Hand-Forming Card Shuffler

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/576,441, filed Jan. 14, 2022, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/216,352, filed Jun. 29, 2021, which prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for shuffling cards.

Numerous mechanical and electro-mechanical devices have been designed for use in shuffling cards, such as one or more decks of playing cards. Despite the number of different existing designs, various drawbacks or problems are known to exist with such devices.

One aspect of the disclosure comprises methods and devices for shuffling cards, and more preferably for forming one or more sets or hands of shuffled cards.

In one example, the card shuffler may comprise a housing, a card receiving area, a card receiver, a card infeed mechanism for moving cards from the receiving area to the card receiver, a card ejector for moving cards from the card receiver to a card dispensing area, and at least one controller.

The card receiving area may have an open top which is accessible from an outside of the housing, a bottom, and one or more side and/or end walls which define a periphery or boundary of the card receiving area for cards placed therein. At least one of the walls, such as one of the sidewalls, may have a movable wall portion. The movable wall may be moveable between a retracted position, such as where the movable wall is generally vertically extending, and an extended position, such as where the movable wall extends into the card receiving area for engaging one or more cards therein.

The card infeed mechanism may comprise one or more rollers, including one or more driven rollers, and be configured to move cards from the card receiving area to the card receiver. The card infeed mechanism may be configured to move the card horizontally from the card receiving area to the card receiver.

The card receiver may comprise a plurality of card receiving pockets which are defined by dividers. The dividers, and thus the pockets, may be stacked in a vertical arrangement. The card receiver may be movable, such as by an elevator, vertically between one or more raised positions and one or more lowered positions. The card receiver may be moved to receive one or more cards into different pockets thereof, such as for forming sets or hands of cards, and for aligning the pockets with the card ejector.

The card ejector may comprise a pusher that may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position in which it pushes cards out of an aligned pocket of the card receiver.

Cards are dispensed, such as in sets or hands, to the card dispensing area. In one example, the card dispensing area is separated from the card receiving area by a divider. The top of the card dispensing area is located above the opening of the card receiving area. In one example, the opening to the card receiving area is generally co-planar with a flange of the housing which support the shuffler on a surface. A shield may extend upwardly from the flange to at least partially shield the card dispensing area and/or card receiving area.

The housing may define a console area which may be raised. The console area may include one or more displays.

The controller is configured to receive input from a user and is configured to control the features of the shuffler, such as the movable wall, the card infeed mechanism, the card receiver and card ejector, and to display information on the display, such as in response to an operator's input(s).

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figs.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the disclosure.

Aspects of the disclosure comprise methods and devices for shuffling cards, and more preferably for forming one or more sets or hands of shuffled cards.

1 7 FIGS.- 20 22 20 22 24 26 20 28 30 32 34 36 24 22 38 26 22 22 28 30 32 34 One example of a card shuffler of the disclosure will be described first with reference to. As illustrated, a shufflerof the disclosure comprises a housingwhich contains, supports or otherwise defines one or more features of the shuffler. As illustrated, the housinggenerally has an upper portionand a lower portion. As further illustrated, the shufflerhas a front or first end, a rear or second end, a first side, a second side, a topwhich is defined by the upper portionof the housingand a bottomwhich is defined by the lower portionof the housing. In the illustrated example, the housinghas a length along a line extending through the front or first endand the rear or second end, and width along a line extending through the first and second sides,, wherein the length is greater than the width.

26 22 20 26 38 20 32 34 28 30 20 24 26 22 24 40 42 44 7 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.and In certain examples, the lower portionof the housingcomprises a generally closed space or enclosure for various components of the shuffler. The lower portionmay, as illustrated in, have a base portion that generally defines the bottomof the shuffler, and then an upwardly extending wall that defines a portion of each side,and the frontand rearof the shuffler. The upper portionis positioned above the lower portionof the housing. In certain examples, as better illustrated in, the upper portiondefines a card receiving and dispensing areaand a raised containment area or consolewhich also defines or supports a control panel.

7 FIG. 38 20 46 20 As illustrated in, the bottomof the shufflermay be generally planar. In certain examples, one or more feetmay extend downwardly therefrom, such as to support the shufflerwhen it rests on a surface.

6 FIG. 30 20 26 22 48 30 20 50 48 20 Referring to, In certain examples, the rearof the shufflermay be defined in part by the wall of the lower portionof the housing. As illustrated, one or more intake ventsmay be located at the rearof the shuffler. An electrically powered and motor driven fanmay be used to draw air through the intake ventinto the interior of the shuffler.

3 7 FIGS.and 52 28 20 26 22 20 48 52 28 20 54 56 58 58 Referring to, one or more air exhaust ventsmay be provided, such as by being located at the frontof the shuffler, such as in the lower portionof the housing. Air that is drawn into the interior of the shuffler(via the intake vent) may be exhausted via these exhaust vents. In certain examples, one or more interfaces are provided, such as located at the frontof the shuffler. As illustrated, these interfaces may comprise a power cable port(such as defining a male power coupler for receiving the female end of a power cord), a power switchfor turning power on and off to the unit, and one or more communication interfaces. Such communication interfacesmight comprise one or more of a CAT 6, CAT 5/5e, USB, Firewire, or other communication ports, such as for receiving an associated communication cable.

7 FIG. 26 22 60 60 22 20 In certain examples, as illustrated in, the lower portionof the housingmay define an inset. This insetmay be configured, along with an adjacent portion of the housing, to form a handle. This handle may be used, for example, by an installer to pick up the shuffler, such as during transport and/or installation.

7 FIG. 26 22 62 26 24 62 20 62 20 20 20 20 26 22 62 20 As illustrated in, the lower portionof the housingmay define an outwardly extending flange, such as an intersection of the lower portionwith the upper portionof the housing. The flangemay extend around the entire shuffler, or might be in one or more locations. As described in more detail below, the flangemay define a mounting location for one or more features of the shuffler, and may also serve as a supporting surface or stop for mounting the shuffler. For example, when the shuffleris mounted to a gaming table, the shufflermay be lowered into an opening in a supporting surface of the table, with the lower portionof the housinglocated under the gaming table surface and the flangeresting upon the surface and thus generally supporting the shuffler.

1 4 FIGS.- 42 24 22 28 20 44 42 44 28 20 44 64 170 170 Referring to, the raised or console areaof the upper portionof the housingextends upwardly at the frontof the shuffler. As indicated, a control panelmay be associated with the raised area. In certain examples, the control panelgenerally faces towards the frontof the shuffler. The control panelmay comprise one or more input and output devices, such as one or more video displaysfor displaying information, and at least one indicator(as illustrated, two indicators might be provided). Each indicatormight comprise, for example, an LED light.

42 26 22 44 20 The raised areamay be defined by a body or cover that is connected to the lower portionof the housing. One or more features of the control panelmay be connected to that body or cover. As detailed below, the body or cover may extend over internal features of the shuffler, such as a moving card receiver, a card ejector and the like.

40 42 42 30 40 70 72 70 24 22 70 70 70 32 34 20 28 30 20 70 20 70 70 The card receiving and dispensing areais located rearwardly of the raised area, between the raised areaand the rearof the shuffler. In certain examples, the card areacomprises a card receiving or infeed areaand a card dispensing area. The card receiving areamay comprise a recessed or depressed area in the upper portionof the housing. In certain examples, the card receiving areais card shaped, e.g. generally rectangular in shape, such as having first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls which extend between the side walls, a generally open top and a generally closed bottom. The length of the side walls and the width of the end walls are configured to define a card receiving areawhich is slightly larger in dimension than the cards of a standard card deck. As illustrated, the card receiving areamay be oriented so that its longer sides (corresponding to the height of a playing card from a top end to a bottom end thereof) extend generally parallel to a line through the sides,of the shuffler, and so that its shorter sides (corresponding to the width of a playing card from side to side thereof) extend generally parallel to a line through the frontand rearof the shuffler. As described below, in this orientation, the card receiving areais configured to receive cards and deliver them into the shufflerin a “sideways” orientation. The sidewalls and end walls may extend generally vertically upward from the bottom (at 90 degrees thereto, or in other examples, at angles slightly greater than 90 degrees, whereby the walls generally tilt slightly outward such that a dimension of the open top of the card receiving areais larger than the dimension of the bottom, whereby the slight slope in the walls tends to guide cards placed in the card receiving areatowards the bottom thereof).

4 FIG. 10 13 FIGS.and 74 70 74 70 74 70 70 74 70 70 In certain examples, as best illustrated in, a finger recessis located at a top and a bottom of (or in other words, at or in the end walls of) the card receiving area. The finger recessesare sized to receive one or more fingers of a user who is gripping the top and bottom ends of one or more stacked cards that are being placed into or being removed from the card receiving area. In certain examples, as best illustrated in, the finger recessesmay extend downwardly below the card supporting bottom of the card receiving area(e.g. below the plane that the bottom card lies in when cards are located in the card receiving area). As illustrated, this configuration may be facilitated by the finger recessesbeing located at both ends of the card receiving areaand outside (laterally) of card feed rollers (described below). A particular advantage to this configuration is that in order to securely grip a set of cards a user may place their fingers so that they extend beyond or below the bottom card of a set of cards. In the configuration described, the user's fingers are then accommodated in this position as the cards are being placed into (or removed from) the card receiving area.

72 70 42 24 22 70 30 72 70 28 42 72 28 22 28 30 72 20 42 In the illustrated example, the card dispensing areais located between the card receiving areaand the raised areaof the upper portionof the housing, whereby the card receiving areais located at the rearof the housing, the card dispensing areais located adjacent to the card receiving areatowards the front, and the raised areais located adjacent to the card dispensing areatowards the front, generally along a longitudinal line through the housingthrough the frontand rear. In this manner, as described in more detail below, the card dispensing areacan receive cards which are ejected or dispensed outwardly from the shufflerat the raised areathereof.

70 72 22 72 20 28 30 72 76 72 Like the card receiving area, the card dispensing areacomprises a recessed or depressed area of the housing. The card dispensing areamay similarly comprise a generally rectangular-shaped area which is sized to receive one or more cards in a “sideways” orientation (e.g. with the cards oriented such that a line running through them lengthwise from top to bottom extends generally perpendicular to a line running through the shufflerfrom the frontto the rear). The card dispensing areamay also comprise one or more finger recesses, such as at a location corresponding to a top and bottom or the ends of the card dispensing area, and thus the top and bottom of cards located therein.

8 FIG.A 70 26 22 62 62 70 72 70 72 158 78 62 70 72 70 As best illustrated in, in certain examples, a top of the card receiving areais generally coplanar with (e.g. at approximately the same elevation as) the top of the lower portionof the housing, and thus the flangethereof (thus, when the flangeis positioned on a supporting surface, the top of the card receiving areais positioned above the supporting surface). On the other hand, a top of the card dispensing areais generally higher than the top of the card receiving area. As illustrated, the top of the card dispensing areais generally defined by a card rampand the top of a divider(both described in more detail below), which are positioned higher than the flangeand the top of the card receiving area(whereby a top of the card dispensing areais in a plane which is higher than a plane containing the top of the card receiving area).

70 72 62 26 22 62 70 72 Both the card receiving areaand card dispensing areaextend downwardly below the flange, and thus downwardly into the lower portionof the housing. When the flangeis resting upon a surface of a gaming table, this means that at least the bottom of the card receiving areaand the bottom of the card dispensing areaare generally located below the table surface.

70 72 78 78 70 72 78 70 72 62 20 78 70 72 80 70 158 72 As illustrated, the card receiving areaand the card dispensing areaare separated, such as by an upwardly extending divider. In certain examples, the dividereffectively forms one of the sidewalls of the card receiving areaand one of the sides of the card dispensing area. In certain examples, the dividerextends upwardly above the card receiving areaand the card dispensing area, such as to a height where a top thereof is located above the flangeand thus above a gaming table surface when the shuffleris mounted therein. In certain examples, the dividernot only serves to divide the card receiving areafrom the card dispensing area, but also accommodates a moveable side wallwhich is associated with the card receiving area, and serves as a stop for cards which are ejected onto and sliding down the card rampof the card dispensing area.

72 70 70 158 78 In one example, the bottom of the card dispensing areaslopes, such as downwardly in the direction of the card receiving area. As described below, this allows cards which are ejected from the shufflerand sliding down the card rampto be directed towards the dividerand position where they are easily retrieved for dealing.

20 8 14 FIGS.A- Additional details of the shuffler, including the operation thereof, will now be described, primarily with reference to.

20 70 20 70 In certain examples, the shufflerincludes a card infeed mechanism. The card infeed mechanism is configured to retrieve or take cards from the card receiving areaand deliver them to a card shuffler mechanism (which is described below and may comprise a card receiver) in the shuffler. In certain examples, the card infeed mechanism thus comprises means for moving cards from the card receiving areato the card shuffling mechanism.

20 70 70 As described in more detail below, a user of the shufflerplaces one or more cards, such as one or more decks of cards, into the card receiving area. In certain examples, the card infeed mechanism is configured to grab or retrieve cards from the bottom of the stack or deck of cards that is located in the card receiving area.

70 80 80 70 80 80 70 80 80 70 70 70 In certain examples, one wall, or at least a portion thereof, which defines the card receiving areais movable. The wall may comprise a moveable side wallwhich comprises a generally planar body that is movable from a first position to a second position. The first position may comprise a raised or retracted position, such as where the moveable side wallis generally vertically extending (and generally extends approximately 90 degrees relative to the bottom of the card receiving areaand generally parallel to the other side wall and the end walls). In the first position, the movable side wall, or at least a face or surface thereof, defines part of a peripheral boundary of the card receiving area for cards located therein. The second position may comprise a tilted or extended position where the moveable side wallextends into the card receiving area. In this position the moveable side wallmay extend at an angle, such as to a horizontal or other substantially non-vertical position. In the second position, the movable side wallis configured to engage one or more cards in the card receiving area, such as by contacting a top card in the card receiving area(where there may be one or more cards in the card receiving area).

8 FIG.C 72 75 75 20 26 20 75 78 72 70 71 71 20 71 84 88 75 71 20 As best illustrated in, the card dispensing areamay be at least partially defined by a first tray. The first traymay, for example, comprise a molded plastic body that is supported by frame elements (described in more detail below) of the shufflerwithin the lower portionof the housing. This first traymay define at least part of the divider, such as a front wall or face thereof that faces the card dispensing area. Likewise, the card receiving areamay at least partially defined by a second tray. This second traymay again comprise a molded plastic body that is supported by frame elements of the shuffler(as illustrated, the second traymay define one or more openings, such as for the rollersand card sensor, described below). In one embodiment, the first trayand the second traymay be selectively disconnectable from the shuffler, such as to access components adjacent to the trays, such as for service.

71 78 70 78 73 80 73 20 80 73 73 78 80 80 73 80 73 70 80 78 80 70 8 FIG.C In one example, the side of the second trayat or facing the divideris open. This side or wall of the card receiving area(which essentially comprises the rear face of the divider) may be defined by a base supportand the moveable side wall. The base supportmay comprise a supporting or mounting element, such as a metal plate that is associated with the frame structure in the housing. The movable side wallmay be movably mounted to the base supportand thus be movable relative to the base supportand the divider, such as by pins (such as located at opposing ends of the movable side wallnear a bottom portion thereof, whereby the movable side wallis essentially ‘hinged” so that it rotates about the bottom thereof relative to the base support). The moveable side wallmay thus rotate relative to the base support, such as via or about the pins, where as illustrated, the pivot location may be raised from a bottom of the card receiving area. When the moveable side wallis moved to its vertical position, it fits within or retracts into a recessed portion of the divider, whereby a face of the moveable side wallbecomes one side or boundary of the card receiving area(which thus constrains cards located therein), as best illustrated in.

2 8 FIGS.andA 80 80 78 80 70 70 80 70 80 70 80 Still referring to, the moveable side wallmay have a length from its pivot point to its opposing or free end which is relatively short (and preferably, of a length that allows the movable side wallto fit within the dividerwhen the movable side wall is in its vertical position). For example, the length of the movable side wallmay be such that when it is tilted into the card receiving area, it only extends about ⅓ of the way across the card receiving areatowards the other side (when the movable side wallis tilted to a generally horizontal position), thus only engaging a portion of one side of the top card in the card receiving area. In this regard, in one example, the movable side wallcomprises just a portion of one of the sidewalls of the card receiving area. The exact size of the movable side wallmight vary.

80 1 1 80 1 80 175 88 70 88 70 70 88 70 70 88 70 11 FIG.A 15 FIG. 8 13 FIGS.A and Means are also provided for moving the moveable side wall, such as by a motor Mwhich drives a pulley Pwhich is associated with the moveable side wall, via a belt B, as illustrated in. As described in more detail below, operation of the moveable side wallmay be controlled by a controller(see), including based upon input from one or more sensors. In particular, in certain examples, at least one sensormay be provided for sensing one or more cards in the card receiving area. As illustrated in, the card sensormay be located at a bottom of the card receiving area, such as where the sensor is located under the bottom of the card receiving areaand where the bottom of the card receiving area includes a window or opening. The card sensormay comprise, for example, an IR or other optical sensor which has an emitter which sends a beam of light outwardly through the opening or window and into the card receiving area. If one or more cards are located in the card receiving area, the light will be reflected back and be detected by a detector of the sensor(and which sensor does not detect the light when no cards are located in the receiving area).

80 175 175 1 88 1 80 70 As indicated, the operation of the moveable side wallmay be controlled by a controller. The controllermay control the motor M, including based upon information obtained by the controller from the card sensor. In certain examples, the motor Mmay be configured to drive the moveable side wallwith a relatively constant torque (such as by setting the motor to operate at a constant velocity in order to approximate constant torque), thus ensuring constant pressure on the cards in the card receiving area.

175 88 80 70 80 70 88 In certain examples, the controlleris, after a short time delay from when the card sensordetects cards in the card area, configured to move the moveable side wallso that it tilts and engages the top of the cards in the card receiving area. The moveable side wallis moved back to its vertical position and does not move back into the card area when no cards remain in the card receiving area(as determined by the sensor).

70 70 80 175 175 88 70 175 70 80 175 88 175 80 80 175 In some instances, a user may inadvertently place a second set or deck of cards into the card receiving areawhen a first set or deck is already located in the receiving areaunder the moveable side wall. In certain examples, the controlleris configured to receive information, such as from a card reader/sensor, which allows the controller to determine the number of cards which have been processed by the shuffler. Thus, when the controllerdetermines, based upon a card count, that all cards of a deck have been processed, if the card sensordetects that cards are located in the card receiving area, the controllercan determine that cards were inadvertently placed into the card receiving areaon top of the moveable side wall. In such instance, the controlleris preferably configured to output an error message to the user that instructs the user to remove the cards. Once the cards are removed (as detected by the card sensor), the controllercan retract the moveable side wallso that the user can place the cards back into the card receiving area for processing (at which time the moveable side wallis again lowered into position against the top of that next set of cards). The controllerwill then begin processing (shuffling) that next set of cards, such as instructed by the user.

4 FIG. 10 FIG. 8 FIG.A 84 70 70 84 2 2 84 70 70 20 70 22 70 70 20 The card infeed mechanism also comprises means for moving the cards. In certain examples, as best illustrated in, one or more rollersare associated with the card receiving area, such as by being positioned at the bottom of the card receiving area. One or more, and preferably at least two, of those rollersare preferably driven rollers (e.g. such as driven by a motor Mvia one or more belts B, as illustrated in). Additional rollers may be provided, such as idler top rollers (not shown). In this manner, one or more of the rollerswhich are in contact with the bottom-most card in the card receiving area, are configured to draw or drive that card from the card receiving areainto the interior of the shuffler, as best illustrated in. In certain examples, cards are driven or moved from the card receiving areathrough a slot in the housinginto the interior of the shuffler. In this manner, individual cards are moved, one at a time (e.g. sequentially as they are removed from the bottom of the card receiving area), from the card receiving areainto the shuffler.

8 10 FIGS.A and 84 84 70 20 As illustrated in, one or more additional rollersor other feeding/moving devices are used to move the cards to the card shuffler. For example, as illustrated, multiple pairs of rollers(one or more of which may be driven or idler rollers) may be used to move each card generally horizontally from the card receiving areathrough the shufflerlinearly to the card shuffler.

10 FIG. 3 3 3 175 As illustrated in, one or more motors Mmay be used to drive one or more of the rollers, such as the driven (as opposed to idler). The one or more motors Mmay drive the rollers directly or indirectly, such as by rotating one or more belts B(which belts may be driven by pulley which is driven by the motor and which drives a pulley which is associated with the driven roller, such as where the pulley is mounted on an axle of the roller). Of course various drive mechanisms might be used to drive the rollers (including direct drives, gear drives, etc.). As described below, the motors may be controlled by the controller, such to selectively drive the rollers.

70 In certain examples, cards which are delivered from the card receiving areaare delivered to a card handler or shuffler mechanism. The card handler is preferably configured to shuffle, e.g. randomly arrange, the cards, and more preferably, randomly arrange the cards into one or more groups, sets or hands (as used herein the term “hand” may mean a complete set of cards which is dealt or provided to a player or dealer, but may also comprise other groups of cards, such as sets of community cards, replacement cards for discarded cards and the like).

8 9 FIGS.A and 90 92 90 92 In certain examples, as best illustrated in, the card handler comprises a movable card receiverhaving a plurality of card slots or pockets, and means for selectively moving the card receiverin order to direct cards into particular pockets.

90 94 94 92 94 92 90 As illustrated, the card receivercomprises a plurality of dividers. The dividersare separated from one another, thus defining the plurality of card slots or pockets. In one example, the dividersare arranged or stacked vertically, thus defining a plurality of vertically spaced pockets. The card receivermay comprise a top or a top divider, a bottom or a bottom divider and a plurality of intermediate dividers therebetween.

9 FIG. 90 96 96 96 90 94 96 152 92 For reasons described in more detail below, and as best illustrated in, the card receivermay comprise a first set of dividers and a second set of dividers which are separated by a slot or channel, or where the dividers otherwise simply define such a channel. This slot or channelcauses the card receiverto have a reduced weight as compared to one where the dividersdo not include such a slot. In addition, as described below, this channelfacilitates passage of a card pusherinto the card pocketsin order to eject the cards.

8 FIGS.A 94 98 98 94 As illustrated inand B, each card dividerpreferably defines a generally planar card supporting portion, such as at top thereof, and at least one card receiving ramp. The card rampcomprises a sloping surface which leads from a front of the card dividertowards the rear thereof at which the generally planar card supporting portion is defined.

94 98 98 94 20 94 94 20 94 As described below, certain card dividersmay define only a “top” card ramp(e.g. one associated with the top of the divider), while others define top and bottom card ramps(e.g. one associated with the top of the divider and one associated with the bottom of the divider). In certain examples, each card dividerthat has only a top card ramp may have a nominal thickness (a thickness or height except at the ramped area) of about 0.11 inches. When a thickness of each playing card which is being shuffled by the shuffleris about 0.011 inches, this causes those dividersto have a thickness of about 10 (and preferably more than 10) times the thickness of each card. The card dividerswhich have top and bottom ramps may have a thickness of about and 0.2 inches. When a thickness of each playing card which is being shuffled by the shuffleris about 0.011 inches, this causes those dividersto have a thickness of about 20 times the thickness of each card.

A height of each card ramp is about 0.08 to 0.09 inches, such that a ratio of the height of each card ramp to the thickness of the cards is about 7-8 (when the thickness of the cards is about 0.011 inches).

94 92 The card dividersare separated from one another a distance H of about 0.125-0.145 inches (between a top surface of one divider and the bottom surface of an adjacent divider), whereby a ratio of the height of each pocketto the thickness of each card is about 11-13 (when the cards have a thickness of about 0.011 inches).

98 94 94 In certain examples, each card rampslopes at an angle of around 10-11 degrees. When considering the thickness of the card dividernoted above, the ramps thus extend rearwardly from the front of each card dividertowards the rear thereof a distance of about 0.466 inches.

The term “about”, with respect to the noted dimensions, in one example comprises a variable amount that accounts for manufacturing tolerances and variations and is an amount which does not affect the intended operation of the feature. In one example, the term may comprise an amount such as +/−10% of the indicated dimension.

94 94 92 In certain examples, the card dividersare constructed from metal, such as aluminum, or other material which has a low coefficient of friction, a low wear rate and is not subject to bending or warping (such as plastic), as such characteristics are important in ensuring that the card dividerswork properly as described below (including by directing incoming cards into the associated card pockets).

94 98 98 92 98 94 92 98 94 94 94 As indicated above, certain card dividersdefine only a top card ramp(e.g. one associated with the top of the divider), while others define top and bottom card ramps(e.g. one associated with the top of the divider and one associated with the bottom of the divider). In certain examples, one or more card pockets, those of a first type, are defined between the upper card rampon one dividerand the lower card ramp on another divider. Other card pockets, those of a second type, are defined between the lower card rampon one dividerand the generally planar top surface of another divider. In one example, the top dividermay only define a bottom card ramp and the bottom dividermay only define a top card ramp.

90 92 92 90 92 In the example illustrated, the card receiverdefines fifteen (15) card pockets. In certain examples, twelve (12) of those card pocketsare pockets of the first type, and they are located at the top of the card receiver. The remaining three (3) card pockets, those of the second type, are located at the bottom.

92 90 94 92 98 94 92 92 92 92 92 8 FIG.A 8 FIG.B In certain examples, card pocketsof the first type are configured to receive cards in a first configuration. In certain examples, this comprises “top stacking” of cards, wherein when more than one card is placed in the pocket, cards are stacked on top of one another (e.g. a first card is delivered to the pocket and then a second card is delivered to the pocket on top of the first card). In certain examples, the card receiveris moved so that the card dividerwhich is above the card pocketto which the card is to be delivered is aligned with the card to be delivered, as illustrated in. An incoming card is moved horizontally so that it hits the card rampon the bottom of the divider, as best illustrated in. If the card being delivered to that card pocketis the first card being delivered to that pocket, that card then falls to the bottom of the pocket(e.g. onto the top of the divider below). If the card being delivered to that card pocketis the second card being delivered to that pocket, that card impacts the ramp of the divider and then falls on top of the first card already in the pocket. The number of cards which are located in a “top stacking” pocketmay vary (such as depending upon the intended use of the cards, such as for discards, etc.).

92 92 90 94 92 92 90 94 92 98 94 92 92 92 92 In certain examples, card pocketsof the second type are configured to receive cards in a second configuration. In certain examples, this comprises “top and bottom stacking”, wherein cards may be stacked from above or below (e.g. cards may be delivered so that they are stacked on top of the cards which are already in the pocket or are placed below the cards that are already in the pocket). In certain examples, if a card is to be delivered to the card pocketfrom above, the card receiveris moved so that the card dividerabove the desired pocketis aligned with the card and then the card is delivered in the same manner as described above. If, however, a card is to be delivered to the card pocketfrom below, the card receiveris moved so that the card dividerbelow the desired pocketis aligned with the card. The card is then delivered, hitting the rampof the card dividerat the bottom of the pocketand then being pressed inwardly under any existing cards in that pocket. Again, the number of cards which are placed into a “top and bottom stacking” pocketmay vary, such as based upon the intended use of the cards. In one example, the “top and bottom stacking” pocketsmay be used for randomizing cards, such as for randomizing two cards relative to one another, but might also be used for larger numbers of discard cards, etc.

92 20 90 90 92 90 The total number of card pocketsand/or the number of card pockets of the first and second types might vary from the configuration described herein, such as depending upon the particular application (such as the particular game or games for which the shufflersupplies cards). For example, the card receivermight have more card pocketsof the second type than the first type. In addition, the size of the pocketsmight vary in other applications, such as depending upon the total number of cards that might be desirably delivered to a particular pocket.

92 92 90 95 94 92 20 110 110 112 114 112 114 8 FIG.A 8 FIG.A 8 13 FIGS.A and In certain examples, means are provided for retaining cards which are delivered to the pocketsin the pockets to which they are delivered. In particular, to prevent the cards which are being delivered to a pocketfrom passing therethrough (towards the front of the shuffler in), the card receivermay include, as illustrated in, a front wall, or the dividersmay include walls, stops or the like. In addition, the means may also comprise means for preventing a card that is being delivered into one of the card pocketsfrom rebounding back out of the pocket. In particular, the force of a card impacting the front wall or stop may cause the card to rebound and travel back through the pocket (in the direction of the rear of the shuffler). In certain examples, as best illustrated in, a card stopis provided for this purpose. In certain examples, the card stopcomprises an armor other body which is movably mounted, such as for pivoting movement, and has a stop portion. As illustrated, the armmay be somewhat “L” shaped, having a first end which is pivotally mounted to the shuffler and a second end which comprises the stop.

112 92 92 116 118 116 175 20 Means are provided for moving the arm, such as from a retracted position (in which it does not block the card pocketto which cards are being delivered) to an extended position (in which it is positioned adjacent the front or open end of a card pocket). As illustrated, this means might comprise a linkagewhich is driven by a rotating drive, such as a crank mechanism which is driven by a motor. As illustrated, forward and/or reverse rotation of the drive causes the linkageto move, such as back and forth about its pivot. In certain examples, this movement is controlled by the controllerof the shuffler.

8 9 FIGS.A and 90 92 90 4 4 122 90 4 123 4 90 4 90 As indicated, and as best illustrated in, the card receiveris movable, preferably in a vertical linear direction to a plurality of target positions (for delivering the cards to assigned pockets). A means is thus provided for moving the card receiver. In certain examples, the means comprises an elevator (for elevating—e.g. raising and/or lowering). In one example, the elevator comprises a motorized belt drive. As illustrated, a motor Mmay be configured to rotate belt Bwhich rotates about a pulley. In one example, the card receiveris coupled to the belt B, such as by a connector. In this manner, as the belt Bmoves up and down, it pulls the card receiverup and down. In one example, the motor Mmay comprise a stepper motor or motors of other types, and the motor might be configured to drive or move the card receiverin other manners (e.g. direct drive, geared drive, etc.).

175 20 4 90 90 92 175 175 70 175 90 175 90 92 90 92 As described below, the controllerof the shufflermay be used to control the operation of the motor M, thus controlling movement and position of the card receiver. This control of the card receiverallows for placement of cards into different card pocketsin a manner which “shuffles” the cards (i.e. randomizes them) and preferably allows them to be formed into hands. As one example, the controllermay use stored or input instructions to determine a number of groups of cards (hands or other groupings) that may need to be formed for a particular game. The controllermay implement a random number generator (RNG) in order to generate random positions for the cards, wherein the random positions comprise randomly selected or assigned card pockets for each card, considering the number of groups or hands which are to be formed. In this manner, while the cards from the card receiving areaare formed into groups or hands, they are also shuffled in the sense that they are randomly assigned to those groups or hands. In one example, the position for each incoming card (from the infeed mechanism) is generated by the controllerbefore the card reaches the card receiver. The controllercauses the card receiverto be moved to a position in which each incoming card is fed into its randomly assigned card pocket(such as by moving the card receiverup and down, as necessary, to align the assigned card pocketwith each incoming card).

92 90 72 20 150 92 72 Once the cards are shuffled by associating them with the pocketsof the card receiver, they can then be delivered to the card dispensing areafor retrieval by the dealer. In certain examples, the shufflerincludes a card ejectorfor moving cards from the card pocketsto the card dispensing area.

8 12 14 FIGS.A,and 150 152 152 152 154 152 20 90 96 92 Referring to, in certain examples, the card ejectorcomprises a pusherand means for moving the pusher. The pushermay comprise a body having a face. The pusheris preferably movable from a retracted position in which it is positioned behind (in the direction of the front of the shuffler) the card receiverso that it does not interfere with movement of the card receiver or placement of cards into the card pockets, and an extended position in which it extends into the channelof the card receiver and can push cards in one of the pocketsrearwardly out of that pocket.

175 90 152 92 152 154 92 In certain examples, when it is desired to eject cards, the controllermoves the card receiverinto a position in which the pusheris aligned with the desired card pocket. The pusheris then extended, causing the faceto contact the cards in the aligned card pocketand force them rearwardly.

154 152 92 94 94 154 152 154 94 154 92 94 90 154 94 94 152 92 90 96 152 96 152 96 94 152 90 92 152 152 92 152 In certain examples, the faceof the pusherhas a height which is equal to or greater than a height H of each card pocket(e.g. the distance between the top of one card dividerand the bottom of the card dividerabove it). In certain examples, the height H of each card pocket H is about 0.125-0.145 inches, and the height of the faceof the card pusheris about 0.25 inches (whereby the height of the faceis greater than the distance between adjacent dividers, ensuring that the facewill contact and push all cards in a pocketbetween two dividersout of the card receiver, but where the height of the faceis not greater than the distance between two adjacent dividers, including the thicknesses of the dividers, whereby the pusherwill not push cards out of more than one pocket). As noted above, in one example, the card receiverincludes a central channel. In certain examples, the width of the pusheris less than the width of the channel, thus allowing the pusherto move into the channel, and thus between opposing portions of each card divider. Thus, when the pusheris in its forward position, it is positioned inside of the card receiver, e.g. between the front and back of the card receiver at one of the card pockets, and thus forces any cards in that pocket rearwardly and out of the pocket. As noted above, because the height of the faceof the card pusheris equal to or greater than the height of the card pocket, the card pusherassuredly pushes all of the cards out of the corresponding pocket, no matter how many are in the pocket (e.g. the cards in the pocket cannot ride over the top of the pusher or the stack of cards in the pocket cannot be so high that the pusher does not engage all of them).

156 20 42 24 22 158 72 156 156 8 FIG.A In certain examples, the ejected cards move generally horizontally and pass through a gate or openingto the exterior of the shuffler(behind the raised areaof the upper portionof the housing), and onto a sloping card rampthat leads to the card dispensing area. As best illustrated in, the gatemay comprise a hinged or rotating door type structure which opens (to allow cards to pass therethrough) and closes (to obscure the interior of the shuffler from exterior view). The gatemay be moved by a means for moving, such as a motor or other drive.

152 5 160 161 5 160 5 152 5 163 160 152 As indicated, the pusheris moved by a means for moving. In certain examples, this comprises belt Bwhich is mounted on a first driven pulleyand a second idler pulley. A motor Mdrives the driven pulley, which in turn drives a belt B. The pusheris connected to the belt B, such as by a clamp, whereby movement of the pulleyeffectuates direct movement of the pusher.

20 70 70 In the example illustrated, and as described above, the cards are ejected at a vertical position of the shufflerwhich is higher than the elevation or vertical position at which the cards are placed into the card receiving areaand delivered from the card receiving areainto the shuffler.

Additional features and benefits of the disclosure will now be described.

8 FIG.A 20 180 180 180 70 70 90 180 In certain examples, as illustrated in, the shufflermay include a card reader. The card readermay comprise an image capture device (such as CCD, CMOS or other types now known or later developed), which is configured to capture an image of each card (or a portion thereof) that is shuffled. In certain examples, the card readermay be configured to read or scan cards as they pass from the card receiving areato the card shuffler, and particularly to capture an image of the bottom or “face” of each card (that bears the card distinguishing indicia, such as rank and suit). In this regard, as noted above, during this process, cards are individually moved in sequence from the card receiving areato the card receiver, allowing each of them to be separately read. In other examples, the device might comprise other types of sensors for sensing, reading or otherwise capturing one or more elements of information about the cards, such as the card rank and/or suit or other identifying information of the card. Further, the location of the card readermay vary.

90 20 90 In certain examples, the captured card information, such as the captured card images, is not used in the card shuffling process—e.g. is not used to determine the order or placement of the cards. As indicated above, this is done using an RNG and without regarding to the particular identity of each card. However, by scanning each card, the identity of each card can be matched to its determined location in the card receiver(as determined by the RNG process) and each associated group of cards. In this manner, information is known regarding the cards dealt to each player, the dealer, to the community, etc., which information may be used for a variety of purposes (triggering bonuses, confirming game wins, etc.). In one example, the read card information is stored in association with information regarding the card's location (the assigned pocket), such as in a memory of the shuffler. In one example, the read card information and the card location for each card is generated and stored in the memory before each card reaches the card receiver. In one example, the stored card information may comprise an image of the read card information, while in others, the read card information might be transformed, such as from an image to data regarding the card (such as instead of an image of the card, the image information could be converted to information such as 8%).

156 158 72 156 158 158 156 72 72 26 22 20 156 8 FIG.A As indicated, in certain examples, cards are ejected through the gateonto the rampthat leads to the card dispensing area. As further described, in certain examples, the gate() and card rampare elevated, thus allowing the cards to move down the rampfrom the gateto the card dispensing area. Because the top of the card dispensing areais generally level with the top of the lower portionof the housing, it is thus at approximately the same level as the surface of a gaming table in which the shuffleris installed. This means that the gateis then located above the height of the table surface, raising the potential for persons to see the face of the cards (which are facing downwardly when ejected).

190 190 40 190 62 26 22 190 156 190 190 190 40 1 2 5 FIGS.,and 7 FIG. 8 FIG.A Because this is undesirable, in certain examples, a card shieldmay be provided. As illustrated in, the card shieldpreferably comprises a wall or barrier that extends upwardly around at least a portion of the card area. The card shieldmay be connected to the flange(see) of the lower portionof the housingand then extend upwardly therefrom. In certain examples, the card shieldextends upwardly a sufficient height to prevent viewing of cards being ejected, such as by extending upwardly to approximately the same elevation as the gate, as illustrated in. In certain examples, the card shieldis constructed from aluminum, plastic or a similar material, and is opaque to prevent persons from seeing through it. The card shieldmay also serve additional functionality, such as a protector against spilled drinks or the like (wherein the upwardly extending configuration of the card shieldalso reduces the potential for spilled liquid or the like from getting into the card area).

190 190 192 32 20 42 24 22 30 20 192 34 20 42 24 22 30 20 2 FIG. The card shieldmay comprise one or more bodies or sections. As illustrated in, in certain examples, the card shieldcomprises a first barrierwhich is located at the first sideof the shufflerand extends from generally the raised areaof the upper portionof the housingto the rearof the shuffler, and a second barrierwhich is located at the second sideof the shufflerand extends from generally the raised areaof the upper portionof the housingto the rearof the shuffler.

190 190 62 190 20 Of course, the card shieldmight have other configurations, such as comprising a single barrier member or more than two. Further, the card shieldmay be connected to the flangein manners other than fasteners, such as screws. For example, the card shieldmight be formed as an integral portion of the housing.

190 20 20 192 192 When the card shieldincludes first and second barriers for location at generally opposing sides of the shuffler, in some examples, only one of the barriers might be used at a given time, such as depending upon the orientation of the shufflerrelative to the dealer and players. For example, only the first barriermight be used or only the second barriermight be used at a given time.

90 4 4 90 122 90 4 As indicated above, in certain examples of the disclosure, a means for moving the card receivercomprises an elevator, such as in the form a belt drive which comprises a motor Mwhich drives a belt B(to which the card receiveris connected, such as with one or more clamps) which is mounted drive element of the motor and an idler pulley. It is important to ensure that the card receivermoves and stops quickly and precisely. Therefore, any deflection of belt Bis problematic.

20 200 122 210 210 4 4 210 312 4 210 210 11 FIGS.A-D In certain examples, the shufflerof the disclosure includes a belt tensioner. As illustrated in, the driven pulleymay be movably mounted, such as on a first movable mount. The first movable mountis preferably movable linearly towards and away from the motor Mand/or the element that the motor drives to turn the belt B(such as by slidable mounting of the first movable mountto a frame element, described in more detail below). In this manner, the tension on the belt Bmay be increased (when the first movable mountis moved upwardly in this example) or decreased (when the first movable mountis moved downwardly in this example). In another examples, the position of the driving pulley might be movably mounted.

200 212 212 312 214 210 214 210 211 210 212 11 FIG.D The belt tensionermay include a tensioning adjuster. As best illustrated in, a second movable mountmay also be provided, where the second movable mountmay also be configured for sliding/linear movement relative to the frame element). As illustrated, a resilient element such as a coil springis preferably positioned between the second movable mount and the first movable mount. Means are provided for adjusting the compression of the coil spring, and thus the force applied to the first movable mount. This means may comprise, for example, a threaded boltwhich passes through the movable mountand engages second movable mount.

210 211 210 214 213 210 210 211 210 212 214 210 4 210 213 210 312 In use, the user may adjust the force applied to the first movable mountby turning the bolt, thus compressing or decompressing the spring, thus changing the upward force on the first movable mountvia the spring. In order to set the desired tension on the belt, the user may release fastenerswhich lock the first movable mountin position. The user may then set the desired force on the movable mountby turning the bolt(which changes the distance between the first movable mountand the second movable mount, and thus the biasing force generated by the springtherebetween). When the desired upward force is applied to the first movable mount(and thus the amount of tension on the belt B), the user may lock the first movable mountin position via one or more fasteners(which are associated with the first moveable mountand may move relative to a slot in the frame element).

4 213 210 210 20 Advantageously, if the belt Bstretches, the user can release the fasteners, adjust the force applied to the first movable mount, and then re-lock the first movable mountin the newly adjusted position. This adjustment might be performed during designated maintenance on the shuffler.

20 20 22 22 12 FIG. Another aspect of the disclosure comprises a construction of the shuffler, including the design and interconnection thereof to accommodate and maintain tight tolerances. As best illustrated in, various components of the shufflermay be associated with a frame. The frame may be located within the housingand the various portions of the housingmay thus cover and/or connect to the frame.

310 1 3 84 20 70 72 312 314 310 316 310 312 314 In certain examples, the frame may comprise a base or base plate, such as a generally planar plate comprising machined aluminum. Elements of the card infeed system, including the motors M-M, the rollersand associated features (including, as illustrated, elements of the shufflerthat comprise or define the card receiving areaand card dispensing area) may be associated with first and second vertical supports,that extend upwardly from the base plate(and are spaced from one another). Other frame elements, such as an end capor other elements, may be associated with the base plateand/or first and second vertical supports,.

90 318 320 318 320 310 312 314 318 320 In certain examples, the movable card receiveris associated with third and fourth vertical supports,. The third and fourth vertical supports,are also connected to the base plate. The first and second vertical supports,may also be connected to the third and fourth vertical supports,.

12 FIG. 322 324 20 As illustrated in, the frame may include other elements, such as one or more downwardly extending supports,, such as for supporting the shuffler.

The various elements of the frame may be connected to one another in various manners, such as with fasteners. In certain examples, one or more of the frame elements may be interconnected, such as in a tab and slot arrangement. Such a configuration aids in ensuring that the frame elements are maintained in alignment (because of the rigidity of the frame elements themselves and the contact of the frame elements with one another, rather than merely by fasteners alone, which can loosen and also not adequately counter-act bending forces). Secondarily, fasteners may be used to join the frame members, such as for further counter-acting bending forces.

20 90 70 90 90 90 98 94 92 In certain examples, a means may be provided for adjusting the position of one or more components of the shuffler, such as to ensure continued alignment of the components. In certain examples, this means may comprise a means for adjusting the position of the card receiverrelative to the card infeed mechanism. As described above, in certain examples, cards are fed in along a generally linear and horizontal path from the card receiving areato the card receiver. It is important to maintain alignment of the card receiverrelative to the card infeed mechanism in order to ensure that cards are properly fed to the card receiver—including so that the cards impact the card rampsof the card dividersand are directed to the proper card pockets.

11 FIG.B 326 312 328 90 In certain examples, as illustrated in, a first calibration mark or indicatormay be provided on a portion of the frame which supports the card infeed mechanism, such as the first vertical support. A second calibration mark or indicatormay be provided on a portion of the card receiver.

20 90 4 90 20 In one example, a user (such as a technician) may calibrate the shufflerby aligning the calibration marks (in that over time, the position of the card receiver, etc., may get out of alignment). As one example, the user may access a calibration feature, such as by a menu of the controller (which is described below). The calibration feature may, for example, allow the user to provide up/+ or down/− inputs which the controller uses to cause the motor Mto move, thereby adjusting the position of the card receiver, until the technician confirms that the calibration marks are aligned (by visual inspection and continued adjustment inputs). In other examples, the calibration might be manual, such as by providing one or more adjustment screws or bolts which, when turned, cause the position of one or more of the elements of the shufflerto move.

20 175 175 178 175 175 58 66 88 180 20 175 170 64 175 20 1 5 90 80 150 50 8 FIG.A 15 FIG. a,b As indicated above, operation of the shuffleris preferably controlled by a controller. The controllermay comprise hardware and/or software, such as a processor which executes machine-readable code (e.g. software) which is stored in a memory. As illustrated in, one or more of the components of the controllermay be associated with a circuit or motherboard. As illustrated in, the controllermay be configured to receive information, including inputs or data from external devices and systems via the one or more communication ports or interfaces, one or more buttons, the card sensor, a card reader(as described below) or other input devices of the shuffler. The controllermay also be configured to illuminate the indicatorsand cause information to be displayed on the video display. The controlleris also configured to control other elements of the shuffler, such as the various motors (including motors M-M) or other drive mechanisms, including for moving the card receiver, the moveable side wall, the card ejector, etc., the fan(s), etc.

20 175 88 20 22 90 72 20 70 90 It will be appreciated that the shufflermay include, and the controllermay thus communicate with, a variety of sensors other than those described in detail above. For example, aside from the card infeed sensor, other sensors such as motor, card or other sensors might be provided for enabling and/or confirming operation of the shuffler. For example, various sensors might be used to detect motor positions, the absence or presence of portions of the housing, the presence of one or more cards in the card receiver, the presence of cards in the card dispensing area(such as used to determine when to eject another set of cards) and/or the location or movement of cards. For example, one or more sensors may be used to determine the flow of cards through one or more portions of the shuffler, such as from the card receiving areato the card receiver. In one example, these sensors might comprise “cut-beam” type sensors (where the presence of a card cuts an emitted light beam), and where the one or more sensors may be positioned so that movement of the cards is detected in manner which can be used to determine if the cards are moving at a target rate or speed (where if the beams emitted by the sensors are not cut or triggered at designated times or time intervals so as to indicate normal flow of cards, a fault condition may be triggered). As indicated, the sensors may be of various types, such as beam sensors, Hall-Effect sensors, pressure, contact or other types.

175 92 90 175 92 92 In certain examples, as described above, the controlleris configured to randomize cards via random assignment of cards to the pocketsof the card receiver. As indicated, in certain examples, the controllerimplements a random number generator (RNG). Generated random numbers are correlated or assigned to the card pockets. Individual cards are moved to a card pocketas determined by the RNG, whereby the placement of the cards is fully randomized.

175 In certain examples, the controlleris configured to generate one or more groups of cards, such as one or more hands or sets of cards. The number of groups or sets and the number of cards of each group of set might be defined by the game which is being played. For example, in a game of stud poker where each player receives five (5) cards and four (4) players are playing the game, the controller may be configured to cause a deck of cards to be randomized into the card slots and then delivered (ejected) from the cards slots into four groups of five cards, one group for each player hand.

175 64 66 64 66 40 66 70 62 66 66 a,b a,b a,b a,b a,b 1 FIG. In certain examples, the controlleris configured to only cause information to be displayed on the one or more video displaysin response to a user input, such as the one or more buttonsor a touch-device or screen (such as associated with the video display) or other input device. In one example, the buttonscomprise first and second buttons which are located at or adjacent to the card receiving and dispensing area. For example, as illustrated in, the buttonsmight be located adjacent to the card receiving area, such as near the flange. The buttonsmight be of various types which are configured to receive user input, such as via touch or depression. The buttonsmight comprise one or more visual indicators, such as a light or light ring, wherein the visual indicator might be selectively illuminated, such as in different colors.

170 170 44 20 170 64 170 66 170 a,b In certain examples, at least one indicator(such as LEDs) may provide information to the user. The indicatorsmight be provided, for example, at the control panelportion of the shuffler. As illustrated, the indicatorsmight be located adjacent to the display. However, it might be located in other positions. In one example, the indicatorsmight be illuminated in different colors (such as green (normal operation), yellow (indicating required input by the user to the shuffler) and red (warning condition, such as requiring technician intervention)). In one example, the visual indicators of the buttons, may be synchronously illuminated to the indicator(s).

175 170 66 66 64 a,b a,b In certain examples, when the controlleris awaiting instructions or input by a user, it may activate the indicatorsand buttons, such as by illuminating the LEDs in yellow. The user is then alerted that they need to provide input to the controller, such as to cause the controller to display certain information to the user, including instructions, options or other information. This input might comprise input to a buttonand/or input to the display.

175 20 In certain examples, the controllermay, in response to such user input, be configured to display various information in response to user input, such as information regarding options to begin shuffling, create hands for particular games, stop shuffling, display shuffled hand information, or other information. The user may provide input, such as relative to such selections, to cause the shufflerto initiate shuffling, including creating shuffled hands for a particular game.

20 175 20 175 As indicated, the shuffleris preferably configured to shuffle cards and create one or more groups of cards, such as hands which are required for the play of a game. The controllermay allow the user to select a particular game being played and/or other parameters, so that the controller can control the shufflerto create the correct number of hands (whether player or dealer hands) and/or community card sets, including with the correct or desired number of cards per hand/set. In some examples, the controllermay be programmable (such as via external connection to another device, such as a laptop or server) in order to reprogram the controller, such as to include information regarding additional or new games, and/or the user may be permitted to similarly program the controller. Game or other information, such as the number of sets of cards, number of cards per set, etc., may be stored in the memory and be used by the processor to generate the required number of sets or hands of cards and/or sets or hands of cards with particular numbers of cards, for different types of games.

16 FIG. 20 1 20 56 2 64 illustrates one example flow of the general operation of the shuffler. In a step S, the shufflermay be powered on, such as by use of the power switch, if the shuffler is not already powered on. In a step S, the dealer may provide input of a particular operation, such as by selecting an option from a menu or list displayed by the display, such as via the associated touch-screen. The option may comprise, for example, a shuffling and hand-dealing operation associated with a particular game.

3 175 70 88 70 80 In step S, the controllermay be configured to receive the selected operation input and then check for cards in the card receiving area, such as based upon an output of the card sensor. If no cards are detected, the operation may repeat until the dealer places cards into the card receiving area. At this time, the movable side wallis located in its vertical position.

70 175 92 90 4 175 80 1 5 80 70 175 2 84 80 6 When cards are detected in the card receiving area, the controllermay generate random numbers and utilize those random numbers to assign card positions to each card, wherein the card positions correspond to card pocketsof the card receiver, as in step S. The controllermay then activate the movable sidewall, such as by activating motor M, in order to begin processing of the cards, as at step S. As indicated above, this activation may cause the movable sidewallto move from a vertical position to a tilted position in which it contacts the cards in the card receiving area. At the same time, the controllerpreferably actuates or drives the card infeed mechanism, such as by activating motor Mand driving the rollers, thus drawing cards from the bottom of the card receiving area, such as indicated at step S.

7 180 178 In step S, each in-fed card may be read by the card readerand the card information may be stored in the memory, such as in association with the assigned position for the card.

175 90 4 92 8 70 80 2 3 84 The controllerpreferably moves the card receiver(such as by activation of motor M) so that the pocketto which each card is assigned is aligned with the incoming card, allowing each card to be moved to its assigned pocket, as in step S. In one example, this process of in-feeding cards and directing them to pockets continues until all cards have been processed from the card receiving area(at which point the infeed mechanism may be deactivated, including by moving the movable sidewallback to its vertical position and turning off the motors Mand Mwhich drive sets of the rollers).

10 175 90 92 150 175 150 152 92 90 11 12 175 72 The cards may then be ejected. As indicated, in step S, the controllermay cause the card receiverto move vertically up and down so that individual pocketsare aligned with the card ejector. The controllermay then activate the card ejector, causing the pusherto push the cards associated with a pocketout of the card receiver, as at step S, so that the cards are dispensed into the card dispensing area, as reflected at step S, where they may be retrieved by the dealer. As indicated herein, in one example, the controlleris configured to process the cards into one or more groups, such as hands, whereby the hands (whether player hands, a dealer hand, one or more community cards, etc.) are dispensed to the card dispensing areafor retrieval by the dealer.

20 The shufflermay have various advantages and solve various problems over existing shuffling or card handling devices.

72 70 90 92 90 90 92 150 Advantages of the top of the card dispensing areabeing higher than the top of the card receiving areamay be that it facilitates a card receiver(described below) that has numerous card slots or pockets, while still permitting the card receiverto have the range of motion (in the vertical direction) which is necessary to both align the pockets thereof with cards being fed into the pockets by the card infeed mechanism of the shuffler, and also to allow the card receiverto move vertically to a position in which the pocketscan be aligned with the card ejector.

20 70 80 80 70 80 70 70 20 20 As indicated, another feature of the disclosure is a shufflerhaving a card receiving areawith a moveable sidewall. The moveable sidewallforms a portion of the card receiving area, such as one sidewall thereof, when in a first or vertical position. At the same time, the movable sidewallcan be tilted into the card receiving areato engage the top of the one or more cards therein, thus aiding in forcing the cards downwardly to be drawn from the bottom of the card receiving areainto the shufflerby the infeed mechanism. This design is compact and does not require a separate arm or weight that takes up space in the shufflerand requires other components to be relocated.

It will be understood that the above-described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this disclosure and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims.