Patents by Inventor Robert J. Rynda

Robert J. Rynda 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: 20220305369
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises an elevator platform configured to receive one or more cards from an input platform to form a shuffled set of cards, a card gripper positioned above the elevator platform, and configured to grip cards from the shuffled set of cards, and a processor configured to control the elevator platform to have a grip position for the card gripper to grip the shuffled set of cards, wherein the grip position is adjusted based, at least in part, on a correction value associated with a particular card insertion. A related method includes determining a grip position of an elevator platform of a card handling device based, at least in part, on a desired insertion location within a stack of shuffled cards as adjusted based on a corrective value that is different for a plurality of different insertion locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: James V. Kelly, James P. Helgesen, Vladislav Zvercov, Feraidoon Bourbour, Robert J. Rynda
  • Patent number: 11358051
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises an elevator platform configured to receive one or more cards from an input platform to form a shuffled set of cards, a card gripper positioned above the elevator platform, and configured to grip cards from the shuffled set of cards, and a processor configured to control the elevator platform to have a grip position for the card gripper to grip the shuffled set of cards, wherein the grip position is adjusted based, at least in part, on a correction value associated with a particular card insertion. A related method includes determining a grip position of an elevator platform of a card handling device based, at least in part, on a desired insertion location within a stack of shuffled cards as adjusted based on a corrective value that is different for a plurality of different insertion locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Kelly, James P. Helgesen, Vladislav Zvercov, Feraidoon Bourbour, Robert J. Rynda
  • Publication number: 20210154566
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises a card storing area that supports a stack of playing cards, the card storing area having a playing card support surface. A card removing system removes playing cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm is automatically moved by a motor between at least two positions, wherein in a first position the end of the arm opposite a pivot is disengaged from a playing card at the top of the stack and in a second position the end of the arm is engaged with a playing card at the top of the stack. A processor in the playing card handling device directs movement of the pivoting arm between at least the first and second positions when a predetermined number of cards is present in the card storing area. Methods of card handling include employing the use of such a pivotal arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Robert J. Rynda, Feraidoon Bourbour, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
  • Patent number: 10960292
    Abstract: Card-handling devices may include a card input mechanism and a temporary card storage area positioned to receive cards from the card input mechanism. The temporary card storage area may include storage compartments distributed longitudinally along a rack. A card output mechanism may be configured to eject cards from the temporary card storage area. A card size adjustment member may be attached to the rack and extending along a lateral side of each storage compartment. The card size adjustment member may be movable between a first lateral position in which the card size adjustment member defines a first width of each of the storage compartments and a second lateral position in which the card size adjustment member defines a second, different width of each of the storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Attila Grauzer, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20210069577
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises an elevator platform configured to receive one or more cards from an input platform to form a shuffled set of cards, a card gripper positioned above the elevator platform, and configured to grip cards from the shuffled set of cards, and a processor configured to control the elevator platform to have a grip position for the card gripper to grip the shuffled set of cards, wherein the grip position is adjusted based, at least in part, on a correction value associated with a particular card insertion. A related method includes determining a grip position of an elevator platform of a card handling device based, at least in part, on a desired insertion location within a stack of shuffled cards as adjusted based on a corrective value that is different for a plurality of different insertion locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: James V. Kelly, James P. Helgesen, Vladislav Zvercov, Feraidoon Bourbour, Robert J. Rynda
  • Patent number: 10926164
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises a card storing area that supports a stack of playing cards, the card storing area having a playing card support surface. A card removing system removes playing cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm is automatically moved by a motor between at least two positions, wherein in a first position the end of the arm opposite a pivot is disengaged from a playing card at the top of the stack and in a second position the end of the arm is engaged with a playing card at the top of the stack. A processor in the playing card handling device directs movement of the pivoting arm between at least the first and second positions when a predetermined number of cards is present in the card storing area. Methods of card handling include employing the use of such a pivotal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Rynda, Feraidoon Bourbour, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
  • Patent number: 10864431
    Abstract: Methods of using automatic card shufflers may involve causing playing cards to be moved from a card input area to a temporary card storage utilizing a card input mechanism. A first number of playing card hands may be formed in a corresponding first number of designated card storage compartments of the temporary card storage when a control system of the automatic card shuffler is in a first operational mode. A second, different number of playing card hands may be formed in a corresponding second number of designated card storage compartments of the temporary card storage when the control system is in a second operational mode. The card storage compartments of the second number of designated card storage compartments may be distinct from the card storage compartments of the first number of designated card storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Robert J. Rynda, James P. Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson, Colin A. Helsen, Nathan J. Wadds
  • Patent number: 10857448
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises an elevator platform configured to receive one or more cards from an input platform to form a shuffled set of cards, a card gripper positioned above the elevator platform, and configured to grip cards from the shuffled set of cards, and a processor configured to control the elevator platform to have a grip position for the card gripper to grip the shuffled set of cards, wherein the grip position is adjusted based, at least in part, on a correction value associated with a particular card insertion. A related method includes determining a grip position of an elevator platform of a card handling device based, at least in part, on a desired insertion location within a stack of shuffled cards as adjusted based on a corrective value that is different for a plurality of different insertion locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Kelly, James P. Helgesen, Vladislav Zvercov, Feraidoon Bourbour, Robert J. Rynda
  • Publication number: 20200289914
    Abstract: Card-handling devices may include a card input mechanism and a temporary card storage area positioned to receive cards from the card input mechanism. The temporary card storage area may include storage compartments distributed longitudinally along a rack. A card output mechanism may be configured to eject cards from the temporary card storage area. A card size adjustment member may be attached to the rack and extending along a lateral side of each storage compartment. The card size adjustment member may be movable between a first lateral position in which the card size adjustment member defines a first width of each of the storage compartments and a second lateral position in which the card size adjustment member defines a second, different width of each of the storage compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Attila Grauzer, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson
  • Patent number: 10668364
    Abstract: Automatic card shufflers may include a card input mechanism for inputting cards into the card shuffler, a card storage device for receiving cards from the card input mechanism and temporarily storing cards within the card shuffler, and a card output mechanism for outputting cards from the card shuffler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Robert J. Rynda, Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson
  • Patent number: 10668361
    Abstract: Automatic card shufflers include a card input mechanism for inputting cards into the card shuffler, a card storage device for receiving cards from the card input mechanism and temporarily storing cards within the card shuffler, and a card output mechanism for outputting shuffled cards from the card shuffler. The card storage device may include a movable rack configured to move vertically within the card shuffler. The movable rack may have a plurality of card storage compartments therein, each of which may be sized and configured to hold two cards therein. The card output mechanism includes a movable ejector configured to simultaneously eject cards out from two or more card storage compartments of the movable rack. Related methods include methods of fabricating such card shufflers, and methods of using such card shufflers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
  • Publication number: 20200122020
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises an elevator platform configured to receive one or more cards from an input platform to form a shuffled set of cards, a card gripper positioned above the elevator platform, and configured to grip cards from the shuffled set of cards, and a processor configured to control the elevator platform to have a grip position for the card gripper to grip the shuffled set of cards, wherein the grip position is adjusted based, at least in part, on a correction value associated with a particular card insertion. A related method includes determining a grip position of an elevator platform of a card handling device based, at least in part, on a desired insertion location within a stack of shuffled cards as adjusted based on a corrective value that is different for a plurality of different insertion locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: James V. Kelly, James P. Helgesen, Vladislav Zvercov, Feraidoon Bourbour, Robert J. Rynda
  • Patent number: 10486055
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises an elevator platform configured to receive one or more cards from an input platform to form a shuffled set of cards, a card gripper positioned above the elevator platform, and configured to grip cards from the shuffled set of cards, and a processor configured to control the elevator platform to have a grip position for the card gripper to grip the shuffled set of cards, wherein the grip position is adjusted based, at least in part, on a correction value associated with a particular card insertion. A related method includes determining a grip position of an elevator platform of a card handling device based, at least in part, on a desired insertion location within a stack of shuffled cards as adjusted based on a corrective value that is different for a plurality of different insertion locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Kelly, James P. Helgesen, Vladislav Zvercov, Feraidoon Bourbour, Robert J. Rynda
  • Publication number: 20190151746
    Abstract: Methods of using automatic card shufflers may involve causing playing cards to be moved from a card input area to a temporary card storage utilizing a card input mechanism. A first number of playing card hands may be formed in a corresponding first number of designated card storage compartments of the temporary card storage when a control system of the automatic card shuffler is in a first operational mode. A second, different number of playing card hands may be formed in a corresponding second number of designated card storage compartments of the temporary card storage when the control system is in a second operational mode. The card storage compartments of the second number of designated card storage compartments may be distinct from the card storage compartments of the first number of designated card storage compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Robert J. Rynda, James P. Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson, Colin A. Helsen, Nathan J. Wadds
  • Patent number: 10238954
    Abstract: Card shufflers usable in forming and dispensing randomized playing card hands for use in playing card games include a card input mechanism for inputting cards into the card shuffler, a card storage device for receiving cards from the card input mechanism and temporarily storing cards within the card shuffler, and a card output mechanism for outputting shuffled cards from the card shuffler. The card storage device may include a wheel configured to rotate within the card shuffler. The rotatable wheel may have a plurality of card storage compartments therein, each of which may be sized and configured to hold two or more cards therein. Related methods involve the use of such card shufflers in playing card games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Robert J. Rynda, James P. Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson, Colin A. Helsen, Nathan J. Wadds
  • Publication number: 20190060739
    Abstract: Automatic card shufflers may include a card input mechanism for inputting cards into the card shuffler, a card storage device for receiving cards from the card input mechanism and temporarily storing cards within the card shuffler, and a card output mechanism for outputting cards from the card shuffler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Robert J. Rynda, Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson
  • Patent number: 10124241
    Abstract: Automatic card shufflers may include a card input mechanism for inputting cards into the card shuffler, a card storage device for receiving cards from the card input mechanism and temporarily storing cards within the card shuffler, and a card output mechanism for outputting cards from the card shuffler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
  • Publication number: 20180161665
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises a card storing area that supports a stack of playing cards, the card storing area having a playing card support surface. A card removing system removes playing cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm is automatically moved by a motor between at least two positions, wherein in a first position the end of the arm opposite a pivot is disengaged from a playing card at the top of the stack and in a second position the end of the arm is engaged with a playing card at the top of the stack. A processor in the playing card handling device directs movement of the pivoting arm between at least the first and second positions when a predetermined number of cards is present in the card storing area. Methods of card handling include employing the use of such a pivotal arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. Rynda, Feraidoon Bourbour, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
  • Patent number: 9901810
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises a card storing area that supports a stack of playing cards, the card storing area having a playing card support surface. A card removing system removes playing cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm is automatically moved by a motor between at least two positions, wherein in a first position the end of the arm opposite a pivot is disengaged from a playing card at the top of the stack and in a second position the end of the arm is engaged with a playing card at the top of the stack. A processor in the playing card handling device directs movement of the pivoting arm between at least the first and second positions when a predetermined number of cards is present in the card storing area. Methods of card handling include employing the use of such a pivotal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Rynda, Feraidoon Bourbour, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
  • Patent number: 9861880
    Abstract: Methods of handling cards using card-handling devices may involve transferring a set of playing cards into a card storage device of a card-handling device using a card input mechanism by distributing the set of playing cards among compartments of the card storage device. Cards may be simultaneously removed from at least two of the compartments to form a stack of cards using a movable ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Attila Grauzer, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson