Other

Deere & Company

Anthony Rath

Bradley Berman

Larry Linn Kriener

Matthew Jon Pipho

James Anthony Mitchell

Gary Lee Miner

Robert Joseph Mills

Lesley Ann McNaught

Michael Eugene Osborn

Mark Douglas Smith

Terry John Phillips

Kenneth John Kresser

Ibrahim Hussein Shehata

Vern Richard Hoppes

Joshua Mark Edgin

Kevin Dean Bortolazzo

Dave Anthony Sink

Joel Floyd Myers

Jacob Lamb

Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for implementing bonus features using subsymbols during game play. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to randomly overlay or otherwise associate zero, one, or more subsymbols on game symbols used in a game of chance. When subsymbols appear on game symbols that are randomly determined to be part of the game outcome, a bonus feature is triggered that may be used to modify awards provided from the game outcome. The presence of the subsymbols themselves may act as a trigger for a secondary bonus feature or event, or the subsymbols themselves may show random indicia within the subsymbol that provides a bonus modifier or other award.

Gaming devices using subsymbol bonus feature

Gaming environments including gaming systems, apparatuses, and methods facilitate player selection of feature termination versus award groupings, where at least some of such termination/award groupings are associated with a likelihood of success of the feature continuing beyond the current player selection, depending on how the player makes selections. The player selects award groupings having potential ranges of multiple game-related characteristics, where at least one of those game-related characteristics impacts the likelihood of success of continued play of the gaming feature.

Gaming environments providing risk-assessable feature termination and award groupings

Gaming systems, apparatuses and methods for providing a progressive jackpot(s) with must-hit functionality and non-resetting progressive jackpots. Awards that increase in value over time, such as progressive awards/jackpots, may be enhanced by establishing conditions in which such progressive awards are guaranteed to be paid to players, and establishing conditions in which such progressive awards will continue to increase in value notwithstanding payout of such progressive awards.

Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing progressive awards in gaming activities

Interfaces are provided which integrate mistake-proofing concepts in a way easily understandable by the operator and easily configured by a manufacturing engineer. As mistake-proofing concepts are developed tables are populated and associated with specific assembly processes. Sensors are employed to monitor parts selection and tool usage. Sensors used for tool use and parts selection, error messages and actions to be performed or monitored are all defined and related in the tables and in turn to specific assembly orders. The tables are also populated with logic pointers, which are referenced by a Process Logic Control (PLC) unit that has been programmed to recall and carry out infinitely variable monitoring or control of the assembly process. For example when a particular order has been identified to the PLC by way of a scanned barcode or other means, a bill of material and assembly sequence is provided to the operator by appropriate means such as a CRT monitor. Parts bins and assembly points may be indicated by visual or other means to indicate parts and tools to be used and assembly points. Sensors determine when the proper part has been selected for the particular assembly step and/or whether the appropriate tool is used. The PLC then provides feedback to the operator to indicate whether all necessary steps have been accomplished in the proper order, with the proper parts using the proper tools. The PLC will provide the operator with understandable error messages indicating when a step has been improperly completed. The PLC can also control stops on the line to prevent the assembly from moving forward until all steps have been completed according to the specific order program. An override means may also be provided to bypass the PLC controls in which case an error log is compiled and an automated message is sent to. supervisory personnel indicating that the system was overridden by the operator and follow up action is required.

Infinitely variable, order specific, holistic assembly process control system

Interfaces are provided which integrate mistake-proofing concepts in a way easily understandable by the operator and easily configured by a manufacturing engineer. As mistake-proofing concepts are developed tables are populated and associated with specific assembly processes. Sensors are employed to monitor parts selection and tool usage. Sensors used for tool use and parts selection, error messages and actions to be performed or monitored are all defined and related in the tables and in turn to specific assembly orders. The tables are also populated with logic pointers, which are referenced by a Process Logic Control (PLC) unit that has been programmed to recall and carry out infinitely variable monitoring or control of the assembly process. For example when a particular order has been identified to the PLC by way of a scanned barcode or other means, a bill of material and assembly sequence is provided to the operator by appropriate means such as a CRT monitor. Parts bins and assembly points may be indicated by visual or other means to indicate parts and tools to be used and assembly points. Sensors determine when the proper part has been selected for the particular assembly step and/or whether the appropriate tool is used. The PLC then provides feedback to the operator to indicate whether all necessary steps have been accomplished in the proper order, with the proper parts using the proper tools. The PLC will provide the operator with understandable error messages indicating when a step has been improperly completed. The PLC can also control stops on the line to prevent the assembly from moving forward until all steps have been completed according to the specific order program. An override means may also be provided to bypass the PLC controls in which case an error log is compiled and an automated message is sent to supervisory personnel indicating that the system was overridden by the operator and follow up action is required.

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St. Louis Park, MN, United States of America

Anthony Rath