Patents by Inventor William A. Wells

William A. Wells 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: 7951001
    Abstract: A wagering gaming device having a three-dimensional display device which includes a plurality display screens. The display screens display three dimensional images having an height, actual width and depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: William Wells
  • Patent number: 7841944
    Abstract: A wagering gaming device having a three-dimensional display device which includes a plurality display screens. The display screens display three dimensional images having an height, actual width and depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: William Wells
  • Publication number: 20100164401
    Abstract: Various lighting device implementations and related methods may be used to selectively provide various types of light in response to user-actuated controls. In one example, a lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a body, a head, and one or more controls adapted to adjust operation of the light sources. The body includes a housing. The head includes a bezel adapted to rotate relative to the body to select between at least a first one of the light sources and a second one of the light sources. The head also includes a lens adapted to rotate eccentrically relative to a centerline of the head in response to rotation of the bezel. The lens includes a light inlet adapted to be selectively positioned over the first light source, the second light source, or neither of the light sources as the lens rotates eccentrically relative to the centerline of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SUREFIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Michael D. Picciotta, William Wells
  • Publication number: 20100091485
    Abstract: Various structures are provided that may be advantageously used in one or more illumination device designs. In one example, a lens is movable among a plurality of light sources to facilitate selection of which light source is used to provide light for the illumination device. In another example, electric power is provided only to the light source that is used to provide light for the illumination device. Rotation of a bezel of the light source can determine which light sources provides light for the light source and which light source receives electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Michael D. Picciotta, William Wells
  • Patent number: 7628701
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfacing with a user at a casino gaming machine are disclosed. An input control panel with a plurality dynamic buttons is provided. The dynamic buttons may be activated by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc. Each dynamic button may include a display area (e.g., an LCD), a transparent tactile feedback portion (e.g., a pliable polyurethane membrane), and an input detection portion (e.g., a transparent touch screen). A dynamic button may be depressed to make an input selection and may include a display area which is visible through the button. During operation of a dynamic button, the controller may send image data for display on the button and receive input signals from the input detection portion of the button when a user depresses the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: William Wells
  • Publication number: 20080242296
    Abstract: LBS support to CDMA mobiles while roaming on another network. IS-801 session data is routed by a routing gateway to a correct visited network PDE that contains correct BSA data, which is used to return assistance data to an interrogating mobile device. A standalone exemplary roaming LBS routing gateway (XRG) provides network connectivity between PDE equipment in multiple carrier networks. Conventional LBS roaming support is defined via the use of Mobile Position Centers (MPCs). The invention implements a roaming LBS gateway to enable roaming between CDMA carriers that are only using a PDE (Positioning Determining Entity) for this purpose, since a mobile position center (MPC) is typically an optional network node according to location based services (LBS) specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Myron D'SOUZA, Gordon John HINES, David BARTNIK, Joseph HANNAN, Joel GROEN, William WELLS
  • Publication number: 20080161100
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a value input device, a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a light array, an audio output device, and a controller operatively coupled to said value input device, said display unit, said light array and said audio output device, said controller including a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on said display unit, to determine a game event mode, to selectively perform one of: (i) to cause a sound segment to be generated on said audio output device and synchronize a light pattern to be generated on said light array with the sound segment and (ii) to control said light array directly to cause a light pattern to be generated on said light array according to the game event mode, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Joseph R. Hedrick, William Wells
  • Publication number: 20080113671
    Abstract: A Secure Location Session Manager (SLSM) is an intelligent router for open mobile alliance (OMA) Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Version 1.0 (and later) messages best implemented when multiple, geo-diverse SUPL servers are deployed in a distributed environment, such as an active-active redundant configuration within a wireless carrier's network. In a standalone option, the SLSM acts as a “middleman” for all SUPL positioning messages between a mobile device and a responsible SUPL server. In an embedded option, the SLSM resides within an existing server. The SLSM manages and stores session information for all pending and ongoing SUPL positioning sessions in internal tables for routing and load balancing purposes. The external interfaces of the SLSM consist of OMA ULP messages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Kambiz Ghozati, Dara Ung, Kyle Greenwell, Tojo Thomas, William Wells
  • Patent number: 7364505
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a value input device, a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a light array, an audio output device, and a controller operatively coupled to said value input device, said display unit, said light array and said audio output device, said controller including a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on said display unit, to determine a game event mode, to selectively perform one of: (i) to cause a sound segment to be generated on said audio output device and synchronize a light pattern to be generated on said light array with the sound segment and (ii) to control said light array directly to cause a light pattern to be generated on said light array according to the game event mode, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Joseph R. Hedrick, William Wells
  • Publication number: 20080051722
    Abstract: In one aspect, a device for locating a subcutaneously implanted port is provided. The device includes a port beacon adapted to be implanted proximate the subcutaneously implanted port, the port beacon configured to generate a beacon signal, and a port locator including at least one first coil responsive to the beacon signal, the at least one first coil configured to generate a locator signal in response to the beacon signal, the port locator further includes a controller to receive the locator signal and generate at least one proximity measurement indicative of a location of the port beacon based, at least in part, on the locator signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ellsmere, William Wells
  • Publication number: 20080026844
    Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for operating a wireless game player that presents a game of chance executed on a gaming machine in communication with the wireless game player. In one embodiment, the wireless game player is a hand-held mobile device, electronically linked to a licensed gaming machine via a wireless connection. All random number generation (RNG) events, game outcomes, meter information, game related information, and all cash transactions are maintained in the licensed (controlled) gaming machine and not the wireless game player. The wireless game player may be used anywhere within the legal areas of the casino and it has the capability of identifying who is using it. For example, a biometric input device, such as a finger print reader may be used on the wireless game player to identify the player. Thus, the issue of under-age or excluded players is addressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: William Wells
  • Publication number: 20080020840
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine that includes multiple display devices arranged in a common line of sight. An intermediate display device or light filter may be included between the exterior display device and the interior display device. A touchscreen may also be added outside the exterior display device to facilitate player input and gaming machine interaction. The common line of sight arrangement permits a person to view video output on all the display devices simultaneously or without substantially changing their position or line of sight. The interior display device may include a digital display device that includes a curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: William Wells, Chauncey Griswold
  • Publication number: 20080020839
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine that includes multiple display devices arranged in a common line of sight. An intermediate display device or light filter may be included between the exterior display device and the interior display device. A touchscreen may also be added outside the exterior display device to facilitate player input and gaming machine interaction. The common line of sight arrangement permits a person to view video output on all the display devices simultaneously or without substantially changing their position or line of sight. The interior display device may include a digital display device that includes a curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: William Wells, Chauncey Griswold
  • Publication number: 20080020841
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine that includes multiple display devices arranged in a common line of sight. An intermediate display device or light filter may be included between the exterior display device and the interior display device. A touchscreen may also be added outside the exterior display device to facilitate player input and gaming machine interaction. The common line of sight arrangement permits a person to view video output on all the display devices simultaneously or without substantially changing their position or line of sight. The interior display device may include a digital display device that includes a curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: William Wells, Chauncey Griswold
  • Publication number: 20070155512
    Abstract: A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: William Wells, Chauncey Griswold, Ricky Lew, Christian Gadda, Richard Wilder, Harold Mattice
  • Publication number: 20070060390
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that cast an image into a person's eye from a retinal image system included with a gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a retinal image system located within or about the external cabinet and configured to cast an image toward an eye of a person near the gaming machine. The gaming machine also includes an eye detection system configured to locate the eye relative to a position of a projection component of the retinal image system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventor: William Wells
  • Publication number: 20070004513
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine that includes multiple display devices arranged in a common line of sight. An intermediate display device or light filter may be included between the exterior display device and the interior display device. A touchscreen may also be added outside the exterior display device to facilitate player input and gaming machine interaction. The common line of sight arrangement permits a person to view video output on all the display devices simultaneously or without substantially changing their position or line of sight. The interior display device may include a digital display device that includes a curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: William Wells, Chauncey Griswold
  • Publication number: 20060287095
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing communications using the candle of a gaming machine are disclosed. A candle radio includes an antenna and transceiver within a housing, as well as one or more light sources and a mounting mechanism configured to mount the candle radio to a respective gaming machine or terminal. The transceiver and antenna are adapted to facilitate radio communications with at least one external transponder/transceiver, which can include wireless system access points and/or additional candle radios associated with other gaming machines. The antenna can be located at the top of the candle radio, while the transceiver can be located within a base at the bottom. An input connector on the transceiver facilitates communications with the gaming machine MGC. The candle radio can be adapted to split radio communications into portions and retransmit one or more portions of a communication, which may be done at differing radio frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Harold Mattice, William Wells
  • Patent number: D628323
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, William Wells
  • Patent number: D628324
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, William Wells