Patents by Inventor Cari L. Blomquist

Cari L. Blomquist 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: 6878061
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonus scheme for a gaming device which presents a plurality of selections to a player. When a player chooses a selection, the game exhibits a non-terminating symbol or a terminating symbol. Certain non-terminating symbols are related to other non-terminating symbols. The game awards the player with a basic value when the player chooses selections which are associated with non-terminating symbols. In addition, the game awards the player with a match value when the player chooses a selection and the game exhibits a symbol which is related to another exhibited symbol. The bonus round terminates when the player ultimately chooses a selection associated with a terminating symbol. Accordingly, the player is faced with an array of selections with the aim of locating as many related non-terminating symbols as possible, before reaching a terminating symbol. The game may also award a basic value to the player when the player chooses a selection associated with a terminating symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Lance R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040214632
    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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Cari L. Blomquist
  • Publication number: 20040204223
    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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Cari L. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 6783457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonus scheme for a gaming device which presents a plurality of selections to the player in one or more rounds. After a players chooses each selection, a processor, using predetermined probabilities, generates various outcomes. Depending upon which types of outcomes are generated, the player may advance to different rounds where the player can choose other selections, or instead the bonus round can terminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, Ryan William Cuddy, Brian Daniel Swift, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Lance R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040132525
    Abstract: A processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates and displays a pachinko-type game and outcome on a screen connected to the processor. The gaming device initially provides a preliminary game that yields the number of attempts or objects that the player has in the pachinko-type game. Next, the game displays the pachinko-type game screen having a player selectable starting area. The starting area is large enough so that when the player picks a certain position of the area, the object falls from the selected position, hits a plurality of pegs and lands in an award position. The selected start position affects which award position that object eventually falls in accordance with the probability distribution predicted by the laws of physics. The player's award, however, is not effected by which start position the player selects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Anna Sheila C. Parrucho, Cari L. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 6733386
    Abstract: The present invention provides 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: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Cari L. Blomquist
  • Publication number: 20040082378
    Abstract: A gaming device that incorporates mechanical display devices to provide a player-selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. The gaming device randomly generates a plurality of digit positions or places of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's original award. The player can elect to modify the original award using a plurality of methods to create an ultimate award. The gaming device display the digits, digit positions, and modification methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Lance R. Peterson, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva, Randall D. Mead
  • Publication number: 20040082376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonus scheme for a gaming device which presents a plurality of selections to a player. When a player chooses a selection, the game exhibits a non-terminating symbol or a terminating symbol. Certain non-terminating symbols are related to other non-terminating symbols. The game awards the player with a basic value when the player chooses selections which are associated with non-terminating symbols. In addition, the game awards the player with a match value when the player chooses a selection and the game exhibits a symbol which is related to another exhibited symbol. The bonus round terminates when the player ultimately chooses a selection associated with a terminating symbol. Accordingly, the player is faced with an array of selections with the aim of locating as many related non-terminating symbols as possible, before reaching a terminating symbol. The game may also award a basic value to the player when the player chooses a selection associated with a terminating symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Lance R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6692356
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game for a gaming device which involves signifying symbols for a variety of purposes, such as highlighting game events, winning symbols, losing symbols and selections which a player can make. The gaming device signifies the symbols by applying enhancements to certain symbols or their backgrounds, such as coloration or shading. This type of game increases player involvement, entertainment and excitement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Lance L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040023707
    Abstract: A processor controlled gaming device having a display device, wherein the display device shows the player an offer, enables the player to keep the offer and provides a predefined number of chances for the player to change a component of or upgrade the offer. The player may use all the chances, wherein the game awards the final offer or keep any one of the initial or intermediate offers. In a general embodiment, the game displays a plurality of masked values and a plurality of displayed values on the display device. The initial offer is a combination and preferably an addition of each of the displayed values. The game in one preferred general embodiment allows the player to select the displayed value to mask and thus remove from the offer and the masked value to reveal and add to the offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Darren Maya, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 6676516
    Abstract: A gaming device which presents a plurality of indicators to the player. Each indicator may be a success indicator or a failure indicator based on a pre-determined probability. Upon or prior to the selection of the indicator, the processor in the gaming device determines, based on that probability, if the indicator is a success indicator or a failure indicator. When a player selects an indicator, the gaming device displays if the selected indicator is a failure indicator or a success indicator and a value associated with the success indicator. In one embodiment, the player selects indicators until the player selects all of the success indicators or the player selects a failure indicator. Accordingly, based on chance and the pre-determined probability, a game may include all success indicators and no failure indicators to increase player excitement and enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Lance R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6669559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bonus scheme for a gaming device which presents a plurality of selections to a player. When a player chooses a selection, the game exhibits a non-terminating symbol or a terminating symbol. Certain non-terminating symbols are related to other non-terminating symbols. The game awards the player with a basic value when the player chooses selections which are associated with non-terminating symbols. In addition, the game awards the player with a match value when the player chooses a selection and the game exhibits a symbol which is related to another exhibited symbol. The bonus round terminates when the player ultimately chooses a selection associated with a terminating symbol. Accordingly, the player is faced with an array of selections with the aim of locating as many related non-terminating symbols as possible, before reaching a terminating symbol. The game may also award a basic value to the player when the player chooses a selection associated with a terminating symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Lance R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6666766
    Abstract: The present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates and displays a pachinko-type game and outcome on a screen connected to the processor. The gaming device initially provides a preliminary game that yields the number of attempts or objects that the player has in the pachinko-type game. Next, the game displays the pachinko-type game screen having a player selectable starting area. The starting area is large enough so that when the player picks a certain position of the area, the object falls from the selected position, hits a plurality of pegs and lands in an award position. The selected start position affects which award position that object eventually falls in accordance with the probability distribution predicted by the laws of physics. The player's award, however, is not effected by which start position the player selects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Anna Sheila C. Parrucho, Cari L. Blomquist
  • Publication number: 20030190948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device feature which involves one or more symbols which travel from one location to a randomly determined location on one or more reels. The travel can occur at any time during a primary game or bonus round, however it preferably occurs to accompany an outcome such as a value award. This travel feature provides players with engaging entertainment and increases player enjoyment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Lance R. Peterson, Bayard S. Webb
  • Publication number: 20030190947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device feature which involves one or more symbols which travel from location to location on one or more reels. The travel can occur at any time during a primary game or bonus round, however it preferably occurs to accompany an outcome such as a value award. This travel feature provides players with engaging entertainment and increases player enjoyment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Lance R. Peterson, Bayard S. Webb
  • Publication number: 20030125106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game for a gaming device which involves signifying symbols for a variety of purposes, such as highlighting game events, winning symbols, losing symbols and selections which a player can make. The gaming device signifies the symbols by applying enhancements to certain symbols or their backgrounds, such as coloration or shading. This type of game increases player involvement, entertainment and excitement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Lance L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6565433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device feature which involves one or more symbols which travel from one location to a randomly determined location on one or more reels. The travel can occur at any time during a primary game or bonus round, however it preferably occurs to accompany an outcome such as a value award. This travel feature provides players with engaging entertainment and increases player enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Lance R. Peterson, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 6561900
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device feature which involves one or more symbols which travel from location to location on one or more reels. The travel can occur at any time during a primary game or bonus round, however it preferably occurs to accompany an outcome such as a value award. This travel feature provides players with engaging entertainment and increases player enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Lance R. Peterson, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 6558254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game for a gaming device which involves signifying symbols for a variety of purposes, such as highlighting game events, winning symbols, losing symbols and selections which a player can make. The gaming device signifies the symbols by applying enhancements to certain symbols or their backgrounds, such as coloration or shading. This type of game increases player involvement, entertainment and excitement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baelocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Lance L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20030064783
    Abstract: The present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates and displays a pachinko-type game and outcome on a screen connected to the processor. The gaming device initially provides a preliminary game that yields the number of attempts or objects that the player has in the pachinko-type game. Next, the game displays the pachinko-type game screen having a player selectable starting area. The starting area is large enough so that when the player picks a certain position of the area, the object falls from the selected position, hits a plurality of pegs and lands in an award position. The selected start position affects which award position that object eventually falls in accordance with the probability distribution predicted by the laws of physics. The player's award, however, is not effected by which start position the player selects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Anna Sheila C. Parrucho, Cari L. Blomquist