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:
Mar. 02, 2010
Filed:
May. 22, 2006
Thompson Baker, Meridian, ID (US);
Steven J. Blad, Henderson, NV (US);
Lynn Hessing, Boise, ID (US);
Phil Price, Boise, ID (US);
Carl W. Price, Boise, ID (US);
Thompson Baker, Meridian, ID (US);
Steven J. Blad, Henderson, NV (US);
Lynn Hessing, Boise, ID (US);
Phil Price, Boise, ID (US);
Carl W. Price, Boise, ID (US);
Shuffle Master, Inc., Las Vegas, NV (US);
Abstract
An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors. An audio system communicates voice outputs regarding shuffler malfunctions and instructions to an operator.