Patents by Inventor Michael Downs

Michael 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: 20080032789
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method provides for determining a first payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate a wagering game and providing the first payout only upon the satisfaction of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may comprise, for example, (i) indicia indicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is a component of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated with the current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, wherein the audio/video content is output via a second display area of the gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Jay WALKER, James Jorasch, Robert Tedesco, Michael Downs, Magdalena Fincham
  • Publication number: 20080015023
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20080015021
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20080015022
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20070276705
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070249417
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing lottery outcomes and other types of lottery information to a player (e.g., in accordance with one or more preferences of a player). In some embodiments, lottery information may be provided over a network, via postal mail, via CD-ROM, and/or via a set-top device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: JOHN PACKES, MICHAEL STEIB, ANDREW GOLDEN, JAMES JORASCH, JAY WALKER, THOMAS SPARICO, STEPHEN TULLEY, MICHAEL DOWNS
  • Publication number: 20070230684
    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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Thomas Sparico, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070197279
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing lottery outcomes and other types of lottery information to a player (e.g., in accordance with one or more preferences of a player). In some embodiments, lottery information may be provided over a network, via postal mail, via CD-ROM, and/or via a set-top device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: JOHN PACKES, MICHAEL STEIB, ANDREW GOLDEN, JAMES JORASCH, JAY WALKER, THOMAS SPARICO, STEPHEN TULLEY, MICHAEL DOWNS
  • Publication number: 20070156467
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: JAY WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156465
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Jay WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156466
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Jay WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156464
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070142110
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: JAY WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070142109
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070142111
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070135210
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070012542
    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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Tedesco, Dean Alderucci, James Jorasch, Jay Walker, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070016535
    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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Tedesco, Dean Alderucci, James Jorasch, Jay Walker, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070001397
    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: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Peter Kim, Geoffrey Gelman, Peter Vogel, Michael Downs
  • Patent number: D698266
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Briggette Downs, Michael Downs