Patents by Inventor Troy D. Nelson
Troy D. Nelson 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).
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Patent number: 7036818Abstract: A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing or arranging system for the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. An automatic card shuffler includes a microprocessor with memory. An automated calibration system is provided that calibrates the precise position of the card supporting platform in the elevator so that precise insertion of cards can be performed during card handling procedures.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James V. Kelly, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Patent number: 6955599Abstract: An apparatus and a method of play in the practice of the present invention that are described below. An apparatus supporting the play of a casino table card game according to the present invention may comprise: A playing surface; A card-delivery device; A microprocessor operatively connected to the card-delivery device; Player controlled election identifiers that provide a visible signal of an election; At least two areas for display of at least partial card hands from which only one card hand may be elected for a wagering game by a player; The card-delivery device having at least one sensor thereon for sensing the presence of cards in a delivery area of the card-delivery device from which cards may be removed; The at least one sensor on the card-delivery device providing a signal to the microprocessor that a sensed set of cards has been removed from the delivery area; and in response to the signal, the microprocessor preventing players from entering a new election.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson
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Publication number: 20040245720Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into a second group of cards, wherein the second group of cards is randomly arranged or shuffled. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack for moving cards one at a time into a selected one of the compartments, another card moving mechanism for moving cards from one of the compartments to a second card receiver and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanisms and the elevator. A count of cards within specified areas of the card handling system is maintained and card handling is halted and all cards counted by adding a count of all cards not within the specified areas to the total of cards counted within the specified areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20040169332Abstract: A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing system for randomizing the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20040108654Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into plural hands of cards, wherein each of the hands contains a random arrangement of cards. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack, and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanism and the elevator so that an individual card is moved into an identified compartment. The number of compartments receiving cards and the number of cards moved to each compartment may be selected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20040029629Abstract: An apparatus and a method of play in the practice of the present invention that are described below. An apparatus supporting the play of a casino table card game according to the present invention may comprise: A playing surface; A card-delivery device; A microprocessor operatively connected to the card-delivery device; Player controlled election identifiers that provide a visible signal of an election; At least two areas for display of at least partial card hands from which only one card hand may be elected for a wagering game by a player; The card-delivery device having at least one sensor thereon for sensing the presence of cards in a delivery area of the card-delivery device from which cards may be removed; The at least one sensor on the card-delivery device providing a signal to the microprocessor that a sensed set of cards has been removed from the delivery area; and in response to the signal, the microprocessor preventing players from entering a new election.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson
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Publication number: 20040009799Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus comprising a gaming table with a gaming surface having at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token. A gaming token supporter is mounted at each of the at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token on the gaming surface of the gaming table such that the gaming token supporter is flush with the gaming surface and forms a gaming token receiving location. A photoelectric sensor for each gaming token supporter that emits and receives modulated radiation is mounted to the gaming table such that each sensor is aligned with and in sensing proximity to a gaming token supporter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: John G. Breeding, Troy D. Nelson, James B. Stasson, James P. Helgesen
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Patent number: 6655684Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into plural hands of cards, wherein each of the hands contains a random arrangement of cards. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack, and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanism and the elevator so that an individual card is moved into an identified compartment. The number of compartments receiving cards and the number of cards moved to each compartment may be selected.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Patent number: 6651982Abstract: A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing system for randomizing the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Patent number: 6651981Abstract: A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing system for randomizing the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson, Feraidoon Bourbour
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Patent number: 6588750Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into plural hands of cards, wherein each of the hands contains a random arrangement of the same quantity of cards. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack, and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanism and the elevator so that an individual card is moved into an identified compartment. The number of compartments receiving cards and the number of cards moved to each compartment may be selected.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James Phillip Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Patent number: 6588751Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into a second group of cards, wherein the second group of cards is randomly arranged or shuffled. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack for moving cards one at a time into a selected one of the compartments, another card moving mechanism for moving cards from one of the compartments to a second card receiver and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanisms and the elevator. A count of cards within specified areas of the card handling system is maintained and card handling is halted and all cards counted by adding a count of all cards not within the specified areas to the total of cards counted within the specified areas.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James Phillip Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20030094756Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into a second group of cards, wherein the second group of cards is randomly arranged or shuffled. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack for moving cards one at a time into a selected one of the compartments, another card moving mechanism for moving cards from one of the compartments to a second card receiver and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanisms and the elevator. A count of cards within specified areas of the card handling system is maintained and card handling is halted and all cards counted by adding a count of all cards not within the specified areas to the total of cards counted within the specified areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20030090059Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into a second group of cards, wherein the second group of cards is randomly arranged or shuffled. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack for moving cards one at a time into a selected one of the compartments, another card moving mechanism for moving cards from one of the compartments to a second card receiver and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanisms and the elevator. A count of cards within specified areas of the card handling system is maintained and card handling is halted and all cards counted by adding a count of all cards not within the specified areas to the total of cards counted within the specified areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James P. Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Patent number: 6561897Abstract: An apparatus and a method of play in the practice of the present invention that are described below. An apparatus supporting the play of a casino table card game according to the present invention may comprise: A playing surface; A card-delivery device; A microprocessor operatively connected to the card-delivery device; Player controlled election identifiers that provide a visible signal of an election; At least two areas for display of at least partial card hands from which only one card hand may be elected for a wagering game by a player; The card-delivery device having at least one sensor thereon for sensing the presence of cards in a delivery area of the card-delivery device from which cards may be removed; The at least one sensor on the card-delivery device providing a signal to the microprocessor that a sensed set of cards has been removed from the delivery area; and in response to the signal, the microprocessor preventing players from entering a new election.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson
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Publication number: 20030075865Abstract: A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing system for randomizing the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Applicant: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20030073498Abstract: A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing or arranging system for the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. An automatic card shuffler includes a microprocessor with memory. An automated calibration system is provided that calibrates the precise position of the card supporting platform in the elevator so that precise insertion of cards can be performed during card handling procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James V. Kelly, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20030067112Abstract: A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing system for randomizing the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: Shuffle Master,Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20030052449Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into a second group of cards, wherein the second group of cards is randomly arranged or shuffled. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack for moving cards one at a time into a selected one of the compartments, another card moving mechanism for moving cards from one of the compartments to a second card receiver and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanisms and the elevator. A count of cards within specified areas of the card handling system is maintained and card handling is halted and all cards counted by adding a count of all cards not within the specified areas to the total of cards counted within the specified areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James Phillip Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
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Publication number: 20030052450Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into a second group of cards, wherein the second group of cards is randomly arranged or shuffled. The apparatus comprises a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack for moving cards one at a time into a selected one of the compartments, another card moving mechanism for moving cards from one of the compartments to a second card receiver and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanisms and the elevator. A count of cards within specified areas of the card handling system is maintained and card handling is halted and all cards counted by adding a count of all cards not within the specified areas to the total of cards counted within the specified areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James Phillip Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson