Patents by Inventor John G. Gilliland

John G. Gilliland 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: 8221218
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying multiple gaming device interfaces for the same wagering game is provided. The game can be a slot game although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the exact same game is played using one of a plurality of different display interfaces, wherein the gaming device enables the player to select which interface to play. The player can play the game using one interface and then switch interfaces to provide a fresh display or to change the player's luck. The player can then switch back to the original interface or select a brand new interface depending upon how many interfaces overall are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John G. Gilliland, Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow, James A. Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20100160031
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying multiple gaming device interfaces for the same wagering game is provided. The game can be a slot game although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the exact same game is played using one of a plurality of different display interfaces, wherein the gaming device enables the player to select which interface to play. The player can play the game using one interface and then switch interfaces to provide a fresh display or to change the player's luck. The player can then switch back to the original interface or select a brand new interface depending upon how many interfaces overall are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: John G. Gilliland, Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow, James A. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 7699699
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying multiple gaming device interfaces for the same wagering game is provided. The game can be slot although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the exact same game is played using one of a plurality of different display interfaces, wherein the gaming device enables the player to select which interface to play. The player can play the game for a while using one interface and then switch interfaces to provide a fresh display or to change the player's luck. The player can then switch back to the original interface or select a brand new interface depending upon how many interfaces overall are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John G. Gilliland, Jeffrey P. Laakso, Joseph E. Kaminkow, James A. Vasquez
  • Patent number: 7470189
    Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dennis K. Mead, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 7470190
    Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dennis K. Mead, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 7470188
    Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dennis K. Mead, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 7470187
    Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dennis K. Mead, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 7455588
    Abstract: A gaming device including an outcome or award event which is triggered from a base game when at least one positive modifier symbol and at least one award symbol are indicated on the reels. In the bonus game, the positive modifier symbol includes at least one positive modifier which increases a bonus award associated with the award symbol. A negative modifier symbol, if indicated on the reels, includes at least one negative modifier which reduces the bonus award associated with the award symbol. The positive modifiers and negative modifiers are applied to the award to provide a modified award to the player in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bayard S. Webb, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Michael MacVittie, John G. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 7316613
    Abstract: A gaming device having a primary game with a bonus triggering event that affects the outcome of a secondary or bonus game. The number of symbols in the bonus game is dependant on the number of bonus triggering symbols in the bonus triggering event. After generating a number of bonus triggering symbols in the base or primary game, the gaming device animates the bonus triggering symbols and generates a related number of bonus symbols. The gaming device provides an award based on the combination of the bonus symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Matthew Luccesi, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland, Randall D. Mead, Johnny L. Palchetti, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 6814664
    Abstract: A method of operating gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dennis K. Mead, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 6793578
    Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device having a primary game with a bonus triggering event that affects the outcome of a secondary or bonus game. The number of symbols in the bonus game is dependant on the number of bonus triggering symbols in the bonus triggering event. After generating a number of bonus triggering symbols in the base or primary game, the gaming device animates the bonus triggering symbols and generates a related number of bonus symbols. The gaming device provides an award based on the combination of the bonus symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Matthew Luccesi, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland, Randall D. Mead, Johnny L. Palchetti, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20030199298
    Abstract: A method of operating gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dennis K. Mead, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland
  • Patent number: 6607438
    Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there is no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit. The gaming device includes at least one random generation device, one of which generates awards upon a player input. The gaming device also includes one or more termination variables, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, whereby a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. The gaming device also includes a game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units, whereby a player generates awards until accumulating or losing the termination limit of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: IGY
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dennis K. Mead, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20030064792
    Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there is no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit. The gaming device includes at least one random generation device, one of which generates awards upon a player input. The gaming device also includes one or more termination variables, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, whereby a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. The gaming device also includes a game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units, whereby a player generates awards until accumulating or losing the termination limit of units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dennis K. Mead, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20030045343
    Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device having a primary game with a bonus triggering event that affects the outcome of a secondary or bonus game. The number of symbols in the bonus game is dependant on the number of bonus triggering symbols in the bonus triggering event. After generating a number of bonus triggering symbols in the base or primary game, the gaming device animates the bonus triggering symbols and generates a related number of bonus symbols. The gaming device provides an award based on the combination of the bonus symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew Luccesi, Bayard S. Webb, John G. Gilliland, Randall D. Mead, Johnny L. Palchetti, Anthony J. Baerlocher