Patents by Inventor Atilla Grauzer

Atilla Grauzer 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).

  • Patent number: 8444147
    Abstract: A multiple-mode card shuffling and/or card verification 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 that can be disabled, a card collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the card collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, a card imaging system and an elevator for raising the card collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. The processor is programmed such that cards can be verified without changing an order of cards present in the card receiving area, verified during randomization, and randomized without card verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: SHFL entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 8025294
    Abstract: 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 on the elevator so that precise insertion of cards can be performed during card handling procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 7753373
    Abstract: A multiple mode card shuffling and/or card verification 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 that can be disabled, 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, a card imaging system and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. The processor is programmed such that cards can be verified without changing an order of cards present in the card feeder, verified during randomization, and randomized without card verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 7717427
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 7677565
    Abstract: 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 on the elevator so that precise insertion of cards can be performed during card handling procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 7661676
    Abstract: A gaming system simulates events in a casino table card wagering game where there has traditionally been a dealer, whether or not the dealer is an active player in the game. Two distinct video areas are preferably provided, one providing video images of a virtual dealer, and the second video display providing a simulation of a table top for player cards, and optionally also dealer cards. The players have individual play areas with player input, and these play areas have individual processing intelligence that communicates directly with at least one processor. Delivery order of cards is determined by actual shuffling or randomization of a physical deck of cards, reading the cards, then creating an electronic file of the order of the shuffled or randomized cards, then using an order of cards contained in the electronic file to deliver virtual cards to players, dealer and flop as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip Stephen Smith, Ezra Christopher MacKenna, Donald T. Bush, Daymon B. Savage, Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 7597623
    Abstract: A discard rack moves and reads suit and rank of individual cards. The cards are provided to a card in-feed area and moved to a card collection area. Both both suit and rank of each card is read in the card in-feed area or between the card in-feed area and the card collection area. The discard rack comprises a) a card in-feed area with card moving elements that move only a bottom card from a set of cards in the card in-feed area, b) a card collection area that receives cards from the card moving area in the same sense as cards are received in the card in-feed area, c) an image capture device that captures data from a card while the card is between the card infeed area and the card collection area, d) preferably a communication port to send out captured data to a processor, and e) an elevator that lowers to maintain a level at which cards are received in the card collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 7584962
    Abstract: A card shuffler and method in which recovery from a card jam can be performed. Sensors detect a jam and a program directs jam recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Atilla Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Nicholas W. Kukuczka
  • Publication number: 20090054161
    Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Oliver M. Schubert, Atilla Grauzer, Justin G. Downs, III, James V. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7407438
    Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc
    Inventors: Oliver M. Schubert, Atilla Grauzer, Justin G. Downs, III, James V. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7384044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James V. Kelly, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7374170
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 7114718
    Abstract: A method and apparatus determines an identity of at least each card in a card hand at a casino table card game. The method is performed automatically by a computer-based system that reads the rank and suit of each card that leaves a dealing shoe and then uses a smart discard tray that reads the discards as they are taken from the table. It is optional and preferred to provide a signal to the computer of the presence of at least one card in the dealer's hand. Additional cards are dealt to hands. Exhausted hands are removed from the table and placed into a discard rack. Each card in each exhausted hand is read when placed in the discard rack to determine rank and suit of each placed card, and the computer reconciles cards placed in the discard rack with cards that left the dealing shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Paul K. Scheper
  • Publication number: 20060183540
    Abstract: A casino table card gaming system in which messages are communicated from at least two or three distinct sensors without date stamping to a first intelligent microprocessor component that at least date stamps the signal and forwards the date stamped signal to a distal memory component that stores the date stamped signal. The system may comprise the at least two signals originating from at least one dealer card sensor and at least one discard rack sensor. The system with at least three signal sources may comprise a casino table, at least three distinct sensors that send an undated signal, and a first intelligent microprocessor component, wherein the at least three distinct sensors comprise at least one bet sensor, at least one dealer card sensor, and at least one card sensor in a discard rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver Schubert, Justin Downs, James Kelly, Michael Bacigalupi, Rajesh Soni
  • Patent number: 7036818
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, James V. Kelly, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20060084502
    Abstract: An access system enables casino personnel to access casino information from a casino computer through a network accessible display device that contains a web browser. The access system comprises a thin client user interface server. Information provided to the casino computer can be requested from multiple files and provided in customized formats or from among numerous available formats at the request of the casino personnel. The request can be configured and responded to according to such diverse information requests as data/records specific to personnel (e.g., dealers, pit bosses, croupier, security guards, etc.), specific tables, specific games, specific classes of games, pits, wagering limits, shufflers, roulette wheels, and the like, and the requests can define bases of information such as performance, down time, volume, frequency, and individual round events (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Justin Downs, Oliver Schubert, Atilla Grauzer
  • Publication number: 20050288086
    Abstract: A gaming table with multiple sensing devices on or proximate the table. Each sensing device or groups of devices has a separate intelligent module that senses changes in the sensing devices, as through a state change signal from the sensor. The module date stamps and transmits the data over a network to an external database. The modules broadcast information over a network, such as an Ethernet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Oliver Schubert, Atilla Grauzer, Justin Downs, James Kelly, James Roberts
  • Publication number: 20050140090
    Abstract: A card shuffler and method in which recovery from a card jam can be performed. Sensors detect a jam and a program directs jam recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: John Breeding, Atilla Grauzer, Paul Scheper, James Stasson, Nicholas Kukuczka
  • Publication number: 20050104290
    Abstract: A multiple mode card shuffling and/or card verification 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 that can be disabled, 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, a card imaging system and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. The processor is programmed such that cards can be verified without changing an order of cards present in the card feeder, verified during randomization, and randomized without card verification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver Schubert, James Kelly, James Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul Scheper
  • Publication number: 20050062226
    Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventors: Oliver Schubert, Atilla Grauzer, Justin Downs, James Kelly