Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Mark A. Litman & Associates
-
Patent number: 7523936Abstract: 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: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
-
Patent number: 7520800Abstract: Flexible abrasive sheet materials having annular bands of precise height flat-topped raised island structures that are coated with a mono layer of abrasive particles or abrasive agglomerates, processes for manufacture of the abrasive sheet materials, processes for using the abrasive sheeting in high speed lapping/abrading processes, and apparatus for using the abrasive sheeting are described. The process for manufacturing the abrasive sheeting provides an economical method for providing an improved configuration of abrasive sheeting that can provide precisely flat workpiece surfaces that are also highly polished.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventor: Wayne O. Duescher
-
Patent number: 7510190Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game comprises the steps of a player placing a first wager to participate in the wagering game and dealing at least a partial hand of cards to each player participating in the wagering game. The method includes providing a set of winning outcomes and corresponding payout odds against a pay table, wherein the set of winning outcomes includes at least one predetermined minimum high ranking hand and at least one predetermined maximum low ranking hand. Additional card are dealt, if necessary to complete each player hand. The method further includes the step of paying a player a payout on the first wager for obtaining a winning outcome without requiring the player to make an election as between having at least one predetermined minimum high ranking hand and at least one predetermined maximum low ranking hand.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Roger M. Snow, Robert Scott
-
Patent number: 7506874Abstract: A wagering game, preferably a variant of blackjack, is played by at least one player placing at least three separate wagers on a single round of the wagering game. A first of the three wagers is committed to a first hand wagering position, a second of the at least three wagers committed to a second hand wagering position, and the third wager initially is not committed to specifically either the first or second wagering position. From a first set of playing cards, the player receives a separate hand at each of the first hand wagering position and the second hand wagering position. The player commits the third wager to either the first hand wagering position or the second hand wagering position.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Shuffle Master, IncInventor: Geoffrey Hall
-
Patent number: 7505807Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for treatments and targeted drug delivery into a living patient, particularly but not exclusively using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The apparatus and method are useful in delivery to all types of living tissue and uses MR Imaging to track the location of drug delivery and estimating the rate of drug delivery. An MR-visible drug delivery device positioned at a target site (e.g., intracranial delivery) delivers a diagnostic or therapeutic drug solution into the tissue (e.g., the brain). The spinal distribution kinetics of the injected or infused drug agent are monitored quantitatively and non-invasively using water proton directional diffusion MR imaging to establish the efficacy of drug delivery at a targeted location.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignees: Regents of the University of Minnesota, Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: John Kucharczyk, Michael E. Moseley
-
Patent number: 7482814Abstract: A UNLV novel electric/magnetic dot sensor includes a loop of conductor having two ends to the loop, a first end and a second end; the first end of the conductor seamlessly secured to a first conductor within a first sheath; the second end of the conductor seamlessly secured to a second conductor within a second sheath; and the first sheath and the second sheath positioned adjacent each other. The UNLV novel sensor can be made by removing outer layers in a segment of coaxial cable, leaving a continuous link of essentially uncovered conductor between two coaxial cable legs.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: The Board of Regents University Community College System of Nevada on Behalf of the University of Nevada-Las VegasInventors: Robert A. Schill, Jr., Marc Popek
-
Patent number: 7481940Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: NewBio E-Systems, IncorporatedInventors: Robert E. Clifford, III, John Mills, Greg Stadden, Michael S. Gratz
-
Patent number: 7458582Abstract: A casino table poker game comprises a player makes an Ante wager to play in the poker game, and a first number of cards being dealt to the player. A second number of cards is dealt to a dealer. The second number of cards dealt to the dealer is greater then the first number of cards dealt to players. The dealer displays at least a first card from the second number of cards dealt to the dealer. The at least first card analyzed by an automatic game rule of play to determine whether the card must be discarded. If the rule operates to require the at least first card be discarded according to the automatic game rule, the dealer must play the dealer hand with fewer then the second number of cards dealt to the dealer. After a final number of cards has been decided in the dealer's hand, the poker game is played to conclusion according to the game rules.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Roger M. Snow, Carol Ellen Barrett
-
Patent number: 7453176Abstract: A core for a flexispline motor is enclosed within a distortable flexispline having the shape of an open tin can, such that under rest conditions the space between the flexispline and the core is constant. The core of the motor is shaped as in a hub and spoke configuration, with spokes having variable widths. Coils are fitted to the spokes and are connected in pairs such that pairs of coils on opposing spokes are in series bucking relationship. A second set of coils, which overlap the first coils, can be connected in a non-bucking manner to increase the magnetic flux produced by the coils on opposing spokes. The flexispline has a flexible ring gear incorporated in its surface near the open end which when magnetically attracted ceases to have a circular shape and forms a two-lobe (elliptical) or three-lobe shape. Under these conditions the corresponding points of the shape so formed contact a ring gear which is mounted on a rotating hub.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: E.D.M. Resources, Inc.Inventor: Ernie Davison
-
Patent number: 7434805Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of baccarat.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, IncInventors: Attila Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, David B. Lopez, Douglas K. Lovgren, Christopher Costello
-
Patent number: 7431646Abstract: An apparatus that enables a gaming method and the gaming method of playing a wagering game comprises providing a gaming display area including game areas that may be indicated as enclosed by edge features. Edge features are positioned on the gaming display area. Positioning of edge features is then ceased according to rules of the wagering game to a final count of edge features. After the final count of edge features has been deposited and symbols are present on the display area, it is determined if the edge features enclose symbols according to rules of the wagering game. It is then determined if any symbols enclosed by edge features according to the rules of the game establish a winning event, losing event or push event in the game.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Precedent Gaming, IncorporatedInventor: Kathleen Nylund Jackson
-
Patent number: 7419527Abstract: Novel powders or particles are formed by associating them with relatively small proportions of hydrolysable liquid material. The resulting particle/liquid mass is placed in a mold and sintered under conditions of heat and pressure that enables at least some of the hydrolysable liquid to react within the sintered mass. The sintered mass displays a controllable range of properties such as increased density, increased tensile strength, and improved natural polish finish. The hydrolysable liquid may partially hydrolyze and/or react with the powders and particles, but the liquid is not completely (not 100%) reduced to an inorganic oxide prior to introduction to the mold and performance of the sintering process.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Particle Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Garry Gwozdz, Mark Mitchnick, David Fairhurst
-
Patent number: 7413191Abstract: 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: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
-
Patent number: 7407438Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, IncInventors: Oliver M. Schubert, Atilla Grauzer, Justin G. Downs, III, James V. Kelly
-
Patent number: 7407163Abstract: A method of playing a casino table poker-type game comprises a player placing an Ante wager on the poker-type game. The dealer provides at least one hand to the player placing the wager on the poker-type game and at least two hands to the dealer. The player elects to a) fold, b) place a wager to compete against less then all dealer hands, or c) placing a wager to compete against all dealer hands. After the election has been made by the player, the dealer discloses all of the dealer's at least two hands. Wagers made in accordance with b) and c) are resolved.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, IncInventor: Roger M. Snow
-
Patent number: 7389654Abstract: Gases are vented from a waste site such as a landfill, and the gases are separated into at least three streams comprising a hydrocarbon stream, a carbon dioxide stream, and residue stream. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide stream and hydrocarbon stream are liquefied or converted to a supercritical liquid. At least some of the carbon dioxide gas stream (as a liquid or supercritical fluid) is used in a cleaning step, preferably a polymer cleaning step, and more preferably a polymer cleaning step in a polymer recycling process, and most preferably in a polymer cleaning step in a polymer recycling system where the cleaning is performed on-site at the waste site.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Cool Clean Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jon P. Wikstrom, Dan Schiller, Jon R. Turner, Charles J. Svoboda
-
Patent number: 7387300Abstract: A player-banked casino game utilizes at least one deck of playing cards, the game comprising: each player placing at least one wager to participate in the casino game; dealing a first number of cards to a dealer as a banker's hand, the first number of cards being greater than the number of cards to be used in determination of a poker rank hand for the banker's hand; dealing a second number of cards to each player, the second number of cards being greater than the number of cards to be used in determination of a poker rank hand for each player; the dealer discarding at least one card from the banker's hand to form a resulting single dealer hand; each player discarding at least one card to form a resulting player's hand for each player, wherein the number of cards in resulting player's hands and the resulting banker's hand are equal; and resolving each player hand against the banker's hand according to predetermined game rules.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventor: Roger M. Snow
-
Patent number: 7384044Abstract: 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: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, IncInventors: Atilla Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James V. Kelly, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
-
Patent number: 7374170Abstract: A distinct dealing shoe having no shuffling functionality receives shuffled, randomized or ordered group of cards. The cards may be mechanically moved one at a time from a receiving area for the deck to a buffer area where more than one card is temporarily stored. The cards in the buffer area are then mechanically moved to a card delivery area where the cards may be manually removed, one-at-a-time, by a dealer. The cards are read one-at-a-time inside of the dealing shoe, either before the buffer area or after leaving the buffer area, but preferably before the cards are being manually removed from the card delivery area. The information from the card reading may be used for game tracking, hand tracking, player information, and other security issues at casino table card games.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Paul K. Scheper
-
Patent number: 7367561Abstract: A card shuffler has a drivable shuffling storage means (2?) which is provided with compartments (69) for receiving cards (13). The storage means is associated with an input apparatus for the insertion of cards one by one into the compartments (69) and an output apparatus spaced from the same for the shuffled cards, with the drive of the shuffling storage means (2?), the input apparatus and the output apparatus being controlled by a microprocessor. The number of shuffled cards supplied to the output apparatus at a time is adjusted to be the number of cards necessary per player for the respective card game. In order to improve the shuffling result in such a shuffler it is provided that the cards supplied to the output apparatus are taken from at least two compartments (69) of the shuffling storage means (2?).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Ernst Blaha, Peter Krenn