Patent Grant
9033342
The technical field of this invention is shuffling machines for shuffling playing cards used in gaming.
Shuffling machines, or shufflers, are widely used in casinos, card rooms and many other venues at which card games are played. Conventional shufflers are typically adapted to receive one or more decks of standard playing cards to be shuffled. The intended purpose of most shufflers is to shuffle the playing cards into what is believed to be a random order. Such a random order of the playing cards is desirable when playing various types of card games such as blackjack, poker and the like. However, in reality most shufflers have tendencies to shuffle or reorder the deck or decks in a manner which skilled card counters can perceive and use to their advantage versus the casino, house or other player. Thus, there is still a need for automated shufflers that function in a manner which more truly randomizes the ordering of a deck or decks of playing cards.
Other problems associated with at least some conventional shufflers include excessive size, excessive weight, excessive mechanical complexity and/or electronic complexity. These complexities also may fail to achieve a suitable degree of shuffling, reordering or recompiling into a truly random order from one shuffling process to another. Accordingly, there is still a need for improved automated shuffling machines for playing cards that produce reordering of card decks in a manner which is closer to true randomness and which is more difficult for skilled card players to decipher to change the odds so as to be relatively favorable to the player versus unfavorable portions of a deck or decks of cards.
One casino game commonly called “blackjack” or “21” is known to be susceptible to card counting and casinos are routinely spending significant amounts of money trying to prevent card counters from taking advantage of non-random sequences in the decks held within a dealing shoe that holds the decks being dealt. Poker has also grown in popularity and is played with a single deck, which makes any knowledge of cards of potential significance to a player.
The inventions shown and described herein may be used to address one or more of such problems or other problems not set out herein and/or which are only understood or appreciated at a later time. The future may also bring to light currently unknown or unrecognized benefits that may be appreciated, or more fully appreciated, in association with the inventions shown and described herein. The desires and expected benefits explained herein are not admissions that others have recognized such prior needs, since invention and discovery are both inventive under the law and may relate to the inventions described herein.
Preferred forms, configurations, embodiments and/or diagrams relating to and helping to describe preferred aspects and versions of the inventions are explained and characterized herein, often with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and all features shown therein also serve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the current document, whether described in text or merely by graphical disclosure alone. Such drawings are briefly described below.
A table of sections of this detailed description follows.
Introductory Notes
The readers of this document should understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology used in any section of this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and the language common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such as known or indicated and provided by dictionaries. Dictionaries were used in the preparation of this document. Widely known and used in the preparation hereof are Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1993), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1989, and The New Century Dictionary, 2001-2005, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for interpretation of terms used herein and for application and use of words defined in such references to more adequately or aptly describe various features, aspects and concepts shown or otherwise described herein using more appropriate words having meanings applicable to such features, aspects and concepts.
This document is premised upon using one or more terms with one embodiment that may also apply to other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the inventions. Wording used in the claims is also descriptive of the inventions, and the text and meaning of the claims and Abstract are hereby incorporated by reference into the description in their entirety as originally filed. Terminology used with one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing and defining the technology and exclusive rights associated herewith.
The readers of this document should further understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology and features used in any suitable section or embodiment shown in this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and language common or proper therefor. This document is premised upon using one or more terms or features shown in one embodiment that may also apply to or be combined with other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the inventions and provide additional embodiments of the inventions.
General Overview
The card shuffler apparatus 100 includes at least one card support or supporter 110, a repositioner 120 (also referred to herein as a positioner), an exciter 130, a card receiver 140, a controller 150, and a housing 160. An overview of each of these components is provided immediately below, followed by a more detailed individual description further below.
Still referring to
During a typical use of the card shuffler apparatus 100, at least one deck of playing cards can be placed into the housing 160 so as to rest on the supporter 110, preferably in an upstanding orientation. The repositioner 120 is activated to move the supported cards to a first randomly selected position above the card receiver 140. The exciter 130 is activated to produce a mechanical vibration. This vibration is of a frequency and amplitude sufficient to cause playing cards to “dance,” or otherwise vibrate, on the supporter 110. For example, the vibration can give the cards an appearance of “floating” just above the supporter 110 or the vibration may be almost or totally unperceivable by the naked eye.
One of the playing cards that is positioned substantially directly above the card receiver 140 will preferably drop down into the card receiver 140 during operation of the card shuffler apparatus 100. When a card has dropped into the card receiver 140, the card receiver 140 is blocked so that no other cards can enter the card receiver 140. After the first card has dropped into, and is held within, the card receiver 140, the repositioner 120 shifts or moves the supported cards to a second, randomly selected position above the card receiver 140. After the supported cards are repositioned, the card receiver 140 is controlled to release the first card. For example, the card receiver 140 can be configured to help guide the card into a card collector 161. Releasing the first card from the card receiver 140 unblocks the card receiver 140. More specifically, when the first card is released from the card receiver 140, the card receiver 140 is now able to receive a second card.
Accordingly, a second card drops into the card receiver 140 from the supporter 110. The second card is held in the card receiver 140 so that the card receiver 140 is now blocked again, preventing any other cards from entering the card receiver 140. After the second card drops into the card receiver 140, the repositioner 120 is again activated to move or shift the supported cards to a third, randomly selected position substantially above the card receiver 140. The second card is then released from the card receiver 140, thus allowing a third card to drop into the card receiver 140 from the supporter 110. The second card is preferably placed onto the first card to begin forming a recompiled or shuffled array or stack of cards 20 (see
Card Supports
As mentioned above with reference to
The card support 110 can include one or more edge guides 113 (also referred to herein as lateral supports 113). Preferably, the card support 110 includes a pair of edge guides 113, between which the cards to be shuffled are positioned and advantageously supported, such as at the ends laterally. The card support 110 is preferably configured to support the cards in a substantially upstanding orientation. More specifically, the card support 110 is preferably configured to support playing cards oriented on-edge. According to a preferred embodiment of the inventions, cards to be shuffled are supported in an orientation substantially normal to the support surface 112 and substantially normal to the one or more edge guides 113. It is to be understood, however, that the descriptions and depictions provided herein are not intended to limit the shape and/or orientation of one or more components of the card support 110. For example, it should be understood that the support surface 112 need not be substantially flat, and that the support surface 112 need not be substantially horizontal. The lateral face and end of support surface 112 may also vary in shape and orientation. The bottom of the support surface 112 can have at least one of a number of possible shapes, contours and/or orientations.
One or more components of the card support 110 can be designed and/or configured to have at least one resonant frequency, or a range of resonant frequencies. The resonant frequency can be selected to desirably effect imparting vibratory action to the cards supported by the card support 110. For example, a resonant frequency can be selected to enhance vibration that is produced by the exciter 130, and which is imparted to the playing cards, such as via card rest 111.
With continued reference to
The card aperture 114 or apertures in the card rest 111 can be configured in a manner, wherein the card aperture 114 is selectively operable. Such card aperture 114 or apertures may be configured to be selectively opened and closed or blocked and unblocked according to at least one embodiment of the inventions. For example, the card rest 111 can be made up of two portions. The two portions of the card rest 111 can be made to move together to substantially close or block the card aperture 114 or apertures.
Conversely, two portions of the card rest 111 can be made to move away from each other to form a card aperture 114 or apertures. Alternatively, one or more gate elements such as described below can be included. Such a gate element or elements can be adapted to move relative to the card rest 111 so as to selectively close or block the card aperture 114.
Preferably, the card rest 111 is adapted to support playing cards until the cards are released through one or more card apertures 114. In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the inventions, the card rest 111 is adapted to support playing cards on-edge. For example, the card rest 111 can be adapted to support playing cards in a substantially upright or upstanding orientation. It is to be understood that when playing cards are supported on-edge by the card rest 111, the cards need not be truly vertical. For example, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the inventions, the card rest 111 is adapted to support playing cards on-edge, wherein the cards are not truly vertical. For example, the card rest 111 can be adapted to support playing cards on-edge in an oblique or leaning, non-vertical, or acceptably tilted orientation, which can vary dependent upon the specific construction of each card shuffler apparatus 100.
The card rest 111 is preferably adapted to selectively impart a vibratory action to playing cards supported on the card rest 111. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the inventions, the card rest 111 is adapted to selectively impart a vibratory action to the playing cards while the cards are supported on-edge by the card rest 111. For example, the card rest 111 can be caused to vibrate, which in turn, can impart a vibratory action to playing cards supported thereon. Vibratory action can preferably be imparted to the card rest 111 by the exciter 130, which is described in greater detail below.
The preferred vibratory action imparted to playing cards by the card rest 111 may cause the cards to have an appearance of “dancing” or “floating” on the card rest 111 and/or support surface 112. The vibratory action is operable at a range of frequencies, such as in the order of 10 Hz to 100,000 Hz, more preferably 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz, even more preferably 1000 Hz to 10,000 Hz. The amplitude may be of varying amounts depending upon the dynamics of the card rest 111 and how it is mounted.
The vibratory action of the card rest 111 can have at least one of a number of possible types of motions or movements. For example, the card rest 111 can be caused to vibrate with a substantially random motion. Alternatively, for example, the card rest 111 can be caused to vibrate with a substantially defined or substantially repetitive motion. Vibratory motion of the card rest 111 can be of different types, such as substantially two-dimensional in nature. Alternatively, vibratory motion of the card rest 111 can be substantially three-dimensional.
Card Rest and Positioner
The positioner 120 can include one or more positioner guides or face guides 121. The face guide 121 is adapted to contact a face of playing cards supported on the card support 110. More specifically, the face guide 121 is adapted to contact and/or engage a top side and/or bottom side or face of playing cards supported on the card support 110. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the face guide 121 is substantially parallel to the playing cards supported on the card support 110. Preferably, the face guide 121 is substantially perpendicular or normal to the edge guide 113. The face guide 121 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the support surface 112. The face guide 121 can be substantially in the form of a flat plate in one form of the inventions.
The face guide 121 defines a contact surface or face 122. Preferably, the face 122 is substantially flat. The face 122 is adapted to contact a flat side of the playing cards supported on the card support 110. More specifically, the face 122 is adapted to contact and/or engage a top side and/or bottom side or face of the playing cards supported on the card support 110. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the face 122 is substantially parallel to the playing cards supported on the card support 110. The face 122 is substantially perpendicular or normal to the edge guide 113, as depicted. As shown, the face guide 121 is substantially perpendicular to the support surface 112.
The positioner 120 can include a pair of face guides 121. The pair of face guides 121 is preferably maintained in juxtaposed orientation relative to each other. More preferably, the pair of face guides 121 is preferably maintained in a substantially parallel juxtaposed orientation, as shown. The pair of face guides 121 is preferably maintained in a spaced apart relationship. More specifically, each of the pair of face guides 121 is preferably located on opposing sides of playing cards supported on the card rest 111. For example, supported playing cards are preferably located between the pair of face guides 121 of positioner 120.
The spacing between the pair of face guides 121 is preferably variable. Such variable spacing between the face guides 121 can facilitate keeping supported cards in an upstanding orientation, as the number of supported cards changes. For example, as the card shuffler apparatus 100 shuffles playing cards, the number of playing cards supported on the card rest 111 will decrease. Thus, as the number of supported playing cards decreases, the face guides 121 of the positioner 120 may in controlled response, move closer to each other to compensate for the decrease in the number of supported cards.
The positioner 120 can include at least one actuator 123. The at least one actuator 123 is preferably adapted to actuate or move at least one face guide 121 of the positioner 120. According to a preferred embodiment of the inventions, the at least one actuator 123 is connected or linked to at least one face guide 121. For example, the at least one actuator 123 of the positioner 120 can be a linear actuator, as depicted. Preferably, the positioner 120 includes a pair of actuators 123 as shown. More preferably, the positioner includes a pair of face guides 121 and a pair of actuators 123, wherein each actuator 123 is exclusively associated with one of the face guides 121, as depicted. More specifically, each of the face guides 121 is individually movable or repositionable according to a preferred embodiment of the inventions. Most preferably, each of the face guides 121 is individually movable or repositionable by way of an associated actuator 123.
According to a preferred embodiment of the inventions, the face guides 121 of the positioner 120 are adapted to reposition supported playing cards by pushing and/or sliding the cards along the card rest 111 and/or the support surface 112. Such repositioning of supported cards is preferably performed while vibratory action is imparted to the cards by the exciter 130, which is described in greater detail below. The face guides 121 are adapted to reposition or move supported playing cards, as well as being adapted to move relative to each other. By moving relative to each other, the face guides 121 are able to vary the spacing between each other to account for varying numbers of supported cards.
Exciter
With continued reference to
The exciter 130 is preferably adapted to create a mechanical vibration. The vibration created by the exciter 130 can be at least one of a number of possible types of vibration. For example, the vibration created by the exciter 130 can be substantially two-dimensional in nature. Alternatively, the vibration created by the exciter 130 can be substantially three-dimensional in nature. As a further example, the vibration created by the exciter 130 can consist of substantially random vibratory motion. Alternatively, vibratory motion of the exciter 130 can be substantially regular and/or repetitive in nature. The vibratory action created by the exciter 130 can be of a relatively high frequency. The vibratory action created by the exciter 130 may be of a relatively low amplitude. Preferably, the vibratory action created by the exciter 130 is of substantially high frequency and low amplitude. More preferably, the vibratory action created by the exciter 130 is of a frequency and/or amplitude that causes supported cards to behave in a manner that is advantageous to the operation of the card shuffler apparatus 100 as described herein.
The exciter 130 is preferably connected to the card support 110. For example, the exciter 130 can be connected and/or linked with the card rest 111, as shown. The exciter 130 is preferably connected with at least a portion of the card support 110 so as to impart vibratory action from the exciter 130 to playing cards supported on the card support 110. According to the exemplary embodiment of the inventions, the exciter 130 is connected to and/or mounted directly on the card support 110. For example, the exciter 130 can be connected to and/or mounted directly on the card rest 111, as shown. According to an alternative embodiment of the inventions, the exciter 130 is substantially integrated with the card support 110.
The exciter 130 can be configured to operate according to at least one of various possible manners of creating vibratory action, both known and yet to be discovered. Such manners of creating vibratory action can include, for example, mechanical means, electrical means, and electro-mechanical means, among others. For example, one way of creating vibratory action is by employing a rotary actuator (not shown) such as a rotary motor to rotate a weight that is eccentrically positioned relative to its axis of rotation. Another example of creating vibratory action is to subject a movable ferric object (not shown) to an electro-magnetic field of dynamically alternating polarity to cause the ferric object to oscillate or vibrate. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the inventions, the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibratory action created by the exciter 130 is selectively adjustable.
Card Receiver
Still referring to
The card receiver 140 can include a card stop 143. The card stop 143 preferably defines at least a portion of the card space 149 and is within the intermediate or medial section. The handling of the dropped card or cards in the medial section can have a number of different configurations. For example, the card stop 143 can define a lower end of the card space 149. Placement or location of the card stop 143 relative to the support surface 112 can be of significance to the operation of the card shuffler apparatus 100. Specifically, the card stop 143 is preferably located to be a certain distance from the support surface 112, wherein the distance is substantially equal to either a length or a width of playing cards being shuffled. More preferably, when a playing card has been received into the card receiver 140 from the card support 110, an upper edge of the received playing card is substantially even, or flush, with the support surface 112. The significance of this aspect of the inventions becomes more clear in view of later descriptions, which follow below with respect to the operation of the card shuffler apparatus 100.
The card receiver 140 can include one or more guides. For example, the card receiver 140 can include a first guide portion 141 and a second guide portion 142. The guide portions 141, 142 can define at least part of the card slot or card space 149 into which a playing card is received from the card support 110. Preferably, the card space 149 is substantially straight as depicted. The card space 149 is preferably substantially vertical in orientation, as is also depicted. The card space 149 is preferably substantially directly below the card aperture 114. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention depicted in
As shown, the card receiver 140 preferably includes at least one receiver actuator 145. The at least one receiver actuator 145 can be a linear actuator such as a linear solenoid, for example. The at least one receiver actuator 145 is preferably selectively controlled. The at least one receiver actuator 145 can be adapted for selective control by the controller 150, as is described in greater detail hereinbelow. The card receiver 140 can include a link or linkage 144. The link 144 can be connected to the receiver actuator 145, as depicted. More specifically, link 144 can be operably connected to the receiver actuator 145 for selective movement of the link 144. The link can be connected to at least one portion of the receiver guides such as the second guide portion 142, as shown.
The link 144 can include a bottom guide 148. The bottom guide 148 is adapted to contact and/or engage a received playing card that is retained in the card space 149. The receiver actuator 145, along with the link 144 and bottom guide 148, can make up and/or form portions of a release mechanism. The second guide portion 142 can be included in such a release mechanism. Specifically, the receiver actuator 145, together with the link 144, bottom guide 148 and second guide portion 142, can be configured to facilitate release of a playing card retained in the card space 149. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventions, the receiver actuator 145 can be activated to move the link 144 toward the first guide portion 141.
Movement of the link 144 toward the first guide portion 141 can cause the second guide portion 142 to move away from the first guide portion 141, while at the same time causing the bottom guide 148 to push a lower end of the retained card away from the first guide portion 141 and past the card stop 143. This operation is described hereinbelow in greater detail. Such an operation of the receiver actuator 145 and the link 144 in this manner can cause release of a retained playing card from the card space 149. A playing card released from the retained position in the card receiver 140 can cause the card to fall into a card collector 161. Following release of a retained playing card, the receiver actuator 145 can be activated to return to the original position shown in
The card receiver 140 can include at least one card sensor 146. The at least one card sensor 146 can be adapted to detect presence of a playing card that has dropped into the medial zone. More specifically, in accordance with the exemplary card shuffler apparatus 100 depicted in
The card sensor 146 is adapted to detect that a playing card is fully received into the medial section. The card sensor 146 can send a signal to the controller 150 in response to detecting that a playing card has been fully dropped onto the card stop 143 and received into the card space 149. When the controller 150 receives this signal from the card sensor 146, the controller 150 can, in response, activate the repositioner 120 to reposition playing cards supported by the card support 110.
Although not preferred, it is also possible that the card sensor 146 can be employed to detect the absence of any playing card or cards from the stopped medial position in card space 149. This can be accomplished by configuring the controller 150 to recognize that all cards have been shuffled when the card sensor 146 or other sensors so indicate the presence or absence of playing cards in the card space 149 or at other locations not believed to be preferable at this time.
It is noted that the card receiver 140 is depicted as being separate and distinct from the card support 110 and/or other components of the card shuffler apparatus 100. However, it is to be understood that one or more portions of the card receiver 140 can be at least substantially integral with one or more portions of the card support 110. For example, in accordance with at least one alternative embodiment of the inventions, the first guide portion 141 is integral and/or connected with the card rest 111. Similarly, the card aperture 114 can be at least partially integrated with the card receiver 140 according to at least one embodiment of the inventions.
Controller
With reference now to
The controller 150 can be supported on or mounted to the housing 160. The controller 150 can be mounted within the housing 160 or on the exterior of the housing 160. The controller 150 can include a user interface 151. The user interface 151 is preferably configured to facilitate input of operational commands by a user of the card shuffler apparatus 100. For example, the user interface 151 can include and/or can be substantially in the form of a switch. Such a switch can be an on/off switch, a stop/start switch, or a power switch, for example. The user interface 151 can be adapted for other input commands. For example, the user interface 151 can be adapted to input and/or select optional dimensions or other characteristics of playing cards to be shuffled. Specifically, for example, the user interface 151 can be substantially in the form of a control panel having multiple command input parameters available to a user of the card shuffler apparatus 100.
In a further alternative version, the need for controls may be eliminated or simplified to a great degree. The card shuffler apparatus 100 may be constructed so as to sense when a card array is input and then merely automatically perform the shuffling process as a result of a sensor that detects cards placed within the input supports.
The controller 150 can include an enclosure 152. The user interface 151 can be mounted on, or supported by, the enclosure 152. A processor 153 is preferably included as part of the controller 150. The processor 153 can be a digital processor such as a microprocessor, or the like. The processor 153 is preferably contained within the enclosure 152. The controller 150 preferably includes a computer readable memory 154. The computer readable memory 154 is preferably housed within the enclosure 152. The processor 153 and the computer readable memory 154 are preferably linked for signal transmission. More specifically, the processor 153 is preferably able to read data and/or computer executable instructions 155 from the computer readable memory 154. According to at least one embodiment of the inventions, the processor 153 is able to write or store data in the computer readable memory 154. The controller 150 can include a random number generator 156. The random number generator 156 can be adapted to facilitate generation of random positions of the supported playing cards, as is described in greater detail hereinbelow. The random number generator 156 can be integral with the processor 153 and/or the computer executable instructions 155.
The controller 150 can be linked for signal transmission to one or more components of the card shuffler apparatus 100. More specifically, the control system 200 and/or the card shuffler apparatus 100 can include at least one communication link 159 adapted to facilitate signal transmission between the controller 150 and other components of the card shuffler apparatus 100 and/or control system 200. For example, the controller 150 can be linked for signal transmission with one or more of the positioner actuators 123, the exciter 130, the receiver actuator 145 and the card sensor 146. The controller 150 can be linked for signal transmission with an optional aperture actuator 119 that is shown by dashed lines in
The controller 150 is preferably adapted to facilitate operation and/or function of one or more components to which it is linked for signal transmission. For example, the controller 150 can be adapted to send on and off signals to the exciter 130. The controller 150 can be adapted to send control signals to at least one actuator including, but not limited to, one or more positioner actuators 123, receiver actuators 145, and optional aperture actuators 119 (shown by dashed lines in
Housing
With reference to
The housing 160 can include one or more features to facilitate operation and/or use of the card shuffler apparatus 100. For example, the housing 160 can include a card collector 161. The card collector 161 is preferably adapted to catch and/or collect playing cards released from the card receiver 140. The card collector 161 can be configured to form a stack of collected playing cards. For example, the card collector 161 can be sloped or tilted to facilitate collection of playing cards into a substantially orderly stack. According to at least one embodiment of the inventions, the card collector 161 is adapted to vibrate. Such vibration of the card collector 161 can facilitate collection of playing cards and/or formation of an orderly stack of collected and shuffled playing cards. For example, the exciter 130 can be configured to impart vibratory action to the card collector 161.
The housing 160 can have at least one opening 162. The at least one opening 162 can serve one or more of a number of possible uses or purposes. For example, the at least one opening 162 can be adapted to provide for placing a deck of cards into the card support 110. The housing 160 preferably has at least one other opening (not shown) proximate the card collector 161 to facilitate retrieval of the shuffled cards from the card collector 161. Still other openings (not shown) in the housing 160 can be provided for one or more of a number of purposes. For example, at least one opening (not shown) can be provided in the housing 160 to facilitate access to one or more components for repair and/or maintenance.
The housing 160 has a lower end 168 and an opposite, upper end 169. The lower end 168 preferably includes and/or forms a base for contacting or engaging a support surface such as a tabletop, counter top or shelf (not shown). Preferably, the at least one opening 162 is positioned near the upper end 169, as shown, to facilitate placement of playing cards into the card support 110. The card support 110 is preferably proximate the upper end 169. The card collector 161 is preferably proximate the lower end 168. The card receiver 140 is preferably situated substantially between the card support 110 and the card collector 161, as depicted. According to at least one preferred embodiment of the inventions, the housing 160 is configured so that the support surface 112 is substantially horizontal under normal operating conditions, as shown.
Alternative Support Biasing of Unshuffled Card Array
The contact arm 306 is advantageously formed in a convex shape as seen from the array of cards 320. This minimizes any potential wear or marking of the cards. It also applies a relatively light force automatically without precise control of a stepper motor. However, precise control may not be necessary since friction between the cards is minimal and sufficiently low to allow individual cards to drop through the card aperture 114 without sufficient impedance such that dropping due to gravity occurs. The vibratory action of the unshuffled card array 320 further reduces any impedance against dropping since the coefficient of friction is typically lower in a dynamic or moving relationship versus the static coefficient of friction. Thus, one advantage of the preferred shufflers is that the vibratory action has the cards effectively “floating,” due to the vibratory excitation of the unshuffled card array 320.
The card-shuffling machine 500 has lateral supports 113, which may also be referred to as edge guides, that may be provided with flanges 572, which can be constructed to slide within support channels 573. This construction allows the lateral supports 113 to move with the unshuffled card array 530. The relative motion may in fact involve motion of the lateral supports 113 and cards, the cards relative to the lateral supports 113 or both the lateral supports 113 and cards to move relative to a fixed reference point and relative to the card slot or slots 514.
The card rest 512 is as shown provided with two card slots 514 formed in each card rest or rests 512. A pair of gate pieces 567 is mounted to slide inwardly and outwardly upon the card rests 512 using actuators (not shown but similar to actuator 123 or suitable alternatives thereof). When the gate pieces 567 are controlled to slide inwardly, the rounded corners of the playing cards on the bottom are engaged and supported on the gate pieces 567, thus preventing them from dropping through slots 514. Thus the unshuffled card array 530 may be lifted slightly and relative motion between the unshuffled card array 530 and slots 514 is performed and then the gate pieces 567 are opened by moving them outwardly and cards may then drop through the slots 514.
This construction may be controlled or configured so that the gating action occurs independently for each slot 514 relative to the other slot 514. Furthermore, the cards can be simultaneously dropped and the guiding parts contained in the medial section of the card-shuffling machine 500 may appropriately accommodate the recompiling of the cards.
Operation
With reference now to
The next step 305 is to command the positioner 120 to grip the supported cards. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the inventions, an optional aperture actuator 119 (shown by dashed lines in
The sequence 300 moves next to a step 309 of activating the exciter 130. More specifically, the exciter 130 is turned on or operated so as to impart vibrational action to the supported cards. The step 309 of activating the exciter 130 can be carried out by the controller 150. The step 309 of activating the exciter 130 can have other alternative positions in the sequence 300. For example, the step of activating the exciter 130 can be the first step of the sequence 300. Once the exciter 130 is turned on, the sequence 300 moves to a step 311 of commanding the positioner 120 to release the supported cards. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the inventions, the optional aperture actuator 119 (shown by dashed lines in
From the step 313, the operational sequence 300 moves to a query 315. The query 315 asks whether the nth card is detected in the card receiver 140. More specifically, the query 315 asks whether the nth card has dropped into a fully received position within the card receiver 140. This query 315 can be performed by the controller 150 in conjunction with the card sensor 146. For example, the card sensor 146 looks for a card to drop into a fully received position within the card space 149. When the card sensor 146 detects the presence of the card, the card sensor 146 transmits a signal to the controller 150 by way of the respective communication link 159. The controller 150 receives the signal from the card sensor 146 as indication that the nth card has been fully received into the card receiver 140.
If the answer to the query 315 is “yes,” then the sequence 300 proceeds to a step 317, wherein the nth position is randomly generated and the positioner 120 is commanded to move the supported cards to the nth random position. This step 317 can be performed by the controller 150, for example. From this step, the sequence 300 moves to a step 319, in accordance with which the card receiver 140 is commanded to release the nth card. For example, the nth card is released from a retained position in the card space 149, and is allowed to drop into the card collector 161. This step of commanding the card receiver 140 to release the nth card can be performed by the controller 150, for example. From the step 319, the sequence 300 proceeds to a step 321, wherein the counter is incrementally increased to the next value. Specifically, the value of the variable “n” is increased by a value of one.
From the step 321, the sequence 300 returns to the query 315 described above. As is described above, if the answer to the query 315 is “yes,” then the steps 317, 319 and 321 are repeated. For example, the steps 317, 319 and 321 of generating the nth random position for the supported cards, moving the supported cards to the nth random position, releasing the nth card from the card receiver 140, and incrementing the counter, continue as long as the card sensor 146 continues to detect the nth card being fully received into a retained position within the card space 149. However, if the answer to the query 315 is “no,” then the sequence 300 proceeds to end point 323. For example, if the controller 150 does not receive a signal from the card sensor 146 for a predetermined period of time (i.e., the card sensor 146 fails to detect the presence of a card being fully received into a retained position within the card space 149), then the controller 150 will assume that there are no additional cards to process, and the controller 150 will end the operational sequence 300.
Referring now to
Still referring to
In response to commencement of the operational sequence 300, the face guides 121 are activated to grip the supported cards 10. Gripping of the supported cards 10 by the face guides 121 can be accomplished, for example, by causing the positioner actuators 123 to cause the face guides 121 to move and/or exert a force toward each other, thereby squeezing or trapping the cards therebetween. The exciter 130 is activated in response to commencement of the operational sequence. Activation of the exciter 130 preferably causes the exciter 130 to impart vibratory action to the supported cards 10. For example, as described above, the exciter 130 can be adapted to impart vibratory action to one or more components of the card shuffler apparatus 100, such as the card support 110. In response to commencement of the operational sequence 300, the controller 150 (
With reference now to
When the cards 10 are released by the positioner 120, the cards 10 will come to rest substantially on the support surface 112. Preferably, vibrational action of the support surface 112 will be imparted to the cards 10 supported thereon. Vibrational action is preferably imparted to the support surface 112 by the exciter 130 (
With a lower edge of the first card 11 resting substantially on the card stop 143, an opposite, upper edge of the first card 11 is substantially flush or even with the support surface 112, as shown. With an upper edge of the first card 11 being substantially even or flush with the support surface 112, the card receiver 140 and/or the card aperture 114 is substantially blocked or closed so that no other cards can enter the card receiver 140. The card sensor 146 preferably detects that the first card 11 has dropped into a fully received position within the card space 149. In response to detecting presence of the first card 11, the card sensor 146 transmits a signal to the controller 150. The controller 150 receives the signal from the card sensor 146 and interprets the signal to indicate that the first card 11 has been fully received into the medial card space 149. In response to recognizing that the first card 11 has been received into the card space 149, the controller 150 randomly selects or generates a new position of the supported cards 10 relative to the card aperture 114. The controller 150 can then command the positioner 120 to move the supported cards 10 to a new randomly selected position.
Turning now to
In some preferred versions of the invention, the dropping of first card 11 from the card rest 111 into the card receiver 140 causes the card aperture 114 to be opened or unblocked. With the card aperture 114 unblocked, and as a result of vibrational action of the supported cards 10, a second card 12 begins dropping through the card aperture 114 and into the card space 149 as shown. Card sensor 146 can advantageously detect the first card 11 positioned in the card space 149, and transmit a signal to the controller 150 indicating that the first card 11 is in the stopped position waiting to be directed or released or otherwise guided from the medial card space 149 and into the card collector 161.
Turning now to
Further study of
With reference now to
Turning now to
Alternative Aspects and Configurations
Turning now to
With continued reference to
The exciter 130 can include a coil 131 and vibrational follower 132. The vibrational follower 132 is preferably ferro-magnetic. The coil 131 can be mounted on or supported by the housing 160. The vibrational follower 132 can be mounted on or supported by the card rest 111. The vibrational follower 132 can be substantially integral with the card rest 111. The coil 131 can be subjected to intermittent direct current of a given polarity to cause vibrational movement of the vibrational follower 132. Alternatively, the coil 131 can be subjected to current of alternating polarity to cause vibrational movement of the vibrational follower 132. Such vibrational movement of the vibrational follower 132 is preferably imparted to the card rest 111, which in turn, imparts vibrational action to playing cards supported thereon.
With continued reference to
As shown in
Methods and Manners of Use
With reference to
Vibratory action is imparted to the cards. The vibratory action can be produced, for example, by an exciter 130, which is described hereinabove with respect to the card shuffler apparatus 100. The method also includes allowing one or more cards to drop into a medial zone advantageously provided with a card receiver 140. For example, one or more of the cards can be allowed to drop through the at least one card aperture 114 in response to imparting the vibratory action to the cards.
In some methods, at least one of the dropped cards is retained within the card receiver 140 in response to allowing the at least one card to drop. Retaining at least one of the cards includes retaining at least one of the cards so that the retained card substantially blocks the card receiver 140 and/or the card aperture 114. The method includes repositioning the supported cards relative to the card receiver 140. Repositioning the cards preferably includes moving the supported cards to a randomly selected position relative to the card receiver 140. The method includes releasing the retained card from the card receiver 140 in response to repositioning the supported cards. Repositioning of the supported cards can be accomplished substantially by the positioner or repositioner 120.
The method can include detecting that at least one card is being retained in the card receiver 140. For example, this can include detecting that at least one card has been fully received into a retained position within the card receiver 140. The process of detecting can be accomplished substantially by way of the card sensor 146, for example. Repositioning of the supported cards 10 can be performed in response to detecting that at least one card is retained. Retaining the at least one card preferably includes holding the retained card in a position wherein an upper edge of the card is substantially flush or even with the support surface 112.
The method can include allowing a plurality of supported cards to sequentially drop into the card receiver 140 according to a random sequence. The method can also include sequentially retaining each of the dropped cards according to the random sequence. The supported cards can be repositioned during retention of each of the plurality of cards. The method can include sequentially releasing each of the retained cards according to the random sequence.
The method can include collecting cards that are released through the card aperture 114. The process of collecting the cards can be accomplished by a card collector 161, which is described hereinabove with respect to the card shuffler apparatus 100. The method can include forming a stack of the collected cards. The stack can be formed by the card collector 161, according to at least one embodiment of the inventions. According to the method, the process of allowing the cards 10 to be released through the card aperture 114 includes allowing the cards 10 to drop through the card aperture 114.
The process of allowing the cards 10 to be released through the card aperture 114 can include substantially blocking and/or unblocking the card aperture 114, according to some preferred method.
Blocking and/or unblocking the card aperture 114 can also be accomplished, for example, by a gate system, which can include employing movable gates 567 to block and unblock the card aperture 114. The method can further include sensing whether the card aperture 114 is blocked or unblocked. Selective control of whether the card aperture 114 is blocked or unblocked can be accomplished, at least in part, by a controller 150 and an optional aperture actuator 119, which are described hereinabove with respect to the card shuffler apparatus 100.
According to at least one embodiment of the inventions, the card shuffler apparatus 100 depicted in
The card shuffler apparatus 100 can be turned on or otherwise activated so as to be in an operational mode. An operational mode of the card shuffler apparatus 100 preferably includes imparting vibratory action to the cards 10. Imparting vibratory action to the cards 10 can include, but is not limited to, imparting vibratory action to the card rest 111. According to a preferred embodiment of the inventions, vibratory action is provided by the exciter 130. More preferably, the exciter 130 is adapted to impart vibratory action to the cards 10 supported on the card rest 111. Additionally, or alternatively, the exciter 130 is adapted to impart vibratory action to the card rest 111.
Preferably, vibratory action imparted to the cards 10 supported on the card rest 11 results in an appearance of the cards “dancing” or “floating” on the card rest 111. For example, vibratory action imparted to the cards 10 preferably results in the cards 10 bouncing substantially upward and downward while being substantially contained above the card rest 111. According to at least one embodiment of the inventions, vibratory action imparted to the cards 10 causes the cards to bounce on the card rest 111, which in turn, results in one or more of the cards falling or dropping through one or more of the card apertures 114 (only one card aperture 114 is depicted). The card aperture 114 can be controlled by a gate system according to at least one embodiment of the inventions. The gate system is preferably adapted to selectively block and/or unblock one or more of the card apertures 114. Such a gate system can include means of employing at least one playing card to block the card aperture 114 and/or to block the card receiver 140.
As cards 10 fall through the card aperture 114, the cards 10 supported on the card rest 111 decrease in number. To compensate for the decreasing number of cards 10 supported on the card rest 111, the positioner 120 can be employed to maintain the cards 10 substantially on-edge while also supported on the card rest 111. For example, the positioner 120 can include one or more face guides 121 that are adapted to move inward toward the cards 10 as the number of cards supported on the card rest 111 decreases. In this manner, the positioner 120 can function to maintain the cards 10 substantially on-edge while being supported on the card rest 111.
The cards 10 can be collected after they are released through the card aperture 114, as described hereinabove. Collection of the cards after being released through the card aperture 114 can be accomplished by a card collector 161, which is described hereinabove with respect to the card shuffler apparatus 100. Operation of the card shuffler apparatus 100 is preferably continued until a desired quantity of cards is either released from the card rest 111 or collected and/or stacked by the card collector 161. Shuffled cards 10 can be retrieved from the card collector 161. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the inventions, a plurality of cards 10 can be fed or processed through the card shuffler apparatus 100 more than once to increase the degree of shuffling.
The apparatuses described herein are intended for use with playing cards. In particular, the apparatuses are especially appropriate for use with plastic playing cards.
Manner and Materials of Making
The apparatuses according to this invention may be made using a variety of fabrication and molding techniques. The support actuations are advantageously stepper motors with a coded output for precise control.
Other parts can be made of metal or plastics of a variety of types now known or hereafter developed.
The components that touch the cards are advantageously made from TEFLON® or other polymer materials that prevent or reduce wear on cards. Also, suitably coated components that have low-friction surfaces of various types may be appropriate.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/925,249, filed Jun. 24, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,892, issued May 13, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/101,717, filed May 5, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,360, issued Jun. 25, 2013, which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/384,732, filed Apr. 7, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,152, issued Aug. 2, 2011. The entire disclosures of each of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13925249 | Jun 2013 | US |
| Child | 14275719 | US | |
| Parent | 13101717 | May 2011 | US |
| Child | 13925249 | US | |
| Parent | 12384732 | Apr 2009 | US |
| Child | 13101717 | US |
