Patents by Inventor Michael D. Downs

Michael D. Downs 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: 20110287830
    Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Norman C. Gilman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael D. Downs
  • Publication number: 20110287822
    Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Norman C. Gilman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 8012013
    Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Norman C. Gilman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7988044
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, Magdalena M. Fincham, James A. Jorasch, Michael D. Downs, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7942731
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and apparatus allow for a plurality of options to be displayed to a player for playing at least one round of a game in accordance with at least one advantage and/or disadvantage. The player may accept an option. For example, a player may accept an option to play at least one future round of play in accordance with a rule that is different from a rule used in a current round of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Peter Kim, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Peter J. Vogel, Michael D. Downs
  • Publication number: 20110017837
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, Magdalena M. Fincham, James A. Jorasch, Michael D. Downs, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7806320
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, Magdalena M. Fincham, James A. Jorasch, Michael D. Downs, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7775878
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a gambling loss insurance policy automatically computes insurance premiums and processes gambling sessions covered by the gambling loss insurance policies. The players may purchase the insurance policies using various means such as coins, earned winnings, or credit cards. The gambling loss insurance system provides a high level of flexibility for the players to define specific parameters of the insurance policy. Additionally, the players may purchase the insurance policies directly from the gaming machine, a custom terminal on casino floor, or cage personnel having access to a centralized network server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7775879
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a gambling loss insurance policy automatically computes insurance premiums and processes gambling sessions covered by the gambling loss insurance policies. The players may purchase the insurance policies using various means such as coins, earned winnings, or credit cards. The gambling loss insurance system provides a high level of flexibility for the players to define specific parameters of the insurance policy. Additionally, the players may purchase the insurance policies directly from the gaming machine, a custom terminal on casino floor, or cage personnel having access to a centralized network server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7771273
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7771275
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7760867
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides for receiving a call from a caller, the call being associated with a first merchant; placing the call in a queue; determining a second merchant; and establishing a connection, the connection enabling communication between the caller and the second merchant while the call is in the queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7722047
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of playing a game provides a player with at least one option for playing at least one round of the game in accordance with at least one advantage and/or disadvantage. For example, a player may agree to play a current round of play and/or at least one future round of play in accordance with a revised rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Peter Kim, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Peter J. Vogel, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7722456
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for determining a set of game symbols for use in a game based on a state of the game is provided, including determining a payout amount to be provided based on a first amount and a second reel outcome, the payout amount being equal to or less than the first amount; wherein a first probability of at least one first symbol being included in a first outcome is different than a second probability of the at least one first symbol being included in the second outcome, the first and second probabilities being greater than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7658674
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a player of a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to the player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and a description of a product to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7641036
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Tedesco, Dean P. Alderucci, James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7643902
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Tedesco, Dean P. Alderucci, James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7494416
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7485040
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a player of a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to the player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and a description of a product to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7484172
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method may include providing a periodical index customized for a subscriber. The method may comprise, for example, determining first data corresponding to content of at least one issue of a periodical, determining customized index data, in which the customized index data is based on the first data and at least one preference associated with a subscriber to the periodical, and outputting a customized index for the subscriber, the customized index including the customized index data, in which the customized index is separate from the content of the at least one issue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Michael D. Downs