Patents by Inventor Robert J. Wilson, Jr.

Robert J. Wilson, Jr. 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: 20140295939
    Abstract: A machine is operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player may select from an array of windows, each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game may end upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections until encountering an end-bonus outcome. A bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. For example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, JR., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 8747207
    Abstract: A slot machine operable is in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player may select from an array of windows, each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game may end upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections until encountering an end-bonus outcome. A bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. For example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Publication number: 20130281191
    Abstract: A slot machine operable is in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player may select from an array of windows, each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game may end upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections until encountering an end-bonus outcome. A bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. For example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, JR., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 8480480
    Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Publication number: 20110124394
    Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, JR., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 7901283
    Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 7520809
    Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 6905412
    Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 6645074
    Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 6520855
    Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which to movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Joel R. Jaffe, Erica R. Frohm, Scott Slomiany, William Grupp, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 6508707
    Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Joel R. Jaffe, Erica R. Frohm, Scott Slomiany, William Grupp, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 6506117
    Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Joel R. Jaffe, Erica R. Frohm, Scott Slomiany, William Grupp, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 6482089
    Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g., the ‘GO’ square); (2) a feature in which bonuses are awarded for completing groups of stations (e.g., color groups); and (3) a feature in which the gaming machine includes two bonus modes, each entered upon certain symbol combinations in the basic game. The first bonus game provides an award selected from a plurality of fixed values and multipliers, and the second bonus game moves a token identifier on a game board and provides an award determined by the landing station of the token identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Joel R. Jaffe, Erica R. Frohm, Scott Slomiany, William Grupp, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 6322309
    Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 6315660
    Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. DeMar, Erica Frohm, William A. Grupp, Joel R. Jaffe, Scott Slomiany, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 6234897
    Abstract: A slot machine comprises a spinning reel display and a bonus game. The spinning reel display shows a plurality of symbols on each of a plurality of rotatable reels. The reels are rotated and stopped to place the symbols of each reel in visual association with a pay line. The pay line is associated with at least one of the symbols on each of the reels. The bonus game is triggered in response to start-bonus symbols from the respective stopped reels appearing in the spinning reel display. The bonus game having different expected values based on different arrangements of the start-bonus symbols in the spinning reel display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Erica A. Frohm, Lawrence E. DeMar, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 6190255
    Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Patent number: 6004207
    Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine which gives a multiplied payoff when certain conditions are fulfilled. Wins including a special symbol on the pay line are multiplied by an incremental multiplier when the machine is in a particular mode. A counter value is increased by one every time a second special symbol appears on the visible sections of the reels. Whenever the counter reaches a predetermined value, the counter is reset and the multiplier is increased. Whenever a multiplied payout occurs, the multiplier is reset to a minimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Benjamin T. Gomez, Alfred Thomas