Patents by Inventor John Vallejo

John Vallejo 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: 8747211
    Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael Mitchell, Loren T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140018164
    Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael Mitchell, Loren T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8616972
    Abstract: Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Micheal L. Shackelford, Christopher Paul Noll, Christopher Ray England, Keith Rucker, John Edward Garofalo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8535148
    Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael Mitchell, Loren T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130045787
    Abstract: A feature game in a gaming machine includes a first portion during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated. A second portion includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols. If all the symbols in the at least one set of target symbols correspond to match symbols, the bonus award associated with the at least one set of target symbols is awarded to the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael J. Mitchell, Ricco Novero
  • Patent number: 8371935
    Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael Mitchell, Loren T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120302305
    Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael Mitchell, Loren T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8246452
    Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael Mitchell, Loren T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120165089
    Abstract: Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Micheal L. Shackelford, Christopher Paul Noll, Christopher Ray England, Keith Rucker, John Edward Garofalo, JR.
  • Patent number: 8137185
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved transparent material further includes a glossy finish on the outer surface of the curved transparent material to provide a reflective surface. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, Jr., John Vallejo R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8128495
    Abstract: Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Micheal L. Shackelford, Christopher Paul Noll, Christopher Ray England, Keith Rucker, John Edward Garofalo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8123605
    Abstract: A method of operating a game controlled by a gaming machine includes accepting a wager from a player, presenting a primary game, awarding any primary game awards to the player, and upon a triggering event, presenting a feature game. The feature game includes performing a first portion of the feature game during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated and performing a second portion of the feature game. The second portion of the feature game includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael J. Mitchell, Ricco Novero
  • Publication number: 20110117995
    Abstract: A method of operating a game controlled by a gaming machine includes accepting a wager from a player, presenting a primary game, awarding any primary game awards to the player, and upon a triggering event, presenting a feature game. The feature game includes performing a first portion of the feature game during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated and performing a second portion of the feature game. The second portion of the feature game includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael J. Mitchell, Ricco Novero
  • Publication number: 20090275386
    Abstract: Methods for enhancing a mechanical reel game are disclosed. According to one method, a game is initiated by spinning a plurality of mechanical reels in response to a player wager, wherein each mechanical reel has a plurality of game symbols. The gaming machine ascertains whether a triggering event is established during the game. In response to a triggering event, one or more video images are presented and overlay one or more the mechanical reels to obscure the game symbols on the mechanical reels in response to the triggering event. In one embodiment, the video images include one or more video depictions of game symbols. The mechanical reels obscured by the video images are fixed, and the mechanical reels not obscured by the video images are spun. One or more paylines are evaluated for winning outcomes based on the combination of the video depictions of game symbols and the game symbols presented on the mechanical reels on the one or more paylines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Micheal L. Shackelford, Christopher Paul Noll, Christopher Ray England, Kolth Rucker, John Edward Garofalo, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090275383
    Abstract: Systems for enhancing a mechanical reel game are disclosed. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a video screen having a touch screen, and a set of mechanical reels positioned behind the video screen. A user interface is displayed on the video screen and is configured to receive user input to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels. The video screen then displays the mechanical reels in the rearranged order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Micheal L. Shackelford, Christopher Paul Noll, Christopher Ray England, Keith Rucker, John Edward Garofalo, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090275382
    Abstract: Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Micheal L. Shackelford, Christopher Paul Noll, Christopher Ray England, Keith Rucker, John Edward Garofalo, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090176554
    Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael Mitchell, Loren T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20090069065
    Abstract: Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a point-based award. In accordance with one aspect, a game provides a feature game played for points. Upon conclusion of the feature game, a player is paid a prize according to the number of points accumulated during feature game play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventor: John Vallejo
  • Publication number: 20090048012
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for group play gaming including multiple variations of awards. Upon a triggering event, gaming machines operate in a group play mode which includes multiple award opportunities for each player which may include a grand prize award, one or more mystery prize awards, and one or more progressive awards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Pravinkumar Patel, Josh Larsen, John Vallejo, David Schultz, Keith Kruczynski, Alexander Villagran, Harlan J. Darrah
  • Publication number: 20080261684
    Abstract: Disclosed are a networked gaming system and associated method including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win more than one wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game on the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John Vallejo, Michael Mitchell