Patents by Inventor Erik Christensen

Erik Christensen 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: 9070255
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems capable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a cabinet for housing a display that simultaneously presents a first game that is independent from a second game. The first and second games are primary games, and a trigger event in either the first game or the second game initiates play of a tournament game. The gaming machine also includes a first set of player input devices for the first game and a second set of player input devices for the second game. The gaming machine also includes a player input device that allows a player to play both the first and second game simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Patent number: 8926433
    Abstract: A method, system, and gaming machine for enabling a group play bonus feature is described. The method comprises networking a plurality of gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine includes a primary game module and a bonus game module. The method then proceeds to determine which of the plurality of gaming machines are qualified for playing the group bonus game. A first qualified gaming machine is selected and a bonus offer is presented to the qualified gaming machine. The bonus offer includes an initial bonus offer that is user selectable, and an alternative random bonus prize that is awarded if the user instruction indicates that the initial bonus offer has not been accepted. After the user selectable instruction is received, a bonus prize is awarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Patent number: 8370735
    Abstract: Reader and writer XML processing APIs may process XML documents without blocking a thread by initiating any potential I/O necessary prior to reading from or writing to the XML processing API and by providing a callback which may be notified when the I/O, if any, is complete. The XML processing API may be able to simultaneously process multiple XML documents in various formats and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Coulson, Erik Christensen
  • Publication number: 20120216077
    Abstract: A dynamic, lazy type system is provided for a dynamic, lazy programming language. Consequently, programs can benefit from runtime flexibility and lightweight notation in combination with benefits afforded by a substantial type system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erik Christensen, Michael Coulson, Clemens Szyperski, Gregory Hughes
  • Publication number: 20120215804
    Abstract: A data-programming environment is disclosed that facilitates data manipulation. Visual representations are presented of available operations with respect to one or more data sources. A preview of data is displayed capturing the state of data with respect to manipulations. Further, a visual representation of a series of selected operations is maintained to capture successive refinements and aid subsequent interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erik Christensen, Steve Millet, Jason Falk, Giovanni Della-Libera
  • Patent number: 8235784
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for presenting a game having a bonus feature. The method includes initiating a game on at least one of a plurality of gaming machines associated with one another and arranged in a circular bank. The gaming machines are monitored to determine whether a triggering event has occurred on any of the plurality of gaming machines. A bonus feature is initiated on all of the plurality of gaming machines in response to the triggering event. The bonus feature play includes activating indicators associated with each gaming machine located around the circular bank, in a sequential order, for a specific amount of time. At the end of the sequence only one gaming machine indicator remains activated, designating a winner of the bonus feature. The winner is awarded a bonus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Publication number: 20100326677
    Abstract: A water mist head (1) for a fire fighting system, the water mist head (1) being mounted at least 15 cm from a ceiling (5) or a wall (10). The water mist head (1) comprises a nozzle part (2) comprising a plurality of nozzles (3), and a plate (6) comprising an at least substantially plane part (7). The plate (6) is arranged between the nozzle part (2) and the ceiling (5) or wall (10), preferably adjacent to the nozzle part (2). The plate (6) prevents the sprays (4) produced by the nozzles (3) from pulling air along. Thereby it is prevented that the sprays (4) ‘collapse’, and a more diverted spray patter is obtained, the water mist head (1) thereby being capable of covering a larger area. Thus, the plate (6) creates an effect similar to that of a ceiling or wall arranged adjacent to or near the nozzle part (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jens T. Jepsen, Erik Christensen
  • Patent number: 7767456
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition comprising complexes of cationic chitosan oligomers derived from the cationic polysaccharide chitosan, wherein said cationic oligomers contain a weight fraction of less than 20% of oligomers with a Degree of Polymerization (DP)<10 in addition to a weight fraction of less than 20% with DP>50, and a nucleic acid. These compositions comprising well-defined cationic chitosan oligomers having a certain distribution of chain lengths, and nucleic acid are advantageous to achieve delivery of the nucleic acid into cells of a selected tissue, and to obtain in vivo expression of the desired molecules encoded for by the nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: FMC Biopolymer AS
    Inventors: Per Artursson, Bjorn Erik Christensen, Magnus Koping-Hoggard, Kjell Morten Varnum
  • Publication number: 20100101809
    Abstract: A fire protection system and method for providing a fire protection for a cooking unit (1) comprising a vessel (2) containing liquid fat or grease. The fire protection system comprises a fire suppressant source with water based fire suppressant, preferably essentially pure water. The fire protection system further comprises at least one pipe (4) being fluidly connected to the fire suppressant source in such a manner that fire suppressant from the fire suppressant source may be supplied to the pipe(s) (4). At least one pipe (4) is arranged above the vessel (2) and extending along a direction defined by a first rim (5) of the vessel (2), said pipe(s) (4) comprising a first set of nozzles (6a) directed towards the first rim (5) of the vessel (2), and a second set of nozzles (6b) directed towards a second rim (7) of the vessel (2), said second rim (7) being arranged opposite the first rim (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Publication number: 20090327861
    Abstract: Reader and writer XML processing APIs may process XML documents without blocking a thread by initiating any potential I/O necessary prior to reading from or writing to the XML processing API and by providing a callback which may be notified when the I/O, if any, is complete. The XML processing API may be able to simultaneously process multiple XML documents in various formats and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Coulson, Erik Christensen
  • Patent number: 7624400
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for converting an object of one type to an object of another type that allow for the runtime operation of the conversion process to be altered or customized. The conversion may occur within an extensible serialization engine that serializes, deserializes, and transforms objects of various types. The runtime operation of the serialization engine is altered by one or more extension routines that implement the desired customizations or extensions, without requiring replacement of other existing routines. Based on type information, identified for an initial object, the object is converted to an intermediate representation which permits runtime modification, including modification of object names, object types, and object data. The intermediate representation of the initial object is modified in accordance with extension routines that alter the runtime operation of the serialization engine, and the intermediate representation is converted to a final object and type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan H. Pharies, Sowmy K. Srinivasan, Natasha H. Jethanandani, Yann Erik Christensen, Elena A. Kharitidi, Douglas M. Purdy
  • Publication number: 20090270157
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for presenting a game having a bonus feature. The method includes initiating a game on at least one of a plurality of gaming machines associated with one another and arranged in a circular bank. The gaming machines are monitored to determine whether a triggering event has occurred on any of the plurality of gaming machines. A bonus feature is initiated on all of the plurality of gaming machines in response to the triggering event. The bonus feature play includes activating indicators associated with each gaming machine located around the circular bank, in a sequential order, for a specific amount of time. At the end of the sequence only one gaming machine indicator remains activated, designating a winner of the bonus feature. The winner is awarded a bonus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Publication number: 20090270156
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming system including a group play feature. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines associated with one another, and a plurality of indicators with one indicator associated with one gaming machine. There is also a bonus feature module in communication with the plurality of gaming machines and the plurality of indicators. A random event in one of the plurality of gaming machines triggers a bonus feature, and the bonus feature module activates the plurality of indicators in a sequential order to highlight one gamine machine at a time. The activation of the indicators in a sequential order stops leaving only the activation of the indicators on one gaming machine that is awarded a bonus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Publication number: 20090270173
    Abstract: A method, system, and gaming machine for enabling a group play bonus feature is described. The method comprises networking a plurality of gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine includes a primary game module and a bonus game module. The method then proceeds to determine which of the plurality of gaming machines are qualified for playing the group bonus game. A first qualified gaming machine is selected and a bonus offer is presented to the qualified gaming machine. The bonus offer includes an initial bonus offer that is user selectable, and an alternative random bonus prize that is awarded if the user instruction indicates that the initial bonus offer has not been accepted. After the user selectable instruction is received, a bonus prize is awarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Publication number: 20090197665
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems capable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a cabinet for housing a display that simultaneously presents a first game that is independent from a second game. The first and second games are primary games, and a trigger event in either the first game or the second game initiates play of a tournament game. The gaming machine also includes a first set of player input devices for the first game and a second set of player input devices for the second game. The gaming machine also includes a player input device that allows a player to play both the first and second game simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Publication number: 20090197659
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems capable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a cabinet for housing a display that simultaneously presents a first game that is independent from a second game. The first and second games are primary games, and a trigger event in either the first game or the second game initiates play of a tournament game. The gaming machine also includes a first set of player input devices for the first game and a second set of player input devices for the second game. The gaming machine also includes a player input device that allows a player to play both the first and second game simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Erik Christensen
  • Publication number: 20080311387
    Abstract: An object comprising an electrically conductive body part, e.g. comprising copper or silver, and a layer comprising a refractory metal, preferably tantalum. At least part of the refractory metal layer has been transformed into an electrically conductive ceramic material, preferably a tantalum boride. The refractory metal layer improves the corrosion resistant properties of the object and the ceramic material prevents oxidation of the refractory metal layer, and thereby passivation of the object during conduction of a current. The object is suitable for use as an electrode in corrosive environments. The object is cost effective because passivation can be avoided without applying a layer of precious metal. Also a method of forming the object in which the ceramic material is preferably provided by applying boride in a gaseous or solid phase and heating the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Bo Gillesberg, Erik Christensen, Hans Joergen Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20080274372
    Abstract: An object comprising a conductive body part, a layer comprising a refractory metal (e.g. tantalum), and a layer comprising a precious metal (e.g. platinum or gold). A metallurgical bond has been formed between the layers. Thereby oxidation of the refractory metal layer, and thereby passivation of the object, can be avoided even with small amounts of precious metal. This lowers the material costs while ensuring desired corrosion resistant properties. The object is suitable for an electrode to be used in a corrosive environment, in particular when a large conductivity is needed. Also a method of manufacturing the object. The metallurgical bond is provided by heating the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Bo Gillesberg, Erik Christensen, Hans Joergen Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7343606
    Abstract: An application is built in accordance with a particular application framework. A component is incorporated into the application. When an asynchronous operation is to be performed, the component is configured to issue a standard function call in a manner that is independent of the particular application framework used to build the application. An asynchronous operations manager is configured to detect the particular application framework used to build the application, receive the standard function call, perform the asynchronous operation in accordance with a threading and concurrency model of the application framework, and cause a notification to be issued to the component in a manner that is in accordance with the threading and concurrency model when the asynchronous operation is complete. The asynchronous operations manager may determine the application framework by receiving a notification or function call from the application framework itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Greg D. Schechter, Yann Erik Christensen, Michael J. Marucheck, Dmitry Robsman
  • Publication number: 20070226356
    Abstract: A method includes advertising a policy characterizing communication properties supported by a node. The policy may be distributed to another node in response to a request for the policy. Policy expressions in the policy include one or more assertions that may be grouped and related to each other in a plurality of ways. A system includes a policy generator for generating at least one policy characterizing properties of a node. A policy retriever retrieves a policy from another node and a message generator generates a message to the other node, wherein the message conforms to the policy from the other node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Levin, Erik Christensen, Saurab Nog, Donald Box, Christopher Kaler, Giovanni Della-Libera, Alfred Lee, David Wortendyke