Patents by Inventor Mark A. Hettinger

Mark A. Hettinger 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).

  • Display mechanism for volatility-alteration features
    Patent number: 9230400
    Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing a wagering game having an overall volatility. A plurality of volatility components are displayed on the display device, the volatility components having respective component ratings. Each component rating contributes to a total rating of the overall volatility. The wagering game is selected from a plurality of wagering games, each of the plurality of wagering games having (a) the same total rating and (b) at least one different component rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Mary M. Burke, Michael R. Bytnar, Mark A. Hettinger, Michael W. Mastropietro, Matthew Wilson
  • Display Mechanism For Volatility-Alteration Features
    Publication number: 20130274012
    Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing a wagering game having an overall volatility. A plurality of volatility components are displayed on the display device, the volatility components having respective component ratings. Each component rating contributes to a total rating of the overall volatility. The wagering game is selected from a plurality of wagering games, each of the plurality of wagering games having (a) the same total rating and (b) at least one different component rating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Mary M. Burke, Michael R. Bytnar, Mark A. Hettinger, Michael W. Mastropietro, Matthew Wilson
  • Methods of conducting games of chance and gaming devices with multiple pay lines
    Patent number: 7329182
    Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprising multiple wagering options. In one aspect, a single wagering unit activates a plurality of pay lines. In another aspect, at least one wager is randomly assigned to at least one pay line. Other aspects include novel arrangements of pay lines and wagering options to add excitement and enjoyment to the gaming experience. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more indicia for a particular pay line are received for display thereon from at least one other gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Adams, Mark A. Hettinger
  • Methods of conducting games of chance and gaming devices with multiple pay lines
    Patent number: 7156736
    Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprising multiple wagering options. In one aspect, a single wagering unit activates a plurality of pay lines. In another aspect, at least one wager is randomly assigned to at least one pay line. Other aspects include novel arrangements of pay lines and wagering options to add excitement and enjoyment to the gaming experience. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more indicia for a particular pay line are received for display thereon from at least one other gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Adams, Mark A. Hettinger
  • Methods of conducting games of chance and gaming devices with multiple pay lines
    Patent number: 6869357
    Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprising multiple wagering options. In one aspect, a single wagering unit activates a plurality of pay lines. In another aspect, at least one wager is randomly assigned to at least one pay line. Other aspects include novel arrangements of pay lines and wagering options to add excitement and enjoyment to the gaming experience. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more indicia for a particular pay line are received for display thereon from at least one other gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Adams, Mark A. Hettinger
  • Methods of conducting games of chance and gaming devices with multiple pay lines
    Publication number: 20030114215
    Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprising multiple wagering options. In one aspect, a single wagering unit activates a plurality of pay lines. In another aspect, at least one wager is randomly assigned to at least one pay line. Other aspects include novel arrangements of pay lines and wagering options to add excitement and enjoyment to the gaming experience. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more indicia for a particular pay line are received for display thereon from at least one other gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: William R. Adams, Mark A. Hettinger