.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method for providing multiple simultaneous virtual game presentations to a player. An electronic controller is programmed to operate the virtual game presentations in response to player wagers, and determine if virtual game presentations all include a winning pattern. If so, the controller activates a bonus game structure to display the conduct of a bonus game and a bonus game result. A trigger pattern may replicate to selected virtual game presentations.

Abstract: A casino gaming system includes gaming machines which are configured to accept and read tickets. The ticket may comprise cash-value tickets or non-cash value/promotional tickets. The tickets may also include secondary feature triggering indicia. The player may present the cash-value ticket having a feature triggering indicia or a non-cash value/promotional ticket to a gaming machine, such as by inserting it into a media reader such as a bill acceptor. Associated monetary value or non-monetary credits may be credited to the machine. In addition, if the ticket includes a feature triggering indicia, when such an indicia is detected, the gaming machine preferably triggers or initiates the feature.

Abstract: Apparatus, article of manufacture and method for designing a jewelry setting that comprise displaying on a display a plurality of components. Each component corresponds to a section of a jewelry setting. A selection of at least one component that corresponds to a first section of the jewelry setting is received. An electronic template of the jewelry setting is generated. The electronic image comprises the at least one selected component. The electronic template is transmitted to a remote device.

Abstract: Multiple different game symbol weighting sets are defined for selection in a given play of a reel-type game. Each game symbol weighting set defines a probability of each reel strip in the reel-type game landing at each particular stop position for that reel strip. By providing multiple different game symbol weighting sets, certain game symbols such as special themed game symbols may be favored for one or more plays of the game to increase the chance of hitting winning symbol combinations using that game symbol.

Abstract: Apparatus, article of manufacture and methods for recommending a jewelry item that comprise receiving, at a jewelry interface, user-input data regarding: a selection of at least one jewelry item. The at least one jewelry item comprises a plurality of characteristics. User-input data also includes an indication of a level of importance for at least one characteristic of a jewelry item. Each level of importance corresponds to a co-efficient. An ideal profile is computed based in part on the selection of the at least one jewelry item and the indication of the level of importance, an ideal profile. A matching algorithm is applied to a plurality of jewelry items stored in an inventory. Based on the matching algorithm, at least one recommended jewelry item is identified as most closely matching the ideal profile. An indication of the at least one recommended jewelry item is transmitted.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method for providing multiple simultaneous virtual game presentations to a player. An electronic controller is programmed to operate the virtual game presentations in response to player wagers, and determine if virtual game presentations all include a winning pattern. If so, the controller activates a bonus game structure to display the conduct of a bonus game and a bonus game result. A trigger pattern may replicate to selected virtual game presentations.

Abstract: Multiple different game symbol weighting sets are defined for selection in a given play of a reel-type game. Each game symbol weighting set defines a probability of each reel strip in the reel-type game landing at each particular stop position for that reel strip. By providing multiple different game symbol weighting sets, certain game symbols such as special themed game symbols may be favored for one or more plays of the game to increase the chance of hitting winning symbol combinations using that game symbol.

Abstract: A gaming machine and method for providing multiple simultaneous virtual game presentations to a player. The machine controller is programmed to operate the virtual game presentations in response to player wagers, and determine if virtual game presentations all include a winning pattern. If so, the controller activates a bonus game structure to display the conduct of a bonus game and a bonus game result. A trigger pattern may replicate to selected virtual game presentations.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for virtual online jewelry sales in secondary markets.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display system, player input system, and processor programed or otherwise operable to perform a number of operations through the gaming machine hardware to provide a player-interactive feature. The gaming machine is adapted to operate in a primary game state in which a primary set of symbol locations is populated with game symbols responsive to a play initiation input from the player input system. The gaming machine is also controlled to activate a secondary input device while the gaming machine is in the primary game state, and to place the gaming machine in a secondary state in response to a player actuation of the activated primary input device.

Abstract: Methods facilitate tournaments in which tournament players play their tournament rounds at different times rather than concurrently as in a standard tournament. These methods may include monitoring for a player who is qualified tournament play. This monitoring is conducted by a tournament controller and may involve determining if one or more qualifying parameter values associated with a communication from a gaming machine satisfy a qualifying parameter definition which may be set by a system operator via the tournament controller. Where a tournament-qualified player is detected at a gaming machine, that gaming machine is enabled for play of a tournament game. The tournament game may then be conducted through the gaming machine to produce a tournament score for the player. This score is stored in memory associated with the tournament controller along with scores similarly produced for other qualified players.

Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing synchronized reel movement in wagering games played on slot machines or other gaming machines. A synchronized game outcome is provided in which slot reels rotate in a synchronized fashion at a slow rate, allowing the player to observe potential reel stop combinations passing over the game display. Processes for implementing the synchronization are provided for mechanical and simulated reels.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for in-store preview of jewelry items that comprise detecting that a RFID tag that is coupled to a jewelry item is within a threshold vicinity of a RFID reader. The information about the jewelry item is transmitting to an electronic device that is located proximately to the jewelry counter. Beacon technology is employed to communicate with a customer's mobile device. Pass application technology is employed to transmit records to and from a customer and local retailer.