Patents by Inventor Sean E. Hayes

Sean E. Hayes 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).

  • Patent number: 8545305
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device for receiving wagers from players to play a wagering game, and a display for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The gaming device also includes a multi-layer composite lighting assembly with a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer, and a spacer. The first light-emitting layer emits light of a first color in a first direction, whereas the second light-emitting layer emits light of a second color in a second direction. The spacer, which is interposed between the first and second light-emitting layers, diffuses and focuses light emitted by the second light-emitting layer through the light emitted by the first light-emitting layer to thereby create a three-dimensional simulation of a component of the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Ross, Emilio D. Perez, Norma C. Rodriguez, Sean E. Hayes, Vito M. Caporusso
  • Patent number: 8512137
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can determine a wagering game in progress for a wagering game session, and determine an electronic playing card that is in use for the wagering game that uses playing cards. The operations can also determine primary content related to the wagering game, and electronically present the primary content on the electronic playing card for use in the wagering game. The primary content can include playing elements (e.g., card ranks and card suits) for the wagering game. The operations can also determine secondary content to be presented on the electronic playing card, and electronically present the secondary content on the electronic playing card during the wagering game session. The secondary content can include wagering games that are different from the primary content (e.g., secondary wagering games that use playing elements other than cards, such as slot games).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean E. Hayes, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing, James E. Motyl
  • Patent number: 8303420
    Abstract: Wagering game systems, gaming machines, and methods of changing the appearance of a gaming machine are presented herein. In one embodiment, a gaming machine for playing a wagering game is presented. The gaming machine includes a display for displaying the outcomes of the wagering game, and an input device for receiving wagers from players. The gaming machine also includes a cabinet with a mounting base integrated to the top of the cabinet. The mounting base is configured to support any of a plurality of different top-box mounted fixtures, such as tower lights, marquees, and other signage. In some embodiments, the gaming machine also includes at least one electrical connector that is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet. The electrical connector is configured to electrically couple the selected top-box mounted fixture to the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Chudek, David K. Rifkin, Thomas F. Costanzo, Michael R. Lewis, Sean E. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20110319152
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device for receiving wagers from players to play a wagering game, and a display for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The gaming device also includes a multi-layer composite lighting assembly with a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer, and a spacer. The first light-emitting layer emits light of a first color in a first direction, whereas the second light-emitting layer emits light of a second color in a second direction. The spacer, which is interposed between the first and second light-emitting layers, diffuses and focuses light emitted by the second light-emitting layer through the light emitted by the first light-emitting layer to thereby create a three-dimensional simulation of a component of the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Ross, Emilio D. Perez, Norma C. Rodriguez, Sean E. Hayes, Vito M. Caporusso
  • Publication number: 20110207530
    Abstract: Wagering game systems, gaming machines, and methods of changing the appearance of a gaming machine are presented herein. In one embodiment, a gaming machine for playing a wagering game is presented. The gaming machine includes a display for displaying the outcomes of the wagering game, and an input device for receiving wagers from players. The gaming machine also includes a cabinet with a mounting base integrated to the top of the cabinet. The mounting base is configured to support any of a plurality of different top-box mounted fixtures, such as tower lights, marquees, and other signage. In some embodiments, the gaming machine also includes at least one electrical connector that is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet. The electrical connector is configured to electrically couple the selected top-box mounted fixture to the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Chudek, David K. Rifkin, Thomas F. Costanzo, Michael R. Lewis, Sean E. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20110045886
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can determine a wagering game in progress for a wagering game session, and determine an electronic playing card that is in use for the wagering game that uses playing cards. The operations can also determine primary content related to the wagering game, and electronically present the primary content on the electronic playing card for use in the wagering game. The primary content can include playing elements (e.g., card ranks and card suits) for the wagering game. The operations can also determine secondary content to be presented on the electronic playing card, and electronically present the secondary content on the electronic playing card during the wagering game session. The secondary content can include wagering games that are different from the primary content (e.g., secondary wagering games that use playing elements other than cards, such as slot games).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean E. Hayes, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing, James E. Motyl