Game Supporting Tables Or Surfaces Patents (Class 273/309)
-
Patent number: 8777224Abstract: A physical device that triggers a deal of a video card is described. The physical device triggers the deal when a subject moves an object of the subject on the physical device.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: IGTInventors: Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
-
Publication number: 20140191474Abstract: A gaming table including a plurality of illumination devices mounted therein and a controller configured for receiving a selection of a preset game layout configuration from one or more preset game layout configurations stored in memory and actuating the illumination of a portion of the plurality of illumination devices corresponding with the selected preset game layout configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Gaming Support B.V.Inventor: Lucien Maurice van Linden
-
Patent number: 8753201Abstract: Systems, methods, and displays are disclosed for logging a player at a gaming table having a plurality of player positions for the purpose of tracking the play of the player. System can include a processor; a data structure storing account data for each player, the data including at least player identification data; a display configured to display a depiction of the gaming table, a plurality of player positions and a position locator, the locator positioned apart from the depicted player positions; a data input device to input data to position the locator to identify a player position; and a device to access the player account data, the processor associating player identification data with the identified player position. The locator can be configured as a pointer, e.g., a pointer and slide. The processor can be configured to highlight the position identified by the locator. Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Ltd.Inventors: Christine Denlay, Philip Jeffrey Anderson
-
Patent number: 8740218Abstract: A modular system for handing out playing cards, including at least one card-handing module and a frame module. Additionally, the system preferably also includes a power supply module and a score module. The card-handing module is particularly suitable for partaking as a replaceable component in connection with the other modules, and includes an essentially closed housing which substantially encloses a rotating spinner core. The card-handing module is configured for being able to receive a deck of playing cards and ejects the playing cards individually and in a specific direction that is determined by a step motor. The spinner core is suspended in the housing by two opposed bearings, where the motor constitutes the one bearing, while an opposed bearing is provided. Thereby a very compact unit is provided which is so noiseless that it can sit on a bridge game table and function without being a nuisance to the players.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Bridge4People A/SInventor: Peter Just
-
Patent number: 8727887Abstract: A method of enabling users to transfer virtual items based on their locations is disclosed. A presence of a player of a computer-implemented game at a location is detected. A presence of an additional player of the computer-implemented game at the location is detected. The player is enabled to transfer a virtual item to the additional player based on the detection of the presence of the player at the location and the detection of the presence of the additional player at the location.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Amitt Mahajan, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds
-
Patent number: 8727352Abstract: Methods for providing gaming advice are provided. For example, regarding a blackjack game, one or more first player cards are identified for a first player and one or more second player cards are identified for a second player. The first and second player cards are displayed to the first player. A probability associated with a first one of the plurality of playing options is determined based at least on a set of predetermined statistical blackjack data, the one or more first player cards, and the one or more second player cards. It is then determined, based at least on the determined probability associated with the first playing option, whether to display a first indication corresponding with first advice regarding the first playing option, a second indication corresponding with second advice regarding the first playing option, or a third indication corresponding with third advice regarding the first playing option.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Cantor Index LLCInventors: Lee M. Amaitis, Joseph M. Asher, James C. Johnson
-
Patent number: 8727850Abstract: A system for computer gaming includes a processor configured to provide a first table of a first group of players grouped together to play a first hand and provide to each of the first group of players one or more cards for the first hand. The system includes an interface couple to the processor and configured to receive from a first player of the first group of players a request to fold the one or more cards of the first player. The processor is also configured to automatically move the first player to a second table of a second group of players grouped together to play a second hand.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Rational FT Enterprises LimitedInventors: Robert S. Burnside, Jerry W. Biesel
-
Publication number: 20140097571Abstract: A gaming table comprises a table top having a top and a bottom surface adapted to receive an exchangeable insert. For instance, the top surface is configured to receive gaming accessories and defines an exchangeable insert bed. A base is connected to and configured to support the table top. A table top exchangeable insert is configured to be located within the exchangeable insert bed, wherein the insert includes a securing structure, for releasably securing the table top exchangeable insert to the table top to provide the ability to conveniently change the insert as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Gaming Partners International USAInventors: Emmanuel Gelinotte, Francisco Javier Moreno, Gregory Gronau
-
Patent number: 8684360Abstract: A gaming table including a plurality of illumination devices mounted therein and a controller configured for receiving a selection of a preset game layout configuration from one or more preset game layout configurations stored in memory and actuating the illumination of a portion of the plurality of illumination devices corresponding with the selected preset game layout configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Gaming Support B.V.Inventor: Lucien Maurice van Linden
-
Patent number: 8672329Abstract: A lift mechanism of a tile-based game machine is installed on a table. The lift mechanism includes a lift plate. One end of the lift plate is coupled to the table, and another end of the lift plate is a movable end. The movable end of the lift plate is provided with a door, and the door is provided with a restoring spring. A lift bracket is provided under the lift plate. A crank is provided under the lift bracket to cooperate with the lift bracket. An electric motor is connected with the crank. The present invention has a simple configuration and the tiles can be ascended quickly and the failure rate is low.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Shaoxing City Kewei Electron & Techology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hu Wang, Guo-Xin Wu
-
Patent number: 8651485Abstract: A playing card shuffling device includes a visual display in information communication with the playing card shuffling device. At least one processor is programmed to provide displayable information to the visual display indicative of an amount of time remaining or time expired in a procedure performed by the playing card shuffling device.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: SHFL Entertainment, Inc.Inventor: James B. Stasson
-
Patent number: 8628090Abstract: Children and adults are often seen collecting shells at the beach. Most don't know the name of the shell or anything about it. There's a need to create interest and education about seashells. There is literature which identifies seashells but nothing in the form of a game which would spark that interest. I've invented a seashell game geared for specific geographic locations that identifies indigenous seashells. The game consists of a plastic board with several indentations for specific shells to be placed into. A picture of that shell, its name and interesting information is printed next to the appropriate indentation. The object of the game is for players to fill each indentation with the proper shell within a time limit. The game provides a fun way to learn about seashells and occupy one's time while at the beach. Once filled, the game can be displayed in home, school or office.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Inventor: Robert Levin
-
Patent number: 8608570Abstract: A method of enabling game features based on location-based actions is disclosed. An indication is received of a performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game. A feature of the computer-implemented game is enabled based on the receiving of the indication of the performance of the location-based action by the player of the computer-implemented game.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Amitt Mahajan, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds
-
Patent number: 8596642Abstract: A method of playing a domino match is disclosed in which the players of the match play a plurality of domino games, with each game including at least one hand. The players are awarded points throughout the first domino game. The players may risk the awarded points earned throughout the first domino game in a play-by-play side wager against the other players. Players attempt to win the match by being the first player to win two or more games. Additionally, players are rewarded for being the total point winner of the match or tournament.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventors: Michael Robinson Watkins, Neal Christopher Allen
-
Publication number: 20130313777Abstract: A gaming accessory, gaming currency or gaming table comprising a surface and a magnetic pigment incorporated into the body or surface thereof is disclosed. The pigment is configured to be affected by the introduction of a magnetic field from a source such that the pigment appears to change from the first appearance to a second appearance when the accessory is placed in the vicinity of the magnetic field. The first appearance may be a color, opacity, color effect, pattern or shape and the second appearance may be one or more of a different color, opacity, color effect, pattern or shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: GAMING PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL USA. INC.Inventors: Emmanuel Gelinotte, Gregory Scott Gronau
-
Patent number: 8590898Abstract: A system and method of the inventive concept presents a casino game that is a table based card game that is generally played with a dealer, who deals the cards, and with players whom make the wagers. The game consists of multiple rounds and a player can wager and win on individual rounds or multiple rounds to make a “poker” hand. Additionally, there may be a progressive jackpot offered on the “poker” hands for players to wager upon.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventor: Donald E. Buza
-
Publication number: 20130300063Abstract: A wagering game and corresponding table are disclosed. In one embodiment, the wagering game is a poker-style game in which players may designate their hands as predicted winning hands according to a predetermined standard and players may alternatively designate their hands as qualifying hands entitled to at least a portion of the wagers at stake according to an alternative standard, in which a qualifying hand is awarded at least a portion of the wagers at stake unless the winning hand is a predicted winning hand. In another embodiment, the wagering game is a poker-style game in combination with a lottery-style game in which players may win the poker-style game according to a predetermined standard and players may also win the lottery-style game according to a jackpot standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: Carl Lee Eller
-
Patent number: 8556265Abstract: A combination game table having a plurality of games therein includes a mechanism for scrolling a sheet having different game surfaces thereon. The combination game table includes a table frame assembly having side members and a bottom surface, and a cavity located in the table frame assembly. The mechanism is positioned in the cavity and in contact with the sheet to translate the sheet from one position to a next position. In this regard, an operator is able to view a desired game surface by translating the sheet via the mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Inventor: Justin L. Voden
-
Patent number: 8550891Abstract: A draw out point system and method. Points may be derived from odds associated with a player winning a hand when the player is subjected to a draw out. For example, if a first player has an 80% chance of winning a hand against a second player once no bets are possible, the first player is awarded 80 points corresponding to the 80% chance of winning responsive to a draw out by the second player. Alternatively, points are based on a value of a pot at the time of the draw out. After the tournament, players may be awarded payouts commensurate with earned points until a draw out pool is exhausted. To fund the draw out pool, players pay an extra tournament fee or portion of the tournament fee may be allocated to a draw out pool. Operators retain a portion of the draw out pool to increase operator revenue.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Tru Odds Poker, LLCInventor: James Suttle
-
Patent number: 8545300Abstract: A system and method for recording and displaying craps game data is disclosed. A display positioned proximate to a craps table displays craps game data which can be manually input or acquired automatically. Manually inputting craps game data is facilitated by a remote control device in communication with the display. A scanner, camera or other image capturing means can be used to acquire dice roll outcomes which are then automatically transmitted to the display. Various displayed craps game data, including a roll history and a clock, allow players to observe whether a craps table is hot or cold. System memory permits best rolls of the day, week, month, year or all time to be displayed as well.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: Roland C. Colton
-
Patent number: 8540579Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining a position of each of a plurality of gaming chips on a gaming surface. Each of the plurality of gaming chips includes an inductively coupled RFID tag disposed therein. The gaming surface includes a first area and at least one second area disposed adjacent to the first area. The method includes transmitting a near-field inductively coupled interrogation signal to the plurality of gaming chips. A near-field inductively coupled response signal is received from at least a portion of the plurality of gaming chips. A position resolution action is performed in conjunction with either the step of transmitting or the step of receiving. Each of the plurality of gaming chips are associated with either the first area or the at least one second area in accordance with the step of performing a position resolution action.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventors: Christian Richard, Ron N. Miller
-
POKER TABLE ACCOMMODATING MULTIPLE DEALERS TO FACILITATE PLAY OF MULTIPLE POKER GAMES SIMULTANEOUSLY
Publication number: 20130234393Abstract: An elliptical, poker table incorporating two dealer stations with each dealer station including one or more of the following: automatic card shuffler, chip rack, poker cards and drop box. In one configuration, the two dealer stations are positioned oppositely on long sides of the poker table and may be offset from one another. The poker table layout may include two chip areas at each player station to accommodate different sets of chips—one for each poker game being played simultaneously. The poker table layout may depict two distinguishable common card areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: Timothy M. Frazin -
POKER TABLE ACCOMMODATING MULTIPLE DEALERS TO FACILITATE PLAY OF MULTIPLE POKER GAMES SIMULTANEOUSLY
Publication number: 20130237302Abstract: An elliptical, poker table incorporating two dealer stations with each dealer station including one or more of the following: automatic card shuffler, chip rack, poker cards and drop box. In one configuration, the two dealer stations are positioned oppositely on long sides of the poker table and may be offset from one another. The poker table layout may include two chip areas at each player station to accommodate different sets of chips—one for each poker game being played simultaneously. The poker table layout may depict two distinguishable common card areas and betting areas. Chip separators may be positioned near each player station to maintain an independence of player chip stacks. One poker table incorporates a live dealer station and electronic poker system permitting a live poker game and electronic poker game to be played substantially simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: PAC GAMING LLCInventor: Timothy M. Frazin -
Patent number: 8528909Abstract: A gaming table comprising a tabletop configured to receive gaming accessories, a base connected to and configured to support the tabletop, an antenna located in the tabletop and configured to operate by at least one of, detecting, reading, writing to, tracking, or any combination thereof, the gaming accessories, and a cup shield configured to keep the antenna from being read from outside the antenna system, shield and protect it from electromagnetic and RF interferences and prevent detuning, the cup shield being located under the tabletop and aligned with the antenna. The base can include a side wall connected to a back panel, a shelf connected to the side wall and the back panel, and a pipe configured to isolate, insulate or shield a plurality of wires, the back panel and the shelf having a plurality of openings configured to ventilate heat from inside the base to outside of the table.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Gaming Partners International CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Gelinotte, Francisco Javier Moreno, Gregory Gronau, Justin Woodard
-
Publication number: 20130207345Abstract: A gaming table comprises a table top having a top and a bottom surface adapted to receive an exchangeable insert. For instance, the top surface is configured to receive gaming accessories and defines an exchangeable insert bed. A base is connected to and configured to support the table top. A table top exchangeable insert is configured to be located within the exchangeable insert bed, wherein the insert includes a securing structure, for releasably securing the table top exchangeable insert to the table top to provide the ability to conveniently change the insert as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: GAMING PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL USAInventor: Gaming Partners International USA
-
Patent number: 8500531Abstract: A method of playing a game, comprising (a) providing a plurality of cards, wherein each card has a first side having indicia thereon representative of a first value for each card, (b) placing the cards in a row, the first side of each card not viewable, wherein the row comprises a plurality of positions, wherein each card occupies one of the positions, and wherein each position corresponds to a second value, wherein the second value for each position is determined by counting from either end of the row, (c) revealing the first side of a selected card, (d) determining a subset of valid cards based on the first value of the selected card and the at least one second value of each position, and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) with subsequently selected cards from the subset of valid cards until the subset of valid cards is empty.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Inventor: Christopher Magin
-
Patent number: 8480091Abstract: A casino gaming table having interchangeable layouts includes a table base and a planar tabletop supported on the base. The tabletop has an upper surface and a peripheral edge, at least a portion of which is arcuately shaped. An arcuately shaped rail is mounted to the tabletop adjacent the arcuately shaped peripheral edge but is spaced from the upper surface of the table. A plurality of game layout pads are provided with arcuate peripheral edges. The pads are adapted to rest on the tabletop with their arcuate peripheral edges fitting under the rail in the space between the rail and the table surface. The game layout pads are rigid enough to substantially maintain their planar shape when being moved into and out of position but can be flexed in order to insert their arcuate peripheral edges into the space between said lower surface of the rail and the upper surface of the tabletop.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventor: William H. Florence
-
Patent number: 8477009Abstract: An automated asset management and security system for providing selective authorized access to an asset disposed within or associated with a remotely located lockable device, including: a control console, including: a processor executing one or more algorithms operable for identifying a user, authorizing a predetermined level of access based upon the identity of the user, receiving a command from the user to provide access to the asset disposed within or associated with the remotely located lockable device, and generating a corresponding command for the lockable device; and a communications channel for delivering the corresponding command to the lockable device; wherein the lockable device includes: a controller having a unique address executing one or more algorithms for implementing the corresponding command; and an actuation mechanism operable for selectively providing access to the asset disposed within or associated with the lockable device responsive to the corresponding command.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Marcon International, Inc.Inventor: L. Stephen Baucom
-
Patent number: 8469786Abstract: A bad beat or best hand system/method generates a bad beat or best hand pool from buy-in fees or designated bad beat or best hand tournament fees. The bad beat pool is paid to a player suffering a most significant or worst bad beat during the poker tournament. The best hand pool is paid to the player obtaining the highest ranking winning hand during the poker tournament. With both the bad beat pool and best hand pool, the system/method may incorporate minimum thresholds or hand ranks, which if not met, result in the bad beat or best hand pool being carried over to a next tournament creating larger and more attractive pools. Rather than awarding the bad beat or best hand pool to a single player, multiple players may also share in the bad beat or best hand pool based on a distribution scheme.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Tru Odds Poker, LLCInventor: James Suttle
-
Publication number: 20130147116Abstract: A playing card shuffling device includes a visual display in information communication with the playing card shuffling device. At least one processor is programmed to provide displayable information to the visual display indicative of an amount of time remaining or time expired in a procedure performed by the playing card shuffling device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: SHFL Eentertainment, Inc.Inventor: SHFL Eentertainment, Inc.
-
Patent number: 8444148Abstract: An automatic poker machine includes a mechanical arm using a suction disk for picking up a poker card, a video recognition device adapted for recognizing the card suit and card value of the poker card carried by the mechanical arm, a display screen for displaying the card suit and card value of each recognized poker card and two card shufflers alternatively used for shuffling poker cards.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventor: Tzu-Hsiang Tseng
-
Patent number: 8430408Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberly M. Campbell, Christiaan R. Champagne, Dwayne A. Davis, Hans Elias, Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis, David N. Myers, David M. Palmer
-
Patent number: 8430405Abstract: Electronic wagering game tables (a.k.a. e-tables) are described herein. Some embodiments include a wagering game table for presenting a wagering game. The wagering game table can include a projection surface, and a first projector configured to present, at a first resolution, a first background image on the projection surface, wherein the first background image is associated with the wagering game and includes elements of the wagering game that are shared by the plurality of players, and wherein the first background image includes blank areas that are not substantially illuminated with content from the first projector. The wagering game table can also include a plurality other projectors configured to present, at a second resolution, wagering game content in the plurality of blank areas, wherein the wagering game content indicates results of the wagering game.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Timothy C. Loose, James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas
-
Publication number: 20130099448Abstract: A playing card handling device is disclosed. The device includes a first side and a second opposite side. Components of the device include a card infeed tray, a card output tray and a card handling zone. The card infeed tray and card output tray are on the same first side of the device and an upper surface of the card infeed tray and an upper surface of the card output tray are in the same plane. Card handling devices of the present invention also include a touch screen display, as well as a movable card gate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: SHFL entertainment, Inc.Inventor: SHFL entertainment, Inc.
-
Patent number: 8419550Abstract: Cashbox security mechanisms, gaming machines with a cashbox security mechanism, and methods for securing and removing a portable cashbox from a gaming machine are presented herein. The cashbox security mechanism stores and secures a cashbox, which stows currency received, for example, from a currency processing device. The cashbox security mechanism includes an outer housing, such as a gaming machine cabinet or a substructure mounted inside a cabinet. An inner chassis mates with and retains the cashbox. The inner chassis and a security door are pivotably mounted with respect to the outer housing. The security door and inner chassis are positionable to cooperatively secure the cashbox within the cashbox security mechanism. Likewise, the security door and inner chassis are respositionable to cooperatively define an access chute through which the cashbox is removable from the cashbox security mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Philip Anthony, Jacob Greenberg, James Lipsey, Daniel Somen, William Venth, Scott Zeeb
-
Patent number: 8382115Abstract: A gaming table is provided with an associated playing card printer. At the beginning of play, the playing card printer prints an entire deck of playing cards on suitable card stock. The deck of playing cards is printed in a random order as determined by a random number generator. The deck of playing cards is collated into a stack of cards and presented to the dealer who then uses this deck of playing cards to deal the casino game.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Ernest Moody Revocable TrustInventor: Ernest W Moody
-
Patent number: 8382579Abstract: The present invention relates to a card stack reader, a card thereof, a card case, a method for manufacturing the card, a game machine using the same, and a computer-readable storage medium on which a game program is recorded. The card stack reader comprises an imaging unit which reads an image from a peripheral side portion of a stack of cards, each card having a read code along a peripheral side edge thereof, the read code identifying the card, and a code recognizing unit which recognizes the read code of each card from the image read by the imaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Sega CorporationInventors: Toshikazu Yoshida, Hidenori Shiba, Toshiyuki Kaji, Takao Yamauchi, Fumihiro Kato, Akira Nishino, Toru Ohara, Takaharu Terada
-
Patent number: 8371584Abstract: A mark unit includes a holding section that is disposed at the top of a display section so that a light-emitting section is positioned on a side of a display screen of the display section and a weight section is positioned on a side opposite to the display screen to hold the light-emitting section on the side of the display screen that intersects a horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.Inventors: Kazuo Utsuki, Takashi Satsukawa, Takehiro Shimizu, Shigemasa Saito, Kanji Nakane
-
Patent number: 8366112Abstract: An automated blackjack table features a rotating ring with numbered stations (up to 21) matching the numbers at which the players are positioned. By pressing a foot pedal, the dealer can rotate the ring and rapidly deal a card to each passing numbered station allowing the density of players (and, hence the revenue stream) at each table to be tripled.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Inventor: Tigran Nasibyan
-
Patent number: 8342932Abstract: An inventory sensor is positioned and configured to identify playing cards stored in compartments of one or more intermediary playing card receivers. The intermediary playing card receivers may be positioned in a card transport path between an input and an output receiver. The inventory sensor allows an inventory of playing cards to be performed, for example, in response to a possibly anomalous condition or in response to a user request. Playing cards may be transferred back to the intermediary playing card receiver from the output receiver before inventorying. A new randomized set of playing cards can be created at the output receiver after inventorying.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Allen Fleckenstein
-
Patent number: 8342533Abstract: An inventory sensor is positioned and configured to identify playing cards stored in compartments of one or more playing card receivers. The inventory sensor allows the identity of a playing card stored in the playing card receiving compartment to be checked or otherwise verified with respect to an identity of a playing card expected to be stored in the playing card receiving compartment. Anomalies may be identified and appropriate messages provides and/or actions taken, for example removing the anomalous playing card from use.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Allen Fleckenstein
-
Patent number: 8337296Abstract: A tray, serving as a transaction drawer, optimally fitted to X-ray inspection equipment for ease and efficiency of the operation. Yet, easy to handle by the operator and stackable for storage and having a test wedge to verify read outs by the X-ray machine, made out of translucent, plastic material, economically produced.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: SHFL entertaiment, Inc.Inventors: Attila Grauzer, David B. Lopez
-
Patent number: 8337285Abstract: A casino style card game, played in accordance with the standard rules of Blackjack, also known as “21,” and including an auxiliary component allowing additional wagering on the outcome of the dealer's hand for each participating player. Participating players are able to wager on the dealer having a non-breaking hand (i.e., a hand having a value less than 21 in accordance with the rules of Blackjack) containing two, three, four, five, six, or seven cards. Wagers may also be made on the dealer having an even or odd count, or an all read or all black hand. A return is paid on wagers in the auxiliary game only if the dealer hand does not “bust” (i.e, exceed a value of 21). The game is also playable in electronic or other automated versions using, for example, terminals and networks, or slot machines.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Ten Stix Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Tony A. Cranford
-
Patent number: 8323097Abstract: Non-transitive gaming elements, including a first, a second and a third one or more gaming elements, respectively, wherein the second provides an advantage represented by higher scores, on average, as compared with the scores of the first, the third provides an advantage represented by higher scores, on average, as compared with the scores of the second and the first provides an advantage represented by higher scores, on average, as compared with the scores of the third, and wherein each of the three respective advantages are all less than 3 percent and each advantage does not differ from the mean of the three advantages by more than 20 percent.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Stanley Klein
-
Patent number: 8292733Abstract: A system is provided for visually enhancing a game structure having a game surface and objects that move on the game surface. The system includes a projector that projects digital augmentation content or themed images onto the game surface, with the images including static and animated images. The system includes a tracking mechanism that generates tracking data from the game surface and game objects, with the tracking data defining positions of the game objects relative to the game surface. The system includes a controller that processes the tracking data to determine the positions of the game objects. The controller modifies the augmentation images in response to the determined positions of the game objects. The augmentation images include a video stream made up of a base image that is mapped to the game surface and an object enhancing image mapped to one of the game objects and its current position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: David W. Crawford, Mark R. Mine, Jason M. Lambert
-
Patent number: 8282457Abstract: Provided is an electronic game table which has one or more cup stations which contain one or more cups or other containers into which a game ball is meant to be thrown or bounced. The cups are connected to means of extending them through the table. The cups are also connected to means for retracting them below the table when a game ball has entered the cup. Also provided are means for returning the game ball to a designated area when the cup and ball have been retracted. The electronic game table is provided with electronic devices to direct various actions of the table and during game play. The table can be in provided in a plethora of geometric shapes.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventor: Brandon Edwards
-
Patent number: 8282469Abstract: A gaming machine of the present invention comprises: a gaming portion where plural dice roll and stop; a memory; a station having an input device accepting a normal BET and a side BET that can be placed on the order of whether the total value of the outcomes of the dice in each game of a plurality of games is even or odd; and a controller programmed to execute the processing of (F) determining whether the total value of the outcomes of the plurality of dice is even or odd, (G) storing even-odd information showing the even or odd value determined in the processing (F) into the memory, and (H) offering a special payout, when the accepted side BET matches the order of even or odd values determined by the stored even-odd information.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Universal Entertainment CorporationInventor: Yukinori Inamura
-
Patent number: 8267762Abstract: Blackjack and Blackjack-related card games are provided in which the speed of play is increased over the conventional ways these games are played. After the initial cards are provided to each of the players, determinations regarding the order in which players are to receive requested, additional cards are made using a control that communicates with terminals. The player who is determined to be the first to make a request for another card is provided the next additional card(s). Such determinations rely on requests generated by the players using input elements associated with their terminals. For each set of one or more additional cards being requested, one or more players make a request using the player's input element. A number of such sets of requests are typically made until all players are finished receiving requested cards. Accordingly, players do not need to wait until one or more other players have completed their game play before being able to receive their own additional card(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Masque Publishing, Inc.Inventors: James M. Wisler, Jeff Chun-sheng Wu
-
Patent number: 8235824Abstract: Composite tabletops for electronic game tables are described. In one implementation, the composite tabletop has a channeled core layer sandwiched between a bottom layer and top layer. The channeled core layer is constructed of foam, so that the foam forms enclosure spaces for player stations, displays, user-interface hardware, central control/server hardware, and cooling equipment. The foam is also shaped to form duct spaces between each player station and a central space in the channeled core layer. The ducts can be used to route wires between each player station and the central space and to direct cooling air to or from each player station. The channeled core layer reduces time and labor during manufacture of an electronic game table and results in an electronic game table that is more lightweight for shipping, absorbs noise generated by enclosed hardware and electronics, absorbs shocks, and optimizes cooling of enclosed components.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: DigiDeal CorporationInventor: Tyler V. Kuhn
-
Patent number: 8235812Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberly M. Campbell, Christiaan R. Champagne, Dwayne A. Davis, Hans Elias, Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis, David N. Myers, David M. Palmer