Patents by Inventor Steven Blad

Steven Blad 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: 20060220313
    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. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. 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. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl Price
  • Publication number: 20060220312
    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. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. 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. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl Price
  • Publication number: 20050110211
    Abstract: Method of optimizing shuffling of cards with a shuffling machine relying on random ejection technology. Deterministic ejection of cards, verifying card stack position and number of cards remaining in a card stack, adjusting operational functions, including low-impact ejection and packer arm activation, and automatic analysis of card quality create an optimum system for shuffling cards using a shuffler which incorporates random ejection technology. A calibration procedure facilitates the optimization features. In another embodiment, multiple buttons or a single button provide means for an operator to navigate a list of menu items and select a desired menu item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Blad, Lynn Hessing, Tyson Adams, Kenneth Dickinson, Carl Ketcham, Tom Wing