Patents by Inventor John G. Breeding

John G. Breeding 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: 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: 20090075724
    Abstract: A system for wireless gaming comprises a central game processor having wireless transmission and reception ability. The game processor has a device server and a local game server. Multiple user input devices having a visual display and wireless transmission and reception ability are provided. The wireless devices are used to play a game in which a player places a multiple part wager comprising at least two distinct wagers to participate in a game. At least a partial hand of cards is provided to each player, and at least one common card is provided. Players are given an opportunity to withdraw a portion of the wager after viewing the player cards. The at least one common card is revealed and play is resolved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Mark L. Yoseloff
  • Patent number: 7367884
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Troy D. Nelson, James B. Stasson, James P. Helgesen
  • Publication number: 20040009799
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Troy D. Nelson, James B. Stasson, James P. Helgesen
  • Patent number: 6568678
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Nick W. Kukuczka
  • Publication number: 20030075869
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game, such as a casino table game or video game, including a playing card wagering game method involves each player placing a multiple part bet, such as a two, a three or a four-part bet. At least one game symbol is designated as wild. A certain position in the order of play is reached (such as with cards being dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player), and the player is given an opportunity to withdraw at least one part of the multiple part bet from risk, although at least one part of the multiple part bet must remain at risk during the play of the game. Players evaluate their position in the game and the dealer or the program for the game gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving a first part of the bet. The game is then completed. For example in a card game, the player's cards are shown, and all remaining bets, which were not withdrawn, are resolved according to a pay table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Mark L. Yoseloff
  • Patent number: 6454266
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game, such as a casino table game or video game, including a playing card wagering game method involves each player placing a multiple part bet, such as a two, a three or a four-part bet. At least one game symbol is designated as wild. A certain position in the order of play is reached (such as with cards being dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player), and the player is given an opportunity to withdraw at least one part of the multiple part bet from risk, although at least one part of the multiple part bet must remain at risk during the play of the game. Players evaluate their position in the game and the dealer or the program for the game gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving a first part of the bet. The game is then completed. For example in a card game, the player's cards are shown, and all remaining bets, which were not withdrawn, are resolved according to a pay table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Mark L. Yoseloff, Russell B. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20020070499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Nick W. Kukuczka
  • Publication number: 20020063389
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffling machine including a dealing module is disclosed The apparatus is capable of forming at least one hand of randomized cards. The device includes: a card infeed tray; a card shuffling mechanism that randomizes a group of cards fed from the infeed tray; a card feed mechanism for moving cards from the infeed tray into the card shuffling mechanism; a programmable microprocessor that controls operation of the apparatus, including a number of cards per hand and a number of hands to be formed; a hand receiving tray; a card removing mechanism for removing cards individually from the card shuffling mechanism and delivering a preselected number of cards to the hand receiving tray; and a sensor for sensing the presence or absence of cards in the hand receiving tray. When a formed hand of cards is removed, and when fewer than all of the predetermined number of hands have been formed, the card removing mechanism is activated to form an additional randomized hand of cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Nicholas W. Kukuczka
  • Publication number: 20020027322
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game, such as a casino table game or video game, including a playing card wagering game method involves each player placing a multiple part bet, such as a two, a three or a four-part bet. At least one game symbol is designated as wild. A certain position in the order of play is reached (such as with cards being dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player), and the player is given an opportunity to withdraw at least one part of the multiple part bet from risk, although at least one part of the multiple part bet must remain at risk during the play of the game. Players evaluate their position in the game and the dealer or the program for the game gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving a first part of the bet. The game is then completed. For example in a card game, the player's cards are shown, and all remaining bets, which were not withdrawn, are resolved according to a pay table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Mark L. Yoseloff, Russell B. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6334614
    Abstract: A multi-tiered wagering game and method, including a playing card wagering game, involves placing a first game wager and an optional second wager and/or entry fee to participate in the multi-tiered game. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or “sweat” their cards and the dealer gives each player the opportunity to withdraw one part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again gives each player the opportunity to withdraw a second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and based on the shown cards the remaining game wagers are resolved. Also based on the shown cards, players that placed the optional second wager and/or entry fee become eligible for bonus payouts and/or to become eligible to participate in a second game to determine the winner of a super jackpot, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: John G. Breeding
  • Patent number: 6325373
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Nick W. Kukuczka
  • Patent number: 6299534
    Abstract: The present invention is for an apparatus for detecting the presence of a gaming token. This apparatus comprises a gaming structure having at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token. In a casino, this gaming structure can be a gaming table. At each predetermined location for receiving a gaming token designated on the gaming table, a proximity sensor is mounted to the gaming table such that each sensor is aligned with one predetermined location. A decoder is electrically connected to each proximity sensor for determining whether a gaming token is present at each predetermined location. When the presence of a gaming token is sensed by the decoder, the player's bet is registered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, James P. Helgesen
  • Patent number: 6273424
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game, such as a casino table game or video game, including a playing card wagering game method involves each player placing a multiple part bet, such as a two, a three or a four part bet. A certain position in the order of play is reached (such as with cards being dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player), and the player is given an opportunity to withdraw at least one part of the multiple part bet from risk, although at least one part of the multiple part bet must remain at risk during the play of the game. Players inspect or “sweat” the value of their position in the game (such as evaluating their cards) and the dealer or the program for the game gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving a first part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer or the software then allows the game to advance (e.g., the dealer then turns over one of the cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: John G. Breeding
  • Patent number: 6139014
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Nick W. Kukuczka
  • Patent number: 6068258
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, James Bernard Stasson, Nick W. Kukuzka, Troy D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6019374
    Abstract: A multi-tiered wagering game and method, including a playing card wagering game, involves placing a first game wager and an optional second wager and/or entry fee to participate in the multi-tiered game. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or "sweat" their cards and the dealer gives each player the opportunity to withdraw one part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again gives each player the opportunity to withdraw a second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and based on the shown cards the remaining game wagers are resolved. Also based on the shown cards, players that placed the optional second wager and/or entry fee become eligible for bonus payouts and/or to become eligible to participate in a second game to determine the winner of a super jackpot, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Breeding
  • Patent number: 5711525
    Abstract: A wagering card game is disclosed in which the player makes an initial bet to participate in a base game. Prior to the play of the game, the dealer will display at least one additional card from the deck. After viewing this card or cards, the player is given the opportunity to place an additional wager which would qualify the player for an additional winning. By giving the player the opportunity to see at least one card in the deck, considerable insight is provided into the probabilities of certain hands being created. The game of the present invention utilizes a variation on standard card games which are easily understood and which do not involve considerable training and education of the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Breeding
  • Patent number: 5695189
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for shuffling multiple decks of playing cards including a first vertically extending magazine for holding a stack of unshuffled playing cards, and second and third vertically extending magazines each for holding a stack of cards, the second and third magazines being horizontally spaced from and adjacent to the first magazine. A first card mover is at the top of the first magazine for moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the first magazine to the second and third magazines to cut the stack of unshuffled playing cards into two unshuffled stacks. Second and third card movers are at the top of the second and third magazines, respectively, for randomly moving cards from the top of the stack of cards in the second and third magazines, respectively, back to the first magazine, thereby interleaving the cards to form a vertically registered stack of shuffled cards in the first magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Attilla Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Nick W. Kukuczka
  • Patent number: 5653635
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for playing a game of solitaire as a wagering game. The method includes a step of a player paying a fee. Once the fee is paid, the player selects a shuffled deck of cards to play a first game of solitaire from one or more shuffled decks. Each of the shuffled decks is displayed with a predetermined number of upturned cards. The player plays the first game to either win or lose the game. If the player wins the first game, the player may pay a fee to play a second game of solitaire and is eligible to win a winner's bonus for winning the second game. The player selects a shuffled deck of cards to play the second game from one or more shuffled decks. Each of the shuffled decks is displayed with a predetermined number of upturned cards. The player plays the second game and either wins or loses the second game. The player collects the winner's bonus and is eligible to play a third game for a larger winner's bonus provided that the player wins the second game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Breeding