The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 06, 2010
Filed:
Jan. 14, 2009
Anthony J. Baerlocher, Reno, NV (US);
Karen M. Cregan, Reno, NV (US);
Michael Macvittie, Reno, NV (US);
Ryan W. Cuddy, Reno, NV (US);
Anthony J. Baerlocher, Reno, NV (US);
Karen M. Cregan, Reno, NV (US);
Michael MacVittie, Reno, NV (US);
Ryan W. Cuddy, Reno, NV (US);
IGT, Reno, NV (US);
Abstract
A gaming device including a re-initiation mode wherein the probability of extending the bonus game is increased by fixing the reel or reels displaying a locking symbol on the reel. In the re-initiation mode embodiment, the gaming device re-activates some or all of the reels except the reel displaying the locking symbol for a predetermined number of additional free spins or until the reactivated reels display or indicate a terminating symbol on the reels. The gaming device provides any outcomes associated with indicated symbols or combination of symbols. In one embodiment, if a terminating symbol is displayed on designated reels during one of the additional free spins, the gaming device re-initiates the bonus game.