Abstract:
A mechanical shuffling apparatus is disclosed having a mechanism for delivering a single card through a horizontally disposed slot such that mechanical damage to the card is minimized and adequate shuffling of a deck of cards is achieved. The horizontally disposed slot is sized to receive a single card and can be adjusted or calibrated by card manufacturer or type. Additionally, the mechanical shuffler has a weight to flatten cards disposed on a horizontal plane. By keeping cards flat and minimizing mechanical damage to the card the mechanical shuffler disclosed herein also avoids delays and damage caused by jamming.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a card shuffler and more particularly to a mechanical card shuffler for randomly shuffling playing cards. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Casinos, card rooms, and other gaming establishments employ many dealers. The dealers shuffle cards, deal the cards, take bets, and otherwise play the game. Substantial amounts of the dealers&#39; time is spent shuffling the decks of cards in preparation for the ensuing hands. During the time the dealer is shuffling, the game table is inactive and bets are not being placed. From the standpoint of the casino, it is desirable to minimize the time spent in preparing the decks of cards for additional play. 
     A number of prior art card deck shuffling machines have been invented. Most of the prior automatic shufflers have suffered from various problems. Many are relatively slow and do not help the basic problem encountered by the gaming establishment. Others are relatively complex and thus expensive to build and maintain. 
     Another problem area suffered by both manual and automated shuffling techniques is associated with having concentrated groupings of cards. These concentrations or “slugs” can occur with respect to cards having a value of 10 such as in playing blackjack. A skilled card-counting gambler can take advantage of such slugs to turn the odds against the casino and in favor of the card counter. Such slugs can also indicate the failure of prior art shufflers to effectively rearrange the order of cards in a deck or decks being shuffled. 
     Thus there remains a strong need for improved shuffling machines which can effectively reorder a deck or series of decks. Additionally, there remains a need for an improved automatic shuffler which is relatively easy to build, operate, and maintain. 
     In one shuffler of the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,483, ejectors are mounted adjacent an unshuffled stack holder, which can be stationary or movable. Cards are ejected and discharged from the unshuffled stack at various random positions. The ejectors can be mounted on a movable carriage. Ejectors of this sort can be problematic because they can damage the card edges from impact and generate dust that can foul the internal workings of the apparatus unless it is consistently cleaned and maintained. Furthermore, the ejector apparatus does not fully deliver the card to the shuffled stack, so a variety of problems can happen with the delivery of the card. For example, sometimes the ejector can hit more than one card causing doubles or more to be delivered to the shuffled stack. Moreover, if two cards are stuck together for one reason or another, they often will not become separated upon impact of the ejector, causing doubles to be delivered to the shuffled stack. 
     In another shuffler of the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,152, an unshuffled stack of cards sits on-edge and an exciter is adapted to impart vibrational action to the supported cards in the unshuffled stack. Cards drop in a random fashion by controlling the relative position of the cards over one or more card slots. These arrangements function well enough in terms of shuffling the cards, however, the system only allows for entering cards “on edge,” not easily permitting the continuous addition of spent cards that have been played to the unshuffled deck for reshuffling and therefore continuous dispensing of cards. For certain games, such as, for example, Pai Gow, it is advantageous to provide the ability to place spent cards back in the shuffler for shuffling without having to completely empty the shuffler of unshuffled cards. 
     Another problem with prior art shufflers of the type described above in U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,152 is that the cards drop by the force of gravity and can become snagged or stuck and not fall into place if the cards are damaged or warped. Furthermore, the slot through which unshuffled cards pass is located underneath the unshuffled cards and the unshuffled card sits on an edge and must rotate into a horizontal plane to be delivered to the dealer. This rotation adds extra time before the dealer may deal cards. In a casino environment, time efficiencies are extremely important to keep games moving and increase the number and amounts of bets placed, so the additional time to rotate the cards into a horizontal plane prior to dealing can add up. 
     An additional problem presented by shufflers of the prior art such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,988,152 is that the slot through which cards pass from the unshuffled stack into the shuffled stack can become jammed with one or more cards. This is because there is no mechanism by which the cards are completely delivered through the slot from the unshuffled deck to the shuffled deck. Absent such a complete delivery mechanism, there exists substantial risk of doubles making it through the slot or of the slot becoming jammed with one or more cards. Furthermore, the leading edge of the card may not always hit the center of the slot, causing impact and damage to the leading edge of the card, which also generates dust and can foul the internal mechanisms of the shuffler. 
     In the prior art shuffler of the kind described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,526 a shuffler is provided that uses one or more rollers and a pushing member which is used to “seat” unshuffled cards into a dealing rack (shuffled card rack). Each card is rolled off the bottom of the stack in a sequential order and is placed in a position in a rack which is randomly positioned to accept such card. These various types of shufflers suffer from a variety of problems related to the use of rollers and multiple moving parts and mechanisms. The rollers in general move the cards through a variety of twists and turns and, in so doing, the cards can become warped and damaged. The shufflers of these various types also involve several different sets of moving parts and mechanisms. The use of multiple moving parts and mechanisms can provide areas for breakdown in the shuffling apparatus and require repeated and constant maintenance or frequent repair. Furthermore, shufflers involving multiple moving mechanisms of this type can take up a lot of space. 
     Therefore, there exists a need for a mechanical shuffler that is compact and can shuffle cards on the fly in a continuous fashion so as to not substantially interrupt play. There also exists a need for a mechanical shuffler that avoids the use of ejectors, rollers, or like mechanisms which can damage the cards and generate excessive amounts of card dust that might foul the internal mechanisms of the shuffler. There also exists a need for a shuffler that completely and randomly delivers a single card at a time from an unshuffled stack to a shuffled stack and thereby avoids the problem of cards snagging to jamming in the shuffling mechanism. Finally there exists a need for a mechanical shuffler that is programmable for dealing hands specific to certain types of games wherein spent cards may be placed directly back into the machine at any time during the play to be further dealt so as to avoid delays in play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a mechanical shuffler comprising the following, a generally planar base, a platform sized to receive at least one deck of unshuffled cards, the platform movable in a direction of travel normal to the generally planar base, a first electrically powered motor mechanically coupled to the platform and configured to raise or lower the platform in response to a first signal, a slot positioned adjacent to the platform and sized to receive a single card from a deck of unshuffled cards wherein the deck of unshuffled cards rests atop the platform and wherein the slot is in communication with an area for the delivery of shuffled cards, a generally planar shim having a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of a single playing card and having a generally rectangular void, wherein the generally rectangular void is sized to allow the deck of unshuffled cards to pass through it, and wherein the generally planar shim is horizontally movable in a direction normal to the direction of travel of the platform and the unshuffled deck of cards, and a second electrically powered motor mechanically coupled to the generally planar shim wherein said second electrically powered motor is configured to move the generally planar shim in response to a second signal. 
     The invention also encompasses a mechanical shuffler comprising the following: an elevator for vertically moving a stack of unshuffled cards, a slot positioned adjacent to the elevator and sized to receive a single card from a deck of unshuffled cards, and a shim having a generally rectangular void, wherein the generally rectangular void is sized to allow the deck of unshuffled cards to pass through it, and wherein the shim is horizontally movable in a direction normal to the direction of travel of the elevator and the unshuffled deck of cards. 
     The invention also encompasses a method wherein the method includes one or more of the following steps: vertically moving a stack of unshuffled cards to a random position relative to a slot positioned adjacent to the stack of unshuffled cards, providing a shim having a generally rectangular void, wherein the generally rectangular void is sized to allow the deck of unshuffled cards to pass through it after the stack of unshuffled cards has been moved to a random position relative to the slot, moving the shim horizontally in a direction normal to the direction of travel of the unshuffled deck of cards such that a single card is selected at random from the stack of unshuffled cards and moved through the slot and into an area for the delivery of shuffled cards. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mechanical shuffler made in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a mechanical shuffler made in accordance with principles of the present invention with the cover removed. 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up, a perspective, front view of a mechanical shuffler made in accordance with principles of the present invention without the cover. 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up, a perspective, front view of a mechanical shuffler made in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up, a perspective, rear view of a mechanical shuffler made in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a vertical articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a vertical articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a vertical articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing some of the elements of the vertical articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing some of the elements of the vertical articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a view of a shim usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a view of a shim usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a view of a shim usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a shim assembly and horizontal articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a shim assembly and horizontal articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a shim assembly and horizontal articulation mechanism usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a front-side, planar view of a mechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a detailed view of the slot, unshuffled cards, and shim usable in accordance with principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a front, planar view of a slot assembly usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a front, partial, planar view of a slot assembly usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the pin assembly usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram describing an automated shuffling system usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is schematic diagram describing example steps used in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for a mechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for a mechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of the present invention with the cover removed. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for a mechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of the present invention with the cover removed and the surrounding table removed to show mechanisms below the table. 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment for a mechanical shuffler usable in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Mechanical shuffler  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  with the cover  16 . Preferably, the cover is made from an opaque or semi-opaque plastic, but the invention also contemplates use of a translucent plastic material. The shuffler  10  includes a receiving space  18  that is cut into the top of cover  16 . The receiving space  18  is sized to receive cards to be shuffled  12 . These cards to be shuffled  12  can be cards from a newly opened deck of cards or they can be cards from spent (i.e., played) cards dealt. 
     Receiving space  18  is also formed at one corner with an integral piece of plastic forming a guiding member  20 . Guiding member  20  can be used to straighten the stack of unshuffled cards  12  such that any misaligned cards are put into proper alignment so that the entire stack of unshuffled cards  12  can be placed inside of receiving space  18 . As depicted in the illustrated embodiment, guiding member  20  has rounded corners and is formed generally to occupy the top left-hand corner of receiving space  18 . Alternative shapes and configurations are contemplated. 
     Shuffled cards  14  are dispensed as shown in  FIG. 1  through a card catch assembly  22 . The card catch assembly  22  is integrally formed into the cover  16  but can alternatively be a separate piece and in any configuration suitable for dispensing cards or hands to be dealt. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2  cover  16  is removable and when so removed exposes the internal shuffling mechanism  24  of the illustrated embodiment. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that that particular mechanical arrangements for shuffler  10  and in particular, the internal shuffling mechanism  24 , can vary widely and that specific embodiment illustrated is not intended to limit the invention claimed to the particular mechanics employed or illustrated. With that said,  FIG. 2  shows that shuffler  10  and an internal shuffling mechanism  24  that is generally comprised of a generally planar base  28  which includes a plurality of fastener holes  26  for securing the cover  16 . Generally, the shuffler  24  also includes a first side wall  30 , second side wall  32 , and first front support  34 , a second front support  36 , and a top framing member  58 . Shuffler  10  seen in  FIG. 2  is of the front side of the mechanical arrangement and this shows an area for vertical articulation and a vertical articulating mechanism  40  as well as an area for the delivery of shuffled cards with a card delivery mechanism  38 . 
     The card delivery mechanism employed in the illustrated embodiment is through the use of a slide  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, slide  42  is of a sufficient slope to permit the shuffled cards to slide by the force of gravity to the card catch assembly  22 . The vertical articulating mechanism  40  and card delivery mechanism  38  are separated by a support  36 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , shuffler  10  as illustrated, preferably includes at least two linear servo motors. The first linear servo motor  44  drives the horizontally articulating cover  48 , which optionally can include a weight (not shown) that can freely sit atop the cards to be shuffled  12 . The use of a free weight atop cards to be shuffled is advantageous to provide a means by which the cards to be shuffled  12  are flattened. Throughout the course of play, it is not unusual for card players to hold cards in their hand and to warp or bend cards. Cards can also become warped or bent from the method by which a player or the dealer places them on the table or picks them up from the table. By affixing a weight that sits atop the cards to be shuffled, any warped cards are held in a substantially flat orientation notwithstanding being warped or bent. 
     First linear servo motor  44  and second linear servo motor  46  are preferably linear DC-servomotors consisting of a non-magnetic metal alloy casing (stator) with a built-in coil and analogue Hall sensors for rapid and precise movement and articulation. The servo motors  44  and  46  have a high precision metal cylinder filled with permanent magnets, the cylinder capable of moving concentrically inside the stator resulting in a miniature linear motor drive mechanism. Preferably the linear servo motors are of the Quicksaft® brand, model LM1247, available from Faulhaber Minimotor SA. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , shuffler  10  includes a vertical articulating mechanism  40  that is further comprised of vertically moving member  50  a first rod for vertical articulation  52  and a second rod for vertical articulation  54 . Additionally, the top assembly for vertical articulation  56  can also be seen in  FIGS. 2-4 . Furthermore, shuffler  10  as illustrated includes an optical switch  71 . Optical switch  71  is preferably a slotted optical switch such as those available from TT Elecronics, Optek Technology sold under the name Photologic®. Optical switch  71  senses when horizontally articulating cover  48  is in the “closed” position, and thus when the shuffler  10  is unable to receive a vertically articulating stack of unshuffled cards  12 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any switching mechanism is contemplated by the invention and the invention is not necessarily limited to the use of an optical switch as shown. 
     With particular reference now to  FIG. 4 , horizontally articulating cover  48  is shown in the “closed” position. Arrow  60  indicates the direction of movement for the horizontally articulating cover  48 . When closed, horizontally articulating cover is seated around the top assembly for vertical articulation  56  at an area defined by a notch  80  in the cover  48 . When in the “closed” position, the servo arm  62  of the first linear servo motor  44  extends through to the front right of the shuffler  10 . Likewise, in this position, first horizontal cover guide  64  and second horizontal cover guide  66  can be seen on the cover mating surface  68 . Guides  64  and  66  are meant to keep horizontally articulating cover  48  on a relatively straight track as it moves in a horizontal direction  60 .  FIG. 4  also shows optical switch  70  as well as a first threaded screw  72  and a second threaded screw  74 . In addition, the optical switch  70  is shown. In general, guides  64  and  66 , along with optical switch  70 , keep horizontally articulating cover  48  from sliding at unwanted times or in response to being tipped to one side or the other. Optical switch  70  senses when horizontally articulating cover  48  is in the “open” position, and thus when the shuffler  10  is able to receive a vertically articulating stack of unshuffled cards  12 . Horizontally articulating cover slides generally along a first rod for horizontal articulation  76  and a second rod for horizontal articulation  78 , along direction  60  as guided by guides  64  and  66 . 
       FIG. 5  shows, in general, the rear of the internal shuffling mechanism  24 . From the rear as shown in  FIG. 5 , horizontally articulating cover  48  is shown in the “open” position and the internal shuffling mechanism  24  is therefore in a position to receive cards to be shuffled  12 . One can also see in this view the back of the slide  42  and in particular the top of the incline on which shuffled cards will fall and slide. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 6-8 , the mechanism for vertical articulation  81  is described. The illustrated embodiment includes a mechanism for vertical articulation  81  that is generally comprised of a support  82 , a threaded rod  84 , a platform support  92 , and an internally threaded bore  94 . Internally threaded bore  94  is driven up or down depending on the direction of rotation of threaded rod  84 . Threaded rod  84  is driven by the action of electric motor  96 . Electric motor  96  is mechanically coupled to threaded rod  84  by a belt  86 . Belt drive  88  spins by the direct drive provided by electric motor  96 . Belt  86  drives threaded rod  84  and the rotation of threaded rod  84  articulates up or down the platform support  92 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 6-8 , the mechanism for vertical articulation  81  provides for the vertical movement of a stack of unshuffled cards  12 . The stack of unshuffled cards  12  can be one or more full decks. The mechanism for vertical articulation  81  thereby provides an “elevator” type arrangement the raises or lowers a stack of unshuffled cards  12  in a random manner so as to provide a randomized selection of a single card from the stack of unshuffled cards  12 . The selection of a single card in this manner is done by determining or identifying the card from the unshuffled stack  12  at a particular fixed point of reference. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed reference point for selecting a card from the unshuffled stack  12  is fixed relative to the random vertical movement of the elevator apparatus or mechanism for vertical articulation  81 . At any given moment in the random vertical movement of the mechanism for vertical articulation  81 , the fixed point of reference will select a card at random. This random selection of a single card is useful for the preparation and shuffling of cards or the transformation of the unshuffled deck of cards  12  into shuffled cards  14 . In general,  FIG. 7  shows the mode in which the mechanism for vertical articulation  81  is elevated and  FIG. 8  shows the mode in which the mechanism for vertical articulation is lowered. For example, as unshuffled stack  12  is raised or lowered by the alternating and reversible movement of threaded rod  84 , driven as depicted by belt  86 , belt drive  88 , and rod drive  90 , a random card may be selected for inclusion in a hand to be dealt or to be formed. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the unshuffled stack of cards  12  is raised or lowered in the “elevator” through the mechanism for vertical articulation described above with reference to  FIGS. 6-8 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the particular mechanical arrangements for the vertical articulation of the stack of unshuffled cards  12  is unimportant so long as the stack of unshuffled cards  12  is raised or lowered by any mechanism that provides random selection of a card from the unshuffled cards  12 . Any arrangement by which the stack of unshuffled cards are raised or lowered in a random fashion is contemplated by the invention, including but not limited to various belt-drive mechanisms, linear servo motors, or other direct or gear driven arrangements for raising or lowering the stack of unshuffled cards at random. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 11-13 , a shim  120  for delivering cards from the unshuffled stack  12  to the shuffled stack  14  is described. As seen in  FIG. 11 , the shim  120  is comprised of a single sheet of metal formed or fabricated to include a void  128  through which the stack of unshuffled cards  12  can freely pass. Preferably, the void is sized to have dimensions slightly greater than a standard deck of cards, such that the stack of unshuffled cards can only barely pass through the void  128 . Shim  120  includes holes  124  for fastening the shim in a structure that can provide for horizontal articulation of the shim  120 . As best seen in  FIG. 12 , the shim  120  fully encases a single card  122  within the void  128 . As the arrow in  FIG. 12  indicates, the shim  120  preferably moves from left to right, passing through the stack of unshuffled cards  12  at a moment in time where the vertical articulation of the unshuffled stack of cards has ceased, thereby permitting the encasement of a single card  122  within the void  128  of the shim  120 . At this point in time, i.e., when the random vertical articulation of the “elevator” has ceased, the shim  120  completely delivers a single card  122  from the stack of unshuffled cards  12  into the stack of shuffled cards  14 . Once the single card  122  has been delivered in this manner, the elevator mechanism is thereby able to move again in a random vertical manner, stopping once again for another selection of a card from the stack of unshuffled cards  12  and the delivery of a single card  122  by the encasement of that single card  122  inside of shim  120  within void  128 . 
     Preferably, the void  128  of shim  120  is meant to come into substantially full contact with one or more sides of the single card  122  as it passes or “cuts” through the stack of unshuffled cards  12 . In this manner, the single card  122  can be completely delivered by the shim  120  from the stack of unshuffled cards  12  to the stack of shuffled cards  14 . Preferably, the complete delivery of a single card  122  from the unshuffled stack  12  to the shuffled stack  14  is done in a manner that does not substantially damage the edge of the single card  122  or otherwise bend or warp the single card  122 . Preferably, the shim  120  delivers a substantially flat, non-damaged, non-warped card from the stack of unshuffled cards  12  to the stack of shuffled cards  14 . 
     The shim  120  includes a mounting notch  126  and is preferably of a thickness less than that provided by any single card  122  selected from the stack of unshuffled cards  12 . In the embodiment illustrated, the thickness of the shim  120  is 0.010 inches. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other thicknesses might also be advantageous depending on the thickness of the cards to be shuffled. Typically, the average thickness of a standard playing card is approximately 0.012 inches. Accordingly, the illustrated shim, at a thickness of slightly less than the average thickness of a standard playing card provides a good mechanism by which a single card  122  of average thickness can be pushed by one or more sides of the void  128  in the manner depicted  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     Other dimensions of the shim  120  are that it is approximately 5.25 inches long and 4.60 inches wide. The dimensions of the void  128  are preferably 2.60 inches by 3.60 inches and the dimensions of the mounting notch  126  are preferably 3.00 inches by 1.25 inches. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exact measurements of the illustrated embodiment may be varied and still be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the shim may be configured to be a part of a flexible belt or track that revolves in response to one or more signals. In this alternative embodiment for the shim, the belt or track would have several rectangular voids such as that shown as element  128  in  FIGS. 11-13 . As a part of a belt or track, the several rectangular voids  128  would rotate such that at least a portion of the track was traveling in a direction normal to the direction of travel of the stack of unshuffled cards  12 . The void  128  of the shim in this embodiment is meant to come into substantially full contact with one or more sides of the single card  122  as it passes or “cuts” through the stack of unshuffled cards  12 . 
       FIGS. 14-16  show the shim assembly  130  as it is articulated in a horizontal direction, thereby cutting through the stack of unshuffled cards  12  and delivering a single card  122  to the stack of shuffled cards  14 . Shim assembly  130  is comprised generally of top carriage piece  132  and bottom carriage piece  134 . As depicted, the shim assembly  130  slides in a horizontal direction along a first rod for horizontal articulation  136  and a second rod for horizontal articulation  138 . The second linear servo motor  46  actuates the shim assembly  130  causing it to slide horizontally in either direction. 
       FIG. 17  shows the shuffler  10 , and in particular, the internal shuffling mechanism  24  in a planar view from the front. The dashed ellipse identifies a portion of the slot assembly  104 . In operation, the shim assembly  130  as depicted in  FIGS. 14-16  preferably passes through the slot assembly  104 , delivering a card from the unshuffled stack  12  to the shuffled stack  14 , whereby the shim  120  completely delivers a single card  122  through the slot assembly  104 . 
     The mechanical shuffler as shown and described may also be equipped with a card alignment camera in communication with vertical motor  242 . A card alignment camera may be used to help position the unshuffled stack  12  relative to the slot assembly  104  to ensure optimal position for delivery of a single card through the slot. 
       FIG. 18  is a magnified, cross sectional view of the slot assembly  104 . As shown in magnified view, the slot assembly  104  is comprised of an upper slot structure  100  and a lower slot structure  102 . The space between the upper and lower slot structures,  100  and  102 , defines the slot  112 . The slot is preferably about 0.018 inches wide, thereby permitting a single card of average thickness (0.012 inches) to pass through. As depicted in  FIG. 18 , the edge of the shim  120  can be seen as element  120   a . As further depicted in  FIG. 18 , the stack of unshuffled cards  12  can be seen magnified as  12   a , and the trailing edge  122   a  of single card  122  can be seen just before it passes through the slot assembly  104  from right to left. As seen in in this  FIG. 18 , the edge of the shim  120   a  is slightly thinner than the thickness of single card  122   a , such that it substantially evenly strikes the trailing edge of the card  122 , and delivers it completely through the slot assembly  104 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 19-20 , the slot assembly  104  preferably includes a mechanism for adjusting the width of the slot  112 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the slot assembly  104  includes spaces on both sides,  116  and  118 . Spaces  116  and  118  are the spaces through which the shim assembly  120  passes as it moves horizontally. As seen in  FIGS. 19 and 20  the slot assembly  104  is affixed atop a base  152 . The base  152  is the same structure marked as element number  36  in  FIG. 2 , except in  FIGS. 19 and 20  the structure is seen in a different orientation. 
     The width of slot  112  is preferably adjustable by rotation of 4 screws, two of which are depicted in  FIG. 20 . As seen in  FIG. 20 , screws  114  and  115  can be turned to adjust the width of the slot  112  by adjusting the relative height of the upper structure of the slot  100  or the lower structure of the slot  102 , or both. Screws  114  or  115  are turned into or out of the threads located at  148  and  150  on base  152 . Springs  144  and  146  are preferably used to bias the upper slot structure  102  and lower slot structure  100  in a direction away from the base  152 . An identical adjustment mechanism as depicted in  FIG. 20  exists around the other space, i.e., space  118 , of the slot structure  104 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 21 , both the upper slot structure  100  and the lower slot structure  102  slide along press fit pins  108  and  110  (two more are located on the other side of the slot assembly  104 ). Press fit pins  108  and  110  are surrounded by an oblong shaped receiving guide  140 . The oblong guide  140  will substantially relieve stresses placed on the pins that might otherwise exist due to adjustments to the width of the slot  112  by turning of screws  114  or  115 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 22 , a preferable configuration and mode of operation  200  for card shuffler  10  is described and shown. Configuration and mode of operation  200  for card shuffler  10  includes a computer represented by box  222 . The computer  222  includes a processor  224  and at least one computer readable medium  230  with computer executable instructions  228 . The processor  224  is in communication with a random number generator. Several computational methods are available for generating random numbers. In accordance with principles of the present invention, random numbers can be generated by random number generator  226  any known method and the random number can be sent to processor  224 . According to a pivot table, positions of the vertical articulating assembly (shown in  FIGS. 6-8 ) as driven by vertical motor  242  are correlated to random numbers and a signal is sent from computer  222  according to instructions  228  that the vertical articulating assembly should move to a vertical position at random according to the random number generated. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 22 , computer  222  is in communication with vertical motor  242 , linear servo motor  240  and linear servo motor  238 . In the illustrated embodiment, vertical motor  242  is meant to represent the electric motor  96  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . Furthermore, the linear servo motors  238  and  240  are meant to represent linear servo motors  44  and  46  as depicted in  FIG. 2  respectively. According to instructions  228  which are recorded and saved on specially configured computer  222 , signals can be send variously to vertical motor  242 , linear servo motor  240  and linear servo motor  238  to actuate the various vertical and horizontal assemblies. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various methods of programming computer  222  with instructions  228  for the movement of motors  238 ,  240 , and  242  exists in the art and are well known. In general, the instructions  228  will ensure that the horizontal movement of the shim assembly  130  (as depicted in  FIGS. 14-16 ) is coordinated with the vertical movement of the vertical articulation mechanism  40  (as depicted in  FIGS. 6-8 ) such that the horizontal movement of shim assembly  130  only occurs when the vertical movement of the vertical articulation mechanism  40  (i.e., the “elevator”) has ceased at a random vertical location. At such time, the shim assembly  130  will deliver a single card from the stack of unshuffled cards  12  to the stack of shuffled cards  14 . 
     As further depicted in  FIG. 22 , computer  222  may be coupled to a display and a user interface. The coupling can be by any means known in the art, including wireless means and the display may be on the shuffler itself or on a remote device such as a mobile phone or tablet. The user interface may be a touch pad located on the shuffler itself, or can be a local or remote keyboard or touch screen. 
     The configuration  200  as depicted schematically in  FIG. 22  may also include an optional card sensor located within shuffler  10  at a location where the identity of cards selected at random from the stack of unshuffled cards can be recorded and stored in memory. The sensing and storing of the identity of specific cards can be useful for a variety of reasons, namely to control or protect against cheating by a player who introduces cards into his or her hand that were not actually dealt, or by providing methods by which a casino can check on the accuracy and efficiency of the dealer. Methods of sensing and recording the identity of cards through the use of a digital camera that senses visually the suit and value of the card and records that suit and value in a log saved to computer memory may be used. Under such a system, keeping photographs is unnecessary, and the log can be kept using very minimal space in memory. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 23  where a schematic representation is depicted showing a method for use of shuffler  10 . According to this method, the shuffler  10  can be programmed to deal hands for any number of games, including casino card games. Casino card games may be dealt by the shuffler  10  in “hand removal mode” wherein the cards may be removed in preset “hands” of one or more cards per player. Casino card games include games such as Pai Gow, Poker, Caribbean Stud, 3-card Poker, Let it Ride, Hi-Card Flush, Casino War, 4-card Poker, and Baccarat, among others. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 23 , the method starts with the selection of the casino game to be played. This step is depicted schematically by box  254 . Following this step, and depending on the game selected, the computer  222  can be programmed to determine the cards dealt per hand, as represented by box  256 . Following the selection of the number of cards to be dealt per hand, the shuffler deals a hand of that number of cards using the mechanical shuffling means described above, whereby a single card is selected a time and moved completely through a slot sized to receive a single card, whereby a shim is used to completely deliver that card to the hand. According to this method, the number of players is also entered into the computer to determine the number of hands needed to be dealt. At this point the hands are dealt  258 , and at such time the identity of cards are sensed  260 , and the winner of the game is recorded  262 . Through this process the purported winner at the table can be authenticated  246  as checked against the winner the computer  222  determines. Once the hand is played, the spent or played cards can be returned directly to the cards to be shuffled  12  without substantial delay in play to shuffle cards. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 24 through 27 , an alternative embodiment for the invention is described.  FIG. 24  shows a mechanical shuffler  200  usable in accordance with principles of the present invention where several decks can be loaded into the shuffler at one time. There are several casino games requiring up to 6 or sometimes 8 decks of cards in order to keep the pace of play fast and to avoid having to reshuffle and thereby delay play. These games include but are not necessarily limited to Blackjack, Casino War, Baccarat, and mini Bacarat. The shuffler  200  has a cover  210  that extends through a table  220 . The shuffler  200 , in order to accommodate several decks, up to and including as many as 8 decks and perhaps more, will have a significant portion of the apparatus located below the table  220 . The cover  210  for shuffler  200  is of substantially the same design as the cover for other embodiments described herein 
     The shuffler  200  operates on substantially the same mechanical principles as those described herein, namely, the vertical articulation of an unshuffled deck of cards relative to a slot that is disposed in a horizontal plane and sized to receive a single card that is delivered through the slot by a shim. Shuffler  200  differs from previous embodiments in that it may include a card delivery mechanism  240  that is similar to a traditional card delivery mechanism at the end of a traditional shoe of cards. Card delivery mechanism  240  permits the dealer to slide a single card at a time such as may be required for some casino game such as blackjack. 
     The Shuffler  200  can be seen I  FIGS. 25 and 26  without the cover, thereby exposing the inner mechanics of the shuffler. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shuffler  200  operates on substantially the same mechanical principles of the invention that are described herein with respect to other embodiments, namely, the random, vertical articulation of a stack of unshuffled cards and delivery of a single card through a slot that is sized to receive a single card and deliver that card to an area where the dealer can provide randomized, shuffled cards to players of a casino game. 
     As seen in  FIG. 26 , the shuffler  200  includes a side wall  232 , through which the card delivery mechanism  240  is disposed. Card delivery mechanism  240  includes a surface  251  upon which the car will slide as it is dealt by the dealer. Surface  251  can be a continuation of the same surface  250  where the shuffled card slides into the card delivery mechanism  240  once it passes through the slot.  FIG. 26  also shows the inner workings of shuffler  200  to show that it operates on substantially the same mechanical principles of the invention that are described herein with respect to other embodiments, namely, the random, vertical articulation of a stack of unshuffled cards and delivery of a single card through a slot that is sized to receive a single card and deliver that card to an area where the dealer can provide randomized, shuffled cards to players of a casino game. The principal difference between shuffler  200  and the other embodiments disclosed herein is that it can hold more decks of cards. 
       FIG. 27  shows a cross sectional view of shuffler  200 , whereby the slot  212  can be seen. Further, surface  250  comprises the top surface of a slide member that delivers shuffled cards from the slot  212  to the card delivery mechanism. Space  251  has a decreasing, wedge-like shape such that shuffled cards will slide under the force of gravity into the card delivery mechanism, where the dealer can slide them out of the card delivery mechanism and deal them to players. The slope and shape of the block  255  is a non-limiting representation of an exemplary slope for card delivery mechanism. 
     As seen in  FIG. 27 , vertically articulating threaded rod  284  operates on substantially the same principles as described with respect to other embodiments. Likewise the shim assembly is comprised of at least two top and bottom members  219 , and  218  respectively, to hold the shim so that the shim can be used to slide a single card from the stack of unshuffled cards through the slot  212 . 
     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.