Patents by Inventor Lawrence J. Knipp

Lawrence J. Knipp 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: 20230413404
    Abstract: An accent light system for a gaming machine includes an accent light arrangement having a number of LED panels assembled in one of a number of possible configurations. An electronic controller is coupled through a data communication interface to the accent light arrangement. The electronic controller is configured to transmit a signal to LED drivers of the number of LED panels, receive a loop-back signal transmitted from a final one of the LED panels, and, based on timing of the received loop-back signal, identify the configuration of the number of LED panels from the number of possible configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Patent number: 11751311
    Abstract: A method and system provide accent lighting at a bank of gaming machines. A plurality of LED panels are provided to be assembled in a number of different configurations for a series of LED panels. An electronic controller coupled to communicate through said data communication interface with the series of LED panels. The electronic controller is programmed to transmit signals to LED drivers of the LED panels, receive a loop-back signal transmitted from a final one of the LED panels, based on timing of said received loop-back signal automatically identify a configuration of the series of LED panels from said number of possible configurations, and transmit commands for activating the LED drivers of the LED panels based on the identified configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Everi Games Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Publication number: 20230105256
    Abstract: A rotatable element sensor arrangement includes a home position sensor, magnetic field-type rotation sensor arrangement, and sensor arrangement controller. The home position sensor produces a home position signal in response to a sensor position alignment with a home position feature as the rotatable element rotates about an axis of rotation. The home position feature is at a known angular orientation on the rotatable element relative to game symbol positions of the rotatable element, while the sensor position is located at a known angular orientation relative to a stationary evaluation position. The magnetic field-type rotation sensor arrangement produces a rotation signal to provide an indication of rotational angle of the rotating element along each rotation. The sensor arrangement controller receives the home position signal and rotation signal and produces a sensor arrangement output indicative of a position of the series of game symbol positions relative to the evaluation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: Everi Games Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Knipp, Henry McDonald
  • Publication number: 20220383694
    Abstract: A method and system provide accent lighting at a bank of gaming machines. A plurality of LED panels are provided to be assembled in a number of different configurations for a series of LED panels. An electronic controller coupled to communicate through said data communication interface with the series of LED panels. The electronic controller is programmed to transmit signals to LED drivers of the LED panels, receive a loop-back signal transmitted from a final one of the LED panels, based on timing of said received loop-back signal automatically identify a configuration of the series of LED panels from said number of possible configurations, and transmit commands for activating the LED drivers of the LED panels based on the identified configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Patent number: 11470704
    Abstract: An accent light controller, method, and light panel are used to provide accent lighting for gaming machines. The light panel includes a series of LED panels. A command is transmitted through a series of LED panels to a final LED driver of the final LED panel in a series of LED panels. In response, an indicator is transmitted back through the series of LED panels to an electronic controller at a gaming machine and received at an electronic controller. Based on timing of received indicator, a number of LED drivers in the LED panels is determined. Based on the number of LED drivers, a configuration of the LED panels is determined from a number of possible configurations. Subsequent commands for activating the LED drivers of the LED panels are transmitted based on the identified configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Publication number: 20220215715
    Abstract: A slot machine, gaming method, and program product are provided to dynamically display visual and audio content to be played in synchronization with a music track. A digital signal processor performs frequency analysis of background music as it is played, and identifies musical beats to create beat events. The beat event is used to trigger additional presentation elements such as visual effects, sounds, and lighting on the beat of the background music. Spectral content information from the frequency analysis is used to create dynamic background graphics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Applicant: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Knipp, Jarim Cardenas, Michael Conway
  • Patent number: 11321990
    Abstract: A slot machine, gaming method, and program product are provided to dynamically display visual and audio content to be played in synchronization with a music track. A digital signal processor performs frequency analysis of background music as it is played, and identifies musical beats to create beat events. The beat event is used to trigger additional presentation elements such as visual effects, sounds, and lighting on the beat of the background music. Spectral content information from the frequency analysis is used to create dynamic background graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Knipp, Jarim Cardenas, Michael Conway
  • Publication number: 20210110631
    Abstract: A slot machine, gaming method, and program product are provided to dynamically display visual and audio content to be played in synchronization with a music track. A digital signal processor performs frequency analysis of background music as it is played, and identifies musical beats to create beat events. The beat event is used to trigger additional presentation elements such as visual effects, sounds, and lighting on the beat of the background music. Spectral content information from the frequency analysis is used to create dynamic background graphics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Applicant: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Knipp, Jarim Cardenas, Michael Conway
  • Publication number: 20210112645
    Abstract: An accent light controller, method, and light panel are used to provide accent lighting for gaming machines. The light panel includes a series of LED panels. A command is transmitted through a series of LED panels to a final LED driver of the final LED panel in a series of LED panels. In response, an indicator is transmitted back through the series of LED panels to an electronic controller at a gaming machine and received at an electronic controller. Based on timing of received indicator, a number of LED drivers in the LED panels is determined. Based on the number of LED drivers, a configuration of the LED panels is determined from a number of possible configurations. Subsequent commands for activating the LED drivers of the LED panels are transmitted based on the identified configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Applicant: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Publication number: 20200202660
    Abstract: A gaming machine haptic feedback footrest, a host gaming machine, and processes of operation are provide to create haptic feedback. The haptic device is mounted along a lower front face of the cabinet and extends toward a player area in front of the cabinet. The haptic device includes a vibration plate positioned to tilt facing upward and toward the player area as a footrest. A base is provided with a suspension are mounted on the base carrying the vibrational plate and allowing vibrational movement thereof. One or more voice coil vibrating devices mechanically coupled to the vibrational plate along its lower side. An electronic amplifier electrically connected to the voice coil vibrating devices. A process includes activating the electronic amplifier to feed current to one or more voice coil vibrating devices in the haptic device according to the frequencies and durations, thereby activating the vibrational plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Applicant: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Knipp, Gregory J. Longendyke, Heather Valey
  • Patent number: 10306935
    Abstract: A system and/or method a may include adjusting an opening in a garment. The method may include disconnecting at least one fastener attaching a first portion of material to a second portion of the material forming an opening in a garment with a first diameter. The method may include expanding the first opening from the first diameter to a second larger diameter using a third portion of material attaching the first portion to the second portion of material. The method may include inserting an appendage of a user through the expanded opening. At least a portion of the appendage may include a medical device. The medical device may be inhibited from conveying through the opening with the first diameter. The method may include folding the third portion of material within the first diameter of the opening when the at least one fastener is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Knipp, Wanda V. Molinary, Veronica N. Knipp, Gregory A. Knipp, Mitchell L. Knipp
  • Publication number: 20160286873
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system and/or method a may include adjusting an opening in a garment. The method may include disconnecting at least one fastener attaching a first portion of material to a second portion of the material forming an opening in a garment with a first diameter. The method may include expanding the first opening from the first diameter to a second larger diameter using a third portion of material attaching the first portion to the second portion of material. The method may include inserting an appendage of a user through the expanded opening. At least a portion of the appendage may include a medical device. The medical device may be inhibited from conveying through the opening with the first diameter. In some embodiments, the method may include folding the third portion of material within the first diameter of the opening when the at least one fastener is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Knipp, Wanda V. Molinary, Veronica N. Knipp, Gregory A. Knipp, Mitchell L. Knipp
  • Patent number: 9127357
    Abstract: A system and method for movably sealing a vapor deposition source is described. One embodiment includes a system for coating a substrate, the system comprising a deposition chamber; a vapor pocket located within the deposition chamber; and an at least one movable seal, wherein the at least one movable seal is configured to form a first seal with a first portion of a substrate, and wherein the first seal is configured to prevent a vapor from leaking past the first portion of the substrate out of the vapor pocket. In some embodiments, the movable seal may comprise a first flange, wherein the first flange forms a wall of the vapor pocket; and a second flange, wherein the second flange is configured to be movably disposed within a first groove of the source block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert A. Enzenroth, Joseph D. LoBue, Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Publication number: 20130340243
    Abstract: A system and method for movably sealing a vapor deposition source is described. One embodiment includes a system for coating a substrate, the system comprising a deposition chamber; a vapor pocket located within the deposition chamber; and an at least one movable seal, wherein the at least one movable seal is configured to form a first seal with a first portion of a substrate, and wherein the first seal is configured to prevent a vapor from leaking past the first portion of the substrate out of the vapor pocket. In some embodiments, the movable seal may comprise a first flange, wherein the first flange forms a wall of the vapor pocket; and a second flange, wherein the second flange is configured to be movably disposed within a first groove of the source block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Robert A. Enzenroth, Joseph D. LoBue, Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Patent number: 8480805
    Abstract: A system and method for movably sealing a vapor deposition source is described. One embodiment includes a system for coating a substrate, the system comprising a deposition chamber; a vapor pocket located within the deposition chamber; and an at least one movable seal, wherein the at least one movable seal is configured to form a first seal with a first portion of a substrate, and wherein the first seal is configured to prevent a vapor from leaking past the first portion of the substrate out of the vapor pocket. In some embodiments, the movable seal may comprise a first flange, wherein the first flange forms a wall of the vapor pocket; and a second flange, wherein the second flange is configured to be movably disposed within a first groove of the source block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert A. Enzenroth, Joseph D. LoBue, Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Publication number: 20120301979
    Abstract: A system and method for preconditioning a photovoltaic device is described. One embodiment includes a method for preconditioning a photovoltaic device, the method comprising applying a forward-bias to the photovoltaic device, wherein a forward-bias current is equal to or greater than IMP(FB) for the photovoltaic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ABOUND SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Michelle Propst, Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Publication number: 20110255950
    Abstract: A system and method for movably sealing a vapor deposition source is described. One embodiment includes a system for coating a substrate, the system comprising a deposition chamber; a vapor pocket located within the deposition chamber; and an at least one movable seal, wherein the at least one movable seal is configured to form a first seal with a first portion of a substrate, and wherein the first seal is configured to prevent a vapor from leaking past the first portion of the substrate out of the vapor pocket. In some embodiments, the movable seal may comprise a first flange, wherein the first flange forms a wall of the vapor pocket; and a second flange, wherein the second flange is configured to be movably disposed within a first groove of the source block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Robert A. Enzenroth, Joseph D. LoBue, Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Publication number: 20110253047
    Abstract: A system and method for improved thin film deposition is described. One embodiment includes a perimeter mask for thin film deposition, the perimeter mask comprising an at least one mask surface, the at least one mask surface comprising a mask edge, wherein the mask edge is configured to be positioned proximate to a deposition surface; and wherein the at least one mask surface undercuts away from the mask edge. In various embodiments, the perimeter mask may comprise a bezel shape, a parabolic-curve shape, or a segmented curve shape. In some embodiments, the perimeter mask may partially surround a deposition source, such as a heated-pocket deposition source, a PECVD deposition source, or a sputter deposition source. The perimeter mask can assist in achieving more uniform layers of deposition material and improve processing by containing deposition material and reducing cleaning time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Patent number: 5288971
    Abstract: A system for igniting a plasma in thin film processing is shown whereby matching network impedances are varied to effect voltage changes. Shunt and series capacitors vary around a limited range so as to achieve substantially all possibilities. A programmed routine of varying in phase, out of phase, and 90.degree. apart in phase is accomplished with a range +/-10% of full variation around some prior value likely to support ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Knipp
  • Patent number: D919708
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis B. Bussey, Ryan Greene, Lawrence J. Knipp