Patents by Inventor David B. Schultz

David B. Schultz 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).

  • Publication number: 20230282068
    Abstract: A gaming device may present a game object-based wagering game or promotional event. Game objects, including play and prize objects, may be associated with one or more play surfaces, with an object to move them to a collection area. Collected objects may result in the award of prizes. The gaming device may also be configured to present a wagering game, where play of the object-based game may be triggered from play of the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Ronnie W. Harris, David B. Schultz, Jason Cole
  • Publication number: 20230274606
    Abstract: A gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine includes a monetary funds accepting mechanism for accepting monetary funds in creating a player credit balance, at least one display device, at least one player input device comprising a joystick, a memory device, a controller, and machine-readable code. The joystick includes a handle having a transparent or semi-transparent portion, and at least one light-emitting or generating element associated with the handle. The light-emitting or generating element is configured to emit light through the transparent or semi-transparent portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Ronnie W. Harris, David B. Schultz, Jason Cole
  • Patent number: 10223860
    Abstract: A video carousel bonus feature system is disclosed that includes gaming presentations for a plurality of players, one or more game processors, and a plurality of base game cabinets that each contain base game presentations that display base games. The system also includes a video carousel with a plurality of video monitors, wherein each of the plurality of video monitors is positioned above a base game cabinet, wherein a visual representation of one or more bonus features is displayed independently on each video monitor of the video carousel. The system is configured to award one of the plurality of players at least one bonus feature that appears to move from video monitor to video monitor on the video carousel, wherein the awarded bonus feature coincides with the visual representation of the bonus feature being displayed on the video carousel monitor positioned directly above the triggering base game cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Ian Arrowsmith
  • Publication number: 20170323518
    Abstract: A video carousel bonus feature system is disclosed that includes gaming presentations for a plurality of players, one or more game processors, and a plurality of base game cabinets that each contain base game presentations that display base games. The system also includes a video carousel with a plurality of video monitors, wherein each of the plurality of video monitors is positioned above a base game cabinet, wherein a visual representation of one or more bonus features is displayed independently on each video monitor of the video carousel. The system is configured to award one of the plurality of players at least one bonus feature that appears to move from video monitor to video monitor on the video carousel, wherein the awarded bonus feature coincides with the visual representation of the bonus feature being displayed on the video carousel monitor positioned directly above the triggering base game cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: David B. SCHULTZ, Ian ARROWSMITH
  • Patent number: 9728031
    Abstract: A video carousel bonus feature system is disclosed that includes gaming presentations for a plurality of players, one or more game processors, and a plurality of base game cabinets that each contain base game presentations that display base games. The system also includes a video carousel with a plurality of video monitors, wherein each of the plurality of video monitors is positioned above a base game cabinet, wherein a visual representation of one or more bonus features is displayed independently on each video monitor of the video carousel. The system is configured to award one of the plurality of players at least one bonus feature that appears to move from video monitor to video monitor on the video carousel, wherein the awarded bonus feature coincides with the visual representation of the bonus feature being displayed on the video carousel monitor positioned directly above the triggering base game cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Ian Arrowsmith
  • Patent number: 9589414
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming machine touch screen system incorporating a flat transparent or nearly transparent layer that contains a series of active elements/actuators/chambers that enable a vertical displacement of the touch screen top surface. These active elements displace the top surface of the touch screen upon command of the gaming machine to provide features perceptible to the player's touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen E. Patton, Julia M. Childs, Sean C. Martin, Martin S. Lyons, Michael J. Mitchell, William R. Wadleigh, David B. Schultz, Kimberly J. Cohn, John R. Vallejo, Joanna Musick, Scott T. Hilbert, Dougal Austin, Amy Lynn Monette
  • Publication number: 20160086421
    Abstract: A video carousel bonus feature system is disclosed that includes gaming presentations for a plurality of players, one or more game processors, and a plurality of base game cabinets that each contain base game presentations that display base games. The system also includes a video carousel with a plurality of video monitors, wherein each of the plurality of video monitors is positioned above a base game cabinet, wherein a visual representation of one or more bonus features is displayed independently on each video monitor of the video carousel. The system is configured to award one of the plurality of players at least one bonus feature that appears to move from video monitor to video monitor on the video carousel, wherein the awarded bonus feature coincides with the visual representation of the bonus feature being displayed on the video carousel monitor positioned directly above the triggering base game cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Ian Arrowsmith
  • Patent number: 9129472
    Abstract: A video gaming device having a plurality of indicia-bearing spinning reels in a first set of reels and a second set of reels is disclosed. A determination is made as to whether the display of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Nathaniel A. Hammond, Dominic Tiberio, Micheal Shackelford
  • Patent number: 9039513
    Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed. One method includes receiving player input to activate a primary game; activating the primary game; presenting the activated game on a single screen of a video display, the activated game comprising a primary game displaying one or more game icons in various locations on a main screen of the video display and upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the primary game appears to animate at least one of the displayed game icons and move one or more wild icons about the main screen of the video display over one or more of the game icons, and randomly replacing one or more of the game icons with the one or more wild icons; determining whether the resulting combination of game icons and wild icons form any winning combinations; and awarding a single game payout for the primary game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Terence G. Daly, Kimberly J. Cohn, William E. Rommerdahl, John LaSalvia, John E. Garofalo, Jr., Nathanial A. Hammond, Jack A. Martin
  • Publication number: 20140370965
    Abstract: A video gaming device having a plurality of indicia-bearing spinning reels in a first set of reels and a second set of reels is disclosed. A determination is made as to whether the display of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Nathaniel A. Hammond, Dominic Tiberio, Micheal Shackelford
  • Patent number: 8858319
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels is disclosed. The method includes: providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels; determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome; and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel, initiating a secondary game when a secondary game trigger symbol is presented on the shared base award-multiplier reel, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Nathanial A. Hammond, Dominic Tiberio, Micheal Shackelford
  • Patent number: 8834257
    Abstract: A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Nathaniel A. Hammond, Dominic Tiberio, Michael Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20140235320
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming machine touch screen system incorporating a flat transparent or nearly transparent layer that contains a series of active elements/actuators/chambers that enable a vertical displacement of the touch screen top surface. These active elements displace the top surface of the touch screen upon command of the gaming machine to provide features perceptible to the player's touch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen E. Patton, Julia M. Childs, Sean C. Martin, Martin S. Lyons, Michael J. Mitchell, William R. Wadleigh, David B. Schultz, Kimberly J. Cohn, John R. Vallejo, Joanna Musick, Scott T. Hilbert, Dougal Austin, Amy Lynn Monette
  • Publication number: 20140094255
    Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed. One method includes receiving player input to activate a primary game; activating the primary game; presenting the activated game on a single screen of a video display, the activated game comprising a primary game displaying one or more game icons in various locations on a main screen of the video display and upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the primary game appears to animate at least one of the displayed game icons and move one or more wild icons about the main screen of the video display over one or more of the game icons, and randomly replacing one or more of the game icons with the one or more wild icons; determining whether the resulting combination of game icons and wild icons form any winning combinations; and awarding a single game payout for the primary game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming International, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Terence G. Daly, Kimberly J. Cohn, William E. Rommerdahl, John LaSalvia, John E. Garofalo, JR., Nathanial A. Hammond, Jack A. Martin
  • Patent number: 8574058
    Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, games, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a gaming device comprises a display screen that presents a game. The game presented on the display screen comprises one or more game icons for display in various locations on the display screen, wherein the game presents an animated icon upon the occurrence of a triggering event such that the animated icon produces one or more wild icons that move about the display screen before being positioned in fixed locations on the display screen. Additionally, the gaming device includes a means for activating the game and triggering the presentation of the animated icon, and a means for determining whether one or more combinations of the game icons and the wild icons form any winning combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Terence G. Daly, Kimberly J. Cohn, William E. Rommerdahl, John LaSalvia, John E. Garofalo, Jr., Nathanial A. Hammond, Jack A Martin
  • Patent number: 8469804
    Abstract: Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having a horserace bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which serve to advance one or more horses toward a finish line. In some embodiments, a progressive award associated with the winning horse is paid to a player. In other embodiments, multiple progressive awards may be paid in the event of a tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William Rommerdahl, David B. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8439743
    Abstract: A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The first set of reels, second set of reels, and the base game award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Nathanial A. Hammond, Dominic Tiberio, Michael L. Shackelford
  • Patent number: 8366539
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels. An embodiment of the method includes providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, wherein the first set of reels, second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels. Additionally, an embodiment of the method includes determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Nathanial A. Hammond, Dominic Tiberio, Michael Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20120295690
    Abstract: Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having a horserace bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which serve to advance one or more horses toward a finish line. In some embodiments, a progressive award associated with the winning horse is paid to a player. In other embodiments, multiple progressive awards may be paid in the event of a tie.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William Rommerdahl, David B. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8241113
    Abstract: Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having a horserace bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which serve to advance one or more horses toward a finish line. In some embodiments, a progressive award associated with the winning horse is paid to a player. In other embodiments, multiple progressive awards may be paid in the event of a tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William Rommerdahl, David B. Schultz