Patents by Inventor Michael R. Thorne

Michael R. Thorne 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).

  • Gaming machines having normal and hot modes
    Patent number: 8814661
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic gaming machine having a default mode in which the electronic gaming machine provides a default average expected payback percentage for each play of a wagering game, and a different second hot mode in which the electronic gaming machine provides an increased average expected payback percentage for each play that wagering game. In The electronic gaming machine is in the default mode for certain periods of play, and is in the hot mode for certain periods of play when, in certain embodiments, a random determination is made that the hot mode will be employed. In various embodiments, players are not informed that the electronic gaming machine is in the hot mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael R. Thorne, Bryan D. Wolf
  • GAMING MACHINES HAVING NORMAL AND HOT MODES
    Publication number: 20130157733
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic gaming machine having a default mode in which the electronic gaming machine provides a default average expected payback percentage for each play of a wagering game, and a different second hot mode in which the electronic gaming machine provides an increased average expected payback percentage for each play that wagering game. In The electronic gaming machine is in the default mode for certain periods of play, and is in the hot mode for certain periods of play when, in certain embodiments, a random determination is made that the hot mode will be employed. In various embodiments, players are not informed that the electronic gaming machine is in the hot mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Michael R. Thorne, Bryan D. Wolf