Patents by Inventor Thompson Baker

Thompson Baker 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: 10092821
    Abstract: Card-handling devices may include a randomizer configured to randomize ordering of playing cards in a set of playing cards. An output may be configured to present a group of cards at a time from the randomizer for removal from the card-handling device. An image capturer may be positioned and configured to capture image data of at least a portion of each playing card handled by the randomizer, the image data comprising at least a suit and a rank of each playing card. A nontransitory memory device may be operatively connected to the randomizer and to the image capturer, the nontransitory memory device configured to store at least the image data and group assignment data of each playing card in each group of cards presented for removal by the output. A display may be operatively connected to the nontransitory memory, the display configured to display a history of the image data and group assignment data of each playing card in each group of cards presented for removal by the output upon request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn C. Hessing, Daniel J. Mahoney, Steven J. Blad, Thompson A. Baker
  • Publication number: 20170304712
    Abstract: Card-handling devices may include a randomizer configured to randomize ordering of playing cards in a set of playing cards. An output may be configured to present a group of cards at a time from the randomizer for removal from the card-handling device. An image capturer may be positioned and configured to capture image data of at least a portion of each playing card handled by the randomizer, the image data comprising at least a suit and a rank of each playing card. A nontransitory memory device may be operatively connected to the randomizer and to the image capturer, the nontransitory memory device configured to store at least the image data and group assignment data of each playing card in each group of cards presented for removal by the output. A display may be operatively connected to the nontransitory memory, the display configured to display a history of the image data and group assignment data of each playing card in each group of cards presented for removal by the output upon request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Lynn C. Hessing, Daniel J. Mahoney, Steven J. Blad, Thompson A. Baker
  • Patent number: 9700785
    Abstract: The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of a face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. An operator of the device would be able to recall, through the use of a keypad, the images of the cards that comprised individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before playing a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winnings hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn C. Hessing, Daniel J. Mahoney, Steven J. Blad, Thompson A. Baker
  • Publication number: 20160236067
    Abstract: The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of a face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. An operator of the device would be able to recall, through the use of a keypad, the images of the cards that comprised individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before playing a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winnings hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Lynn C. Hessing, Daniel J. Mahoney, Steven J. Blad, Thompson A. Baker
  • Patent number: 9333415
    Abstract: The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of a face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. An operator of the device would be able to recall, through the use of a keypad, the images of the cards that comprised individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before playing a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winnings hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Hessing, Daniel J. Mahoney, Steven J. Blad, Thompson A. Baker
  • Publication number: 20140246831
    Abstract: The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of a face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. An operator of the device would be able to recall, through the use of a keypad, the images of the cards that comprised individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before playing a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winnings hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: SHFL entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Hessing, Daniel J. Mahoney, Steven J. Blad, Thompson A. Baker
  • Patent number: 8814164
    Abstract: An apparatus for randomly arranging and dealing a plurality of playing cards includes a device for moving cards and randomly ejecting playing cards from an initial set of playing cards located in a card input unit for an initial delivery of randomly arranged playing cards to a card delivery unit. The card delivery unit includes upper powered rollers and lower powered belts for receiving and transporting the playing cards through the card delivery unit and into a card collection unit. A playing card limiter is adjustable to allow a greater number or a lesser number of cards to pass from the card delivery unit to the card collection unit. Methods of randomly arranging and dealing a plurality of playing cards may include related apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Publication number: 20130256989
    Abstract: An apparatus for randomly arranging and dealing a plurality of playing cards includes a device for moving cards and randomly ejecting playing cards from an initial set of playing cards located in a card input unit for an initial delivery of randomly arranged playing cards to a card delivery unit. The card delivery unit includes upper powered rollers and lower powered belts for receiving and transporting the playing cards through the card delivery unit and into a card collection unit. A playing card limiter is adjustable to allow a greater number or a lesser number of cards to pass from the card delivery unit to the card collection unit. Methods of randomly arranging and dealing a plurality of playing cards may include related apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Patent number: 8444146
    Abstract: An apparatus for randomly arranging and dealing a plurality of playing cards includes a device for moving cards and randomly ejecting playing cards from an initial set of playing cards located in a card input unit for an initial delivery of randomly arranged playing cards to a card delivery unit. The card delivery unit includes upper powered rollers and lower powered belts for receiving and transporting the playing cards through the card delivery unit and into a card collection unit. A playing card limiter is adjustable to allow a greater number or a lesser number of cards to pass from the card delivery unit to the card collection unit. Methods of randomly arranging and dealing a plurality of playing cards may include related apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: SHFL Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Publication number: 20100219582
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Patent number: 7669852
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Patent number: 7594660
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Patent number: 7461843
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Elixir Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Publication number: 20060220312
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl Price
  • Publication number: 20060220313
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Adjustment means permit the shuffler to accommodate different sized cards. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. By utilizing separate motors to drive the belts and rollers it is possible to cease the movement of the belts so that the rollers independently act upon the cards. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl Price
  • Patent number: 6959925
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors. An audio system communicates voice outputs regarding shuffler malfunctions and instructions to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: VendingData Corporation
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Patent number: 6698756
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors. An audio system communicates voice outputs regarding shuffler malfunctions and instructions to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: VendingData Corporation
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Publication number: 20040036214
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors. An audio system communicates voice outputs regarding shuffler malfunctions and instructions to an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Thompson Baker, Steven J. Blad, Lynn Hessing, Phil Price, Carl W. Price
  • Patent number: 4609090
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing the work required for moving, handling, and rolling heavy boxes and the like having a center of gravity. The apparatus incorporates a ramp contoured to the locus of points described by the surfaces of the workpiece as that workpiece rotates about its center of gravity, as that center of gravity is horizontally translated while simultaneously maintained at constant vertical elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventors: George V. McIlvaine, Thompson A. Baker, Walter U. Uebelacker