Amusement devices: games – Chance devices – Electric or magnetic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-08
2001-09-25
Layno, Benjamin H. (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Chance devices
Electric or magnetic
C273S138100, C273S14800B, C273S14900R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293546
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of automatic shuffling machines, and more particularly to a remote control unit for an automatic shuffling machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Casinos, cardrooms and other gaming establishments employ many card dealers. The dealers shuffle cards, deal the cards, take bets, and otherwise play the card game. Substantial amounts of the dealer's time is spent in just shuffling the decks of cards in preparation for the ensuing card hands. During the time the dealer is shuffling, the game table is inactive, and bets are not being placed. From the standpoint of the casino, it is desirable to minimize the time spent in preparing the card decks for additional play.
A number of prior art card deck shuffling machines have been invented. Most of the prior automatic shufflers have suffered from various problems. Many are relatively slow and do not help the basic problem encountered by the gaming establishment. Others are relatively complex and thus expensive to build and maintain.
Furthermore, with respect to prior art shufflers, the control panel that the dealer must operate to start, stop etc. the shuffler is located directly on the shuffler. Because of the orientation of many tables in casinos, cardrooms, etc., it is inefficient and burdensome for the dealer to have to turn and press the buttons on the shuffler. Also, the number of buttons and commands associated therewith on many prior art shufflers are limited.
Thus there remains a strong need for a controller for a shuffling machine that can be operated remote from the shuffling machine.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control unit for remotely communicating at least one operator-selected command to a shuffling machine. The remote control unit includes at least one key for remotely communicating commands, such as start shuffling, to the shuffling machine. The remote control unit also includes a controller in electrical communication with the key(s) for communicating the commands to the shuffling machine. The remote control unit also includes a display in electrical communication with the controller for displaying output information to the operator.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a remote control unit in communication with a shuffling machine. In a preferred embodiment the remote control unit includes a cord having a first end connected to the remote control unit and a second end connected to the shuffling machine. The cord includes circuitry that communicates the remote control unit and the shuffling machine. In other preferred embodiments the cord is omitted, and commands are communicated via infrared or radio frequency transmitter/receivers.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an electronic playing card shuffling machine. The method includes the steps of locating a control unit remote from the shuffling machine, and operating the control unit to cause the shuffling machine to perform at least one function.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5474295 (1995-12-01), Demshuk
patent: 5810355 (1998-09-01), Trilli
patent: 4108829-A1 (1991-09-01), None
patent: 4205098-A1 (1993-09-01), None
Blad Steven J.
Hessing Lynn
Mahoney Daniel
Casinovations Incorporated
Layno Benjamin H.
Siemens Patent Services LC
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