Patents by Inventor John G. Kroeckel

John G. Kroeckel 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: 20230410070
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling gaming moments across different gaming channels, different entities, and different environments. In one example, the system and methods use blockchain and/or non-fungible token (NFT) components and/or functionality. In an embodiment, a computing system can detecting a qualifying game event for a sharable gaming moment. The computing system generates a digital asset. The digital asset indicates details of the qualifying game event. The computing system encodes a referral code with the digital asset. The computing system transmits, in response to a user input via an application of a user computing device, the digital asset and the referral code to at least one gaming channel. The computing system detects, in response to electronic communication from the at least one gaming channel, an action associated with the digital asset. The computing system awards, based on the referral code and the action, a number of points for use (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Sourabh SRIOM, Spandana MALREDDY, Pinak Dineshbhai PATEL, Jayakumar BALAKRISHNAN, Mahalakshmi SABAPATHY, S. Prathap STALIN, Nageshwaran KANDASAMY, Venkata Sai Krishna Chaithanya PATNAM, Nilamben Gauravkumar LADANI, Deepak KATHIRESAN, Chitra SURESH, Damodaran RAMANI, Mohan Raj SUBRAMANI, Upasna VIG, Elamaran SUGUMAR, John G. KROECKEL, Sreedhar RAMIREDDY, Rajendra Prasad Sreekanth ALUR, Sudarshan MISE, Anow Fanny DURAIRAJ, Vijay RAMACHANDRAN, Vijesh NARAYANAN, Nirmal Kumar VENUGOPAL, Krishna Mohan SINHA, Arulkumar PALANISAMY, Siddarthan KRISHNAN ATCHAYAKUMAR, Sreeram RAMAMURTHY, Aditya JOSHI, Balamurugan MURUGAIYAN, Arvind Kumar BOTHRA, Baskaran VENUGOPAL, Divya SAMINATHAN, Tharmeeganathan ARUNACHALAM, Karun GOPINATH
  • Patent number: 9466170
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Gennady I. Soliterman, Reddy Rupanagudi, Dennis Lockard, Jeffery C. Tallcott, John G. Kroeckel
  • Patent number: 9317994
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Dennis Lockard, Jeffrey C. Tallcott, John G. Kroeckel, Gennady I. Soliterman, Rukmangada Rupanagudi
  • Patent number: 9286764
    Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Kroeckel, Gennady I. Soliterman, Bryan M. Kelly, Dennis Lockard, Jeffery C. Tallcott, Jeffrey Allen, Robert Luciano
  • Patent number: 9087437
    Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Kroeckel, Gennady I. Soliterman, Bryan M. Kelly, Dennis Lockard, Jeffery C. Tallcott, Jeffrey Allen, Robert Luciano
  • Patent number: 9070250
    Abstract: A gaming system that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played is disclosed. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network. In this gaming system, at least a portion of the network is a wireless network, and wherein the game system enables wireless real time gaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Matthew F. Kelly, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link, Norman B. Petermeier
  • Patent number: 9022867
    Abstract: Networked gaming systems and the communication protocols for presenting a network-based games or network-based tournament games are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a tournament server. Each gaming device includes a base game and a secondary device having a display and a processor. The secondary device is operatively associated with the gaming device, and the secondary device enables a player to play a tournament game that is presented amongst one or more of the plurality of gaming devices. The secondary device is in communication with the tournament server through web service protocols. The tournament controller sends and receives player-related data and tournament-related data to and from one or more of the secondary devices participating in the tournament game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Dennis Lockard, Jeffrey C. Tallcott, John G. Kroeckel
  • Patent number: 8944909
    Abstract: The invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game outcome. A prize selection menu is then displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize that has a prize cost within the player's prize credit amount. The player is dispensed a specific prize ticket that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize contributed to by multiple players. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Matthew F. Kelly, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link, Norman P. Petermeier
  • Patent number: 8888597
    Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments disclosed herein teach a game system comprising a wide area network, a game unit coupled to the wide area network and capable of uploading game data concerning game play, and a server coupled to the wide area network and capable of receiving the game data and storing the game data in a database with other game data. According to certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the wide area network is the Internet. Encryption may be used to protect game data before it is uploaded. The game unit may be, for example, directly coupled to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider, or coupled to a local area network which may be coupled to the wide area network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Kroeckel, Gennady I. Soliterman, Bryan M. Kelly, Dennis Lockard, Jeffrey C. Tallcott, Jeffrey Allen, Robert Luciano
  • Patent number: 8821258
    Abstract: A method for providing games over a wide area network is disclosed. The invention includes several methods for providing at least one game accessible over a wide area network by a plurality of users. One method comprises receiving a request from a user to play a game, the request comprising an identification of the user; verifying that the user is eligible to play the game; receiving a payment method from the user; and enabling the game responsive to completing the steps verifying that the user is eligible and receiving a payment method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Agincourt Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • Patent number: 8740694
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a network gaming system is disclosed. The system comprises at least one database server accessible through a wide area network for storing account information for the users, the database server being configured for communicating with at least one game server supporting at least one game on a client, for providing at least a portion of the account information to the game server upon receiving a user identification from the game server, and for updating the account information by the at least one database server upon receiving an update from the game server either during or after completion of a game play by one the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Agincourt Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • Patent number: 8740695
    Abstract: A method and interface for a network gaming system is disclosed. The invention includes a method for providing a game interface for a multi-player game accessible over a wide area network by a plurality of users. This method comprises transmitting an identification of a user over a wide area network to a database server; retrieving a number of units associated with the user from the database server; executing a game on a display; indicating on the display the number of units associated with the user; updating on the display the number of units granted to the user based on a game activity of the user; depicting a link on the display for allowing use of the units by the user; and deducting from the number of units the specified member of units responsive to the use of the units by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Agincourt Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • Publication number: 20140141868
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Gennady I. Soliterman, Reddy Rupanagudi, Dennis Lockard, Jeffery C. Tallcott, John G. Kroeckel
  • Publication number: 20140087846
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Bryan, Dennis Lockard, Jeffrey C. Tallcott, John G. Kroeckel, Gennady I. Soliterman, Reddy Rupanagudi
  • Publication number: 20140066205
    Abstract: A method and interface for advertising in a software application accessible over a computer network by a plurality of users is disclosed. A software application is executed on a display interface for interaction by a user and an advertisement is provided for display to the user on the display interface during the interaction of the user with the software application, wherein a content of the advertisement corresponds to the interaction of the user with the display interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Agincourt Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • Patent number: 8641507
    Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that provides game play in a tournament in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units, and a tournament administration controller. Each game unit is a game of chance or other game that does not rely primarily on the skill of the player. The casino-based game units enable the play of linked wheel games. The tournament administration controller enables an operator to designate tournament characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Matthew F. Kelly, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link, Norman B. Petermeier
  • Publication number: 20140018175
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a gaming system that provides an opportunity to win a prize, in response to game play. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of game units connected to the game server over a network. In one aspect, the gaming system enables real-time game play on the game units via the network connection to the game server. The gaming system enables one or more games to be downloaded over the network from the game server to one or more gaming units. Notably, a game that is downloaded to a gaming unit is stored and executed locally by a processor of the gaming unit without requiring further interaction with the server to operate the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Matthew F. Kelly, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link, Norman B. Petermeier
  • Patent number: 8597128
    Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for implementing a user profile-driven gaming and prize redeeming system is disclosed. The user profile-driven gaming and prize redemption system allows for the tailoring of a user's experience of playing a computer implemented game on a network gaming system by first receiving an identifier selected from a group of identifiers including a user identifier relating to the user (i.e., player) of the network gaming system, a game identifier relating to a particular game played by the user of the network gaming system, and a site identifier relating to the location (i.e., web site) from which the game is being played. The network gaming system then alters the computer-implemented game played by the user in a manner based upon the selected identifier. The foregoing technique may also be applied to a prize redemption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • Patent number: 8556702
    Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are disclosed which teach a method for playing a game comprising initiating a game play, displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, selecting a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along one or more columns, displaying a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia, achieving an award at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines. A payline can be selectively displayed to the user. Legal tender, a token, and a non-legal tender prize are non-limiting examples of the kinds of awards that may be awarded. The columns of indicia for the game are, for example, arranged as visually spinable reels. In certain embodiments a video display may be utilized to display the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Kroeckel, Gennady I. Soliterman, Bryan M. Kelly, Dennis Lockard, Jeffrey C. Tallcott, Jeffrey Allen, Robert Luciano
  • Patent number: 8535157
    Abstract: A gaming system that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played is disclosed. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of gaming units connected to the game server over a network. The game server stores one or more games in electronic form. The gaming units are at least partially connected to the game server using a wireless network. The gaming system enables one or more games to be downloaded over the network from the game server to one or more gaming units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Matthew F. Kelly, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link, Norman B. Petermeier