Patents by Inventor Chris T. Brune

Chris T. Brune 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: 6443452
    Abstract: A gaming terminal provides at least a portion of at least one prize in the form of at least one or more free game rounds. A benefit may be calculated as the difference between the value of the prize if paid out in coins or other monetary value and the value paid out as free game rounds. In one aspect, the benefit is redistributed in the paytable, preferably so as to provide a game in which the overall, long-term averaged payback amount is unchanged by the process of converting monetary payouts to free game payouts and redistributing the benefit thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: International Game Technology
    Inventor: Chris T. Brune
  • Patent number: 6267669
    Abstract: A gaming device and method for a hybrid game including a coordination/dexterity portion and/or traditional game portion is provided. Preferably, both a coordination/dexterity game and a traditional game are part of a single hybrid game, both of which portions are played using a single display device. In one embodiment, a player first plays a coordination/dexterity game and is given an opportunity to play a traditional game upon the occurrence of certain predetermined or predefined events during play of the coordination/dexterity game. Preferably, game outcome for both portions is controlled by an already-approved controller, such as a traditional game controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: International Game Technology
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Anthony J Baerlocher, Chris T. Brune, Jason Mayeroff
  • Patent number: 6050895
    Abstract: A gaming device and method for a hybrid game including a coordination/dexterity portion and/or traditional game portion is provided. Preferably, both a coordination/dexterity game and a traditional game are part of a single hybrid game, both of which portions are played using a single display device. In one embodiment, a player first plays a coordination/dexterity game and is given an opportunity to play a traditional game upon the occurrence of certain predetermined or predefined events during play of the coordination/dexterity game. Preferably, game outcome for both portions is controlled by an already-approved controller, such as a traditional game controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: International Game Technology
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Anthony J. Baerlocher, Chris T. Brune, Jason Mayeroff
  • Patent number: 5851148
    Abstract: A game such as a video poker or other card game is provided with a feature providing an incentive for multiple hand or multiple game play. In one embodiment, some or all of the cards of each hand, such as only necessary winning cards, are used to increment the value in corresponding memory locations. When a given memory location reaches a predetermined value, an indicator corresponding to that memory location and the corresponding card is illuminated. When all indicators are illuminated, the player wins a bonus which may be based on the amount wagered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: International Game Technology
    Inventors: Chris T. Brune, Robert A. Luciano, Jr.