Patents by Inventor Robert N. Silva, III

Robert N. Silva, III 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 device having a multiple symbol swapping game
    Patent number: 7578737
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges at least two sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III
  • Gaming device having a multiple symbol swapping game
    Patent number: 7578738
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III
  • Gaming device having a game including a rearrangement path
    Patent number: 7578735
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. In another embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of symbols displayed along a rearrangement path to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Kelly D. Frizzell, Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III
  • Gaming device having player-selectable award digits and award modification options
    Patent number: 7547252
    Abstract: A gaming device that incorporates mechanical display devices to provide a player-selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. The gaming device randomly generates a plurality of digit positions or places of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's original award. The player can elect to modify the original award using a plurality of methods to create an ultimate award. The gaming device display the digits, digit positions, and modification methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Lance R. Peterson, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Cari L. Blomquist, Darren Maya, Robert N. Silva, III, Randall D. Mead
  • Gaming device having a multiple symbol swapping game
    Patent number: 7371170
    Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen M. Cregan, Robert N. Silva, III