Patents by Inventor Michael J. Kuhn

Michael J. Kuhn has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090291742
    Abstract: Virtual card game with simultaneous slot machine game. In one implementation, an electronic game table platform executes gambling card games, for example, poker or blackjack, played with virtual playing cards that may also have slot symbols included on the virtual playing cards. A player can win slot machine payouts from a hand of virtual playing cards currently in play in a game of poker or blackjack. The electronic game table systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards and the various symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of virtual playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20090082079
    Abstract: Intelligent candle displays for electronic game machines are described. In one implementation, an electric signaling candle for game machines used in gambling establishments is communicatively coupled via a controller with one or more display screens for showing image and video graphics. The candle and the display screen(s) may be physically combined into one unit, or physically separated but communicatively coupled to present integrated and harmonized information and visual effects. The intelligent candle display can interact in real time with the game machine hardware and with the action of a game being played in order to display relevant real time action and information. The intelligent candle display serves multiple simultaneous purposes, such as informing casino management of jackpots and machine problems, providing betting information to players, interacting with the game players, advertising, and acquainting and welcoming bystanders to the game machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Tyler V. Kuhn, Michael J. Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20090017888
    Abstract: Electronic gaming system with real playing cards and multiple player displays for virtual card and betting images. In one implementation, the exemplary system allows real playing cards to be used in electronic gaming systems that provide multiple video displays for multiple live participants at a gaming table. The system can post virtual images of the cards in play on the participant displays and can also display virtual bets, e.g., wagering chips, on the same displays. The real playing cards provide the look, feel, and action of playing a card game while the electronic gaming system provides elements of automation, security, and virtual display of the cards and bets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Kuhn, Donald Evans, David A. Krise
  • Publication number: 20080268939
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual symbols to live participants. Assignment of symbols are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while allowing multiple participants to play a multiple participant capable slot machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20080268940
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20080268933
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual symbols to live participants. Assignment of symbols are accomplished using data processing functions within on electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while allowing multiple participants to play a multiple participant capable slot machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20080161099
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20080146307
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus and methods which include multiple virtual stacks of symbols, such as cards, numbers, picture symbols or other symbols. In one form each player has an individual virtual stack and the dealer has one stack. In another form each player has one stack and the dealer has individual virtual stacks for each player. In some preferred forms, the symbol sets for each participant are stripped or reduced during the game as various symbols are assigned thereto. Other alternatives are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Kuhn, Donald L. Evans
  • Publication number: 20080045327
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus and methods which include multiple virtual stacks of symbols, such as cards. In one form each player has an individual virtual stack and the dealer has one stack. In another form each player has one stack and the dealer has individual virtual stacks for each player. Other alternatives are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Kuhn, Donald L. Evans
  • Patent number: 7255642
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Patent number: 7048629
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: DigiDeal Corporation
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20040251630
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20040160005
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a playing surface for a wagering game of chance, including a flexible base material defined by a peripheral shape defining a playing field of the wagering game of chance and configured to lie as a planar entity under the influence of gravity alone when supported by a planar surface, and a flexible surface material bonded to the flexible base material including indicia corresponding to the wagering game of chance. The invention further provides a method of replacing a playing surface of a gaming table for a wagering game of chance, including supporting a new playing surface using a planar surface of the gaming table, and removably securing an edging to the gaming table, wherein the new playing surface is configured to lie as a planar entity under the influence of gravity alone, and without stretching or adhesives, when supported by the planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: David A. Krise, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy D. Sines
  • Patent number: 6722974
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Digideal Corporation
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Patent number: 6651985
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Digideal Corporation
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20030027632
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20020002072
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Patent number: 6270404
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Digideal Corporation
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20010000778
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20010000118
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: April 5, 2001
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory