Patents by Inventor Joseph Kaminkow

Joseph Kaminkow 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: 20050164775
    Abstract: A gaming device which includes symbols having a transformation probability. The gaming device in one embodiment includes an activator symbol. When the activator symbol is displayed, a processor of the gaming device determines the transformation probability of each of the displayed symbols and randomly determines which, if any, symbols are to be transformed into wild symbols or other functional symbols based on the transformation probability of the symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: Paulina Rodgers, Joseph Kaminkow, Shawn Asdale
  • Publication number: 20050143159
    Abstract: A gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that enables the player to build a number of awards by selecting choices from one or more sets of choices and further enables the player to select a final award choice that randomly provides one of the awards when the player finishes building the awards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Kaminkow, Paulina Glavich
  • Publication number: 20050101378
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that presents a plurality of masked value choices to the player, provides a time period in which the player can elect to accept a masked choice and reveals and provides a value associated with the choice to the player if the player accepts in time. If the player does not accept in time or decides not to accept the choice, the gaming device, in one preferred embodiment, reveals the value the player could have accepted when the time period lapses or times out. When the player has successfully accepted a predefined number of masked choices, the game adds or multiplies the values yielded by the choices to form an award for the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Kaminkow, Andrea Hughs-Baird
  • Publication number: 20050101380
    Abstract: A gaming device having wild indicator symbols associated with symbols displayed within a display device on a set of reels. The wild indicator symbols may also be associated with a card or plurality of cards within a display device. A processor determines whether the wild indicators will be associated with the symbols or cards and also determines if the wild indicators will be activated. If the wild indicators are activated, the processor transforms those symbols or cards associated with the wild indicators into wild symbols or wild cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: Paulina Glavich, Joseph Kaminkow, Anthony Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20050101375
    Abstract: A gaming device, which awards an initial award to a player, discloses to a player that a higher valued enticement award is available and selectable, and enables the player to selectively swap the initial award for an opportunity to select the enticement award. The game preferably discloses the value of the initial award and the enticement award. The game masks the enticement award in a pattern along with one or more masked consolation awards, the consolation awards having values less than the value of the initial award. The game reveals the awards using a secondary display having mechanical doors that open and close.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: Bayard Webb, Anthony Baerlocher, Jean Brossard, Joseph Kaminkow, Steven McGahn
  • Publication number: 20050096121
    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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: John Gilliland, Jeffrey Laakso, Joseph Kaminkow, James Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20050075159
    Abstract: A gaming device including a wheel and multiple award indicators. The wheel includes a plurality of sections having awards associated with each of the sections. The section indicators associated with the wheel simultaneously indicate sections on the wheel. The number of activated section indicators is determined based on at least one award indicator activator symbol generator which is adapted to generate one of a plurality of award indicator activator symbols that are each associated with zero, one or more of the award indicators of the wheel. The awards associated with the sections indicated by the activated section indicators are summed and provided to a player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Kaminkow, Anthony Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20050071023
    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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Inventors: John Gilliland, Jeffrey Laakso, Joseph Kaminkow, James Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20050064927
    Abstract: A gaming device which simulates movement of the gaming device screen. The screen displays certain imagery, and after a predetermined event occurs the computer of the gaming device repositions the imagery, causing the screen to appear to move. This feature, usable in primary games and bonus rounds, enhances the enjoyment and entertainment which players experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Kaminkow
  • Publication number: 20050064929
    Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus game, where one embodiment of the gaming device includes a display device; a processor that controls the display device; and several selections including awards and at least one accumulated award. The gaming device provides a player with a number of picks to start a game. The player picks selections attempting to obtain awards. If the player picks an accumulated award, the player receives two or more awards that are associated with selections preferably adjacent to the accumulated award. The player continues to pick selections until there are no picks remaining. In another embodiment, the selections include at least one terminator where a player continues to pick selections until the player picks a terminator or until there are no picks remaining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Kaminkow, Anthony Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20050064924
    Abstract: A gaming device having wild indicator symbols associated with symbols displayed within a display device on a set of reels. The wild indicator symbols may also be associated with a card or plurality of cards within a display device. A processor determines whether the wild indicators will be associated with the symbols or cards and also determines if the wild indicators will be activated. If the wild indicators are activated, the processor transforms those symbols or cards associated with the wild indicators into wild symbols or wild cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventors: Paulina Glavich, Joseph Kaminkow, Anthony Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20050059486
    Abstract: A gaming device includes a substantially planar award plate having a plurality of simultaneously displayed award symbols and a substantially planar indicator plate which is positioned in front of the award plate and includes a marker portion. The indicator plate translates in a predetermined path in front of the award plate. When the indicator plate stops moving, the processor chooses one or more award symbols behind the marker portion to illuminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Kaminkow
  • Publication number: 20050059446
    Abstract: A wagering gaming device having a game including a set of segments displayed by a display device and a segment activator. Engagement of the segment activator with the segments removes the segment from the display device in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the player receives an award value for each removed segment. In this embodiment, the object of the game is to remove a maximum number of segments from the display device. A positionable blocking member is provided to direct or redirect the movement of the segment activator. Multiple apparatuses and methods are also taught, that provide a perceived skill segment elimination game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Kaminkow
  • Publication number: 20050054439
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking, differentiating and awarding loyalty credits to patrons of a gaming establishment are disclosed. Tracking can be facilitated by and loyalty credits can be stored on patron issued loyalty credit instruments such as printed tickets, magnetic-striped cards, room keys, portable wireless devices and smart cards. Loyalty credits can be awarded for and combined with other loyalty credits awarded for gaming activities involving wagers, game play, and possible monetary awards, as well as purchasing activities involving the procurement of food, lodging, entertainment, transportation, merchandise or services. Theoretical all expenditures profiles can be established for patrons based upon the gaming activities and purchasing activities of the patrons. Customized comps can be awarded on the initiative of the gaming establishment and without any specific request from a patron. Such comps can be based on tracked information on gaming activities and purchasing activities of the patrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Richard Rowe, Joseph Kaminkow
  • Publication number: 20050054424
    Abstract: A gaming device including a mechanical display which includes a housing, a symbol display mechanism rotatably connected to the housing, a plurality of independent symbol display members including at least one symbol rotatably connected to the symbol display mechanism and a pivoting symbol indicator connected to the center of the symbol display mechanism. Upon a triggering event in a game, the symbol display mechanism rotates relative to the housing and each of the symbol display members rotate relative to the symbol display mechanism. The pivoting symbol indicator pivots downward towards one of the symbol display members to indicate the symbol on the symbol display member. The mechanical display may be used in a primary game, a secondary game or any suitable type of game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Inventors: Markus Rothkranz, Joseph Kaminkow, Steve McGahn, Gene Powell, Randall Mead, Joseph Hedrick, Karen Cregan
  • Publication number: 20050054415
    Abstract: An improved Brasil Slingo™-type game for a wagering gaming device. The game enables the player to select an amount of masked symbols prior to the generation the symbols by generation devices associated with the masked symbols. When the symbols selected by the player match symbols generated by the generation devices, the game enables a bonus game or award generation apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus is electromechanical. The payer's overall award is a combination of the output of the bonus game or apparatus and the base Slingo™ game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Kaminkow, Anthony Baerlocher, Carl Kniesteadt, Bayard Webb, John Gilliland
  • Publication number: 20050049035
    Abstract: A gaming device having a wild activation symbol is displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Baerlocher, Joseph Kaminkow, Paulina Glavich
  • Publication number: 20050037829
    Abstract: A gaming device having an improved award offer bonus scheme wherein the player may improve their award during the bonus round. The bonus game enables the player to select an award offer from a plurality of award offers. The gaming device enables the player to modify the selected award offer, creating a subsequent or modified award, with the idea of increasing the award offer to receive a greater or higher award during a bonus game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Baerlocher, Joseph Kaminkow, Gregg Palmer
  • Publication number: 20050032567
    Abstract: A gaming device having an improved award offer bonus scheme wherein the player may improve their award during the bonus round. The bonus game enables the player to select an award offer from a plurality of award offers. The gaming device enables the player to modify the selected award offer, creating a subsequent or modified award, with the idea of increasing the award offer to receive a greater or higher award during a bonus game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Baerlocher, Joseph Kaminkow, Gregg Palmer
  • Publication number: 20050026678
    Abstract: A gaming device including a rotatable mechanical award indicator which has a plurality of award symbols. The gaming device includes a mask, preferably overlaying the mechanical award indicator, which reveals only a predetermined number of the award symbols. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of player selectable symbols associated with different movements of the mechanical award indicator. This type of gaming device adds excitement to bonus games and increases player entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Kaminkow