Patents by Inventor Robert L. Kyte
Robert L. Kyte 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).
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Patent number: 9595162Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes permitting a plurality of wagering game terminals to participate in a community game in a land-based gaming establishment. The method includes permitting a player device remote from the land-based gaming establishment to play an online game. The method also includes modifying, by at least one of one or more processors, the community game based on an event in the online game.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Tracey L. Wright, Dion K. Aoki, Andrew C. Guinn, Joel R. Jaffe, Robert L. Kyte, Bradley D. Schultz
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Patent number: 9536373Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises detecting receipt of a primary wager for playing a primary wagering game, and activating a first bonus feature in response to one or more first eligibility criteria, the first bonus feature having a first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises activating a second bonus feature in response to one or more second eligibility criteria, the one or more second eligibility criteria including activation of the first bonus feature. The second bonus feature has a second bonus payback percentage higher than the first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises displaying a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, and in response to at least one triggering event associated with the first and the second bonus features, conducting the first or second bonus feature if the first and second bonus feature is active.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Robert L. Kyte, Michael W. Mastropietro, Jeremie D. Moll, Matthew J. Ward, Peter R. Anderson
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Publication number: 20160027233Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises detecting receipt of a primary wager for playing a primary wagering game, and activating a first bonus feature in response to one or more first eligibility criteria, the first bonus feature having a first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises activating a second bonus feature in response to one or more second eligibility criteria, the one or more second eligibility criteria including activation of the first bonus feature. The second bonus feature has a second bonus payback percentage higher than the first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises displaying a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, and in response to at least one triggering event associated with the first and the second bonus features, conducting the first or second bonus feature if the first and second bonus feature is active.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Robert L. Kyte, Michael W. Mastropietro, Jeremie D. Moll, Matthew J. Ward, Peter R. Anderson
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Patent number: 9235964Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining that a mobile device is activated to receive secondary wagering game content during a wagering game session conducted via a wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the wagering game machine is configured to present primary wagering game content during the wagering game session. In some embodiments, the operations further include selecting secondary wagering game content in response to determining that the mobile device is activated to receive the secondary wagering game content. In some embodiments, the secondary wagering game content provides a wagering game feature that is not available via the primary wagering game content. In some embodiments, the operations further include providing the secondary wagering game content for presentation via the mobile device during the wagering game session.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Ward, Allon G. Englman, Robert L. Kyte, Ali Neyestani, Dwight D. Sullivan
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Patent number: 9205324Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises detecting receipt of a primary wager for playing a primary wagering game, and activating a first bonus feature in response to one or more first eligibility criteria, the first bonus feature having a first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises activating a second bonus feature in response to one or more second eligibility criteria, the one or more second eligibility criteria including activation of the first bonus feature. The second bonus feature has a second bonus payback percentage higher than the first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises displaying a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, and in response to at least one triggering event associated with the first and the second bonus features, conducting the first or second bonus feature if the first and second bonus feature is active.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Robert L. Kyte, Michael W. Mastropietro, Jeremie D. Moll, Matthew J. Ward, Peter R. Anderson
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Patent number: 9183700Abstract: The disclosure includes a game of chance in which profile data for social contacts in a social networking system is used to determine whether a player wins or loses the game of chance. An indication that a first player desires to be included in a game provided on a social network system is stored. The game randomly selects a subset of a plurality of social contacts of a second player. In response to determining that the first player is included in the randomly selected subset of the plurality of social contacts, an award is provided to the first player.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Andrew C. Guinn, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Harry C. Lang, Richard B. Robbins, Pamela S. Smith, Danijel Stankovic
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Patent number: 9147317Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to selectively combine base games and bonus games. This modular approach allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to mix and match base games and bonus games as needed. In some embodiments, players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers may also select different game features to employ in the bonus and/or base games. Such an arrangement allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to configure each base game and/or bonus game according to their preferences.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Larry J. Pacey, Matthew J. Ward
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Publication number: 20140323208Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to selectively combine base games and bonus games. This modular approach allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to mix and match base games and bonus games as needed. In some embodiments, players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers may also select different game features to employ in the bonus and/or base games. Such an arrangement allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to configure each base game and/or bonus game according to their preferences.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Larry J. Pacey, Matthew J. Ward
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Patent number: 8821265Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving a primary wager, displaying a randomly selected outcome of a primary wagering game, and displaying at least one progressive jackpot. A first portion of the primary wager is allocated to fund the at least one progressive jackpot. An increment amount to be added to the at least one progressive jackpot is randomly determined, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the increment amount, and in response to a triggering event, the at least one progressive jackpot is awarded. Alternatively, a random determination is made whether to increase the at least one progressive jackpot by a predetermined increment amount and, in response to a determination to increase the at least one progressive jackpot, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the predetermined increment amount.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Robert L. Kyte, Michael W. Mastropietro
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Publication number: 20140243065Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes permitting a plurality of wagering game terminals to participate in a community game in a land-based gaming establishment. The method includes permitting a player device remote from the land-based gaming establishment to play an online game. The method also includes modifying, by at least one of one or more processors, the community game based on an event in the online game.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Tracey L. Wright, Dion K. Aoki, Andrew C. Guinn, Joel R. Jaffe, Robert L. Kyte, Bradley D. Schultz
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Patent number: 8784193Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to selectively combine base games and bonus games. This modular approach allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to mix and match base games and bonus games as needed. In some embodiments, players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers may also select different game features to employ in the bonus and/or base games. Such an arrangement allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to configure each base game and/or bonus game according to their preferences.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Larry J. Pacey, Matthew J. Ward
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Patent number: 8758120Abstract: A method includes presenting a community game that includes land-based game play and online game play. The method includes selecting either the land-based or online game play as an affected game play, wherein the affected game play is to have at least one result in the community game that is affected by the other game play that was not selected. In response to a determination that a generation of the at least one result is needed for the affected game play for the community game, the method includes receiving, from the other game play, a result from a game. Also in response to the determination, the method includes affecting of the at least one result of the community game for the affected game play based on the result of the game at the other game play.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Tracey L. Wright, Dion K. Aoki, Andrew C. Guinn, Joel R. Jaffe, Robert L. Kyte, Bradley D. Schultz
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Patent number: 8747219Abstract: A method includes receiving wagers from a player to play respective plays of a plurality of plays of a wagering game having event eligibility that includes a time value and a multiplier value. The method includes increasing at least one of the time value and the multiplier value as a function of the plurality of plays of the wagering game and decrementing the time value as time elapses. In response to a triggering event while the event eligibility is above an eligibility threshold, the method includes allowing the player to participate in one or more special events. The method includes allowing the player to configure at least one of a desired value of the multiplier value and a maximum value of the time value.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Tracey L. Wright, Dion K. Aoki, Andrew C. Guinn, Joel R. Jaffe, Robert L. Kyte, Bradley D. Schultz
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Publication number: 20140148245Abstract: The disclosure includes a game of chance in which profile data for social contacts in a social networking system is used to determine whether a player wins or loses the game of chance. An indication that a first player desires to be included in a game provided on a social network system is stored. The game randomly selects a subset of a plurality of social contacts of a second player. In response to determining that the first player is included in the randomly selected subset of the plurality of social contacts, an award is provided to the first player.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Andrew C. Guinn, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Harry C. Lang, Richard B. Robbins, Pamela S. Smith, Danijel Stankovic
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Publication number: 20140141864Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining that a mobile device is activated to receive secondary wagering game content during a wagering game session conducted via a wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the wagering game machine is configured to present primary wagering game content during the wagering game session. In some embodiments, the operations further include selecting secondary wagering game content in response to determining that the mobile device is activated to receive the secondary wagering game content. In some embodiments, the secondary wagering game content provides a wagering game feature that is not available via the primary wagering game content. In some embodiments, the operations further include providing the secondary wagering game content for presentation via the mobile device during the wagering game session.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.Inventors: Matthew J. Ward, Allon G. Englman, Robert L. Kyte, Ali Neyestani, Dwight D. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8641501Abstract: The disclosure includes a game of chance in which profile data for social contacts in a social networking system is used to determine whether a player wins or loses the game of chance. Social contacts are randomly selected from a group of social contacts. The social contacts may be obtained from a single data source or from multiple data sources and aggregated. A game player wins if the randomly selected social contacts have one or more profile attributes that match each other. The game may be presented as a slots based game in which profile pictures for the social contacts are the symbols for the reels of the slots game.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Andrew C. Guinn, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Harry C. Lang, Richard B. Robbins, Pamela S. Smith, Danijel Stankovic
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Publication number: 20140018163Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to selectively combine base games and bonus games. This modular approach allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to mix and match base games and bonus games as needed. In some embodiments, players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers may also select different game features to employ in the bonus and/or base games. Such an arrangement allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to configure each base game and/or bonus game according to their preferences.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Larry J. Pacey, Matthew J. Ward
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Patent number: 8628410Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game, at least one display, and at least one controller. The wagering game provides access to a progressive game having multiple progressive jackpots. The multiple progressive jackpots are reset after being awarded. In response to a progressive jackpot being awarded, a current expected value of the wagering game is calculated with a normal reset value applied to the awarded progressive jackpot. And, in response to the calculated current expected value of the wagering game being less than a minimum jurisdictional limit, the awarded one of the multiple progressive jackpots is reset with a padded reset value so that the expected value of the wagering game is equal to or greater than the minimum jurisdictional limit. The padded reset value is greater than the normal reset value.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Joel R. Jaffe, Robert L. Kyte
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Patent number: 8597113Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to selectively combine base games and bonus games. This modular approach allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to mix and match base games and bonus games as needed. In some embodiments, players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers may also select different game features to employ in the bonus and/or base games. Such an arrangement allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to configure each base game and/or bonus game according to their preferences.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Larry J. Pacey, Matthew J. Ward
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Publication number: 20130316818Abstract: Systems and methods receive data from one or more source databases into a target database and use the data to personalize or customize a wagering game to a game player. The data may be social network data regarding a player's social contacts, fantasy sports league data associated with the player or other data associated with the player. The data is normalized and data elements from the data are mapped to game elements or symbols to create personalized game elements or symbols. The personalized game elements or symbols are then used as part of a wagering game.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.Inventors: Edward Q. Earley, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Richard B. Robbins