Batch Card Shuffling Apparatuses Including Multi-Card Storage Compartments, and Related Methods

摘要

Automatic card shufflers include a card input mechanism for inputting cards into the card shuffler, a card storage device for receiving cards from the card input mechanism and temporarily storing cards within the card shuffler, and a card output mechanism for outputting shuffled cards from the card shuffler. The card storage device may include a movable rack configured to move vertically within the card shuffler. The movable rack may have a plurality of card storage compartments therein, each of which may be sized and configured to hold two cards therein. The card output mechanism includes a movable ejector configured to simultaneously eject cards out from two or more card storage compartments of the movable rack. Related methods include methods of fabricating such card shufflers, and methods of using such card shufflers.

主权项

1. An automatic card shuffler, comprising:
a card input mechanism configured to input cards into the automatic card shuffler to randomize the cards; a card storage device positioned and configured to receive cards from the card input mechanism and temporarily store cards within the automatic card shuffler; a card output mechanism configured to transfer randomized cards from the card storage device and output the randomized cards from the automatic card shuffler; and a control system configured to receive input from a user of the automatic card shuffler, to output information to a user of the automatic card shuffler, and to control operation of components of the card input mechanism, the card storage device, and the card output mechanism, the control system comprising:
a first control panel located within the automatic card shuffler such that the first control panel is inaccessible to a user of the automatic card shuffler from outside the automatic card shuffler during normal use; anda second control panel located at least partially at an exterior of the automatic card shuffler such that the second control panel is accessible to a user of the automatic card shuffler from outside the automatic card shuffler during normal use.