Patents by Inventor Jeremy M. Hornik

Jeremy M. Hornik 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: 20220036694
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Alfred THOMAS, Jeremy M. HORNIK, Larry J. PACEY, Mark B. GAGNER, Richard T. SCHWARTZ, Vladimir I. AREZINA
  • Patent number: 10068418
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey, Mark B. Gagner, Richard T. Schwartz, Vladimir I. Arezina
  • Publication number: 20180108211
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Alfred THOMAS, Jeremy M. HORNIK, Larry J. PACEY, Mark B. GAGNER, Richard T. SCHWARTZ, Vladimir I. AREZINA
  • Publication number: 20180040192
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Alfred THOMAS, Jeremy M. HORNIK, Larry J. PACEY, Mark B. GAGNER, Richard T. SCHWARTZ, Vladimir I. AREZINA
  • Publication number: 20180033253
    Abstract: A gaming system for performing at least one wagering game includes a regulated electronic wagering game machine comprising one or more input devices and one or more display devices. An initial set of active array elements is determined on a playfield for the wagering game and a symbol is randomly determined for each of the active array elements. As symbols create or expand predetermined symbol combinations in the playfield, the symbols of the predetermined symbol combination are fixed and an expansion set of additional array elements are activated adjacent to new symbols that expand the symbol combination. A random symbol is determined for each expansion set array element. A repeated process of symbol combination expansion and array element activation occurs until the symbol combination expansion stops and a playfield outcome is determined. An evaluation is performed to determine a corresponding award for the playfield outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: James W. VANN, Anthony J. BAERLOCHER, CHRISTOPHER K. GUERRERO, Jeremy M. HORNIK, JEFFRY L. NAUMAN, KENNETH SHAWN SOONG
  • Patent number: 9858751
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael V. Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Gary J. Oswald, Richard B. Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon E. Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 9792767
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes receiving a first wager amount from a player. The first wager amount initiating a first play of the wagering game. The first wager amount is deducted from an available-credits pool. An outcome of the first play is determined. In response to the outcome of the first play being a winning outcome, a credit amount associated with the winning outcome is added to the available-credits pool. Prior to a second play of the wagering game, it is determined that the available-credits pool is less than the first wager amount and, in response to that determination, an option to risk the available-credits pool is provided. The result of the risk being either (i) a triggering of the second play of the wagering game at the first wager amount or (ii) a reduction of the available-credits pool to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Publication number: 20170213420
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes receiving a first wager amount from a player. The first wager amount initiating a first play of the wagering game. The first wager amount is deducted from an available-credits pool. An outcome of the first play is determined. In response to the outcome of the first play being a winning outcome, a credit amount associated with the winning outcome is added to the available-credits pool. Prior to a second play of the wagering game, it is determined that the available-credits pool is less than the first wager amount and, in response to that determination, an option to risk the available-credits pool is provided. The result of the risk being either (i) a triggering of the second play of the wagering game at the first wager amount or (ii) a reduction of the available-credits pool to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 9679303
    Abstract: A computerized method includes receiving, at an online wagering game establishment and from a number of persons, a link that comprises a request to play an electronic scratch card. The method includes presenting for play the electronic scratch card to the number of persons. The method includes dynamically assigning by the online wagering game establishment, results of the play of the electronic scratch card by the number of players, wherein the results comprise at least one of a loss or a win. The win comprises a bonus monetary amount. The bonus monetary amount is usable within the online wagering game establishment and non-usable external to the online wagering game establishment. The method includes outputting the results of the play of the electronic scratch card to the number of persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Mary Griffin, Andrew C. Guinn, Jeremy M. Hornik, Harry C. Lang, Daniel P. Louie, Richard B. Robbins
  • Patent number: 9666020
    Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more input devices, one or more display devices, and one or more processors, and one or more memory devices storing instructions that cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager. The instructions further cause the gaming system to display a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized standard symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels. The instructions further cause the gaming system to spin the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander J. Gobe, Jeremy M. Hornik
  • Publication number: 20170148254
    Abstract: A method in a gaming system comprises receiving a wager and displaying an array having a plurality of array positions. Each of the plurality of array positions is populated by at least one of a plurality of symbols, which include a mega symbol configured to occupy at least two array positions on each of at least two adjacent columns of the array. In response to at least a portion of the mega symbol displayed in the array, the method includes determining a functionality for the mega symbol based on a number of array positions on which the mega symbol is displayed, the portion of the mega symbol displayed, the size of the mega symbol displayed, a random determination, the received wager, or a turnover amount over a plurality of plays. A payout is awarded based on the symbols displayed in the array and the determined functionality of the mega symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel P. Louie, Jeremie D. Moll, Jeffry L. Nauman, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 9613500
    Abstract: A method and a gaming system for adjusting eligibility rules for wager-dependent bonus features in a wagering game, the game including one or more rule-adjusting activities related to randomly generated outcomes of the game. Rule-adjusting activities achieved by a player can be assessed according a qualification scheme, and can qualify the player for the wager-dependent bonus award even though the player made a non-eligible wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Pamela S. Smith
  • Patent number: 9607473
    Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Michael J. Blankstein, Rory L. Block, Allon G. Englman, McLaurin H. Files, Mark B. Gagner, Brian R. Gamache, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Larry J. Pacey, Shridhar P. Joshi, Alfred Thomas, Jamie W. Vann, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 9607466
    Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more input devices, display devices, processors, and memory devices. At least one of the memory devices store instructions that cause the system to receive a wager and to display a main array with main positions including a special position, which is randomly transformed into a sub-array with secondary positions. An outcome for the sub-array is determined in which the secondary positions are populated with respective secondary symbols. The outcome of the sub-array determines a special symbol that is associated with the special position of the main array. The special symbol is displayed for the special position. The main positions are populated with main symbols and the special symbol, the main array including may symbols populating the main positions and any determined special symbols populating the transformed special positions. An evaluation of the main array is performed to determine if a winning combination is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy M. Hornik
  • Publication number: 20170084129
    Abstract: Presented herein are electronic gaming machines, gaming systems, and logic circuitry for executing wagering game applications. A gaming system is disclosed which includes game-logic circuitry and a regulated gaming machine. The gaming machine includes one or more electronic display devices and one or more electronic input devices coupled to a gaming cabinet. The wagering game includes a skill-based game element and a non-skill based game element. The game-logic circuitry: detects, via an electronic input device, a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a credit balance; initiates the wagering game in response to a wager input covered by the credit balance; directs an electronic display device to display an outcome of the casino wagering game, the outcome being influenced by the skill-based game element and/or the non-skill based game element; and receives, via an electronic input device, a cashout input that initiates a payout from the credit balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Elizabeth A. Carter, Jeremy M. Hornik, Keith M. Kruczynski, Jeffry L. Nauman, Kenneth Shawn Soong, James W. Vann
  • Patent number: 9600979
    Abstract: A method in a gaming system comprises receiving a wager and displaying an array having a plurality of array positions. Each of the plurality of array positions is populated by at least one of a plurality of symbols, which include a mega symbol configured to occupy at least two array positions on each of at least two adjacent columns of the array. In response to at least a portion of the mega symbol displayed in the array, the method includes determining a functionality for the mega symbol based on a number of array positions on which the mega symbol is displayed, the portion of the mega symbol displayed, the size of the mega symbol displayed, a random determination, the received wager, or a turnover amount over a plurality of plays. A payout is awarded based on the symbols displayed in the array and the determined functionality of the mega symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel P. Louie, Jeremie D. Moll, Jeffry L. Nauman, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 9595160
    Abstract: A wagering game community environment is described herein. In some embodiments, the environment includes a community server to provide services for a wagering game community. In some embodiments, the community server comprises a communications controller configured to receive communications from community terminals and to send the communications to wagering game machines. In some embodiments, the community server also includes a promotions controller configured to award promotional material to members of the virtual community based on their use of the community terminals, the promotional material being for use in wagering games available on the wagering game machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Mark B. Gagner, Vernon W. Hamlin, Jeremy M. Hornik, Michael W. Mastropietro, Kathleen J. McJohn, Larry J. Pacey
  • Patent number: 9589420
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes receiving a first wager amount from a player. The first wager amount initiating a first play of the wagering game. The first wager amount is deducted from an available-credits pool. An outcome of the first play is determined. In response to the outcome of the first play being a winning outcome, a credit amount associated with the winning outcome is added to the available-credits pool. Prior to a second play of the wagering game, it is determined that the available-credits pool is less than the first wager amount and, in response to that determination, an option to risk the available-credits pool is provided. The result of the risk being either (i) a triggering of the second play of the wagering game at the first wager amount or (ii) a reduction of the available-credits pool to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Publication number: 20170053481
    Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more input devices, one or more display devices, and one or more processors, and one or more memory devices storing instructions that cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager. The instructions further cause the gaming system to display a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized standard symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels. The instructions further cause the gaming system to spin the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander J. Gobe, Jeremy M. Hornik
  • Publication number: 20170032612
    Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager and to display an array having a plurality of symbol positions, each of the symbol positions being populated by symbols located on a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. The reels spin and stop to place symbols on the symbol-bearing reels in visual association with symbol positions of the array. At least one extended symbol indexed on a first reel visually overlaps one or more symbols on an adjacent second reel (a) as the first reel spins the extended symbol through the array and (b) without affecting a stopping position of the adjacent second reel. An award is awarded for any winning combinations defined by the symbols in the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Jeremy M. Hornik, Pamela S. Smith