Housing Patents (Class 463/46)
  • Publication number: 20130244797
    Abstract: A video game console in which a multidisc changer is integrated, wherein the multidisc changer has a magazine with a plurality of stacked disc trays, wherein each disc tray is capable of receiving one disc, and wherein a video game player is able to remotely control the multidisc changer and play a plurality of games one after the other without the need for the player or someone else to physically approach the video game console to press the eject button and change discs every time the player wishes to play a different video game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Johnny Brandon Saoud
  • Publication number: 20130244795
    Abstract: Components of a gaming machine are cooled by generating an air flow through the gaming machine. The air flow cools the gaming machine components and is filtered by a filter. A speed of the air flow through the gaming machine is measured using an anemometer and a signal indicative of the speed of the air flow is generated. The signal may indicate, for example, that the filter or a fan that generates the air flow are in need of maintenance, or that an obstruction exists in the air flow path through the gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas D. Waxman, Cynthia R. Criss
  • Publication number: 20130244796
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gift storage device of a gift game machine and a selection output means thereof. The gift game machine has the selection output means movable in X, Y, Z axes to correspond to a plurality of gift storage devices. Each gift storage device includes a gift support for allowing gifts to hang thereon and a rotary feeding set controlled by the selection output means. A spiral element of the rotary feeding set rotates to push the gifts on the gift support, so that the gifts can move on the gift support until they leave the gift support. Each gift storage device is positioned to a back plate of the gift game machine via an insertion frame. Tabs and insertion troughs are provided between the gift storage device and the insertion frame, so that the gift storage device can be disassembled or assembled easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: YOUAL-JIFH ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-CHIEH WANG
  • Patent number: 8535166
    Abstract: A stylized support and accessory holder for an electronic game console, having an overall shape of an insect or other animal. The support base raises an electronic game console above the floor to minimize intake of dust and other debris often circulating near the floor of a room. In addition, the base may include one or more fans to improve air circulation within the game console. Recharge stations are provided for controllers. An internal circuit breaker is used to protect multiple accessory outlets on the body of the support base. The support base is designed to be decorative and whimsical, but practical. The base supplies electrical power, cooling air, and recharging power for controllers or accessories, as well as electrical power for accessories. All supplied power is protected by a built-in circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew A. Weed, Thomas D. Weed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8528909
    Abstract: A gaming table comprising a tabletop configured to receive gaming accessories, a base connected to and configured to support the tabletop, an antenna located in the tabletop and configured to operate by at least one of, detecting, reading, writing to, tracking, or any combination thereof, the gaming accessories, and a cup shield configured to keep the antenna from being read from outside the antenna system, shield and protect it from electromagnetic and RF interferences and prevent detuning, the cup shield being located under the tabletop and aligned with the antenna. The base can include a side wall connected to a back panel, a shelf connected to the side wall and the back panel, and a pipe configured to isolate, insulate or shield a plurality of wires, the back panel and the shelf having a plurality of openings configured to ventilate heat from inside the base to outside of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Gaming Partners International Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Gelinotte, Francisco Javier Moreno, Gregory Gronau, Justin Woodard
  • Patent number: 8529356
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an audio control apparatus having a game audio port for receiving a gaming audio signal generated by a gaming application, a chat port for receiving a chat signal comprising audio information generated by at least one gamer, and an audio system coupled to the game audio port and the chat port. The audio system can be operable to detect an energy level in the chat signal that exceeds a threshold, reduce a magnitude of the gaming audio signal to a desired audio energy level responsive to the aforementioned detection, generate a mixed audio signal comprising a combination of the gaming audio signal having the reduced magnitude and the chat signal, and transmit the mixed audio signal to a listening apparatus. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Steelseries ApS
    Inventors: Tino Soelberg, Lung-Jen Hsu, Francis Arnold Grever
  • Patent number: 8523668
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a lock-box device that requires a child or any other user to answer one or more educational questions correctly before being allowed access to one or more entertainment systems that require power such as a television, a computer, and a video game console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Paul DiCarlo
  • Patent number: 8523684
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include an apparatus operable to determine a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen Merkel
  • Patent number: 8517836
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides an interactive gaming system comprising at least one tile, each tile comprising a pressure sensor, a controller being for generating a control signal associated with the pressure exerted on the tile and tile communicator for wirelessly sending the control signal to a control unit. The system further comprises a control unit comprising control unit communicator arranged for wirelessly receiving the control signal from a tile, a game controller comprising a game memory and an interpreter for interpreting the control signal in the light of a stored game and a signal generator for generating signals associated with the interpreted control signal. A tile further comprises an orientation sensor for identifying on which side of the tile the pressure is exerted. In one aspect the present invention provides a more versatile gaming system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Lucas Jacobus Franciscus Geurts, Vincentius Paulus Buil, Rik Remco Wesselink, Bas Groenendaal
  • Patent number: 8517841
    Abstract: A video repository unit includes a plurality of disk drives arranged in a redundant array and circuitry to control writing/reading of video programs to/from the redundant array. A wireless transceiver receives video programs and transmits a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: OL2, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen G. Perlman
  • Patent number: 8512152
    Abstract: A game apparatus has an upper housing and a lower housing which are foldable. A first part, a second part, and a third part constitute the upper housing. A fourth part, a fifth part, and a sixth part constitute the lower housing. By assembling the parts, the game apparatus comes to have a three-layered structure when folded, thereby enhancing operability, a degree of freedom of design, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yui Ehara, Junichiro Miyatake, Hiroki Goto, Kochi Kawai, Satoshi Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8506382
    Abstract: Disclosed are two-player games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including one or more shared feature games. Each player has a respective base game, game board and a token movable on his game board in response to his base game outcomes. Certain combinations of token positions on the two game boards may trigger play of one or more feature games shared by the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schultz, Keith Kruczynski
  • Patent number: 8506401
    Abstract: A gaming table device which can determine frauds precisely and human errors is provided. A plurality of antennas for reading medium identification information of the game medium disposed on a game table through a wireless communication are disposed at locations spaced away from each other, and when a first antenna of the plurality of antennas is selected, a second antenna spaced at a predetermined distance from the first antenna of the plurality of antennas is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuki Emori, Toru Sugawara, Kouichi Matsumoto, Shinsuke Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8506412
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a main door coupled to a main cabinet and a controller positioned within the main cabinet, wherein the controller includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit wireless control signals. The gaming machine also includes a display board coupled to the main door, wherein the display board includes a plurality of light devices and a wireless receiver configured to receive the wireless signals from the wireless transmitter, and wherein the wireless signals are representative of control commands for the plurality of light devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Gene Elvin Powell, Mark Woodard
  • Patent number: 8491397
    Abstract: A watch includes a wrist band and a housing mounted to the wrist band where the housing includes a wrist side and an opposing side, a pliable domed shape pressure plate that extends outwardly from the wrist side of the housing to contact a palm side of a wrist and that responds to movements of muscles and tendons in the wrist that correspond to varying grip pressures applied by a hand extending from the wrist, a battery, memory, circuitry powered by the battery to convert responses of the pliable domed shape pressure plate to digital data, and circuitry powered by the battery to record the digital data to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Theodore Caldwell, Ning Chen
  • Patent number: 8485881
    Abstract: A technique is described for operating a gaming machine adapted to receive a wager on a game of chance. In at least one embodiment, the gaming machine may be adapted to dynamically change its volume. In one implementation, the gaming machine may include a first movable display which may be used to dynamically and/or automatically change the volume of the gaming machine. For example, the first movable display may be automatically moved to a first position to thereby establish a first volume of the gaming machine. The first movable display may also be automatically moved to a second position to thereby establish a second volume of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Chauncey Griswold, Jean-Pierre Legras, Harold “Sonny” Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
  • Publication number: 20130178286
    Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to controlling a video game. The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: WIKIPAD, INC.
    Inventor: WIKIPAD, INC.
  • Patent number: 8480493
    Abstract: A game controller for a tablet computing device is disclosed. The controller includes a control console. A groove on a top portion of the control console configured and arranged to capture an edge of a tablet computing device in an upright orientation. A number of controls are included on the control console for transmitting game control inputs to the tablet computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: inMusic Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson Liotta, Brian Shim, William Yonkers
  • Patent number: 8475285
    Abstract: An amusement device having a display, a memory and a controller. The amusement device includes a housing defining an internal cavity and a chassis secured to the housing and defining a chassis plane. The chassis is positioned at least partially within the internal cavity. A control board support defines a board plane and the control board support has a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the board plane is generally perpendicular to the chassis plane and in the open position, the board plane is generally parallel to the chassis plane. The control board support is slidably and rotatably movable between the closed position and the open position. The control board support is positioned within the internal cavity in the open and closed positions and when moving therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Megatouch, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Jarema, III, Tam Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8469791
    Abstract: A method of playing a bingo-type game includes the steps of generating a result of the game and displaying a representation of the result. More specifically, the representation of the result of the game is displayed through a mechanical technological aid at an electronic play station. An apparatus for playing the game includes a server and the electronic play station in operative communication with the server. The server generates the called numbers, which correlate to the result of the game, and the electronic play station includes the mechanical technological aid for displaying the representation of the result of the game. A program product for playing the game is stored on computer readable media and includes a result program code for generating the result of the game and a display program code for displaying the representation of the result through the mechanical technological aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon P. Yarbrough, David L. Wright
  • Patent number: 8469260
    Abstract: Described is a method for enabling a technician to open a door of a gaming machine without needing a physical key using a gaming system having a biometric controlled door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin S. Lyons, Bryan M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8465360
    Abstract: In a shooting game device capable of having more than one player play a game, stop control module (M1), generates first stop information (ST1) upon detecting that a first gun unit (30) points out of the screen, and generates second stop information (ST2) upon detecting that a first gun unit (40) points out of the screen. A virtual view position movement module (M2) moves a first virtual view position for a first player and a second virtual view position for a second player at the predetermined speed, but stops the movement of the first virtual view position upon detecting first stop information (ST1) and stops the movement of the second virtual view position upon detecting second stop information (ST2). An image generation module (M4) generates a first image (GD1) for the first player and a second image (GD2) for the second player in a virtual space based on first position information (PS1) showing the first virtual view position and second position information (PS2) showing the second virtual view position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigenobu Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8460105
    Abstract: An electronic game controller includes a front body, a rear body, a plurality of function keys and a rotating mechanism. The front body includes a second end surface non-orthogonal to its longitudinal axis. The rear body includes a third end surface parallel to the second end surface and non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the rear body. The function keys are disposed on the front and the rear bodies. The rotating mechanism is connected with the second and the third end surfaces, that is, the front and the rear bodies are pivotally connected with each other via the rotating mechanism. Accordingly, since the rear body can rotate relative to the front body and be positioned via the rotating mechanism, the present invention can provide more than two ways of being held to enhance users' enjoyment of playing electronic games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Cywee Group Limited
    Inventor: Zhou Ye
  • Patent number: 8454444
    Abstract: A gaming machine cabinet or housing is constructed from a plurality of connected components. In one embodiment, the cabinet is assembled from base, side, top, back and door components or sections. The housing may have a basis configuration constructed from a base, sides, top, back and a first door. The housing may have a plurality of modified configurations constructed from various of the basic configuration components, such as the base, sides and back, and an extension and modified door. In accordance with the invention, the gaming machine housing may be manufactured in one location and then conveniently shipped in unassembled form to another location for assembly and use. The gaming machine housing may also be constructed in a variety of configurations utilizing a small number of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Cole Kepro International, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Cole
  • Publication number: 20130137523
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet frame, a display, and an emotive lighting area. The cabinet frame has a cabinet surface visible to and facing a player position in front of the gaming machine. The display is mounted to the cabinet frame and is configured to display a randomly selected outcome from a wagering game. The emotive lighting area is integrated with the cabinet frame on the cabinet surface, proximate the display, and is separate from the display. The emotive lighting area includes a light source and a reflective surface, each of the light source and the reflective surface being concealed within the cabinet frame such that they are not viewable from the player position, the reflective surface configured to receive light directly from the light source and to reflect the light to a viewable area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: WMS Gaming Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130130809
    Abstract: Described herein is a gaming machine (12) including a cabinet (12) having an upper portion (14) and a lower portion (16). A primary display (18) is disposed in the upper portion and a user interface (20) is disposed in the lower portion. The maximum frontal width of the lower portion is substantially less than the maximum frontal width of the upper portion such that a clearance is defined under the upper portion on each side of the lower portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Vincent Carmelo Bruzzese, Scott Paul Shelley, Peter Scott Clarebrough
  • Patent number: 8439761
    Abstract: A gaming cabinet includes a first side panel, a second side panel disposed away from and substantially parallel to the first side panel, and a video display carried between the first and second side panels, wherein the video display is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second side panels. The gaming cabinet further includes a translatable gaming deck carried between the first and second side panels, wherein the translatable gaming deck is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second side panels and the video display, wherein the translatable gaming deck is configured to be linearly translated away from the video display, and wherein the translatable gaming deck is configured to be rotated to a position substantially parallel to the video display when linearly translated away from the video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Elite Casino Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dugan S. O'Keene, Scott M. Irving, John J. Beirne
  • Patent number: 8435116
    Abstract: A gaming machine displays a bet start instructional image on a dealer used display, displays a bet end instructional image in response to a predetermined lapse of time after receiving a bet start instruction signal from a touch panel, and controls an oscillation motor to cause a playing board to oscillate after receiving a bet end instruction signal from the touch panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Kido
  • Patent number: 8430408
    Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberly M. Campbell, Christiaan R. Champagne, Dwayne A. Davis, Hans Elias, Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis, David N. Myers, David M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8430756
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes curved panel edges that may be illuminated. The panel edges have compound curves. A tool and method for forming compound curved edge shapes is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Patent Rights Protection Group, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. McComb, Brian R. Soules
  • Patent number: 8430752
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to meter video game play are described. An example apparatus to meter video game play includes a tag to be attached to a video game controller, the tag having a sensor to detect a user interaction with the video game controller. The apparatus also includes a meter to receive information reflecting the user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Arun Ramaswamy, John C. Peiffer
  • Patent number: 8425312
    Abstract: A method determines the three-dimensional position of a playing card at a distance from a gaming table. The method uses modulated signals incorporating different power levels or different frequencies and can be employed as the cards are being dealt or using cards with more than one transponder. The method includes steps of providing each card with at least one transponder that transmits a card identity signal when activated; transmitting an activating signal modulated as to frequency or energy; forming detection zones up to plurality of distances above the gaming table; receiving at a system computer the unique card identity signal; determining a three-dimensional location of the card above the gaming table; recording and displaying the card activity on a computer monitor screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Electronicard Corp.
    Inventor: Daniel Kirsch
  • Patent number: 8419549
    Abstract: A linked gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and having a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates an individual outcome associated with each gaming device. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. However, each gaming device receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Zeke Brill, Hans Elias, Paulina Rodgers, Kehl T. LeSourd, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle, Kirk A. Tedsen, Michael MacVittie
  • Patent number: 8419550
    Abstract: Cashbox security mechanisms, gaming machines with a cashbox security mechanism, and methods for securing and removing a portable cashbox from a gaming machine are presented herein. The cashbox security mechanism stores and secures a cashbox, which stows currency received, for example, from a currency processing device. The cashbox security mechanism includes an outer housing, such as a gaming machine cabinet or a substructure mounted inside a cabinet. An inner chassis mates with and retains the cashbox. The inner chassis and a security door are pivotably mounted with respect to the outer housing. The security door and inner chassis are positionable to cooperatively secure the cashbox within the cashbox security mechanism. Likewise, the security door and inner chassis are respositionable to cooperatively define an access chute through which the cashbox is removable from the cashbox security mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Anthony, Jacob Greenberg, James Lipsey, Daniel Somen, William Venth, Scott Zeeb
  • Patent number: 8414403
    Abstract: A secured gaming table vouchering system to enable the use of game vouchers and promotional coupons and cashless gaming at gaming tables such as a poker table and a gaming table device for use therein. The secured gaming table vouchering system and gaming table device allows casinos and other types of gambling establishments to link gaming tables and point of sale terminals in or associated with a casino to connect and use systems in use, such as the TITO (Ticket In Ticket Out) host system, for credit transfer from cash, RFID chips, non-RFID chips, gaming vouchers, and promotional coupons to gaming vouchers and promotional coupons thereby expanding the use of credit transfer within a gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments and their slot machines, change machines, and cashier cages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: FutureLogic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Denham, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Publication number: 20130085000
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing includes a first wall having a first ventilation port in fluid connection exterior to the outer housing. The inner housing within the outer housing includes a second wall including a second ventilation port. The second ventilation port is offset from the first ventilation port. The gaming machine also includes a player input/output accessible through the outer housing, and circuitry for gaming within the inner housing and operably connected to the player input/output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Patrick J. Nohr, Tai Rosander, Jamison Frady
  • Publication number: 20130085001
    Abstract: A computer system includes an enclosure having a processor, a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, and an environment monitoring system therein. The enclosure environment monitoring system includes a temperature sensor, and an air quality sensor. The computer system also has an indicator responsive to certain conditions being sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: International Game Technology
    Inventors: Nicholas William Anderson, Stewart Thoeni, Kehl Thomas LeSourd, James Michael Gray, Randall Jason Tognoni
  • Publication number: 20130084998
    Abstract: Gaming machines and methods providing for control of gaming machines and gaming networks via a wireless device. A gaming machine includes a one or more cabinets enclosing interior components of the gaming machine. Access to each cabinet may be controlled with a locking mechanism. A communication interface of the gaming machine communicates with the wireless device and a network server. One or more processors of the gaming machine are configured to receive requests from the wireless device for access to a cabinet, facilitate verifying by the network server whether a user associated with the wireless device has access to the cabinet, and upon obtaining verification from the network server that the user has access to the main cabinet, unlock the appropriate locking mechanism. In some implementations, different cabinets require different security levels for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: Jamison Frady
  • Publication number: 20130079157
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a display mounted to a cabinet and configured to display an outcome of a wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager. The gaming system further includes an armrest panel mounted to the cabinet and including a support padding having a wall thickness defined by an exterior surface and an interior surface. The wall thickness varies along a cross-section of the support padding. The armrest panel further includes a plurality of buttons integrated in the support padding for receiving inputs from a player, the plurality of buttons including a first button mounted on a first elevation of the support padding and a second button mounted on a second elevation of the support padding. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation relative to the interior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventor: WMS GAMING INC.
  • Patent number: 8398470
    Abstract: A puzzle includes light emitting diodes integrated in the puzzle in order to achieve a high level of interaction between the user and the puzzle. The puzzle can adapt to the players needs by increasing or decreasing the difficulty level or by giving the user hints. The puzzle functions not only as a puzzle but may also function as an ambient light (or object) of programmable color point (and layout) when not in use as a puzzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Murray Fulton Gillies, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman
  • Patent number: 8388454
    Abstract: A gaming machine 1 includes: a cabinet 2; a top door 3 that is openable and closable, and disposed on an upper portion T of the cabinet 2; and a main display 31 that is disposed on the top door 3 and performs display related to a game. In addition, the cabinet 2 has a main housing portion 22 that houses a control unit 61 and a sub housing portion 21 that is provided between the top door 3 and the main housing portion 22. In the sub housing portion 21, a relay portion (211) that relays a connection of the main display 3 and a control unit 61.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Kido
  • Patent number: 8388444
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming machine and/or entertainment machine, in particular in the form of slot machines and/or gambling machines operable by coins and/or by monetary equivalents, having a plurality of screens for the presentation of information, in particular of game contents and/or of game information, which are directed toward a machine operating position, and having a control device for the control of the screens and/or for the control of game procedures. It is proposed to arrange a plurality of screens staggered behind one another and overlapping one another so that the viewing window onto at least one screen remains behind the actual screen surface of the screen with respect to format and/or size in order to accommodate a maximum number of screens in a compact arrangement, on the one hand, and in order not to be restricted to the desired field of view with respect to the formats of the screens to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Novomatic AG
    Inventors: Johann F. Graf, Marek Gawel, Alexander Legat
  • Patent number: 8390850
    Abstract: A toy mailbox for children includes a storage unit and a media processing mechanism. The storage unit includes a door member for closeably opening the storage unit and an ejection slot configured on a portion of the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is coupled to the storage unit, such that the media processing mechanism is capable of dispensing a media sheet having data content printed thereon, into the storage unit through the ejection slot. Opening the storage unit enables children to access the media sheet from within the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is also capable of printing the data content on the media sheet prior to dispensing the media sheet into the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Writt
  • Patent number: 8388453
    Abstract: The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a plurality of gaming machines; a control device; a single pedestal having an installation surface for installing the gaming machines; a supporting member provided such that a first end thereof is supported by the pedestal and the second end thereof is oriented upwardly; a common image display supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the supporting member, and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nagano
  • Publication number: 20130053153
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cover for top and side surfaces of an electronics device operable for playing games. The cover comprises an opening being configured for enabling access to a game slot of the electronic device. The cover further comprising a first part of a capturing mechanism disposed proximally about at least a portion of a perimeter of the opening. An opening cover is configured to at least cover the opening. The opening cover comprises a second part of the capturing mechanism being configured to be removably joined to the first part of the capturing mechanism to form a seal where the cover and the opening cover are operable for mitigating entry of liquids and particles in covered areas of the electronics device and for mitigating impact and abrasion damage to covered areas of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Victor J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8382110
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming machines having mechanical reels. The machine is adapted so that the reels to some extent protrude from the front face of the machine to enhance the user's awareness that the reels are genuine and, optionally, the reels may have side walls having matching indicia to the symbols on the periphery of the reels. The reels may also be observed from front and rear sides of the machine or alternatively, rotated about an upright axis to enable a player to observe front and rear outcomes from one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert John Smith
  • Patent number: 8382580
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a light emitting portion, a terminal controller, a light emission control unit, a power supply unit, an input device through which a predetermined input is externally input, and a light emission power control unit. The light emitting portion emits light. The terminal controller runs a game. The light emission control unit causes: with power supplied thereto, the light emitting portion to emit light; and controls the light emitting portion so that the light emitting portion emits light in a lighting mode associated with a game state. The power supply unit supplies power to the light emission control unit and the terminal controller, separately. The light emission power control unit controls, in response to the predetermined input, the power supply from the power supply unit to the light emission control unit in a resettable manner, while terminal controller is running the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Tanimura, Takashi Abe
  • Patent number: 8382579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a card stack reader, a card thereof, a card case, a method for manufacturing the card, a game machine using the same, and a computer-readable storage medium on which a game program is recorded. The card stack reader comprises an imaging unit which reads an image from a peripheral side portion of a stack of cards, each card having a read code along a peripheral side edge thereof, the read code identifying the card, and a code recognizing unit which recognizes the read code of each card from the image read by the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventors: Toshikazu Yoshida, Hidenori Shiba, Toshiyuki Kaji, Takao Yamauchi, Fumihiro Kato, Akira Nishino, Toru Ohara, Takaharu Terada
  • Patent number: 8376831
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes main and secondary displays. The secondary display is disposed apart from the primary display and is used for presenting primary, secondary, or even tertiary information. The main display is controlled electronically by a gaming machine controller, which main display presents the results of a play on the gaming machine. In the case of a slot machine, the main display may be the glass display through which the spinning reels of a game play are viewed. In a video poker gaming machine, the main display is usually a cathode ray tube (“CRT”) which displays a video game image to the player and other information directly associated with the game play. The secondary display may be provided at various locations on the gaming machine such as in a top glass portion of the gaming machine or a belly glass portion of the gaming machine, which belly glass portion is located below a main display portion of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jean Pierre Legras, Chauncey W. Griswold, Don C. Stephan
  • Patent number: RE44295
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes main and secondary displays. The secondary display is disposed apart from the primary display and is used for presenting primary, secondary, or even tertiary information. The main display is controlled electronically by a gaming machine controller, which main display presents the results of a play on the gaming machine. In the case of a slot machine, the main display may be the glass display through which the spinning reels of a game play are viewed. In a video poker gaming machine, the main display is usually a cathode ray tube (“CRT”) which displays a video game image to the player and other information directly associated with the game play. The secondary display may be provided at various locations on the gaming machine such as in a top glass portion of the gaming machine or a belly glass portion of the gaming machine, which belly glass portion is located below a main display portion of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jean Pierre Legras, Chauncey W. Griswold, Don C. Stephan