Patents Represented by Attorney Quirk & Tratos
  • Patent number: 6959925
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors. An audio system communicates voice outputs regarding shuffler malfunctions and instructions to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: VendingData Corporation
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Patent number: 6926254
    Abstract: A transmission jack and apparatus that can raise and lower heavy objects between a floor surface and a higher elevation is disclosed. The transmission jack and apparatus includes a bottom frame mounted on a plurality of wheels. Pivotally attached to the bottom frame is a pair of hinge elements that support a plurality of support bars, with the support bars always remaining parallel to a ground surface. The support bars can be raised or lower through a pair of metal cylinders and internal rods which are hooked up to a hydraulic pump. A handle attached to the hydraulic pump allows an individual to raise or lower the plurality of support bars by pumping an oil-based hydraulic fluid into the pair of metal cylinders, thereby pushing the out the internal rods, which then engage the hinge elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Nymann
  • Patent number: 6922959
    Abstract: A vertical and horizontal member are designed to encase a portion of an installed doorframe assembly. In particular, the vertical and horizontal member encase a door stop section of a horizontal and vertical door frame section. Channels defined by the members are wider than the pre-existing door stop sections such that the member may be laterally positioned thereover to eliminate any misalignment between a door and a door frame assembly. Once properly positioned, the members are secured to the doorframe assembly thereby eliminating any misalignment between the door and the door frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: William Hileman
  • Patent number: 6907976
    Abstract: A coin selecting apparatus is set forth which includes detectors adapted to detect a plurality of parameters of diameter, material and thickness of a deposited coin. A processor compares the detected data to stored data for an authentic coin to determine authenticity. The deposited coins are summed and compared to an amount set by a coding switch to be deposited. A display displays the amounts received and authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Kazumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6902479
    Abstract: A gaming machine comprising a container for holding a plurality of numbered balls which are agitated by an air source. A plurality of compartments incorporated on a rotatable wheel in communication with the container capture one or more of the numbered balls. Each of the numbered balls or certain identified captured balls are used to determine a gaming machine award. Certain captured balls may be identified by one or more pointers positioned about the container. In a keno version of the gaming machine a player is afforded the opportunity to select one or more keno numbers using a player interface. An award is then determined based on the numbers on the captured balls and the selected keno numbers. The balls are captured by opening one or more access doors blocking the compartments thereby exposing the balls to a vacuum in the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Scott D'Avanzo
  • Patent number: 6898492
    Abstract: A flight recorder designed for small aircraft captures various onboard flight data in real-time and stores it in non-volatile memory. Recorded data includes aircraft's instantaneous position, altitude, attitude, engine RPM, G forces, flap position, cockpit voice and others. These data are obtained from various sensors which are integrated into the recorder. At the end of a flight the recorded data is downloaded into a computer using a wireless communications data transceiver also integrated into the recorder. It does not require removal or attaching any equipment to be able to download data. In addition to accident investigation, applications include training, preventive maintenance and asset monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: Hilary Laing de Leon, Roland E. Quiros
  • Patent number: 6896264
    Abstract: A wagering game utilizing a table game layout and multiple dice is disclosed. The game allows players to place wagers on whether the sum of multiple rolled dice will be higher or lower than a preestablished value. When using two dice the preestablished value is seven. The “higher” or “lower” wagers are based on two consecutive rolls of the dice. In other words, the “higher” and “lower” wagers are won if the sum of the two dice on two consecutive rolls is above seven or falls below seven, respectively. For example, successive rolls of eleven and twelve result in a winning “higher” wager. Larger payouts are associated with winning “higher” or “lower” wagers predicated on two consecutive identical sums. Players may also wager on single roll outcomes. Such single roll outcomes include a seven/eleven, two/three and eleven/twelve wager. The game is also implementable in an electronic version.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Jose Cherem Haber
  • Patent number: 6893344
    Abstract: A secondary game in communication with a primary gaming machine, is preferably based on a sport, namely American football. The present invention, unlike previous secondary games is triggered in response to both predefined winning and non-winning primary game outcomes. The secondary game awards a bonus pay out in response to a player achieving a predefined bonus event. The bonus event may be scoring a touchdown, getting a first down or any desired football related event. Once the secondary game is triggered by one or more predefined winning primary game outcomes, a random number generator selects a secondary game football related outcome (e.g. five yard gain, two yard loss, etc). In a preferred embodiment, the football outcome is revealed on a display depicting video football footage. Moreover, if the primary game outcome is a predefined non-winning outcome, the secondary game is instructed to advance the football a pre-established modest distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Leif Eric Brown, Denise J Clark, John Galvani
  • Patent number: 6886829
    Abstract: The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of the face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. The operator of the machine would be able to recall through the use of a key pad, the images of the cards that comprised the individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before paying a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winning hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: VendingData Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hessing, Daniel Mahoney, Steven J. Blad, Thomas Baker
  • Patent number: 6886192
    Abstract: A toilet lifting and transport device. The device has forward legs and rear legs, with the forward legs being selectively deployable in an open configuration for lifting and transporting use, and a closed configuration for storage. A screw lift is positioned on at least one horizontal support that is positioned between the rear legs. The lifting device is coupled to a toilet fixture via a tank strap and bridge straps. Lifting of the toilet fixture is then accomplished utilizing the screw lift. Transport of the lifting device with the toilet fixture thereon is accomplished by rolling the lifting device on wheels located on the bottoms of the rear and forward legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Dennis A. Merrill
  • Patent number: 6877746
    Abstract: A live or electronically implemented blackjack game is disclosed wherein players are afforded the option of exchanging one or more of the players' dealt cards. Each player is given the option of exchanging one or both of an originally dealt two cards with a card or cards from one or more decks of playing cards being utilized to play the blackjack game. Each player must pay a fee for exchanging one or both of the cards. In a first embodiment, the fee is 50% of the player's original game wager. Players may also double down should they only exchange one of the first two dealt cards. Further, players may split the first two cards into two hands and exchange a first card dealt into each hand by paying the preestablished fee on each hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Jerry Herren, Joanie N. Herren
  • Patent number: 6874173
    Abstract: An improved bidet device is set forth which includes a rotatable handle and capstan for positioning a spray tube and for opening the supply of water to the tube for spraying. A screw is received by the capstan to mount the handle and is further provided with a radial port. An actuator is coupled to the screw for rotation of the screw relative to the capstan to modulate the flow of water through the device. The actuator may be ergonometrically designed. As a further feature a sealing ball is provided which moves in response to water pressure to vent the spray tube and to seal the water supply against back flow from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: American Biffy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Warren Smith, Marcus Smith
  • Patent number: 6860056
    Abstract: A gun sight system includes a front sight and a rear sight providing high shot accuracy and immediate target acquisition. Each sight having light-gathering means functions dependently defining a highly visible aiming point. An elongated light-gathering plastic rod retained on a front sight base member includes a triangular viewing surface. An oval-shaped light-gathering plastic rod, retained within a rear sight housing, includes two triangular shaped viewing surfaces disposed in a V-shaped void of the housing. From a user's perspective three lighted triangular shaped viewing ends of the light-gathering means define an aiming point and provide immediate target acquisition. Multi-colored light-gathering means and the creation of hot-spots further improve the present gun sight system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: North Pass, Ltd.
    Inventor: Phillip D. Howe
  • Patent number: 6845905
    Abstract: The present invention features a tracking system for currency containers in a gaming casino. Currency is received in removable containers having a memory chip for storing information such as the container ID, the ID of the gaming machine, the date and time the container was placed in a gaming machine. A mobile cart or a hand-carried unit is provided to store and transport the containers to a counting room. Data in each container's memory is verified and continuously monitored by the cart. A docking station verifies, reads, and transmits data to a remote computer and also provides a printout. All temporary data is erased from memory, and the containers are ready for reuse. Each time a container is inserted into a machine or other apparatus, a date and time is written to memory so that a complete adit trail is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: VendingData Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Blad, Kenneth R. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6834412
    Abstract: A mobile air duct vacuum provides an efficient method for cleaning HVAC ductwork in nearly any location. Upper and lower sections of circular cross-section are removably connected defining an air passageway. Said upper section houses 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage filters for insuring that “dirty” air passing through the system is thoroughly cleaned. Said lower section houses an air directional unit, blower wheel and motor. The motor causes the blower wheel, having spaced blades, to rotate and draw air from within the subject ductwork and through the filters thereby effectuating the cleaning. Thereafter, the clean air passes through the air directional unit into the blower wheel where it is re-directed to the surrounding environment through vents in the lower section. Wheels and a handle provide for a mobile air duct vacuum. To facilitate transportation of the vacuum the upper section and lower section can be readily disjoined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: D.P.L. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Stanovich, Brian R. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6820281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compartment for holding a towel. Said compartment is fabricated of a rectangular piece of material having a first section and a second section. The first section is permanently attached to an article of clothing and the second section acts as a flap. VELCRO® removably attaches the second section to the first section forming the compartment therebetween. A towel is removably attached to the first section of the compartment by VELCRO® and/or an elastic band. Towels are always handy for cleaning up cooking messes, wiping perspiration off one's brow, washing a babies face. etc. The compartment of the present invention provides a towel for easy and immediate access under any conditions. Moreover, the towel is generally concealed eliminating clutter and unsightliness. The compartment is ideal for T-shirts, sweatshirts, work-outgear, cooking and painting aprons and articles of clothing used in proximity of infants and children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn W. Mariland, Ronald Eugene Brown
  • Patent number: 6811233
    Abstract: A foldable workbench provides ergonomic and flat horizontal working surfaces that can be folded vertically to occupy less space when desired. The top shelf may fold downwardly and provide a working space for arms and shoulders. The middle space is generally disposed at waist or hip height to provide arm and shoulder space while also providing an object against which a person might lean in order to provide stability, steady themselves, and work upon objects present on the middle shelf. The lower shelf has room for a person's shins or feet, especially when leaning against the middle shelf. The foldable workstation has a generally thin profile when folded up against a wall or other similar vertical support. The folded panels of the foldable workbench provide protection for tools hanging vertically on a pegboard or the like adjacent the upper folded panel. Similarly, foldable shelves provide horizontal storage or stowage space when needed yet fold vertically to occupy less space when so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: CanAm Marketing Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen R. Packer
  • Patent number: 6807786
    Abstract: An exterior wall restoration system is applied to an existing exterior wall construction in various layers. The wall restoration system can be utilized to cover damaged or defective wall systems without having to remove a substantial portion of the existing wall system. The wall restoration system includes a water resistant membrane layer, a reinforced cementatious base coat layer, a finish coat layer, a sealant layer, and a final coat layer—these layers are applied over the existing wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Stucco Restoration Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Dick Peck
  • Patent number: 6802510
    Abstract: A wagering card game wherein a player places a first and second wager. In a live table game a player places a first and second wager. The first wager is placed on a poker ranking of either the player's five cards or the dealer's five cards in an attempt to select the higher ranking poker hand. Winning first wagers are paid according to a pay table corresponding to the poker ranking of the wagered upon winning hand. The second wager is placed on whether both the player's and dealer's hands are higher or lower than preestablished minimum and maximum poker rankings. Winning second wagers being paid at 3 to 1. Progressive jackpots may also be implemented with respect to the poker ranking of the wagered upon winning hand associated with the first wager. The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented on an electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jose Cherem Haber
  • Patent number: D506947
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Jack Weinstein