Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090124335 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONDUCTING A GAME HAVING A CONCURRENT BONUS INDICATOR - A game, preferably a video-based reel-type game, is provided having a persistent bonus mode. Methods, gaming machines, and program products are provided in various embodiments. One preferred game includes displaying gaming graphics in a first region of a graphic display device. In response to entering a player-chosen participation mode, such as, for example, “max lines” betting, the game displays a potential bonus award level, which can be maintained in response to certain gaming events such that it applies to the next game play cycle. In response to a game event having a bonus-award type, the game awards an amount based on the potential bonus award level. In response to a game event having a bonus-adjust type, the game randomly selects a new potential bonus award level from among a set of potential levels. Various adjustments to the bonus level may also be made in response to player bet-level changes. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124338 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONDUCTING A GAME USING BOTH UNISYMBOL AND MULTISYMBOL REEL EFFECTS - A novel game is provided that transforms at least a part of the graphic symbol matrix shown on a video-based reel-type gaming machine to change the game operation from multi-symbol reels to single-symbol reels. Methods, apparatus and program products for implementing the game are provided. A preferred game operates in a first display matrix state displaying a symbol matrix. The symbol matrix provides a game play result by displaying two or more reel representations that combine to form the symbol matrix. In response a trigger event in game play, the game switches to a second display matrix state where it is modified to show single-symbol reel representations with separating elements between at least one pair of adjacent symbols of a respective reel representation. Multiple sets of data structures are provided for operation in each display state. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124339 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DISPLAYING GAMING RESULTS THROUGH A VARIABLE PRIZE WHEEL - Gaming machines, methods, and programs are provided for displaying gaming results through a player interaction process that provides multiple prize enhancements for a player and varies the prize enhancements during the course of play. One preferred game includes conducting multiple instances of a first game to obtain a number of first game outcomes. These first game outcomes will include a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes, which may cause a change in the game prize distribution. Each respective prize enhancer activating outcome prompts persistent display of a respective prize enhancer symbol. In some versions, one or more of the prize enhancer symbols are multiplier values. The symbols move in graphic sequence to a bonus round where they occupy spaces in a multiplier wheel, which is spun along with a prize wheel to determine a total prize. | 05-14-2009 |
20120252552 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING GAMING RESULTS INCLUDING DISPLAYED BONUS VALUE ENHANCEMENTS - Gaming machines, methods, and programs are provided for displaying gaming results through a player interaction process that provides multiple prize progressions for a player and varies the prize progressions during the course of play. One preferred game includes conducting multiple instances of a first game to obtain a number of first game outcomes. These first game outcomes will include a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes. Each respective prize enhancer activating outcome prompts persistent display of a respective prize enhancer symbol. In some versions, one or more of the prize enhancer symbols are multiplier values. The symbols move in graphic sequence to a bonus round where they occupy spaces in a multiplier wheel, which is spun along with a prize wheel to determine a total prize. | 10-04-2012 |
20130150144 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONDUCTING A GAME USING BOTH UNISYMBOL AND MULTISYMBOL REEL EFFECTS - A novel game is provided that transforms at least a part of the graphic symbol matrix shown on a video-based reel-type gaming machine to change the game operation from multi-symbol reels to single-symbol reels. Methods, apparatus and program products for implementing the game are provided. A preferred game operates in a first display matrix state displaying a symbol matrix. The symbol matrix provides a game play result by displaying two or more reel representations that combine to form the symbol matrix. In response to a trigger event in game play, the game switches to a second display matrix state where it is modified to show single-symbol reel representations with separating elements between at least one pair of adjacent symbols of a respective reel representation. Multiple sets of data structures are provided for operation in each display state. | 06-13-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090037146 | System and methods for testing, monitoring, and replacing equipment - A system and method for testing and replacing equipment are disclosed. The system may include a first memory module configured to store first characteristics of the first equipment; a second memory module configured to store second characteristics of the second equipment; and a portable reader configured to read the first and second memory modules and to compare the second characteristics with the first characteristics to determine if the second equipment is a suitable replacement for the first equipment. The method may include storing first characteristics of a first equipment on a first memory module; transmitting the first characteristics to a portable reader; measuring second characteristics of a second equipment using a measuring device associated with the portable reader; and comparing, with the portable reader, the second characteristics with the first characteristics to determine if one of the first and second equipment is a suitable replacement for the other equipment. | 02-05-2009 |
20090139336 | Systems and methods for monitoring system performance - The present disclosure includes systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring a pipeline network having plural inspection sites. The system comprises a memory module associated with one or more inspection sites, with each memory module storing one or more performance parameters corresponding to the associated inspection site. The system also comprises a measuring device operable to collect performance data of each associated inspection site. The system further comprises a portable reader configured to read the memory module, and in association with the measuring device, to compare the one or more performance parameters with the performance data to validate the performance data while in proximity to the associated inspection site. | 06-04-2009 |
20100174508 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE - The present disclosure includes systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring a pipeline network having plural inspection sites. The system comprises a memory module associated with one or more inspection sites, with each memory module storing one or more performance parameters corresponding to the associated inspection site. The system also comprises a measuring device operable to collect performance data of each associated inspection site. The system further comprises a portable reader configured to read the memory module, and in association with the measuring device, to compare the one or more performance parameters with the performance data to validate the performance data while in proximity to the associated inspection site. | 07-08-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080245255 | MODULAR TIME DELAY FOR ACTUATING WELLBORE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - An apparatus for controlling a wellbore energy train may include a firing head, a detonator cord associated with the firing head, and a plurality of serially aligned modules. Each module may include an enclosure, a first portion of a high order detonation material positioned at one end of the enclosure, a second portion of the high order detonation material positioned at the other end of the enclosure, and a low order detonation material interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A method for controlling an energy train generated in a wellbore may include serially aligning a plurality of the modules along the path of the energy train, and detonating at least one of the plurality of modules by detonating a detonator cord. | 10-09-2008 |
20080271883 | OIL WELL COMPLETION TOOL HAVING SEVERABLE TUBING STRING BARRIER DISC - An oil well completion tool having a tubular assembly defining an elongated main passage is adapted to be connected to a multiple-section tubing string within an oil well casing. A severable plug is mounted in the tubular assembly in normal blocking relationship to the passage. A movable shear cylinder unit has a plug-severing edge operable to sever an entire central segment of the plug from a remaining peripheral portion thereof. Separate hinge structure has an elongated U-shaped leg portion connected to the central segment of the plug. The leg portion of the hinge structure, which undergoes elongation, is operable to retain the severed central segment of the plug in the main passage while allowing the central segment of the plug to bodily shift independent of and in a direction away from the peripheral portion of the plug. The severed central segment is received in a recess therefor in the tubular assembly wall structure in order to prevent interference of the severed central plug segment with the main passage. | 11-06-2008 |
20100000789 | Novel Device And Methods for Firing Perforating Guns - A perforating gun train for perforating two or more zones of interest includes two or more gun sets made up of guns, one or more activators, and other associated equipment. An illustrative apparatus may include a first perforating gun; an activator responsive to the firing of the first perforating gun and a fuse element detonated by the activator; and a second perforating gun that is fired by the fuse element. An illustrative method for perforating a subterranean formation may include forming a perforating gun train using at least a first perforating gun and a second perforating gun; and energetically coupling the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun with an activator. | 01-07-2010 |
20120152521 | DISCONNECT ASSEMBLY FOR CYLINDRICAL MEMBERS - Disclosed is an assembly for disconnecting portions of a downhole tubular string, such as a drill stem or drill string, and removing an upper portion of the tubular string from the lower stuck portion in a well. The disconnect assembly includes a connection between joints of two portions of the tubular string. The assembly includes two tubular members and an inner sleeve having two splines each with different angular pitches or teeth counts. The assembly may include a rotary shouldered threaded connection, wherein the two tubular portions are disconnectable at the rotary shouldered threaded connection in the assembly. The assembly may include a sleeve lock, a selective no-go for landing in a profile, and a selectively deployable unlocking and unblocking tool for activating the assembly. The assembly may include connectable cylindrical members other than downhole tubulars. | 06-21-2012 |
20130014990 | Novel Device and Methods for Firing Perforating Guns - A perforating gun train for perforating two or more zones of interest includes two or more gun sets made up of guns, one or more activators, and other associated equipment. An illustrative apparatus may include a first perforating gun; an activator responsive to the firing of the first perforating gun and a fuse element detonated by the activator; and a second perforating gun that is fired by the fuse element. An illustrative method for perforating a subterranean formation may include forming a perforating gun train using at least a first perforating gun and a second perforating gun; and energetically coupling the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun with an activator. | 01-17-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100189725 | P53 MODULATOR AND CANCER TARGET - Methods of screening for modulators of TRIM24 (also known as TIF1-ALPHA) expression and/or biological activity are described. In particular, methods of screening of screening for modulators of TRIM24 E3 ligase activity, and specifically an E3 ligase activity directed at p53 as the target polypeptide are also described. Modulators of TRIM24 expression and activity are provided and their use in treatment of cancer, particularly in breast, colon, prostate, renal cancers and in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Suitable modulators of TRIM24 expression include siRNA and shRNA and can be used in the treatment of cancer and for targeting cancer stem cells. | 07-29-2010 |
20130045214 | P53 MODULATOR AND CANCER TARGET - Methods of screening for modulators of TRIM24 (also known as TIF1-ALPHA) expression and/or biological activity are described. In particular, methods of screening for modulators of TRIM24 E3 ligase activity, and specifically an E3 ligase activity directed at p53 as the target polypeptide are also described. Modulators of TRIM24 expression and activity are provided and their use in treatment of cancer, particularly in breast, colon, prostate, renal cancers and in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Suitable modulators of TRIM24 expression include siRNA and shRNA and can be used in the treatment of cancer and for targeting cancer stem cells. | 02-21-2013 |