Patents by Inventor Mark C. Nicely

Mark C. Nicely 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: 20100197386
    Abstract: A method of gaming is disclosed wherein progressive award values may be increased in response to certain pre-established game outcomes, wager amounts or random events. The increased progressive award values may be based on a primary game or secondary game outcome. Another innovation is the resetting of progressive awards upon completion of a bonus event whether or not award actually won in said bonus event. Player tracking systems permit progressive award values to be linked to a particular player such that the progressive award values remain personal to the player. Re-setting increased progressive award values is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Ernie M. Lafky, Mark C. Nicely
  • Patent number: 7748714
    Abstract: A card game and method of playing the card game is disclosed. The card game is premised on the game of Texas Hold'em and pits a player against one or more virtual players. Initially, the player places a blind wager and then the player and multiple virtual players are provided two hole cards. The player's two hole cards are provided face-up and each virtual player receives the hole cards face down. In one version, at least one virtual hand is eliminated from play during the game. Elimination criteria can be based on a ranking of the virtual player's hand or other suitable criteria. At the end of the game the player's hand is compared to each remaining virtual player's hand. If the player's hand outranks each virtual player's hand, the player wins a payout. A hand swap or exchange, “All In” wager and a side wager are other features of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Ernie M. Lafky, Paul E. Parker
  • Publication number: 20100144419
    Abstract: A gaming device including at least one wagering station and a rotor. The rotor supports a series of symbols arranged about a center. The rotor also supports a series of landings arranged adjacent to the series of symbols. In operation, at least one ball travels along the rotor and eventually reaches a landing. One or more of the elements of the gaming device has a designated shape, construction or function to enable designated operations of a primary game, a secondary outcome determiner or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Paul D. Miltenberger, Mark C. Nicely
  • Publication number: 20100120521
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a selection game having a plurality of tokens which are assignable to a plurality of token collectors. Each of the token collectors has a designated capacity which may be the same or different for the token collectors. In one embodiment, the designated capacity of one or more token collectors is a number of tokens. In various other embodiments, the designated capacity of one or more token collectors is a total award value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Scott A. Caputo, Mark C. Nicely, Gregory F. Frank, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20100120505
    Abstract: A gaming system displays a plurality of emblems in a predefined field. For a play of an accumulator positioning game, the gaming system enables a player to position at least one accumulator in the field based on a set of accumulator positioning criteria. The accumulator positioning criteria define allowable accumulator positions and also define whether a positioned accumulator causes the gaming system to indicate any of the emblems as winning emblems. The gaming system may indicate such winning emblems based on a spatial relationship between that emblem and any accumulator, such as a relationship wherein an accumulator encircles an emblem. The gaming system indicates any such winning emblems and provides an award for the play of the game based on any indicated winning emblems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Scott A. Caputo, Mark C. Nicely
  • Publication number: 20100117299
    Abstract: The gaming system, table method and device includes a base game and a side game. The base game involves a gamer's selection of one role or another role. The gaming system includes a side game and a side game bet tracker which enables the gamer to bet on a predicted outcomes of the base game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Daniel J. DeWaal, Cameron A. Filipour
  • Patent number: 7708630
    Abstract: A gaming device including a game operable upon one or more wagers. The game is operable for a first play and a second play. Each one of the plays involves a spin of a rotor. The rotor has a plurality of symbols and a plurality of ball landings adjacent to the symbols. A first quantity of the ball landings is available for the first play, and a lower, second quantity of the ball landings is available for the second play. The gaming device also includes an indicator that is operable to indicate information relating to the availability of the second quantity of ball landings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark C. Nicely
  • Publication number: 20100102507
    Abstract: A gaming table, method and device including a plurality of rotors interchangeably operable in a decoupled mode and a coupled mode. The system includes a rotor coupler and a coupler actuator. The system provides an award associated with an indication of a combination of symbols of the rotors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: David K. Bontempo, Mark C. Nicely, Benjamin J. Zoltewicz
  • Patent number: 7674172
    Abstract: A gaming device including at least one wagering station and a rotor. The rotor supports a series of symbols arranged about a center. The rotor also supports a series of landings arranged adjacent to the series of symbols. In operation, at least one ball travels along the rotor and eventually reaches a landing. One or more of the elements of the gaming device has a designated shape, construction or function to enable designated operations of a primary game, a secondary outcome determiner or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Paul D. Miltenberger, Mark C. Nicely
  • Publication number: 20100056247
    Abstract: The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a game including a plurality of awards, each of the awards associated with a plurality of award characteristics, including an award value and a level of difficulty. Based at least in part on the award characteristics associated with the awards, a player strategically chooses which award or awards to play for (i.e., which award or awards to attempt to collect) in the game. In certain multiplayer embodiments, two or more players can work together to obtain awards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Binh T. Nguyen, Scott A. Caputo, Ernie M. Lafky
  • Publication number: 20100048282
    Abstract: The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a selection game having a plurality of selectable positions and a plurality of awards interdependently distributed or associated with the selectable positions. For one, a plurality, or all the selectable positions, the award associated with such selectable position is interdependent in that such award has a relationship to one or more of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. In various embodiments, the value of the award associated with such selectable position has a relationship to one or more of the values of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. Based on these interdependencies, when each of the selectable positions is selected, the award, or value of the award, associated with the position provides certain information which can be subsequently used to make better informed position selections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Binh T. Nguyen, Bryan D. Wolf, Paul D. Miltenberger, Scott A. Caputo
  • Patent number: 7666093
    Abstract: A method of gaming is disclosed wherein progressive award values may be increased in response to certain pre-established game outcomes, wager amounts or random events. The increased progressive award values may be based on a primary game or secondary game outcome. Another innovation is the resetting of progressive awards upon completion of a bonus event whether or not award actually won in said bonus event. Player tracking systems permit progressive award values to be linked to a particular player such that the progressive award values remain personal to the player. Re-setting increased progressive award values is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ernie M. Lafky, Mark C. Nicely
  • Publication number: 20100035676
    Abstract: A gaming system having a game with game elements is provided. The game includes a number of game elements provided to the player and the dealer, where the game elements are subsequently divided into two or more groups or hands. The gaming system sets the dealer game elements to form a first dealer hand and a second dealer hand, according to a set of “House-Way” game element setting rules. The gaming system enables the player to either manually set the player game elements to form the first player hand and the second player hand, or elect to have the gaming system automatically set the player hands according to one of several different “House-Way” and/or “Expert-Way” methods. If the player elects to manually set the player hands, the gaming system indicates to the player whether the player's game element setting selections are in accordance with any of the “House-Way” or “Expert-Way” rules. For the player and dealer hands, the first hand must have a rank greater than or equal to the rank of the second hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Ernie M. Lafky, Timothy B. Richards
  • Publication number: 20100016051
    Abstract: A card game and method of playing the card game is disclosed. The card game involves placing cards into pre-defined card positions in the form of grids or matrices. For example, a 3×3 grid is filled with nine cards. Game outcome combinations are defined by three horizontal, three vertical and two diagonal pay lines. Another grid arrangement includes a 3×3 grid with each row and column having an extra card position at each end thereof. Accordingly, after the 3×3 grid is filled with random cards, a player may select one or more pay lines after which the two extra card positions are filled. The player is paid for any winning hands formed of the five card defined by the selected pay lines. Countless grid arrangements and pay lines are conceivable. In other versions, the player may replace one or more initially dealt, displayed or otherwise provided cards. The card game and method disclosed herein may be played through an electronic gaming device, over the Internet or at a live gaming table with a dealer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: Mark C. Nicely
  • Publication number: 20100016065
    Abstract: A gaming system and methods provide a plurality of gaming devices configured to operate a multiple-player bonus or secondary game. Each gaming device of the gaming system generates targets upon occurrences of target-generation events. Each gaming device also generates collectors upon occurrences of collector-generating events. The collectors may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned targets to obtain awards in a bonus sequence as described. Upon the occurrence of a redemption event at one of the plurality of gaming devices, the gaming device provides all players playing at one of the gaming devices in the gaming system the opportunity to redeem all accumulated collectors and targets in a bonus sequence. In the bonus sequence, the gaming system determines any awards associated with the redemption of accumulated collectors and targets and provides them to the players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7624986
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game using dice is disclosed. The method is ideally suited for video-based machines or Internet-based applications. However, it may be conducted in a live environment. Dice comprising multiple characteristics (e.g., values and colors) are used to generate random outcomes. Players may place wagers on value outcomes and color outcomes. Multiple groups of distinct dice may be used to create a game matrix having multiple pay lines which afford players multiple wager options. In one electronic version five dice are used. A player places a wager and then four of the five dice values are generated and revealed. With four of the five values known, possible winning outcomes are highlighted from a pay table listing all winning outcomes. In this version, there are always possible winning outcomes after four of the five dice have been revealed. Bonus trigger outcomes are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark C. Nicely
  • Publication number: 20090280904
    Abstract: A gaming system and method that enables players to sequentially wager in a casino-style table tournament on gaming machines. The gaming system provides real-time wagering information and bankroll information of each player to the other players of the tournament so that players may determine their wagers based on what other players wager. The gaming system enables players to make one or more secret wagers during the tournament that are not immediately indicated or displayed to other players to try to gain an advantage in the tournament. All normal wagers are displayed to the players in real-time but the secret wagers are not displayed to players until after the close of wagering creating excitement in the tournament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Timothy B. Richards, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7614946
    Abstract: A card game and method of playing the card game is disclosed. The card game involves placing cards into pre-defined card positions in the form of grids or matrices. For example, a 3×3 grid is filled with nine cards. Game outcome combinations are defined by three horizontal, three vertical and two diagonal pay lines. Another grid arrangement includes a 3×3 grid with each row and column having an extra card position at each end thereof. Accordingly, after the 3×3 grid is filled with random cards, a player may select one or more pay lines after which the two extra card positions are filled. The player is paid for any winning hands formed of the five card defined by the selected pay lines. Countless grid arrangements and pay lines are conceivable. In other versions, the player may replace one or more initially dealt, displayed or otherwise provided cards. The card game and method disclosed herein may be played through an electronic gaming device, over the Internet or at a live gaming table with a dealer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark C. Nicely
  • Publication number: 20090224478
    Abstract: A gaming system having a five card draw poker game is provided. The gaming system causes an initial five card hand to be dealt to the player and also causes a first draw card to be revealed to the player. The player has the option to keep or discard the first draw card. After the player has decided whether or not to keep the first draw card, the gaming system enables the player to replace cards in the initial player hand. If the player selected to discard the first draw card, this card will not be used as a replacement or draw card to form the final player hand. In certain implementations, the player first selects cards to replace in the initial player hand. In these implementations, if the player elects to keep the first draw card, the gaming system will cause the display of a second card and the player has the option of keeping or discarding the second draw card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony M. Evans, Mark C. Nicely, John F. Daley, Bryan D. Wolf, Scott A. Caputo
  • Publication number: 20090124326
    Abstract: A gaming device provides a free spins game wherein a plurality of modifiers are each associated with one of a plurality of paylines. During the free spins game, each modifier modifies awards won on the particular payline with which it is associated. In one embodiment, the payline multipliers increase in each of the free spins depending on whether a given payline scores a win or not in the free spin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Scott A. Caputo, Mark C. Nicely, Ryan M. Griffin