MXPA97000983A - Method and apparatus for scraping cards automaticame - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a machine (20) for shuffling multiple piles of playing cards including a first chamber (110) that extends vertically to hold a pile of non-shuffled game cards and one to a second and third chamber (116, 120) which extend vertically each of them to hold a pile of letters, the second and third bedrooms being spaced horizontally and adjacent to the first chamber. A first card transporter (182) is located at the top of the first chamber to carry the cards from the top of the pile of cards in the first chamber to the second and third bedrooms to count the pile of non-shuffled game cards in two piles not shuffled. A second and third card carriers (184, 186) are at the top of the second and third chambers, respectively, to randomly move cards from the top of the pile of cards in the second and third chambers, respectively, back to the first chamber to form a pile of shuffled cards

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARRYING CARDS AUTOMATICALLY DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to devices for shuffling playing cards used in gambling. In particular, it relates to an electromechanical machine for shuffling game cards, where the machine is specifically adapted to shuffle multiple piles of playing cards to improve the casino game of the card games. Bet games based on the result of symbols generated or randomly selected are well known. Such games are widely played at gambling casinos and include card games where the symbols comprise familiar and common playing cards. Card games such as twenty-one or blac jack, Pai Gow poker, Caribbean StudMR poker and others are excellent card games to be used in casinos. The different attributes of the casino card games are exciting, they can be easily learned and understood by the players and they move or play quickly until their outcome of the bet resolution. One of the casino games mentioned in the above most popular is twenty-one. As described in U.S. Patent 5,154,492 (LeVasseur), conventional twenty-one is played in most casinos and involves a game of chance between a dealer and one or more players. The goal of the player is to achieve an account of his hand that is as close to 21 as possible than the account of the hand of the dealer. If the player's hand count goes beyond 21 then the player loses regardless of the final outcome of the dealer's hand. At least one standard deck of cards is used to play the game. Each card counts its face value, except aces that have a value of one or eleven as it is most beneficial to the hand account. Each player initially receives two cards. The carver also receives two letters. One of the dealer's cards is displayed face down and the other of the dealer's cards is displayed face up. A player may obtain additional cards (take "blows") to try to beat the account of the hand of the carver. If the player's account exceeds 21, the players "bust". The player may "stay" with any account of 21 or less. When a player bursts, he loses his bet regardless if the dealer bursts or not. After all the players have taken cards or have stayed with their hand, the dealer "passes" or "takes" based on the pre-established rules for the game. Typically, if the carver has less than 17, the carver must take a letter. If the carver has 17 or more, the carver passes.

After the final hand of the dealer has been established, the numerical count of the dealer's hand is compared to the numerical counts of the player's hand. If the dealer bursts, the player wins regardless of the numerical count of his hand. If neither the player nor the dealer blows up, the hand closest to the numerical count of 21 is the one that obviously wins; the tied hands are a "push". As used in the foregoing description and in this description, the terms "conventional twenty-one" and "conventional twenty-one game manner" mean the twenty-one game as described herein and also include any of the known variations of the game of twenty one . Twenty-one has been considerably popular and has not changed over the years. Due to its popularity, the speed of the game, and the need to reduce or eliminate card counting by players, twenty-one is usually played with multiple decks that are frequently shuffled. Therefore, from a casino perspective, the game of a twenty-one round has a predictable period of time. In particular, the time that the dealer must invest in shuffling decreases the excitement of the game and reduces the number of placed bets and results in a predetermined amount of time. The modifications of the game of twenty-one basic, including the LeVasseur modification, have been proposed to accelerate the game or to increase otherwise the number of bets made and resolved, but none of these modifications has reached a large measure of popularity, probably because they change the game. Casinos would like to increase the amount of revenue generated by the twenty-one game in the same period without changing the game or simply by increasing the size of the player's bets. Therefore, another approach to accelerate the game is specifically directed to the fact that the playing time is reduced by shuffling and dealing the cards. This problem is particularly acute in games such as twenty-one, as well as in other casino games, in which multiple decks are used and has led to the development of electromechanical or mechanical devices for shuffling cards. Such devices increase the speed of the shuffling and the distribution, thus increasing the playing time, adding an excitement to the game and reducing the time that the dealer or the house has to invest in preparing to play the game. U.S. Patents 4,513,969 (Samsel, Jr.) And 4,515,367 (Howard) describe automatic card shufflers. The Samsel patent, Jr. describes a deck of cards that has a cabinet with two wells to receive two reserved decks of cards. A first extractor selects, removes and intermixes the bottom letter of each heap and presents interspersed letters to a storage compartment. A second extractor sequentially removes the letter from the bottom of the storage compartment and presents it to a typical shoe from which the dealer can take it to present the players. Howard's patent discloses a card mixer for randomly interspersing letters that includes a carrier support ejector to eject a group of cards (approximately two decks of numbers) which can be manually removed from the deck or automatically dropped into a channel to be delivered to the typical delivery shoe. U.S. Patent 4,586,712 (Lorber, et al.) Discloses an automatic shuffling apparatus designed to intermingle cards under the programmed control of a computer and is directed towards the reduction of dead time generated when the casino dealer has to shuffle manually multiple piles of playing cards. The apparatus of Lorber et al. is a carousel type deck that has a container, a storage device for storing the shuffled playing cards, a removal device and an insertion device to intersperse the playing cards in a container, a delivery shoe and go - supply means for supplying the shuffled playing cards of the storage device to the delivery shoe. United States Patent 5,000,453 (Stevens et al.) Describes an apparatus for automatically shuffling and cutting cards. The machine by Stevens et al. it includes three adjoining chambers with a means of supporting lifting platform charts in the central chamber only. Non-shuffled cards are placed in the chamber central and the ejection rollers in the upper part of the chamber expel the cards randomly to the left and right chambers where they accumulate. These quantities accumulate to a simultaneous stage of cutting and shuffling. The cards move back to the bedroom central by a direct lateral movement of each pile shuffled placing a pile on top of the other to stack all the cards in a shuffled pile in the central chamber. The order of the cards in each pile does not change when moving from the right and left chambers towards the central bedroom. The device of Stevens et al. does not provide a distinctive cutting step in the shuffling procedure. The cut is a traditional stage taken before shuffling the cards and provides a sense of security for the card players. In an additional alternative of manual or "normal" shuffling, the device of Stevens et al. shuffle the cards by randomly shuffling them from a pile of cards not shuffled. Normally, the cards are cut and then they exit randomly to intermingle in a single pile of shuffled cards. Other known card shuffling devices are described in U.S. Patents 2,778,644 (Stephenson), 4,497,488 (Plevyak et al.), 4,807,884 and 5,275,411 (the last two patents issued by John G. Breeding, co-inventor of the present invention and of common property). The Breeding patents describe machines for automatically shuffling a single stack of cards including a heap reception area, a transport section for separating a heap into two portions of the heap, a dependent mechanism placed between adjacent corners of the heap portions, and an apparatus to take the letters of the inclined mechanism to intermix them. These are aimed at providing a mechanized card deck where a lot can be shuffled frequently and still the dealer has adequate time to operate the game in question. Additionally, Breeding's shuffling devices are aimed at reducing the possibility of cards being marked as they are shuffled and to keep the cards in view constantly while shuffled.

One reason why the known shuffling machines, with the exception of Breeding machines, have failed to achieve widespread use, is that they involve or use non-traditional card manipulations, making the players cautious and uncomfortable. Although the devices described in the preceding patents, particularly the single-deck Breeding card shuffling machines, provide significant improvements in card shuffling devices, such devices could be further enhanced by shuffling several piles of cards automatically, effectively and randomly. together in a shuffling operation that comes as close as possible to the stages in manual or hand shuffling. Consequently, there is a need for a shuffling machine to shuffle the cards, where the machine is adapted to facilitate the game of cards in casinos where it is advantageous to have interspersed, various piles of cards shuffled and ready to be used. The problems described in the above are largely solved by the card shuffling machine of the present invention, which provides random shuffling of several piles of game cards together to facilitate the casino game of certain betting games, particularly the game known as twenty-one or blackjack. The present invention comprises an electromechanical card shuffling machine for shuffling several interspersed piles of playing cards, typically four to eight piles. The shuffling procedure is controlled by an integral microprocessor and is verified by a plurality of photosensors and limit switches. The machine includes a first chamber that extends vertically to hold a pile of vertically registered non-shuffled game cards, and a second and third chamber that extends vertically to hold piles of vertically registered cards, the second and third chambers being horizontally separated from each other. the first adjacent bedroom. A first card mover is arranged at the top of the first chamber to individually engage and move the cards from the top of the pile of cards in the first horizontal chamber and alternately to the second and third chambers to cut the pile of cards from game not shuffled in two piles not shuffled. The second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third chambers, respectively, to randomly move individual cards from the top of the stacks of cards in the second and third chambers, respectively, to the first chamber, intermixing so the cards to form a pile of shuffled cards registered vertically in the first chamber. An object of the present invention is to provide an electromechanical card shuffling apparatus for automatically and randomly shuffling various piles of playing cards. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electromechanical card shuffling device for shuffling the cards, thus facilitating and improving the betting casino game, particularly the twenty-one. Additional objects of the present invention are to reduce the shuffler's shuffling time, thereby increasing game time and reducing or eliminating problems such as card counting, possible manipulation by the dealer and the tracking of cards, thus increasing the integrity of the game and improving casino security. Another object of the present invention is to improve the type of card shuffling by providing a card shuffling machine to randomly shuffle several piles of cards together, just like the devices disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,807,884 and 5,275,411, the description of whose patents are incorporated herein by reference, provide the automatic, random shuffling of a single pile of playing cards. A feature of the machine of the present invention is a transparent access door operated from the machine for the card shuffling chamber of the machine. An associated advantage is that all cards are completely visible to all players during the shuffling process. The present invention includes features and methods of detection of jammed shuffling and automatic rectification that are operated and controlled by the microprocessor. Another feature of the present invention is an integral exhaust fan or bellows system for maintaining the interior surfaces of the machine, including dust-free and fresh-free sliding surfaces and photosensors. Additional advantages of the shuffling machine of the present invention are that it facilitates and accelerates the betting casino game, particularly twenty-one, making the games more exciting for the players. It also reduces the effectiveness of card counting and tracking by players by allowing shuffling and playing with various piles of cards.

In use, the machine of the present invention is operated to repeatedly shuffle up to eight piles of playing cards. The access door opens and the carver places the selected number of unsaved piles in the first central chamber. The machine is started and under the control of the integral microprocessor, the machine separates or cuts the non-shuffled piles in two non-shuffled piles, one in each of the second and third chambers. The machine then randomly moves the individual cards from the top of the heaps in the second and third chambers back to the first chamber, interspersing the cards to form a stack of shuffled cards registered vertically in the first chamber. The machine automatically repeats the shuffling sequence a preprogrammed number of times depending on the number of heaps being shuffled. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent and will be understood with reference to the following specification and the attached drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front perspective view illustrating the present invention as it may be placed in a casino adjacent to a gaming table.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the invention from the opposite side to that illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the shuffling machine of the present invention with the outer cover separated. Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the present invention with the lower front outer cover and the transparent plastic door of the shuffling chamber removed. Figure 4a is a front elevational view of the present invention with portions broken off for clarity and with the drive motors shown in phantom lines. Figure 5 is a view of the upper plane taken along line 5-5 in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a sectional plan view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 4. Figure 9 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 9-9 in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 10-10 in Figure 4.

Figure 11 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 11-11 in Figure 5. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control system. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control system. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control system with an optically isolated collector. Figure 15 is a detailed schematic diagram of a portion of Figure 14. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the shuffling machine of the present invention showing all major component parts or sub-assemblies of the machine. Figure 17 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly of the portions of the shuffling machine of the present invention. Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the exclusive transport assembly of the transport rollers at the top of the shuffling machine and specifically showing the shuffling chamber. Figure 19 shows a series of steps illustrating the movement of the cards in an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 is a flow chart illustrating the sequence of operations performed by the electrical control system of the present invention. This detailed description is intended to be read and understood in conjunction with Appendices A, B, C and D, appended hereto and specifically incorporated herein by reference. Appendix A provides an identification key that correlates the description and abbreviation of certain engines, switches and photoelectric cells or sensors with reference to the character identifications of the same components in the Figures. Appendix B establishes the steps in the sequence of operations of the shuffling machine according to the present invention. Appendix C describes the arrival sequence, largely part of the sequence of operations and Appendix D establishes the manufacturers' designations, addresses and models of certain components (motors, limit switches and photoelectric cells) of the present invention. With regard to the means for fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting the components to the present invention to form the shuffling apparatus as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, such means are intended to comprise conventional fasteners such as machined screws. , rims, nuts and bolts, elbows, pins, or the like. Other suitable attachment means or attachments for the connecting components include adhesives and solders, the latter in particular in relation to the electrical system. All electrical system components and wiring harnesses of the present invention are conventional, commercially available components unless otherwise indicated. This is intended to include electrical components and circuits, wires, fuses, welded connections, circuit boards and control system components. Generally, unless otherwise specifically described or indicated, the materials from which the components of the present invention are selected, for example the covers and plates to form the frame to support the covers and other components, are selected of appropriate materials such as aluminum, steel, metal alloys, various plastics, fiberglass or the like. Despite the above indication that the components and materials for use and to form or manufacture the shuffling machine of the present invention may be selected from commercially available appropriate articles, the Appendices and the following detailed description establish specific articles and steps for use. in the present invention, although it is possible for those skilled in the art to be able to recognize and select equivalent articles. In the following description, the appendices and claims any references to the terms left and right, top and bottom, top and bottom and horizontal and vertical should be read and understood with their conventional meanings and in reference to the observation of the shuffling apparatus from the front as shown in Figures 4 and 4a and from the perspective of the player how the apparatus is placed in Figure 1, which is a front perspective view of the machine 20 as it may be placed in use on a gaming table T typical of a casino. Referring now to the drawings, particularly Figures 1, 2 and 16, the shuffling machine 20 for shuffling several piles of playing cards together in accordance with the present invention has an outer cover 24 that includes a rear cover 26 with vents 27, a lower front cover 28 with vents 29 and a lid portion 30. The cover portions forming the cover 24 are suitably mounted in a support frame comprising a flat, generally horizontal base 32 carrying four non-slidable feet 33. at its lower end and a main base plate 34 vertically oriented and extending in a fixed and generally perpendicular manner appended to the base 32 and supported by a pair of support brackets 36. Together the cover 24 and the frame define three chambers extensive operating of the machine 20: a rear impeller and control chamber 38, a lower transmission chamber, front door and elevator 40 and a card receiving deck 42. With continuous reference to Figure 16, and to Figures 3 and 4a, the rear chamber 38 houses the control system 46 for controlling and operating the machine 20 and a plurality of staggered motors, as set forth in Appendix D. The motors include a left elevator motor 48, a central elevator motor 50 and a right elevator motor 52. A second set or bank of staggered engines are attached to the main base plate 34 and includes a left feed motor 54, a central feed motor 56 and a right feed motor 58. A left throttle stepped motor 60 and a right throttle motor 62 are also mounted on the main base plate 34. A stepped motor gate operator 64, illustrated in phantom in Figure 3, is attached to the front of the main base plate 34 in the lower front chamber 40. With reference to Figures 4, 4a and 17, in the lower front chamber 40 the main base plate 34 carries a plurality of limit switches, including a lower limit switch, lower left elevator, a lower limit switch 72, central elevator and a lower limit switch 76, right elevator. At the top of the shuffling chamber 42, a transport assembly generally indicated at 67, carries the corresponding boundary limit switches including a left booster upper limit switch 70, a booster upper limit switch 74 and a limit switch 78 upper right elevator. The lower door and upper door limit switches 80, 82, respectively, are mounted in the lower front chamber 40. With reference to FIGS. 4, 4a, 6 and 17, a horizontal, generally flat, floor plate assembly 86 separates the lower front chamber 40 from the shuffling chamber 42, defining the bottom floor of the shuffling chamber 42. The floor plate assembly 86 has an empty photocell 88 of the left riser (the term photoelectric cell is intended to be a synonym of photo sensor and optical sensor), a photoelectric cell 90 empty of central elevator and a photoelectric cell 92 empty of right elevator. The floor plate assembly 86 also has three fans, a left breech fan 94, a central breech fan 96, and a right breech fan 98, each including a motor 100 and concentric vanes 102. With reference to Figures 4, 4a, 5 and 17, the upper portion of the shuffling chamber 42 includes the transport assembly 67. The outer ends of the chamber 42 are formed by a pair of parallel side plates 112, 114. Adjacent to its upper inner edge, each plate 112, 113 carries at least one card stopping groove 115 (see Figure 8). Preferably three parallel slots are provided. The slots help ensure that the cards rest horizontally and face down in the chamber 42. The chamber 42 is divided into three adjacent card chambers, which extend vertically, a left chamber 116, a central chamber 118 and a right chamber. 120 for two left-side and center-right plate assemblies 122, 124, respectively. Adjacent to the upper edges of the ends of the assemblies 122, 124, on the side facing the central chamber 118 there are card holding slots 123. The left plate assembly 122 carries a photoelectric cell 128 of left outer counting and a photoelectric cell 130 of left inner counting. Similarly, the right plate assembly 124 carries a photoelectric cell 132 of right outer counting and a photoelectric cell 134 of right inner counting. With continued reference to Figure 17 and Figures 8-10, each of the left and right center plate assemblies 122, 124 carries a float pinch roller assembly 140, 142 centered on its upper edge. Both roller assemblies 140, 142 are substantially identical so that only the right roller assembly 142 will be described. Assembly 142 includes a non-driven or running pinch roller 146 supported on an axle 148 and by a set of typical roller bearings 150. As shown in Figure 9, the roller 146, shaft 148 and bearing 150 assembly is received and supported by a spring block 152, in turn mounted on a pair of linear pinch roller 154s each of them concentrically within a coil spring 156. This assembly is received by bushings 160 in the upper region of plate assembly 142. Spring block 152 also carries a pair of card guides 162 with rounded upper shoulders 164, each being of them attached in a fixed manner adjacent to the ends of the spring block 152. Along the front front edge of the plate assemblies 122, 124, there is provided a wire receiving channel 170 (see Figure 9) covered by a wire cover 172 for receiving a wire (not shown) which operably couples the optical card space counting sensors or photoelectric cells 120, 128, 130, 132, 134 to the control system 46.

With reference to Figures 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 11, as well as the assembly of the drawing of Figure 17, the transport assembly 67 is mounted on the upper part of the side plates 112, 114 and effectively closes or defines the upper region of the shuffling chamber 42. The transport assembly 67 comprises a bearing plate 180 and three card take and move assemblies that include a central jack 182 assembly, a left side jack assembly 184 and a right side take-up assembly 186. As shown in Figure 5, the take-up mounts are generally positioned centrally above the open top of each respective breech. The central intake assembly 182, includes a take-up roller 190 carrying at least two adhesive fingers or tabs 191 separated one hundred and eighty degrees, is connected to a central drive pulley 194 and, (with reference to Figure 3) by means of a band 196, to the central feed motor 56. The shaft 192 extends through a central take-off swing block 198 pivotally mounted on the bearing plate 180 and its ends lie in an open cover channel 199 in the bearing plate 180 (see Figure 5). Similarly, each of the left and right take-up assemblies 184, 186 includes a take-up roll 200, 202, respectively, carrying take-up flanges 191. The rolls 200, 202 are mounted on shafts 204, 206, connected respectively to drive pulleys 208, 210 and, by means of belts 212, 214, to the left and right feed motors 54, 58. The axes 204, 206 extend through the balancing blocks 220, 222, which are mounted pivotally in the fixed shafts 224, 226 of the accelerator assemblies 228, 230. Each accelerator assembly 228, 230 includes a floating throttle accelerator 232, 234, respectively, fixed on an axis 224, 226. Each roller 232, 234 is by above and aligned with the rollers 146 of the pinch roller assemblies 140, 142. The axes 224, 226 are coupled to the accelerating pulleys 236, 238, in turn coupled with the accelerator motors 60, 62 by means of strips 240, 242. With reference to Figures 4, '4a, 5, 11 and 17, the transport assembly 67 includes a plurality of leaf spring card deflectors 248 fixedly mounted on spring blocks 250. The baffles 248 are generally on the accelerator assemblies. 228, 230 and the arms 249 of the baffles extend generally downwardly within the chambers 116, 118, 120 to come into contact with the cards moving in the cutting and shuffling motions described in the following, directing thus to the cards to their proper position in the bedrooms and helping to avoid clogging in the shuffling process. It should be understood that block-type deflectors (not shown) with curved or angular surfaces may appropriately be mounted on transport assemblies 67 and replaced or used in conjunction with the illustrated spring deflectors 248. With reference to Figures 4, 4a, 7, 16, 17 and 18, each chamber 116, 118, 120 contains a vertical motion elevator 260, 262, 264, respectively. The elevators 260, 262, 264 are substantially similar, comprising a vertically arranged platform assembly 270 and a generally horizontal platform 272. The platform assembly 270 for each lifter 260, 262, 264 are mounted on a pair of vertically spaced support brackets 304, in turn slidably received on a lifting guide 305. The guide 305 is fixed to the base plate 34 in the grooves guide reception 307 (see Figure 18). The platforms 272 of the elevators 260, 264 are substantially identical, each having a U-shaped recess area 276 on its front front main edge, but the U-shaped area on the main edge of the elevator platform central 262 extends deeper backward on platform 272. Each platform 272 carries a band fastening assembly 280 below and adjacent to its lower edge. The band fastening assembly 280 (best observed in Figure 4) is attached to the risers 282, as best seen in Figures 7 and 4. The bands 282 extend around running pulleys 284 mounted on the main base plate 34. The bands 282 are coupled to the drive pulleys 286, in turn and connected respectively to the elevating motors 48, 50, 52 (Figure 3). With reference to Figures 16, 17, 18 and 4, the lower front chamber 40 houses an operator mechanism for the door 290 of the transparent front shuffling chamber, which includes the motor 64 operably linked by means of the band 292 to the pulley. of door 294 locked to door shaft 296 supported by a pair of door shaft bearing blocks 298. Bearing blocks 298 support or contain a set of conventional roller bearings (not shown). With reference to Figures 16 and 17, each end of the door shaft 296 carries a pinion wheel 302.

The ends of the door 29 are provided with a plurality of in-line holes for receiving the pinions 302, respectively and a pair of door blocks 306 are connected to the T-shaped columns 308 of the frame of the machine 20 to support and guide the door 290 as it moves up and down. With reference to Figures 1, 2 and the assembly of the machine of Figure 16, the controls 320 for operating the shuffling machine 20 are mounted between the transport assembly 67 and the upper portion 30 of the cover 24. The controls 320 they include an alarm light 322, an open door control button 324, a reset adjustment knob 326 and a start button 328. Figure 12 shows a block diagram illustrating the electrical control system in a mode of operation. the present invention. The control system includes a controller 360, a bus 362 and an engine controller 364. Also shown in Figure 12 are the inputs 366, outputs 368 and a motor system 370. The controller 360 sends signals to both the controller and the controller. motor 364 and outputs 368 while monitoring inputs 366. Motor controller 364 interprets signals received through bus 362 of controller 360. Motor system 370 is driven by motor controller 364 in response to commands of the controller 360. The controller 360 controls the state of the outputs 368 by emitting the appropriate signals through the controller bar 362. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor system 370 comprises nine motors that are used to operate the shuffler of multimontones 20. Three lifting motors 48, 50, 52 drive the left, center and right elevators 260, 262, 264. Three power motors 54, 56, 58 drive the left, center and right feed rolls 200, 190, 202; and two motors 60, 62 drive the left and right accelerator rollers 232, 234. A ninth motor 64 is used to open and close the door. In such an embodiment, the motor controller 364 should normally comprise one or two controllers and drive devices for each of the nine motors described in the foregoing. However, other configurations are obviously possible. The outputs 368 include the alarm, start and reset indicators described in the foregoing and may also include signals that may be used to drive a display device (e.g., a seven segment display - not shown). Such a display device can be used to implement a clock, a card counter, or a shuffle counter. Generally, a proper display device can be used to display any information that is worth displaying. The inputs 366 are signals of the limit switches, photoelectric cells and buttons described herein. The controller 360 receives the inputs 366 through the bus 362. Although the controller 360 may be any digital controller or microprocessor-based system, in the preferred embodiment, the controller 360 comprises a processing unit 380 and a peripheral device 382 as is shown in Figure 13. The processing unit 380 in the preferred embodiment is an 8-bit single-chip microcomputer such as an 80C52 manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara California. The peripheral device 382 is a programmable microcontroller peripheral device that includes programmable logic devices, EPROMs, and input and output ports. As shown in Figure 13, the peripheral device 382 establishes an interface with the processing unit 380 to the bus 362. The series of instructions stored in the controller 360 is shown in Figure 13 as program logic 384. In the preferred modality, the program logic 384 is hardware RAM or ROM in the peripheral device 382. (Since the processing unit 380 may have some memory capacity, it is possible that some of the instructions are stored in the processing unit 380). As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, various implementations of program logic 384 are possible. Program logic 384 can be hardware, software or a combination of both. Hardware implementations may involve hard wire controller logic or instructions stored in a ROM or RAM device. The software implementations would involve instructions stored in a magnetic, optical or other means that could be accessed by the processing unit 380. It is possible in some environments that a significant amount of electrostatic energy accumulates in the shuffling machine 20. The discharge Significant electrostatic can affect the operation of the machine 20 and probably even cause damage to those near the machine 20. It is therefore useful to isolate part of the control system circuit from the rest of the machine. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a number of optically coupled insulators are used to act as a barrier to electrostatic discharge. As shown in Figure 14, a first group of circuits 390 can be electrically isolated from a second group of circuits 392 by optically coupled logic gates having light emitting diodes for optically (instead of electrically) transmitting a digital signal, and photodetectors to receive the information transmitted optically. An illustration of electrical insulation through the use of optically coupled logic indicators is shown in Figure 15, which shows a portion of Figure 14 in detail. Four Hewlett Packard HCPL-2630 optocouplers (marked 394, 396, 398 and 400) are used to provide an 8-bit isolated data pattern to the output devices 368. Each bit of data is represented by both an LED 402 and a photodetector 404. LEDs emit light when they are moved forward and photodetectors detect the presence or absence of light. The light is transmitted therefore without an electrical connection. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a typical installation of the machine 20 of the present invention. Typically the machine 20 will be supported on a pedestal type table, t, located adjacent or behind a typical game table, T. The cover 24 includes an adapter flange 330. The flange 330 helps to connect the machine 20 to the gaming table, T, to reduce the possibility of a carver standing generally in a central position behind the table T with the machine 20 on his left dropping letters between the table and the apparatus 20 towards the ground. Figure 2 shows the location of the power connection 332 of the machine 20. The following description of light and operation of the machine 20 of the present invention should be read and understood in conjunction with Appendix B which describes the operation sequence of the machine 20 and correlates the operating stages with the state of the various motors, sensors and other components of the machine 20. In use, the power is turned on and the machine 20 goes through an orientation sequence (set forth in Appendix C). When the start button is turned on, the carver loads a selected number of stacks of cards, up to eight heaps, into the center chamber. Letters should be pushed towards the back of the bedroom; the U-shaped vent area 276 on the main or front edge of the elevator platform 272 assists the carver to accomplish this. The wire button is pushed to start the shuffling sequence and after three or four seconds of delay, the transparent plastic door moves upwards closing the shuffling chamber. The cutting and shuffling operations are then carried out as shown in the various stages of operation shown in Figure 19. Stage 1 of the sequence shows the cards in their initial position in the central chamber. The cards are initially moved to the left chamber as shown in stage 2. After approximately half of the cards (for example 45% - 55%) have moved to the left chamber, the remaining cards in the center chamber then move to the right chamber. Step 4 shows the state of the machine 20 after the cutting phase of the sequence of operations has been completed. Then move a lot of cards (for example, 5 to 50 cards) from the left chamber to the center chamber. After having moved this pile of cards towards the central chamber, the cards of the left chamber also begin to move towards the central chamber so that the cards of both the left and right chambers move simultaneously towards the central chamber. The cards are therefore shuffled towards the central chamber. The shuffled pile is shown in Figure 19 as stage 7. The pile of cards moves from the left chamber to the center chamber before any cards move from the right chamber to ensure that both the upper and lower cards are inserted. in the pile after the shuffling operation. Since the order of the cards is reversed when the cards are transferred from one chamber to another, the top card in the central chamber in stage 1 will normally be the lower card in the left chamber in stage 4. Similarly, the lower card in the middle chamber in stage 1 will normally be the top card in the right chamber in stage 4. To ensure that these cards are inserted in the pile in stage 7, the cards in the left chamber move towards the chamber center before the top card of the right chamber moves towards the center chamber. This ensures that the bottom card in stage 1 is not the background card again in stage 7. And since cards are taken first from the left chamber, the left chamber will most likely be empty before the right chamber. If the left chamber is not emptied first, the top card in stage 2 will not be the top card in stage 7. Steps 2-7 are repeated a random number of times (for 5 example, four to seven times) to ensure that the cards are completely shuffled. For four piles, 4-6 cycles are appropriate, and for six or eight piles, 5-7 cycles may be appropriate. After finishing stage 7 for the last time, the cards move towards the chamber left (stages 8 and 9) for its elimination. The start light comes on again, indicating that the cycle has finished. The carver presses the start button and the door opens downwards. Unmasked blocks can be placed in the central chamber and heaps shuffles are removed for use. After 3 or 4 seconds, the door will close automatically and the machine starts another and ~ - "shuffled automatically." The previous sequence of operations is carried out under the control of the electric control system 46. The electric control system 46 controls and / or verifies photoelectric cells, staggered motors, limit switches and display devices The sequence of operations performed by electrical control systems is established in Figure 20.

As illustrated in Figure 20, after receiving the order to start shuffling, the control system 46 does not start with the shuffling operations until the cards are in the central chamber 118 and until the left and right chambers 116 , 120 are empty. The control system 46 checks this condition to evaluate the status of the photoelectric cells of the right and left center riser, 88, 90, 92. The control system 46 then causes the central elevator motor 50 to move the central elevator 262 toward its appropriate position to send letters to the left chamber. The control system 46 appropriately places the central elevator 262 by checking the upper limit switch 70 of the central elevator. The control system 46 then begins the simultaneous clockwise rotation of the central power take-off roll 190 and the left accelerator roll 232 and the upward movement of the central elevator 262. This sequence of operations moves the cards towards the left chamber 116. (Theoretically, 0.025 centimeters (.010 inches) of elevator displacement (ie, the thickness of a card) corresponds to a card being transferred). When the first card passes through the left accelerator roll 232, the left external photo sensor 128 is blocked. The control system 46 recognizes this and initiates the movement of the left elevator 260 downwards while the central elevator 262 moves upwards with the same speed. The cards of the central chamber 118 are thus distributed to the left chamber 116. The control system 46 continues to check the photocell 128 of the left external counting to determine when approximately half of the cards have moved to the left chamber. (Alternatively, a watch, a weight sensor, or any other indicator can be used to detect this condition). After making this determination, the central feeder roll 190 retracts and starts counterclockwise a counterclockwise rotation. The control system 46 also stops the movement of the left elevator 260 and causes the right throttle roller 234 to turn counterclockwise. When the control system 46 determines that the left-hand counting cell 128 is letter-free, the left accelerator roller 232 is stopped. Two sets of photoelectric cells (internal and external counting cells) are used on either side of the accelerating rolls since the charts align in partially superimposed condition in updraft of the accelerating rolls before they are taken by the accelerating rolls. The space between consecutive cards therefore does not materialize until the main card is taken by the accelerator roller and pushed to the falling chamber. Accordingly, two photoelectric cells are provided for each accelerator roller so that there is a photoelectric down-counting cell that can be used to record the separation in the sequence of letters, regardless of the direction of travel thereof. When the control system 46 determines that the first card has passed through the right throttle roller 234 by checking the photocell 132 of the right external count, the right riser 264 moves downward. The cards are released from the central chamber 118 towards the right chamber 120, each letter passing in front of the right external counting cell 132. When the central chamber 118 is empty, the control system 46 will detect this condition by means of the central photoelectric empty cell 90 and will then stop the central feeder roller 190. The control system 46 also stops the downward movement of the right elevator 264 and the upward movement of the central elevator 262. After the control system 46 determines that the right outer counting photocell 132 is letter free, the right accelerator roller 234 is also stopped. At this stage, the cards are cut: approximately half of the cards are in the left chamber 116 and about half of the cards are in the right chamber 120. The center chamber 118 is empty. To start the shuffling phase, the control system 46 starts to rotate the left feed roll 200 and the left throttle roll 232 in a counterclockwise direction. The control system 46 moves the left elevator 260 upwards at a random distance, thus distributing a random number of cards from the left breech 116 to the center breech 118. When the first card of the left breech 116 locks the photocell 130 of Inside left counting, the central elevator 262 starts moving down. The random grouping of the cards moved in the central chamber 118 is called a "maso". Once this body moves towards the central chamber 118, the control system 46 begins to rotate the right feeder roller 202 and the right accelerator roller 234 in a clockwise direction. Both right and left elevators 260, 269 are then moved upward randomly to thereby distribute the cards from both the left chamber and the right chamber 116, 120 to the center chamber 118. When a letter from the right chamber 120 blocks the right inner count photocell 134, the left elevator 260 stops. Similarly, when a left chamber card 116 blocks the left indoor counting cell 130, the right elevator 264 stops. The elevators 260, 264 continue to stop and start randomly until all the cards have been distributed to the central chamber 118. Since a stack of cards is taken from the left chamber 116 before any of the right chamber 120 is taken, the The left chamber 116 will be generally empty before the right chamber 120. When the control system 46 determines that the left chamber 116 is empty when the photoelectric cell 88 empty of the left elevator is not blocked. The left elevator 260 then retracts and descends to a predetermined position, and the left feed roller 200 stops. After the control system 46 determines that the left indoor counting cell 130 is letter free, the left accelerator roller 232 stop spinning Meanwhile, the remaining cards of the right chamber 120 are being distributed to the central chamber 118. When the control system 46 detects that the photoelectric cell 92 empty of the right elevator is not blocked (indicating that the right chamber 120 is empty), the control system 46 moves the right elevator 264 to a predetermined position and the right feed roller 202 stops. When the control system 46 detects that the right inner count photocell 134 is free of letters, the right accelerator roller 234 stops rotating. In the event that the right chamber 120 is emptied before the left chamber 116, a parallel procedure is followed which reflects that described above. See Figure 20. In this step, the cards are in a stranded state in the central chamber 118. The machine 20 then proceeds to repeat the described cutting and shuffling operations a random number of times, (for example 6 to 8 cycles ). At the end of the final cycle, the cards are transferred from the central chamber 118 to the left chamber 116 for removal by the carver and the central elevator 262 goes to its loading enlistment position. The carver can open the door by pressing the start button. The uncassetted cards can be loaded into the center chamber 118 and the shuffled cards can be removed from the left chamber 116. After a few seconds, the door will automatically close and start a new shuffle..

Occasionally, a jam can occur during cutting (the movement of the cards from the central chamber to the left and right chambers) or shuffling (the random movement of the left and right chambers 116, 118 to the central chamber). The control system 46 is able to detect such a jam, and in the case of a jam, a recovery routine is carried out as described below. When the cards are cut from the central chamber 118 to the left chamber 116, the left outer counting cell 128 is alternately locked and unlocked as each letter passes through the left accelerator roller 232. At a known delivery speed, the interval of time between the locking and unlocking states of the photoelectric cell 128 are predictable. The control system 46 can therefore detect a jam by monitoring the left outer counting photocell 128 in search of prolonged lock states. A prolonged blocking state will suggest that a jam has occurred and the control system 46 then initiates a "left-cut" recovery routine. The left-cut recovery routine begins with the control system 46 by stopping the central feed roller 190 and the left accelerator roller 232. and- The central elevator 262 retracts and moves down slightly (for example 0.63 centimeters (.25 inches)). The left accelerating roller 232 retracts so that it is rotating in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction of the hands, and continues to rotate so until the left inner counting cell 130 is free for a short period of time (e.g. seconds) . The left accelerator roller 232 returns to normal rotation in the clockwise direction. The roller central feeder 190 rotates in the clockwise direction, central elevator 262 moves up and the cutting operation is restarted. The left elevator 260 does not move down until a letter passes through the photocell 128 counting external left. The control system can be similarly recovered from a jam that occurs when the cards are being cut from the center chamber to the right chamber. The right recovery routine starts with the control system 46 by stopping central feed roller 190 and right throttle roller 234. Central elevator 262 retracts and moves slightly downward (eg 0.63 centimeters (.25 inches)). Right throttle roller 234 retracts so that it is rotating in the clockwise direction and continues to rotate in this manner until the right inner count photocell 134 is free for a short period of time (eg .5 seconds). The right throttle roller 234 then restarts the rotation counterclockwise. The central feed roller 190 rotates in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction, the central elevator 262 moves up and the cutting operation is restarted. The right elevator 264 does not move downwards until a letter passes through the photocell 132 of the right outer counting. If a jam occurs during the shuffling operation, the control system 46 stops the left and right accelerator rollers 232, 234 and the left and right feeder rollers 200, 202. Both left and right elevators 260, 264 descend approximately 0.63 centimeters ( .25 inches) and remain in that position. The control system 46 rotates to the left throttle roller 232 in a clockwise direction and to the right throttle roller 234 in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction. When the control system 46 detects that the photoelectric cells 128132, left and right external counting are free, feeder roll 200 and left accelerator roller 232 restart rotation in a counterclockwise direction and right feed roller 202 and right accelerator roller 234 restart rotation in sense of the hands of the clock. The control system 46 then moves the left and right elevators 260, 264 upwards, thus restarting the shuffling operation. The control system 46 is awaited until it detects a letter that passes either in front of the photocell 132, 134 of left or right inside count before moving the central elevator 262 downward. The shuffling machine 20 attempts to recover from jams automatically, without human intervention. However, if after several attempts the shuffling machine 20 is not able to recover, the control system 46 will suspend the operation of the machine 20 and emit the red alarm light. The control system 46 will then wait for the intervention. The operator will intervene by pressing the "open door" button on the control board. The control system 46 will move the door down and the elevators down approximately 5.08 centimeters (2 inches). The operator can then manually release the jam and leave the cards in the machine 20. The green "Start" button is pressed to restart the shuffling operation. The machine 20 will perform a complete shuffling cycle after manual intervention regardless of when jamming occurred in the shuffling cycle.

If it is determined that, after a jam, a minimum of 3 shuffling cycles is desired, the "Reset" button on the control board should be pressed. The "Restart" feature is only active after the "open door" button has been activated. The machine 20 will pass through an orientation sequence and when the green "Start" button is turned on it will be ready for a minimum of three shuffling cycles. For a complete reset, the power button must be turned off, all cards must be removed, the power must be reconnected. The machine 20 will undergo an orientation sequence and when the green "Start" button is turned on, the machine will be ready for a new shuffling. Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been presented, several changes including those mentioned above can be implemented without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. It is therefore desired that reference be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Appendix A: Identification Code for Motors and Switches Abbreviation Description Reference number in the Figures MOTORS Left Lift Motor 48 CEM 50 Central Lift Motor REM Motor Elevator Right 52 DM Motor Door 64 LFM Motor Feeder Left 54 CFM Motor Central Feeder 56 RFM Motor Feeder Right 58 LSM Motor Accelerator Left 60 RSM Motor Accelerator Right 62 LIMIT SWITCHES LEB -LS Lower Booster Lower Limit Switch 68 LET-LS Upper Limit Switch Left Lift 70 CEB-LS Lower Left Side Central Lift Switch 72 CET-LS Upper Limit Switch Central Lift 74 REB-LS Lower Limit Switch Right Lift 76 RET-LS Upper Limit Switch Right Lift 78 DB-LS Lower Door Limit Switch 80 DT-LS Upper Door Limit Switch 82 PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS LEMT-PE Photoelectric Cell Empty Left Lift 88 CEMT-PE Photoelectric Cell Vacuum Central Elevator 90 REMT-PE Photoelectric Cell Empty Right Elevator 92 LOC-PE Left Outside Counting Photoelectric Cell 128 ROC-PE Right Outside Counting Photoelectric Cell 132 LIC-PE Left Interior Counting Photoelectric Cell 130 RIC-PE Right Indoor Counting Photoelectric Cell 134 Appendix B: Operating Sequence Action Explanation Motor Switch 1. On The machine is oriented. See orientation sequence. 2. Charge cards 4.6 or 8 piles are isolated CEMT off to shuffle in the center chamber (locked) 3. Door is The operator presses the DM button on START closes start and the door is (up) moves up, DM off reaching the upper door limit switch Interlock: DT-LS on CEMT-Pe off A. There must be letters on the LEMT-PE central chamber on REMT-Pe on B. The left and right elevators must be empty. If not, the machine will stop until the cards are removed. 4. The elevator A. The central elevator is switched on. CET-LM central moves upwards (up) on moves towards which the cards activate the top (first upper limit cycle) of central elevator CET-LS. The charts are checked for their height B. The central elevator is switched on CEM moves down (down) (synchronized movement) approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 in.) 5. Cut to the feed roller CMF on left center and roller (CW) ( first cycle) left LSM accelerator on start to turn to the right (CW). At the same time, CEM on the central elevator (up) moves upwards. CEM on As the elevator (up) central moves towards LOC-PE above, letters are delivered off / in the left chamber, on each letter goes through the LEM on photoelectric cell of (below) left outside counting. LOC-PEC When the first letter off passes through the left accelerating rollers, the left outer counting photocell is blocked. The left lift motor turns on, driven upward. The central and left elevators go at the same speed. 6. They are delivered After the cards are CFM backs up letters in the delivered in the breech (CCW) left chamber, the right motor central feed Cut to the reverse (movement in right direction counterclockwise). When the RSM is switched on at the same time, the right throttle motor (CCW) starts to turn to the left and the left lift motor stops. LEM off When the LOC-PE photoelectric counting cell on the left-hand side is LSM off, free of letters, the left throttle motor stops. When the first card passes through the right idle idle rollers, the ROC-PE counting photocell external right shutdown is blocked. 15 The right lift motor REM on then lights up, (down), pushing the lift downwards. The ROC-PE cards are delivered from the center to the right / off 20, each letter being switched on by the right external counting photocell. CEMT-PE When the central power lift is empty, the central vacuum vacuum cell CEMT-PE (CEMT-PE) backs up. (below) The motor of the central CFM elevator goes back, the RSM off central ROC-PE motors and the engines on right accelerators go off. The photocell 10 of the right external counting has to be on (free). Intercrossers: LEM off LET-LS on A. The left lift motor shuts off if the elevator upper limit switch left lights up. REM off RET-LS on B. The right lift motor shuts off if the upper limit switch right lift lights 7. The letters When the CEM lift is turned on central moves to (down) to the center down, the LFM engines on from the left feeder and left (CCW). Left accelerator LSM on MASO start to turn to the right (CCW). L? M lit The lift motor (top) left starts moving upwards. NOTE: The movements of the left and center elevator must be synchronized. When the left riser reaches the feeder roll, the center riser must be at an optimum height to receive the cards. The letters start to LIC-PE move from left to off / center, passing the photoelectric ignition cell of left internal counting.

The left elevator moves at a random distance, delivering a random number of cards to the center (maso). 8. The cards The upward movement REM on is shuffled to that of the right-hand elevator (above) the center is remote to obtain the RFM on top of all. When the elevator (CW) BEACHED. Right starts moving, RSM on the right feeder (CW) rollers and right throttle start to turn right. As the first letter of the right chamber blocks the LEM photoelectric cell from the right exterior ignition, the left / left elevator stops and the right and left elevators will be synchronized from this point. The movements will be random. When the right lift on REM is moved / turned up, the left lift stops and vice versa. When the left riser is empty, the photocell is unlocked (no card) the LEM backs up, the left riser (down) retracts and goes to a LEM off default position to receive cards. The feeder roller LMF off LEMT-PE left stops. On The Left LSM Accelerator Rollers Stopped Left When the left outer counting cell 20 remains unlocked LOC-PE for about 0.5 seconds (for (0.5 ensure the second letters?) are outside the clamp).

When the right elevator is empty, the REMT-PE REM photocell retracts on the left outside counting (bottom) is unlocked (without REM off cards), the RFM lift off right retracts and passes RSM off one position to receive letters. The right feed roller stops. The right accelerating rollers stop when the right outer counting photocell remains unlocked for 0.5 seconds ROC-PE (0.5 seconds) 9. Cut to When the CEM lift on REMT on left right is empty the (top) photocell is CFM on unlocked, the elevator (CW) center starts to move LSM on up, the rollers (CW) central feeder and left accelerator start to turn to the right, delivering letters to the left. The cycle repeats from 6 to 9, ending with 8. 10. After the last cycle Transfer to the cards the breech of the central chamber is transferred to the left and left chamber for its counting removal. After the last shuffle (8), the RFM rolls off the RSM off and the RSM off right throttle stops and the REM retracts right elevator goes to a predetermined off position to receive cards. The central elevator CEM on moves up. (top) The right CFM and left accelerator (CW) rollers start to turn LSM (CW) to the right, delivering letters to the left elevator. When the central elevator is empty the photocell is unlocked CEMT-PE (without letters), on the central elevator CEM retracts backwards and descends to (below) reaching the lower limit switch of central elevator (ready for loading position). The centrally switched off CEM feeder roller also stops. 15 When the LOC-PE photoelectric counting cell on left outside is unlocked for 0.5 seconds, the left accelerator rolls 20 LSM off turn off. The left riser is LEM on move up to down until LEM off LEB-LS reaches the switch on lower limit of left elevator. 11. Load and Operator press the Start button download start. The door is DM lit DB-LS moves down, (down) on reaching the lower door limit switch. DM off Cards are loaded in the center chamber. The empty CEMT-PE photoelectric cell of the central booster is off. The shuffled cards are removed from the left chamber. The empty photoelectric LEM-PE cell of the left-hand ignition is unlocked 12. The door After a few seconds the left elevator lock moves LEM on up and the DM door on will close automatically in 3-4 seconds, reaching the DT-LS limit switch upper door ignition. Before the door starts to move, DM on the light will light up as an M warning power. Start a new shuffling cycle Appendix C: Guidance Sequence Action Description Motor Switch 1. Switched on. If there are no letters in the REMT-PE Without a machine run-up, the empty elevator, machine start and CEMT-PE photoelectric cells count unlocked, the machine ignition will suffer a LEMT-PE orientation sequence. On The door moves towards ROC-PE below. On The RIC-PE and right-hand risers move towards the top and reach the DM on LOC-PE limit switches (bottom). Top ignition of the LEM riser on the left and right LIC-PE. (up) on The central lift is REM on DB-LS moves down, (up) on reaching the switch CEM on LET-LS lower limit of elevator (down) on central. RET-LS The left LEM lifts on and right move down (down) RET-LS down to a REM position on by default to receive (below) CEB-LS letters. On Synchronized Synchronized 2. Switched on . A. If there are letters in the cards in any of the accelerator roller machine assemblies, one or more DM photoelectric cells on DT-LS count blocked, the (up) lit door moves towards LSM on LIC-OE above, the rollers (CW) ignition starters and RSM ignition LOC-PE deliver letters on the (CCW) on left and / or LSM lifts off RIC-PE right. RSM off on When the DM cells on ROC-PE counting (down) on are unlocked by the DB-LS less for 0.5 seconds, on the throttle motors are switched off and the door is moved downward. DM on B. If there are any letters on (below) any of the elevators, one or more of the lift vacuum cells blocked, the door moves down and the red alarm light comes on, indicating that the machine is not ready to load. Remove the cards and press the START key. The machine will suffer the orientation sequence. fifteen twenty Appendix D: Components, Addresses and Part / Model Numbers Manufacturers Abbreviation and component description. Part number or model Diagram of name and. manufacturer's address Manufacturer reference LEM motors (48) Step motor, 4 Volt PX243G01-01A D.C. Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California CEM (50) Stepped motor, 4 volts PX243G01-01A D.C. Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California REM (52) Stepped motor, 4 volt PX234G01-01A D.C. Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California DM (64) Staged motor, 4 volts PK244-01AA D.C. Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California LFM (54) Staged motor, 4 volts PK245-01AA D.C.

Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California CFM (56) Staged motor, 4 volts PK245-01AA D.C. Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California RFM (58) Staged motor, 4 volts PK245-01AA D.C. Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California LSM (60) Staged motor, 4 volts PK245-01AA D.C. Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California RSM (62) Staged motor, 4 volts PK245-01AA D.C. Oriental Motor USA Corporation, Torrance, California LIMIT SWITCHES LEB-LS (68) MICRO SWITCH, a division of NI4 Honeywell Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota LET-LS (70) MICRO SWITCH, a division of 37XL31-01 Honey ell Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota CEB-LS (72) MICRO SWITCH, a division of N14 Honeywell Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota CET-LS (74) MICRO SWITCH, a division of 37XL-31-01 Honey ell Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota REB-LS (76) MICRO SWITCH, a division of N14 Honeywell Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota RET-LS (78) MICRO SWITCH, a division of 37XL31-01 Honeywell Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota DB-LS (80) MICRO SWITCH, a division of N14 Honeywell Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota DT-LS (82) MICRO SWITCH, a division of N14 Honey ell Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS LEMT-PE (88) Optek Technology, Inc., OP265A, OP598 Carrolton, Texas CEMT-PE (90) Optek Technology, Inc., OP265A, OP598 Carrolton, Texas REMT-PE (92) Optek Technology, Inc., OP265A, OP598 Carrolton, Texas LOC-PE (128) Optek Technology, Inc., OP506A Carrolton, Texas ROC-PE (132) Optek Technology, Inc., OP506A Carrolton, Texas LIC-PE (130) Optek Technology, Inc., OP506A Carrolton , Texas RIC-PE (134) Optek Technology, Inc., OP506A Carrolton, Texas

Claims (23)

1. CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for shuffling playing cards characterized in that it comprises: a. a first chamber that extends vertically to hold a pile of vertically registered non-shuffled game cards, b. second and third bedrooms that extend vertically to hold a stack of vertically registered letters, each spaced horizontally from the first adjacent chamber, c. a first card coupling means arranged in the upper part of the first chamber to individually move the cards from the top of the pile of cards in the first chamber horizontally to the second and third chambers to thereby cut the pile of playing cards not shuffled in two piles, and d. second and third card coupling means arranged in the upper part of the second and third chambers, respectively, to simultaneously and randomly move the cards from the top of the pile of cards in the second and third chambers, respectively, to the first chamber , to intersperse with this the cards to form a pile of letters registered vertically from cards shuffled in the first chamber.
2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a plurality of letter baffles arranged in the upper part of the chamber to deflect the individual cards as they move from breech to breech.
3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second and third chambers of the first chamber are defined and separated by a pair of parallel plates that generally extend vertically, each having an upper part generally arranged in the upper part. of the bedrooms and provided with deflection letter guides to elevate and separate the letters as the cards move from room to room.
4. 4. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that it has a plurality of photosensors to verify the movement of the cards.
5. 5. A method for shuffling playing cards characterized in that it comprises: a. form a vertically registered first pile of uncassetted cards, b. horizontally move the cards individually from the top of the first pile of non-shuffled cards to form a second and a third vertically registered pile of cards, each pile spaced horizontally from the first pile and to each other, to thus cut the pile of un-shuffled cards, and c. simultaneously and randomly moving the individual letters of the upper part of the second and third heap to a common area, thus randomly intermingling the cards of the second and third heap to form a pile of shuffled cards registered vertically in the common area.
6. 6. The method according to claim 5, further characterized by additionally comprising the movement monitoring of the cards, detecting a card jam and automatically recovering from the card jam.
7. 7. An apparatus for shuffling playing cards characterized in that it comprises: a. a first chamber that extends vertically to hold a pile of vertically registered non-shuffled game cards, b. A second and a third bedroom that extends vertically to hold a stack of vertically registered letters, each of them spaced from the first adjacent chamber. c. A first card coupling means arranged in the upper part of the first chamber to individually move the cards from the top of the pile of cards in the first chamber horizontally to the second and third chambers thus cutting off the pile of non-shuffled game cards in two piles, d. a second and third coupling means of 5 cards arranged in the upper part of the second and third chambers, respectively, to move simultaneously and randomly the individual cards of the upper part of the pile of cards in the second and third chambers, r- ~ respectively, to the first chamber, thus intermingling the cards to form a pile of shuffled cards registered vertically in the first chamber, and e. letter deflectors usually arranged at the top of the chamber to deflect the individual cards as the cards move from chamber to chamber 15 chamber, wherein each baffle comprises an elastic member disposed generally in the upper part of each chamber.
8. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that each chamber has an interior and a 20 portion of a respective resilient member extending generally inwardly.
9. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the second and third chambers have exterior ends, the first chamber defined in 25 part by two parallel plate assemblies in general each having a front end and an upper part generally arranged in the upper part of the chambers, the outer ends and front ends presenting means of letter stopping to achieve that the letters come to rest horizontally in the bedrooms.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the arresting means comprises at least one substantially horizontal slot for temporarily receiving a main edge of the cards as the cards move from the first chamber to the second and third chambers and from the second and third bedrooms to the first bedroom.
11. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one fan means for cooling and cleaning the apparatus.
12. 12. A recovery method for recovering from a jamming of cards in an automatic card shuffling apparatus, including the sensor apparatus for monitoring the movement of the cards characterized in that during normal movement the sensors are blocked and unlocked alternately, comprising the method of recovering the steps of: detecting a prolonged blocking state thereby indicating that a jam of letters has occurred; selective alteration of the movement of the cards; detection of the end of the prolonged blockade state; and restart the normal movement of the cards.
13. The recovery method according to claim 12, characterized in that the apparatus includes operative coupling means for reversing the normal movement of the cards.
14. The recovery method according to claim 13, characterized in that the movement of the cards is verified by a plurality of sensors.
15. 15. The recovery method according to claim 14, characterized in that the sensors detect a separation between the cards as the cards move and where the binding of cards comprises a lack of separation.
16. 16. The recovery method according to claim 12, characterized in that the apparatus attempts the recovery method automatically and after several unsuccessful attempts to recover from the clogging, signals an operator to intervene.
17. 17. A card shuffling apparatus comprising a card movement mechanism that simultaneously and randomly moves the cards of a first and a second group of cards to a common group of shuffled cards.
18. 18. The card shuffling apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the card movement mechanism is selectively operative to reverse the movement of the cards.
19. 19. The card shuffling apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that it additionally comprises deflectors of cards adjacent to the card movement mechanism to deflect the cards as the cards move.
20. 20. The card shuffling apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that it includes a card detection region to temporarily receive a main edge of each card as the cards move.
21. 21. An apparatus for shuffling playing cards characterized in that it comprises: a. a mechanism of letter movement; b. a processing unit that controls the mechanism of letter movement so that the cards move to and from one or more groups of cards; and c. a storage medium of data accessible per processing unit, in which the data storage medium has a program stored therein and the program is configured to cause the processing unit to move randomly and simultaneously the letters of a first and a second groups to a common shuffled group.
22. 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, further characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor for verifying the movement of the cards, wherein during normal movement the sensor is locked and unlocked alternately; and the data storage means is further configured to cause the processing unit: to detect a card jam by detecting a prolonged blockage of at least one sensor, and recover from the card jam by changing the movement of the cards.
23. 23. A data storage medium for use with a processing unit that controls a movement mechanism of cards so that the cards move towards and from one or more groups of cards, characterized in that the data storage means has a program stored in it, which causes the processing unit to: move the cards of a first group of cards to form a second and a third group, thus cutting off the first group of cards, and randomly and simultaneously move the cards of the second and third group to a group of shuffled cards.