Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Tulley

Stephen C. Tulley 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: 9396476
    Abstract: A method for providing a link in an electronic file being presented to a user which includes defining a customized viewpoint for the user. The viewpoint includes a preference for the user that provides an association between a data pattern and a computer network resource. The method also includes generating a request for content, receiving an electronic file in response to the request, and evaluating the electronic file to recognize a match between at least one portion of the electronic file and the data pattern. Upon recognizing a match, the electronic file is modified to include a link to the computer network resource associated with the matching data pattern, and the modified electronic file is presented to the user. Thus, the link included in the electronic file presented to the user is customized for the user, and different users who retrieve the same content can be provided with links to different computer network resources depending on their respective viewpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, John M. Packes, Stephen C. Tulley, Keith Bemer, Dean P. Alderucci, Marc D. Kessman, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 9384632
    Abstract: Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Publication number: 20160189481
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Publication number: 20160117886
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Publication number: 20160117882
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 9311778
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing video games in a network environment are provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a game for a player of a first network connected device and enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game. The method also enables transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game. The method debits an account of a player that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method then enables purchases in the game using the credited currency and displays an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device, and displays an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 9280869
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for conducting a secondary game at a gaming device. In various embodiments, a player may acquire equity in the secondary game in such forms as a location of a game character, a number of symbols aggregated, a degree of completion of a puzzle, or a defensive provision. Certain symbols or outcomes in a primary game, however, may cause the player to lose equity in the secondary game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, David F. Zucker, Andrew D. Rodgers, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Publication number: 20160063815
    Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Publication number: 20160027255
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20160027242
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Patent number: 9235959
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9235961
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing video games in a network environment are provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a game for a player of a first network connected device and enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game. The method also enables transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game. The method debits an account of a player that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method then enables purchases in the game using the credited currency and displays an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device, and displays an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdelena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 9235960
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9235958
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9235954
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 9214064
    Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9196121
    Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Gregory J. Scribner, James A. Jorasch, Carson C. K. Fincham, Zachary T. Smith, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Publication number: 20150302692
    Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Publication number: 20150294532
    Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Gregory J. Scribner, James A. Jorasch, Carson C.K. Fincham, Zachary T. Smith, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Patent number: 9159193
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Dean P. Alderucci