Patents by Inventor James A. Jorasch

James A. Jorasch 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).

  • BILLING STATEMENT CUSTOMER ACQUISITION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120191519
    Abstract: Some described embodiments provide for selecting (e.g., by a server computer from a plurality of transaction records), a transaction record associated with a financial account of an account holder. In one example, the transaction record includes an indication of an amount due, by the account holder, for a previous purchase completed by the account holder with a first merchant. Some embodiments provide further for generating a billing statement for the account holder, the billing statement including an indication of the amount due by the account holder for the previous completed purchase and an indication of an acquisition offer, in which the acquisition offer comprises a promise from a second merchant to pay at least a portion of the amount due by the account holder, and transmitting the billing statement to the account holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AND PROCESSING INSTALLMENT PLANS AT A TERMINAL
    Publication number: 20120191555
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a central controller receives a selection signal. If the selection signal indicates acceptance of any installment plan, use of the accepted installment plan for the financial account is authorized. Thereafter, bills may be generated that reflect installment charges to be paid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Andrew S. Van Luchene
  • Providing and redeeming partial wagering game outcomes
    Patent number: 8221215
    Abstract: Described are methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. A method according to an embodiment includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. The method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Methods, systems and apparatus for facilitating cashout options at a gaming device
    Patent number: 8221223
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request for a cashout of a balance from a player. In response to receiving the cashout request, at least one benefit to offer is determined based upon the balance. A value of the benefit is greater than the cashout amount. An offer is provided to the player, which the player may accept in lieu of the cashout amount. In some embodiments, the player may accept the offer in lieu of a portion of the cashout amount or in addition to the cashout amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Gregory M. Gelman, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Method and apparatus for planning and customizing a gaming experience
    Patent number: 8221245
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for planning and customizing a gaming vacation. Initially, a central controller receives preference and configuration data from a user at a user terminal. A preparation code is then determined and associated with the configuration data. The configuration data and the associated preparation code are transmitted from the central controller to a casino server. The central controller provides feedback regarding the user's requests. The feedback may include, for example, marketing offers for the user and/or configuring a gaming device according to the configuration data associated with a preparation code received from a user at the gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Norman C. Gilman, Scott T. Friesen, Steven M. Santisi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING ENTRY INTO BONUS ROUNDS
    Publication number: 20120178519
    Abstract: The present invention allows gaming devices to set or modify game parameters through the use of random events such as spinning slot machine reels and/or random number generators. In one embodiment, a player may purchase an entry into a bonus round of a bonus game, without first having to qualify for the entry by obtaining a qualifying outcome of a base game. In one embodiment, a player may provide payment for an entry into one or more bonus rounds to establish an initial credit meter balance, wherein the initial credit meter balance is set to a number of credits based on the results of the one or more bonus rounds and not to an amount of credits corresponding to the payment provided by the player, wherein the player can pay for the entry without first having to qualify for the entry via a qualifying outcome of the base game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Gaming device method and apparatus employing modified payouts
    Patent number: 8210928
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for a gaming device to determine when to offer a player an opportunity to play using a “jackpot only” pay table. The player may choose to accept the gaming device's offer to switch from using a conventional pay table to using a pay table that only pays top payout amounts. Play with a jackpot only pay table may only require a small wager amount as compared to play with a conventional pay table. Play with a jackpot only pay table may be automated to generate outcomes quickly to allow a player to relatively inexpensively avoid spending time playing a gaming device perceived to be in a “cold period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen
  • System and method for communicating game session information
    Patent number: 8206210
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a contract is established for a session comprising two or more plays of at least one gaming device. Information about the game play session, such as outcomes generated at the at least one gaming device, is communicated to a player device. The information is presented to a player via the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico
  • System and method for facilitating account-based transactions
    Patent number: 8208612
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are presented for facilitating account-based transactions. In an embodiment, the method includes associating a first person with an account, associating a second person with the account, receiving a request from a third party to authorize a transaction between the second person and the third party, determining a first communication address of the first party, and contacting the first party. The process also includes determining that the first person desires to communicate with the second person, determining a second communication address of the second person, initiating a communication between the first person and the second person, and receiving a signal from the first person that authorizes the transaction or declines the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, Andrew S. Van Luchene, James A. Jorasch
  • Device and method for providing payouts based on activity and ranks of other gaming sessions
    Patent number: 8202157
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for determining a first gaming session; determining a rank of the first gaming session; determining at least one gaming session, each at least one gaming session of the first set having a respective rank that is not higher than the rank of the first gaming session, determining data corresponding to the at least one gaming session; determining at least one bonus based on the data; and applying the at least one bonus to the first gaming session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Packes, Jr., James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker, Michael D. Downs
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring device status
    Patent number: 8204199
    Abstract: The monitor is for monitoring the status of a first client telephone, and for sending this status information via a central server to an authorized second client telephone. The central server stores a database of registered client telephones and corresponding client telephones that the client may monitor. A user of a registered client telephone monitors in real time the telephone status of registered friends, family, or co-workers that have agreed to be monitored by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker, Magdalena M. Fincham, John B. Dickerson, Marc D. Kessman, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Dean P. Alderucci
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AND PROCESSING INSTALLMENT PLANS AT A TERMINAL
    Publication number: 20120150672
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a central controller receives a selection signal. If the selection signal indicates acceptance of any installment plan, use of the accepted installment plan for the financial account is authorized. Thereafter, bills may be generated that reflect installment charges to be paid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Andrew S. Van Luchene
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING SUBSCRIPTIONS
    Publication number: 20120150612
    Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription may be established after receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established, such as a frequency and a duration of the subscription.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Magdalena Mik, James A. Jorasch, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Michiko Kobayashi, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Russell Pratt Sammon, Andrew P. Golden, Adam Stevenson
  • Content determinative game systems and methods for keno and lottery games
    Patent number: 8197324
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are described for producing wagering products and conducting wagering games. In one embodiment, a method for producing a lottery product comprises producing a play slip that includes an indication of at least one event that potentially occurs in a corresponding content (e.g., audio/video content) component of the lottery product. In one embodiment, a unit of the corresponding content is provided to a player along with a play slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Method and apparatus for gaming with alternate value payouts
    Patent number: 8192276
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Electronic amusement device and method for operating a game offering continuous reels
    Patent number: 8187084
    Abstract: A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A TIME BASED AWARD
    Publication number: 20120129592
    Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A CRYPTOGRAPHICALLY ASSISTED COMMERCIAL NETWORK SYSTEM DESIGNED TO FACILITATE BUYER-DRIVEN CONDITIONAL PURCHASE OFFERS
    Publication number: 20120123946
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuating bilateral buyer-driven commerce. The present invention allows prospective buyers of goods and services to communicate a binding purchase offer globally to potential sellers, for sellers conveniently to search for relevant buyer purchase offers, and for sellers potentially to bind a buyer to a contract based on the buyer's purchase offer. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller which receives binding purchase offers from prospective buyers. The controller makes purchase offers available globally to potential sellers. Potential sellers then have the option to accept a purchase offer and thus bind the corresponding buyer to a contract. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional communications systems such as voice telephony.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A LEVEL OF REWARD
    Publication number: 20120122563
    Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Methods and apparatus for providing communications services at a gaming machine
    Patent number: 8177645
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon