Patents by Inventor Vincent P. Smith
Vincent P. Smith 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: 10332350Abstract: A gaming system including one or more group event eligibility sequences. Each group event eligibility sequence is associated with a set duration. In these embodiments, if one or more players at one or more gaming machines collectively satisfy a group event eligibility threshold within the set duration of an initiated or triggered group event eligibility sequence, the gaming system determines that such players are eligible to participate in a group event. For the group event, the gaming system provides one or more group event awards to such participating players.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: IGTInventors: Vincent P. Smith, Cameron A. Filipour, Mark S. Ross, Joseph Masinter, Shara C. Miller
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Patent number: 10297108Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a collection game independent from the primary games of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the collection game includes a plurality of elements and a winning element combination. During play of the collection game, randomly or upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system releases one of the plurality of elements to players. The gaming system repeats the process of releasing elements until one of the players collects all of the elements of the winning element combination. The first player to collect all of the elements of the winning element combination wins an award or prize.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: IGTInventors: Daniel De Waal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberley Campbell
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Publication number: 20170221310Abstract: A gaming system including one or more group event eligibility sequences. Each group event eligibility sequence is associated with a set duration. In these embodiments, if one or more players at one or more gaming machines collectively satisfy a group event eligibility threshold within the set duration of an initiated or triggered group event eligibility sequence, the gaming system determines that such players are eligible to participate in a group event. For the group event, the gaming system provides one or more group event awards to such participating players.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Vincent P. Smith, Cameron A. Filipour, Mark S. Ross, Joseph Masinter, Shara C. Miller
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Patent number: 9623321Abstract: A gaming system including one or more group event eligibility sequences. Each group event eligibility sequence is associated with a set duration. In these embodiments, if one or more players at one or more gaming machines collectively satisfy a group event eligibility threshold within the set duration of an initiated or triggered group event eligibility sequence, the gaming system determines that such players are eligible to participate in a group event. For the group event, the gaming system provides one or more group event awards to such participating players.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: IGTInventors: Vincent P. Smith, Cameron A. Filipour, Mark S. Ross, Joseph Masinter, Shara C. Miller
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Publication number: 20160328918Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a collection game independent from the primary games of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the collection game includes a plurality of elements and a winning element combination. During play of the collection game, randomly or upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system releases one of the plurality of elements to players. The gaming system repeats the process of releasing elements until one of the players collects all of the elements of the winning element combination. The first player to collect all of the elements of the winning element combination wins an award or prize.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Daniel De Waal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberley Campbell
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Patent number: 9401066Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a collection game independent from the primary games of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the collection game includes a plurality of elements and a winning element combination. During play of the collection game, randomly or upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system releases one of the plurality of elements to players. The gaming system repeats the process of releasing elements until one of the players collects all of the elements of the winning element combination. The first player to collect all of the elements of the winning element combination wins an award or prize.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Daniel De Waal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberley Campbell
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Patent number: 9401072Abstract: A gaming machine coupled to at least one server via a network includes a display device configured to display a game to a player playing on the gaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller detects an award trigger during play of the game, and awards a token upon detection of the award trigger, wherein the token includes an activation date, an expiration date, and a value that is unknown to the player at the time of being awarded. In response to a redemption request by the player, the controller determines a redemption status of the token and, based on the redemption status, awards the token value to the player or notifies the player that the token is expired.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Daniel J. de Waal, Vincent P. Smith, Cameron Anthony Filipour, Ali M. Saffari
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Patent number: 9159194Abstract: A method for a game includes providing a plurality of individual gaming machines for playing a base game, where an outcome of each gaming machine is determined at least in part by chance, and communicatively coupling a progressive bonus apparatus to said plurality of individual gaming machines. The method includes creating value elements and inserting them onto individual gaming machines in a bank of gaming machines. The value elements can be seen visually by players so that the players can monitor the status of the bonus game while playing the base game. Also disclosed is an apparatus capable of carrying out the above method as well as a media carrying an instruction set for carrying out the above method.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Vincent P. Smith, Cameron A. Filipour, Dan Uomini
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Patent number: 8979641Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an award to one or more players for a non-occurrence of a designated event. The gaming system monitors a plurality of games played at a plurality of gaming devices. If the designated event occurs, the gaming system resets an event counter associated with tracking the non-occurrence of the designated event. If the designated event does not occur, the gaming system: (i) increments the event counter to account for the non-occurrence of the designated event, and (ii) determines if the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals a predetermined quantity of games played. If the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals the predetermined quantity, the gaming system provides one or more of the players an award for the non-occurrence of the designated event.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Daniel J. De Waal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith
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Patent number: 8821262Abstract: A gaming system and method disclosed herein enable players to earn promotional awards at gaming machines without sacrificing or surrendering player tracking points. The gaming system and method also provide value to players without the casino absorbing the cost of such value. The gaming system and method disclosed herein creates a new type of currency redeemable for a good or service (or a discount on a good or service) associated with a point-of-sale independent of the casino. In one form, the player tracking currency does not cost the casino or the player anything.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: IGTInventors: Vincent P. Smith, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Daniel J. Dewaal
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Patent number: 8795048Abstract: The present disclosure provides gaming systems, devices, and methods providing a multi-stage bonus game. When a first stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a first bonus game stage. During the first stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and determine any first stage awards based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a second bonus game stage. During the second stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and may provide the player with elements, which the player accumulates during the second stage, based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage termination event occurs, the gaming system determines any second stage awards based on a total quantity of elements accumulated by the player, provides the player with any determined awards, and terminates the bonus game.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: IGTInventors: Craig M. Schaefer, Vincent P. Smith, Brian A. Johnson, Mathew T. Planet
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Patent number: 8759485Abstract: Chemokine binding activity of viral TNF receptors and related proteins. The invention relates to a C-terminal domain (CTD) of viral tumor necrosis factor receptors (vTNFRs) CrmB or CrmD or CTD homologues (CTD1, CTD2 and CTD3) from poxvirus and their functional homologues, including derivatives, and fragments, for use in binding chemokines and their analogues and/or to enhance the immunomodulatory properties of TNFRs or in blocking binding of chemokines to their corresponding cell surface receptors and/or to modulate chemokine biological activity.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventors: Antonio Alcami Alcami Pertejo, Ali Alejo Herberg, Maria Begona Ruiz-Arguello, Yin Ho, Margarida Saraiva, Vincent P. Smith
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Publication number: 20140171188Abstract: A method for a game includes providing a plurality of individual gaming machines for playing a base game, where an outcome of each gaming machine is determined at least in part by chance, and communicatively coupling a progressive bonus apparatus to said plurality of individual gaming machines. The method includes creating value elements and inserting them onto individual gaming machines in a bank of gaming machines. The value elements can be seen visually by players so that the players can monitor the status of the bonus game while playing the base game. Also disclosed is an apparatus capable of carrying out the above method as well as a media carrying an instruction set for carrying out the above method.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: IGTInventors: Vincent P. Smith, Cameron A. Filipour, Dan Uomini
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Publication number: 20140155170Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a collection game independent from the primary games of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the collection game includes a plurality of elements and a winning element combination. During play of the collection game, randomly or upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system releases one of the plurality of elements to players. The gaming system repeats the process of releasing elements until one of the players collects all of the elements of the winning element combination. The first player to collect all of the elements of the winning element combination wins an award or prize.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: IGTInventors: Daniel De Waal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberley Campbell
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Publication number: 20140087840Abstract: A gaming system including one or more group event eligibility sequences. Each group event eligibility sequence is associated with a set duration. In these embodiments, if one or more players at one or more gaming machines collectively satisfy a group event eligibility threshold within the set duration of an initiated or triggered group event eligibility sequence, the gaming system determines that such players are eligible to participate in a group event. For the group event, the gaming system provides one or more group event awards to such participating players.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: IGTInventors: Vincent P. Smith, Cameron A. Filipour, Mark S. Ross, Joseph Masinter, Shara C. Miller
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Patent number: 8678906Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a collection game independent from the primary games of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the collection game includes a plurality of elements and a winning element combination. During play of the collection game, randomly or upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system releases one of the plurality of elements to players. The gaming system repeats the process of releasing elements until one of the players collects all of the elements of the winning element combination. The first player to collect all of the elements of the winning element combination wins an award or prize.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: IGTInventors: Daniel De Waal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberley M. Campbell
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Patent number: 8662982Abstract: A method for a game includes providing a plurality of individual gaming machines for playing a base game, where an outcome of each gaming machine is determined at least in part by chance, and communicatively coupling a progressive bonus apparatus to said plurality of individual gaming machines. The method includes creating value elements and inserting them onto individual gaming machines in a bank of gaming machines. The value elements can be seen visually by players so that the players can monitor the status of the bonus game while playing the base game. Also disclosed is an apparatus capable of carrying out the above method as well as a media carrying an instruction set for carrying out the above method.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: IGTInventors: Vincent P. Smith, Cameron Anthony Filipour, Dan Uomini
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Publication number: 20140051503Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an award to one or more players for a non-occurrence of a designated event. The gaming system monitors a plurality of games played at a plurality of gaming devices. If the designated event occurs, the gaming system resets an event counter associated with tracking the non-occurrence of the designated event. If the designated event does not occur, the gaming system: (i) increments the event counter to account for the non-occurrence of the designated event, and (ii) determines if the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals a predetermined quantity of games played. If the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals the predetermined quantity, the gaming system provides one or more of the players an award for the non-occurrence of the designated event.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Daniel J. De Waal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith
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Patent number: 8574067Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an award to one or more players for a non-occurrence of a designated event. The gaming system monitors a plurality of games played at a plurality of gaming devices. If the designated event occurs, the gaming system resets an event counter associated with tracking the non-occurrence of the designated event. If the designated event does not occur, the gaming system: (i) increments the event counter to account for the non-occurrence of the designated event, and (ii) determines if the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals a predetermined quantity of games played. If the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals the predetermined quantity, the gaming system provides one or more of the players an award for the non-occurrence of the designated event.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Daniel J. DeWaal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith
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Publication number: 20130143645Abstract: The present disclosure provides gaming systems, devices, and methods providing a multi-stage bonus game. When a first stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a first bonus game stage. During the first stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and determine any first stage awards based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a second bonus game stage. During the second stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and may provide the player with elements, which the player accumulates during the second stage, based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage termination event occurs, the gaming system determines any second stage awards based on a total quantity of elements accumulated by the player, provides the player with any determined awards, and terminates the bonus game.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: IGTInventors: Craig M. Schaefer, Vincent P. Smith, Brian A. Johnson, Mathew T. Planet