Patents by Inventor Robert Peter Erickson

Robert Peter Erickson 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).

  • Communication control for progressive game controller to prevent near-concurrent wins
    Patent number: 9406188
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing near-concurrent wins in a progressive gaming system controlled by Jackpot Controller are disclosed. A VLT player may send a “win” combination to the Jackpot Controller to determine whether the “win” awards the accumulating progressive jackpot. The Jackpot Controller may evaluate the “win” message. If the “win” message is valid, the “win” of the accumulating progressive jackpot may be confirmed. Other VLTs may be blocked from submitting “win” messages for that same progressive jackpot. The VLT may then distribute the proceeds to the player. The Jackpot Controller may initiate other progressive jackpot status communications to insure against a loss of data should an interruption event occur. Individual VLTs may initiate status messages to the Jackpot Controller should they remain inactive for a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: GTECH CANADA ULC
    Inventor: Robert Peter Erickson