JAM DETECTION IN A CARD SHUFFLER
First Claim
1. A shuffling device for randomizing playing cards, the device comprising:
- components for contacting at least one playing card within the shuffling device to initiate or suspend movement of the at least one playing card;
a processor in informational connection with the shuffling device;
at least one sensor configured and positioned to detect, without reference to playing card movement or position, values of an operational parameter of one or more of the components consisting of at least one of speed of movement of, distance of movement of, time of movement of, power supplied for movement of, force applied to, and torque applied to the one or more components and to provide a signal to the processor representative of one or more values of at least one of speed of movement of, distance of movement of, time of movement of, power supplied for movement of, force applied to and torque applied to the one or more components;
the processor programmed to interpret the signal to recognize a departure in the operational parameter of the one or more components from one of an acceptable value and range of acceptable values.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A shuffling device for playing cards and method of shuffling cards is provided where a first group of cards is moved within the device to form a randomized second group of cards. The device comprises moving parts that assist in the movement of cards within the shuffling device; a processor in informational connection with the shuffling device; a sensor that detects at least one of speed, distance and force of at least one moving part and provides a signal to the processor regarding detection of at least one of speed, distance and force; and the processor containing a program that interprets the signal to detect significant variations in at least one of speed, distance and force of the moving part.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A shuffling device for randomizing playing cards, the device comprising:
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components for contacting at least one playing card within the shuffling device to initiate or suspend movement of the at least one playing card; a processor in informational connection with the shuffling device; at least one sensor configured and positioned to detect, without reference to playing card movement or position, values of an operational parameter of one or more of the components consisting of at least one of speed of movement of, distance of movement of, time of movement of, power supplied for movement of, force applied to, and torque applied to the one or more components and to provide a signal to the processor representative of one or more values of at least one of speed of movement of, distance of movement of, time of movement of, power supplied for movement of, force applied to and torque applied to the one or more components; the processor programmed to interpret the signal to recognize a departure in the operational parameter of the one or more components from one of an acceptable value and range of acceptable values. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of detecting deficiencies in the operation of a playing card-shuffling device, the method comprising:
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moving one or more components for contacting at least one playing card within the shuffling device to initiate or suspend movement of the at least one playing card; detecting with at least one sensor, without reference to playing card movement or position, values of an operational parameter of the one or more of the components consisting of at least one of speed of movement of, distance of movement of, time of movement of, power supplied for movement of, force applied to, and torque applied to the one or more components and providing a signal to a processor representative of one or more values of at least one of speed of movement of, distance of movement of, time of movement of, force applied to and torque applied to the one or more components; the processor interpreting the signal to recognize a departure in the operational parameter of the one or more components from one of an acceptable value and range of acceptable values. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A playing card-shuffling device, comprising:
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a card input portion for receiving cards to be shuffled; a card-shuffling portion for receiving cards from the card input portion and outputting shuffled cards to a card outlet portion with at least one moving part of the shuffling device; the card outlet portion being adapted for coupling to a first output card receiver when it is desired to remove shuffled cards one at a time from the shuffling device, and the card outlet portion being adapted for coupling to a second output card receiver when it is desired to remove a group of shuffled cards at a time from the shuffling device; a processor in informational connection with the shuffling device; at least one sensor configured and positioned to detect, without reference to playing card movement or position, values of an operational parameter of one or more of the components consisting of at least one of speed of movement of, distance of movement of, time of movement of, power supplied for movement of, force applied to, and torque applied to, the one or more components and to provide a signal to the processor representative of one or more values of at least one of speed of movement of, distance of movement of, time of movement of, power supplied for movement of, force applied to and torque applied to the one or more components; the processor programmed to interpret the signal to recognize a departure in the operational parameter of the one or more components from one of an acceptable value and range of acceptable values. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification