Patents by Inventor Christian L. Castro

Christian L. Castro 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: 9865121
    Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, modular gaming terminals, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A gaming machine is presented which includes an input device for receiving wagers to play a wagering game, and a display module with a display device for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The display device is coupled to a display module housing, which includes a male or a female mounting interface. The gaming machine also includes a core module with an electrical bus that electrically connects to the display device. A core housing, which stows the electrical bus and supports the display module, includes the other one of the male and female mounting interfaces. The female mounting interface receives the male mounting interface such that moving the male interface into the female interface automatically aligns the display module with the core module and removably attaches the core housing to the display housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Glenn, II, Christian L. Castro, Larry J. Pacey, Paul M. Lesley, Walter E. Smolucha, Christopher W. Chudek
  • Patent number: 9858747
    Abstract: A gaming terminal includes a first display screen operative to display a wagering game that includes a lower section. A second display screen is operative to display images of input buttons and includes a touchscreen operative to receive inputs at the input buttons to play the wagering game. The second display screen is smaller than the first display screen. The second display screen is positioned forwardly relative to the lower section of the first display screen such that the second display screen is closer than the first display screen to a player position in front of the gaming terminal. The second display screen is inclined relative to horizontal such that an imaginary plane containing the second display screen intersects the lower section of the first display screen thereby creating an infinity pool effect when viewing the first display screen relative to the second display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Joel R. Jaffe, Paul M. Lesley, Larry J. Pacey, Jesse Smith
  • Patent number: 9741200
    Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, II, Larry J. Pacey, Walter E. Smolucha, Christopher W. Chudek
  • Patent number: 9659432
    Abstract: A gaming system includes at least one light pipe which splits, reflects, and propagates light provided from one or more internal light sources to a plurality of external regions of the gaming system. The light sources may include sets of LEDs which deliver light via multiple light pipes or differing sections of the same light pipe, in varying configurations. Each light pipe may utilize a light splitter-reflector to receive, split, direct, propagate, and emit light from one or more sections of internally positioned light sources, simultaneously projecting decorative lighting to multiple exterior surfaces and regions of the gaming system. Light pipe assemblies may be constructed from modular pieces which include a separate light splitter-reflector, or from a single piece of uniform material which splits, directs, and emits light. Variations of direct light, indirect (reflected) light, and combinations of both enable various lighting patterns on the exterior of gaming machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, II, Timothy C. Loose, Bruce E. Reid, Wingate K. Williams
  • Publication number: 20170039803
    Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, II, Larry J. Pacey, Walter E. Smolucha, Christopher W. Chudek
  • Patent number: 9558635
    Abstract: A gaming terminal for conducting a wagering game includes a gaming cabinet, a video display, and an art panel. The video display is positioned within the gaming cabinet and is configured to display content associated with the wagering game. The art panel is positioned within the gaming cabinet and overlays the video display such that a first region of the art panel is illuminated by the video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Christian L. Castro, Joel R. Jaffe, Paul M. Lesley, Timothy C. Loose
  • Publication number: 20160364946
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a gaming cabinet, an electronic display device, a masked area, a light source, and a diffused lighting area. The display device is within a cabinet enclosure and has an active area with an image surface, which is defined by a plurality of active edges and is configured to display images of a casino wagering game. The masked area is adjacent to the active area and lacks any display of the images of the casino wagering game. The light source is concealed from view relative to a player position and emits an initial light. The diffused lighting area is adjacent to the masked area, extends to overlap the adjacent peripheral edge of the cabinet enclosure, and includes a single diffuser that receives the initial light and transmits it towards the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Nicholas M. Garoufalis, Robert J. Glenn, II, Paul M. Lesley, Timothy C. Loose, Brian J. Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20160364941
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a gaming cabinet, an electronic display device, and a front diffuser. The display device is positioned within the cabinet and includes an active area for displaying images of a casino wagering game and an inactive area lacking image display capability. The inactive area is immediately adjacent to the active area. The front diffuser receives light from a light source and diffuses at least a portion of the received light as indirect light viewable from a player position in front of the gaming machine. The diffuser overlaps the inactive area, is adjacent to the active area, and faces the player position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Nicholas M. Garoufalis, Robert J. Glenn, II, Paul M. Lesley, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 9514599
    Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, II, Larry J. Pacey, Walter E. Smolucha, Christopher W. Chudek
  • Publication number: 20160335836
    Abstract: Presented herein are gaming systems, electronic gaming machines, and mounting bracket assemblies for mounting display assemblies to gaming cabinets. An electronic gaming machine is disclosed which includes a gaming cabinet and an electronic display assembly with one or more video display panels mounted to a display housing. Each video display panel displays aspects of a wagering game. A mounting bracket assembly includes a first bracket attached to the display housing (or gaming cabinet), and a second bracket attached to the gaming cabinet (or display housing). The first bracket includes a connecting plate with one or more ramped channels and a stopping member. The second bracket includes a connecting plate with one or more ramped rails and a stopping member. The display assembly is mounted onto the cabinet by sliding each ramped rail of the first bracket into a respective ramped channel of the second bracket and mating the stopping members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, II, Paul M. Lesley
  • Publication number: 20160335835
    Abstract: Presented herein are gaming systems, electronic gaming machines, and multi-display arrangements for wagering game terminals. An electronic gaming machine is disclosed which includes a gaming cabinet with first and second electronic display devices coupled to the cabinet in side-by-side non-coplanar relationship. The first display device includes a first glass panel overlaying a first video display panel, whereas the second display device includes a second glass panel overlaying a second video display panel. Each video display panel is configured to display aspects of a casino wagering game. An elongated transition spacer is seated inside and extends across a gap between the first and second glass panels. The transition spacer has first and second pockets on opposing sides thereof. Each of the pockets seats therein and couples to an edge of a respective one of the glass panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, Paul M. Lesley
  • Publication number: 20160300428
    Abstract: A gaming terminal includes a first display screen operative to display a wagering game that includes a lower section. A second display screen is operative to display images of input buttons and includes a touchscreen operative to receive inputs at the input buttons to play the wagering game. The second display screen is smaller than the first display screen. The second display screen is positioned forwardly relative to the lower section of the first display screen such that the second display screen is closer than the first display screen to a player position in front of the gaming terminal. The second display screen is inclined relative to horizontal such that an imaginary plane containing the second display screen intersects the lower section of the first display screen thereby creating an infinity pool effect when viewing the first display screen relative to the second display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Joel R. Jaffe, Paul M. Lesley, Larry J. Pacey, Jesse Smith
  • Patent number: 9349240
    Abstract: A gaming terminal includes a first display screen operative to display a wagering game that includes a lower section. A second display screen is operative to display images of input buttons and includes a touchscreen operative to receive inputs at the input buttons to play the wagering game. The second display screen is smaller than the first display screen. The second display screen is positioned forwardly relative to the lower section of the first display screen such that the second display screen is closer than the first display screen to a player position in front of the gaming terminal. The second display screen is inclined relative to horizontal such that an imaginary plane containing the second display screen intersects the lower section of the first display screen thereby creating an infinity pool effect when viewing the first display screen relative to the second display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Joel R. Jaffe, Paul M. Lesley, Larry J. Pacey, Jesse Smith
  • Publication number: 20150371486
    Abstract: A gaming system includes at least one light pipe which splits, reflects, and propagates light provided from one or more internal light sources to a plurality of external regions of the gaming system. The light sources may include sets of LEDs which deliver light via multiple light pipes or differing sections of the same light pipe, in varying configurations. Each light pipe may utilize a light splitter-reflector to receive, split, direct, propagate, and emit light from one or more sections of internally positioned light sources, simultaneously projecting decorative lighting to multiple exterior surfaces and regions of the gaming system. Light pipe assemblies may be constructed from modular pieces which include a separate light splitter-reflector, or from a single piece of uniform material which splits, directs, and emits light. Variations of direct light, indirect (reflected) light, and combinations of both enable various lighting patterns on the exterior of gaming machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: CHRISTIAN L. CASTRO, ROBERT J. GLENN, II, TIMOTHY C. LOOSE, BRUCE E. REID, WINGATE K. WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20150087404
    Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, II, Larry J. Pacey, Walter E. Smolucha, Christopher W. Chudek
  • Publication number: 20150087401
    Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, modular gaming terminals, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A gaming machine is presented which includes an input device for receiving wagers to play a wagering game, and a display module with a display device for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The display device is coupled to a display module housing, which includes a male or a female mounting interface. The gaming machine also includes a core module with an electrical bus that electrically connects to the display device. A core housing, which stows the electrical bus and supports the display module, includes the other one of the male and female mounting interfaces. The female mounting interface receives the male mounting interface such that moving the male interface into the female interface automatically aligns the display module with the core module and removably attaches the core housing to the display housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Glenn, II, Christian L. Castro, Larry J. Pacey, Paul M. Lesley, Walter E. Smolucha, Christopher W. Chudek
  • Patent number: D730993
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Joel R. Jaffe, Paul M. Lesley, Larry J. Pacey
  • Patent number: D760846
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Joel R. Jaffe, Paul M. Lesley, Larry J. Pacey
  • Patent number: D808354
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, II, Paul M. Lesley
  • Patent number: D812146
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Robert J. Glenn, II, Paul M. Lesley