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).

  • Patent number: 9875613
    Abstract: Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9865139
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for determining and achieving an optimized rate of play of a gaming device for a given player. The system monitors play at a gaming device, determines whether adjustments to parameters that effect the potential maximum rate of play should be made, and makes the appropriate adjustments. Monitoring play includes measuring such things as force applied to input buttons and tracking unnecessary button presses at inappropriate times (i.e., while the reels are still spinning). Parameters that effect the potential maximum rate of play include reel resolution time, length of bonus displays, payout rate, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Steven M. Santisi
  • Patent number: 9799160
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 9799164
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9792764
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9792762
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for conducting a secondary game at a gaming device. In various embodiments, a player may acquire equity in the secondary game in such forms as a location of a game character, a number of symbols aggregated, a degree of completion of a puzzle, or a defensive provision. Certain symbols or outcomes in a primary game, however, may cause the player to lose equity in the secondary game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, David F. Zucker, Andrew D. Rodgers, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Publication number: 20170263079
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9754302
    Abstract: According to one described embodiment, a method is provided in which transaction information is determined. The transaction information is associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price. Information is transmitted that facilitates the acquisition of the product by the buyer, in exchange for payment provided by the buyer to the central controller. An amount based on the second price is provided to the merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Groupon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Peter Kim, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik Fincham, Daniel E. Tedesco, Russell Pratt Sammon, Andrew P. Golden, Raymond J. Mueller, Keith Bemer, Kathleen Van Luchene
  • Patent number: 9734667
    Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Gregory J. Scribner, James A. Jorasch, Carson C. K. Fincham, Zachary T. Smith, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Patent number: 9697553
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second vendor (e.g., a subsidizing vendor). The offer may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for an item purchased from a first vendor and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. The customer is charged a second price for the items, which is less than the total price, and may even be zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, John M. Packes, Jr., Deirdre O'Shea, Keith Bemer, James A. Jorasch, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Patent number: 9684916
    Abstract: According to one described embodiment, a method is provided in which transaction information is determined. The transaction information is associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price. Information is transmitted that facilitates the acquisition of the product by the buyer, in exchange for payment provided by the buyer to the central controller. An amount based on the second price is provided to the merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Groupon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Peter Kim, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik Fincham, Daniel E Tedesco, Russell Pratt Sammon, Andrew P. Golden, Raymond J. Mueller, Keith Bemer, Kathleen Van Luchene
  • Patent number: 9679439
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing and authenticating usage of features of gaming devices are presented. In accordance with some embodiments, the methods and apparatus may facilitate an offer engine for providing one or more offers to a user of the gaming device, wherein an offer comprises an offer for a payment to be made to the user in exchange for an action by the user, wherein the one or more offers are distinct from indications of awards the user may qualify for during play of a game playable via the gaming device. In one embodiment the methods and apparatus may provide for determining whether to adjust the first feature based on the measure of performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: INVENTOR HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Scott T. Friesen, Michael D. Downs, Steven M. Santisi
  • Patent number: 9666025
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9659449
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). The outcomes on the DVD or CD ROM may be viewed on a video display generated by a primary output device (e.g., a personal computer or a DVD player). In addition, the player may purchase or otherwise obtain an accessory device that interacts (e.g., augments the outcomes) with the game play recorded on the tangible medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Michael W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20170132873
    Abstract: Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Publication number: 20170124584
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a promotion and for distributing promotions to potential users provide a merchant or promotion organizer flexibility in the way they conduct the promotion as well as an ability to change one or more aspects of the promotion during the operation of the promotion. One or more outcomes are generated by a controller and provided to a user. In addition, one or more codes which allow the outcomes to be revealed or unlocked are generated by the controller and provided to an intermediary. In exchange for completing or satisfying a qualifying action or criteria, the user may receive a code from the intermediary. The user can then unlock an outcome to reveal a prize, benefit, symbol, value, etc., associated with the unlocked outcome. The user may provide a redemption request to either the controller or the intermediary based on the unlocked outcome to receive a benefit or prize associated with the unlocked outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Peter Kim, Timothy A. Palmer, Keith Bemer, Andrew P. Golden, Scott B. Allison
  • Patent number: 9640034
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Publication number: 20170039798
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., a player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith. In some embodiments, the player may request such outcomes by presenting and/or selecting a session object and/or by interfacing with a tangible medium recording or production device (e.g., on a casino floor).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Jose A. Suarez
  • Patent number: 9558628
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9558627
    Abstract: Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman