EP0233829A2 - Device and means for the distribution of playing cards and/or of cards being accessories of a game - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises, in the card-storage magazine (MS), an optical card reader (86), the said magazine being disposed above a card- entrainment assembly consisting of a conveyor belt (47); the said cards are discharged one by one after optical reading towards a mechanism (63) for distributing the cards, arranged according to a pre-established orientation, depending on the card's identity, and after checking its allocation, given by the program card, so as to come into correspondence, via articulation, with a set of chutes (18- 19-20-21) for distributing profiled cards permitting stacking of the cards in a receiver-cassette (CR) with compartments, disposed in the lower front part of the device; the said mechanism for the distribution of the cards at the exit of the storage magazine is arranged so as to permit accelerated discharge of the card at the exit of the storage magazine. <IMAGE>

Description

The subject of the invention is an improved device and its implementing means for the distribution of playing cards and / or accessory cards of a board game.

The invention relates to the technical sector of game accessories. It is well known in bridge tournaments or other similar card games, belote, tarot, to distribute the same deal to several different teams in order to compare the results obtained by each at the end of the game and also in relation to the best solution. likely to solve the problem by the distributed deal. It is also common in bridge games to refer to a characteristic deal in a particular tournament. To avoid relatively long handling times due to research to assign such a card to such a player, devices have been proposed in the past capable of ensuring automatic distribution of the cards from a given card with a determined value or according to a random distribution.

We know for example an apparatus described in French Patent 2,109,213 which provides for the use of a program card arranged with 52 different zones corresponding to the number of cards in a game of bridge. In this case, the cards are placed in a store and then between each one on a support element of the program card. This support element has a particular magnetic structure to allow identification of the card by comparison. This being recognized, it is evacuated to a distributing member comprising a plurality of pivoting flaps controlled independently by electromagnets associated with the identification of each card to allow the allocation of the card identified in one of the compartments.

Such an apparatus is of complex structure, due to the very design of the pilot card.

The distribution of the card is carried out in three stages: evacuation of the store by a conveyor belt system, reading on a support on which has been previously arranged the pilot card, then ejection into a compartment. The pilot card is also quite complex in its design as well as the card reading support.

We also know the patent FR 2,540,737. In this case, the device comprises a drive means in stepwise rotation of the receptacle for distributing the cards one by one in a chosen direction. The disadvantage of this device lies in _'slow its operation since it is necessary to wait whenever the rotation time of the container for a given direction before the reading of the following card is made. The intervention time is therefore considerable since it is necessary to distribute 52 cards if one refers to a game of bridge for example.

Numerous other automatic card dispensing devices are known which refer to a pilot card or program card on which a game deal to be made or recorded, the playing cards being arranged with a particular code capable of being read for be compared to the pilot card with a view to its assignment to a particular player. Reference is made, for example, to the devices described in US Patents 3,312,473, US 2,051,615, FR 1,533,312.

The aim sought after according to the invention, the basic concept of distributing cards from a predetermined deal being known, was to develop an improved device capable of ensuring, in an extremely rapid and short time, the distribution of 52 bridge cards according to a predetermined or random distribution.

Another object of the apparatus was to find a means allowing the ejection of the cards into a support element forming a store capable of being transported in complete safety and guarantee of inviolability.

The goals are achieved by the improved apparatus, object of the present invention since according to the tests carried out, the distribution of the 52 cards is carried out in approximately 30 seconds, the cards being assigned to each player EAST, WEST, NORTH, SOUTH, in a cassette guaranteeing the authenticity of the distribution. In addition, the improved device according to the invention is established with a display identifying the donor player, a display identifying whether a team is in a position called "vulnerable", and a display of the deal made. The apparatus thus produced is moreover of a simple design and of a reduced cost price.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, said device comprises, in the card storage magazine (MS) an optical card reader, said magazine being disposed above a card drive assembly constituted by a conveyor belt , said cards being evacuated one by one after optical reading towards a mechanism for distributing the cards arranged in a pre-established orientation, as a function of the identification of the card and verification of its allocation given by the program card, to come into correspondence by articulation with a set of profiled card distribution chutes authorizing the storage of cards in a compartmentalized receptacle cassette arranged in the lower front part of the device; said card distribution mechanism at the exit from the storage magazine being arranged to allow accelerated evacuation of the card at the exit from the storage magazine.

These characteristics and others will emerge from the following description.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective de l'appareil selon l'invention, en ayant illustré la carte à mémoire sur laquelle les donnes ont été enregistrées, ainsi que la cassette réceptacle des cartes distribuées.
• La figure 2 est une vue de dessus de la cassette réceptacle des cartes distribuées avec son couvercle.
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon la ligne I-I de la cassette, avec son couvercle selon la figure 2.
• La figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne II-II de la figure 2.
• La figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'appareil selon la figure 1.
• La figure 6 est une vue de détail à grande échelle illustrant le magasin de stockage des cartes ainsi que les moyens de prélèvement et de distribution des cartes.
• La figure 7 est une vue de dessus de la partie de l'appareil-illustré figure 6, selon-la ligne A-A.
• La figure 8 est une vue de face du-mécanisme de distribution et d'éjection des cartes selon la flèche F de la figure 6.
• La figure 9 est une vue de dessus selon la ligne B-B de la figure 5 illustrant les compartiments de distribution des cartes dans une cassette de rangement.
• La figure 10 est une vue en coupe du mécanisme d'entraînement selon la ligne C-C de la figure 6.
• La figure 11 est une vue illustrant le détail du verrouillage de la cassette de l'appareil.

To fix the subject of the invention to the figures of the appended drawings where:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention, having illustrated the memory card on which the data were recorded, as well as the cassette receptacle of the cards distributed.
• Figure 2 is a top view of the cassette receptacle for distributed cards with its cover.
• Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view along line II of the cassette, with its cover according to FIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 2.
• FIG. 5 is a view in longitudinal section of the apparatus according to FIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 is a large-scale detail view illustrating the card storage magazine as well as the means for picking up and distributing cards.
• Figure 7 is a top view of the part of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 6, along line AA.
• FIG. 8 is a front view of the card distribution and ejection mechanism according to arrow F in FIG. 6.
• Figure 9 is a top view along line BB of Figure 5 illustrating the card distribution compartments in a storage cassette.
• FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the drive mechanism along the line CC of FIG. 6.
• Figure 11 is a view illustrating the detail of the locking of the device cassette.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The device is designed to allow playing cards to be read and their distribution to players according to a pre-established programming recorded or stored in a program card. The program card includes a memory in which a plurality of characteristic data recorded in a tournament or corresponding to a problem posed in the context of learning the game is recorded.

In the example of the game of bridge, a codification is given to identify the players in NORTH, EAST, WEST, SOUTH, for example with the letters N, E, 0, S. The colors of the cards are identified by the code T for clover, K for square, C for heart and P for spades. It is the same for the cards of the AS, ROI, DAME ... four, three, two, by numbers which can be for example of AS: A, King: R, Lady: D, Jack: V, 10: 10, 8: 8 ... 2: 2.

The program card thus includes groups of information each comprising the color of the card, the value of the card and the identification of the recipient. One can have for example the coding P, A, S (Spades, As, South).

At the same time, the playing cards include, for example on their reading face, a specific identification codification complementary to that established on the program card arranged so as to be read during its positioning in the dispensing device.

This codification can be established on the face by a bar code for example.

The apparatus is arranged internally to receive the storage store for playing cards, the means for reading the cards, a card holder gives comprising the recording of a plurality of prerecorded data, the means for allowing the advancement of the cards. one by one and after reading, their distribution and evacuation in distribution chutes in order to place them in a receptacle cassette with several compartments. The device also includes support elements for the entire electronic and motor part to allow the device to function properly, as well as a certain number of means ensuring the display of the task to be carried out and the additional information.

The apparatus comprises a bearing framework (1) with in particular two profiled lateral flanges (2 - 3) of great length and progressive height thus conferring the physiognomy of the apparatus and defining an oblique plane (4) from which are given all the ordering information of the device and on which the storage store MS of the playing cards appears. An attached protective cover (5) is disposed between said flanges. We thus see by referring to Figure 1 that the device comprises from its upper part first a spacer pin (7) forming a grip handle, then a recess in said cover corresponding to the location of the store (MS), then substantially lower a means (8) authorizing the insertion of the pin of the memory card (CS). It is removable and can be changed at will. Under the location of the given card are provided, in a non-restrictive order, a first group of 4-indicator lights (9) corresponding to the identification of the players, namely NORTH, EAST, SOUTH, WEST, then a second group of three indicators (10) for further information, then a counter (11) for programming the number of the deal, a first contact (12) indicating whether the distribution of cards is random or regular, and a second contact '( 13) indicating whether the affected deal is to be recorded. As shown in Figure 5, the memory card (C) is held and guided in position by L-shaped profiles (14); all the electrical or electronic parts and arranged on a support plate (15) fixed by means of the spacing surfaces (16) to the upper cover (17), the latter being attached and fixed to the lateral flanges of the device.

Furthermore, there are provided in the upper part of the device distribution troughs for profiled cards arranged in pairs and referenced by (18-19) on the one hand, and (20-21) on the other hand. Referring to Figures 5 and 9, the troughs are fixed at (22) on the side flanges of the device. They are of different lengths and are arranged in inclination in groups of two, but at a different inclination so as to allow the distribution of playing cards in a cassette (CR) receptacle with compartment for playing cards in batches, illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 2, 3 and 4. Thus the chutes are oriented in such a way that each one opens above one of the compartments (23-24-25-26) of the cassette in order to fill them with playing cards. Figure 9 shows that the 4 troughs arranged across the width of the unit reil present in superposition, a common area (z) located in the longitudinal central area of the device, the chutes extending alternately towards each side of the device. In addition, it appears that one of the longitudinal edges of each chute aligns along the lateral flange of the device while the other edge is inclined plane defining a reduction in the width of the chutes in the rear part to correspond appreciably to the width of the compartments of the receptacle cassette, thus allowing appropriate positioning of the cards.

Furthermore, transverse spacers (27-28-29) are provided in the lower part of the device, the spacer (27) being placed at the front, the spacer (28) being located substantially at the end of the most advanced trunking, and the spacer (29) at the end of the least advanced trunking.

On the other hand and according to a particularly important arrangement of the invention, the playing cards are arranged in a compartmentalized and removable receptacle cassette (CR).

This cassette is slidably engaged in a slide (30) established by the lower L-shaped profiles of the apparatus, thus authorizing its positioning for the reception of playing cards. The cassette includes the compartments (23-24-25-26) for receiving cards. Between the compartments is provided a reinforcing rib (88) disposed in the longitudinal median plane of the cassette. This rib is arranged with two profiled recesses (31-32) oriented in opposite directions with a ramp-shaped profile (31-1) (32-1) allowing the insertion of a locking means disposed on the cover of the cassette. In addition, reinforcement edges (33) - (34) are defined on the transverse ends of the cassette (CR) defining three distinct zones [(33-1) (33-2) (33-3)] and [( 34-1) (34-2) (34-3)]. An oblong opening (33-4) (34-4) is made in the central edges (33- 2) (34-2) and thus allows the engagement of a locking means arranged for example on the transverse spacer (29) in order to lock the cassette in position when the latter is engaged in the device.

To facilitate the taking of cards, the central part of each compartment is hollowed out by opening onto the transverse edges of the cassettes between the middle edge and the end edge. It should be noted that the profile of the end edges is established with a rounded face to facilitate the introduction of a protective cover (35) and locking. This cover thus comprises external profiled wings (35-1) capable of engaging under the receptacle cassette. There are also provided tongues (35-2) cut and arranged in opposition in the central and middle part of the cover so as to come to cooperate with the profiled recesses (31) (32) produced on the central rib of the cassette. By elastic deformation, these tabs adjust in said recesses thus ensuring a locking of the cassette and guaranteeing its inviolability. Oblong cutouts (36) are made on the cover allowing each compartment to be viewed. The cassette thus produced, once filled and the lid positioned, is easily transportable and can be exchanged, for example.

According to a particular advantage of the device, the cassette is introduced without its cover into the device. There is provided on the transverse spacer (29) attached and fixed in any suitable manner a retractable finger (37) subjected to the action of an elastic means (38). This finger has a slope profile forming a cam capable of cooperating with the complementary slope profile formed on the median transverse edges (33-2) (34-2) of the cassette.

Under these conditions, when the cassette is engaged, at the end of the race, it comes into contact with said finger. Under the effect of thrust and the movements of the ramps between them, the finger retracts at first, then during the maximum engagement of the cassette, it falls into the oblong opening (33.4 - 34.4) formed on the edge of the cassette thus blocking the latter in position. The playing cards can then be dealt in the compartments. To allow the cassette to be removed once it has been filled, it is necessary to engage the protective cover (35) on the cassette by inserting it into the space remaining under the appliance. The cover thus fits on the cassette. The front end of the cover will then come into contact with the sloping profile of the finger (37) and thus cause its removal against its return spring, by unlocking the cassette. It can then be easily removed from the device.

Electrical means (39) are provided confirming the locking of the cassette and thus allowing the apparatus to operate.

Furthermore, there is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5 a support plane (40), electrical and electronic means taken as a whole at (41) necessary for the operation of the apparatus, as well as the support plane (42) of the transformer (43 ) of power. It is now necessary to describe the mechanism and the provisions relating to the storage of the cards before distribution and to the means allowing this. The mechanism is arranged in the upper rear part of the device, with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 10. A profiled framework (44) for supporting the various means itself comprises two side walls (45-46) with squared wings [(45-1) (45-2)] [(46-1) (46-2)] fixed on the side flanges of the device. Between said walls is mounted a card drive device consisting of a conveyor belt (47) mounted between two reels (48-49), a support plane (56) being provided for the passage of the upper strand of the carpet. A 24 volt motor (50) is disposed under the treadmill and using a pinion mechanism (51) (52) (53) (54) transmits the movement of rotation and advancement of the treadmill. A first engagement is ensured by the pinion (51) mounted at the end of the motor shaft and a return pinion (52) mounted on an axis (55). A second meshing is provided from a second pinion (53) also mounted on the axis (55) for controlling the pinion (54) mounted on the drive axis of the coil (48) for controlling the advancement of the carpet.

According to another arrangement, the upper part of the framework (44) defines the card storage magazine (MS), located above the upper strand of the winding belt. This store is defined by the side walls of the frame (44) but also with a front transverse wall (57), vertical with respect to the carpet and leaving a gap for the passage of a playing card. There is provided at the rear of the magazine a support plane (85) located in a plane substantially higher than the upper side of the carpet and allowing the support of the rear end of the playing cards. According to this arrangement, it is understood that the cards are only supported on the carpet by their front part so that the carpet is less damaged or soiled. Side plates (58) are arranged on the plane (85) at the rear of the magazine and serve both as an abutment wall for the cards and on the other hand as means for retaining a press member (59). The latter is arranged with an axis (6O) introduced into openings (61) formed at the rear of the walls (45) (46). This pressing member thus comes to bear on the cards.

According to another arrangement of the invention, there is provided from the storage magazine (MS) on one of the lateral sides, an optical reader (86) capable of reading the bar code established on each of the playing cards. Advantageously, the optical reader is in a substantially advanced position relative to the bar code of the card when the latter is simply at rest in the storage magazine. It is only when the card adjacent to the carpet is driven by it that it will pass in front of the optical reader thus authorizing its identification. The reader is positioned on a plate with all the electrical components and appropriate electronics, said plate being secured to the frame. There is also provided, as an accessory, a broom (62) for cleaning the carpet located in the rear transverse position and maintained in any suitable manner with respect to the framework (45) (46).

According to another possible arrangement of the invention, there is provided at the exit from the storage store, a mechanism capable of receiving the playing cards as they appear one by one and of addressing them in the one of the distribution chutes in the cassette according to a preset choice. This choice is made after comparing the bar code of the card identified by the optical reader and the address indication stored in the card gives. The electrical and / or electronic connections as well as the components used are known to those skilled in the art and no reference is made to them in detail.

The mechanism for distributing the cards at the outlet of the store and adjacent to the conveyor belt in fact comprises a flap (63) articulated with an angular displacement capacity limited to the space defined between the accesses to the upper and lower troughs. More particularly, with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, the aforementioned flap comprises plates (64) (65) superimposed and converge towards one another towards the front without however touching so as to allow the passage of the cards as they progress. The flap thus defined is fixed on lateral flanges (66) (67) forming an arm coming, for example, as an extension of the framework (44) and more precisely of its lateral flanges (45) (46).

The flanges (66) (67) are pivotally articulated on the shaft or spindle of the coil. (48) of the mat (47) .A return spring (87) is associated with one of the flanges (66) and with the spindle drive axis (48) to hold said flap in position. Furthermore and according to a particularly important arrangement, the plates (64) (65) constituting the flap are arranged in their central part with a cutout (64 ^{1 -} 65 ¹ ) allowing the passage of drive rollers (68-69) coming substantially in tangency between them and between which the playing card is engaged. The upper roller (68) is mounted on an axis (70) of rotation engaged in openings formed on tongues (71) extending the lateral flanges (66) (67). This first roller (68) enters the interior space formed between the plates (64) (65) of the flap (63) without however reaching the plane of the lower plate (64). Furthermore, the second roller (69) is mounted on a · axis --d72) of great length crossing the flanges (66) (67), said roller being located under the lower plate (64) but slightly projecting therefrom. here at the top. A drive belt (74) is associated with the axis of rotation of the roller (69) and the axis of the belt drive coil. Connection springs (73) are arranged on either side and connect the axes (70) and (72) together so as to maintain a constant tension between the rollers. Furthermore, when the card enters between the two rollers under the pushing effect due to the drive face of the belt, the roller (68) slightly deviates from the roller (69) against the elastic return means (73). The position of the rollers (68) (69) is relativmeent. close to the store. Thus any outgoing playing card addressed by the mat is still in contact with said store while being held by the transverse wall (57) thereof, when the front part of the card engages between the rollers (68) ( 69). The rotation of the rollers (68) (69) is thus ensured by the advance movement of the card leaving the magazine transmitted by the belt drive coil and the belt transmission (74). To obtain a greater speed of ejection of the cards, an additional mechanism has been provided associated with the rotation of the rollers (68-69) allowing evacuation at a higher speed and immediate of the playing cards. Referring to Figure 8, there is provided on the axis (72) of the roller (69) a bearing surface (89) against which abuts, freely rotating, the roller (69) held in position by a spring compression (76). On the other side of the roller is disposed between the groove (75) for receiving the drive belt and said roller a spring (77) wound in turns, one end (77-1) of which is attached to a fixed stud (78) in the form of a ring arranged around of the axis (72) and at its other end fixed to a rotating ring (79) integral with the axis of rotation, and thus associated with the rotation movement of the roller (69). According to this arrangement, it is understood that the rotation of the roller (69) causes the spring to band. It is only when the playing card has escaped the transverse front retaining plate of the magazine that the roller (69) itself becomes free; under these conditions, by the relaxation effect of the spring (77) in the opposite direction, the playing card is evacuated at a speed much higher than that of the initial engagement, thus releasing the carpet very quickly, the card penetrating into the 'one of the evacuation chutes.

To complete the mechanism, the distribution flap thus designed can be rotated to allow the evacuation of the playing cards one by one. To this end, an electro-magnetic device is provided on the side opposite the drive and rotation mechanism of the carpet of the storage magazine. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, this mechanism comprises two electromagnets (80) (81) mounted in opposition. These --electromagnets are closely associated with the card reader device, with the central data memory, this by wiring well known to those skilled in the art.

The peculiarity lies in the fact that the cores (82) (83) of said electromagnets are associated with a link (84) whose front end is cut into a fork shape (84-1) then engaging around the axis (72) of the roller (69) .. The link (84) is fixed in screed shapes made at the ends of said cores while being held by connecting pins. Each of the electromagnets has two positions depending on the degree of engagement or output of their cores. It is thus understood that the combination of the positions of the two electromagnets thus offers four possibilities of orientation corresponding to each of the card distribution channels. Thus, thanks to this mechanism, a perfect adaptation of the shutter is obtained immediately after reading the playing card. According to the tests carried out, the device makes it possible to process and distribute a batch of 52 cards in about thirty seconds, which constitutes a technical performance far superior to those obtained by the devices given according to the prior art.

Furthermore and according to an annexed arrangement, it should be emphasized that the troughs have an inclined internal profile thus causing a slight angular offset of the card following the contact in abutment of the card, the latter being conveyed by gravity into the compartment. of the cassette.

The advantages emerge clearly from the invention. The extreme speed of selection of a deck of cards is emphasized, due in particular to the rapid and accelerated evacuation of the cards on leaving the store. The use of cassettes is also particularly appropriate and practical. In the case of simulation of tournaments or others, the players can thus be assured of the exact nature of the distribution. It is thus possible to use several cassettes previously filled and inviolable.

Some formatting of the mechanism has been described by way of example. It is of course possible to provide certain additional arrangements.

The invention is in no way limited to that of its modes of application any more than to those of the embodiments of its various parts which have been more particularly indicated; on the contrary, it embraces all its variants.

Claims (13)

-1- Improved apparatus and its means of implementation for the distribution of playing cards and / or accessory cards of a board game, the apparatus being of the type comprising a card storage store, a card reader , said cards being arranged with an identification code, a means for training cards in the form of a mat to arrange them in a compartmentalized receptacle, a program card comprising one or more recorded data and means allowing after comparison the identification of the playing card and the program card, the allocation of said card in the receptacle; said means being of the type comprising hinged flaps controlled in position by an electromagnet device, said device being characterized in that it comprises in the card storage magazine (MS) an optical card reader (86), said magazine being arranged above a card drive assembly constituted by a conveyor belt (47), said cards being evacuated one by one after optical reading towards a mechanism (63) for distributing the cards arranged in an orientation preset, according to the identification of the card, and verification of its allocation given by the program card, to come into correspondence by articulation with a set of. trunking (18-19-20-21) for distributing the profiled cards authorizing the storage of the cards in a compartmentalized receptacle cassette (CR) arranged in the lower front part of the device; said card distribution mechanism at the exit from the storage magazine being arranged to allow accelerated evacuation of the card at the exit from the storage magazine. -2- Improved apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a main bearing frame (1) with in particular two lateral flanges (2-3) of great length and progressive height, said frame being arranged interior ment to allow the positioning of a frame (44) supporting on the one hand the MS storage magazine, the card reader (86), the drive mat (47) of the playing cards with the appropriate control means, and on the other hand, the card distribution mechanism at the exit of the store; said main frame (1) authorizing the positioning of a group of chutes for distributing playing cards one by one, adjacent to the mechanism for distributing and allocating cards, said chutes (18, 19, 20, 21) opening into a compartmentalized receptacle cassette locked in position in the device; said main frame being arranged to receive the program card as well as all the means and electronic components for the proper functioning of the device. -3- Apparatus according to claim 2 characterized in that the receptacle cassette (CR) comprises 4 compartments for receiving cards from different players, said cassette being arranged further in its front part with an opening (33.4 -34.4) allowing the insertion of a retractable locking means (37) during positioning by sliding of the cassette inside the appliance; said cassette further comprising a profiled longitudinal longitudinal rib (88) with opposite recesses (31-32) capable of constituting a locking zone of the means associated with the cover (35) covering the cassette, said means having an elastic capacity of deformation to engage in said recesses; said cover (35) ensuring by its introduction into the device around the cassette the unlocking thereof; said cassette being inserted in the lower part forming a slide (30) of the device. -4- Apparatus according to claim 3 characterized in that the cassette (CR) is arranged at its transverse ends with reinforcing edges (33-34) comprising three zones dis tinctures (33.1 - 33.2 - 33.3) (34.1 - 34.2 - 34.3), an oblong opening (33.4 - 34.4) being made in the central border while the other end borders have a rounded profile to allow the insertion of the cover. -5- Apparatus according to claims 2, 3, 4 set characterized in that in the supporting frame (1) there are transverse spacers (28 -29), the spacer (29) constituting a support element of a finger (37) retractable subjected to the action of an elastic means (38); said finger having a sloping profile forming a cam capable of cooperating with the complementary profile formed on the transverse edge (33.2 - 34.2) of the cassette when the cassette is locked, said finger (37) penetrating into the opening (33.4 - 34.4) ; said finger (37) being retracted by contact with the cover covering the cassette. -6- Apparatus according to claim 2 characterized in that the card distribution spouts are arranged in superposition two by two, are of different length and arranged in different inclination to allow the distribution of cards in each compartment of the receptacle cassette (CR ); the chutes being arranged across the width of the apparatus with a common superposed zone (z) situated in the longitudinal central zone of the apparatus, said chutes extending alternately towards each side of the apparatus; one of the edges of each chute being straight along the lateral flange of the framework of the apparatus; the other border being with an inclined plane defining a reduction in the width of the chutes in the rear part to correspond substantially to the width of the compartments of the receptacle cassette. -7- Apparatus according to claim 2 characterized in that the storage store (MS) of playing cards is disposed au- above the training mat (47) of the playing cards and is defined by two side walls (45-46) of the internal framework (44), of a front transverse wall (57) vertical with respect to the plane of the mat and leaving a card pass interval; the rear part of the magazine being arranged with a support plane (85) located in a plane substantially higher than the upper side of the mat, intermediate side plates (58) being arranged on said support plane, this arrangement allowing the positioning of the cards so that only the front part of each card is in contact with the mat in the rest position; the rear part of the magazine being further arranged to receive a pressurized card member (60) with articulation. -8 Apparatus according to claim 2 characterized in that the optical reader (86) of playing cards is disposed at the front of the storage magazine in a position substantially advanced relative to the bar code of the card when the latter is in the rest position in the storage magazine. -9- Apparatus according to claim 2 characterized in that the mechanism for distributing and assigning playing cards in the distribution channels at the outlet of the storage store, is adjacent to the conveyor belt and comprises a flap (63) articulated with an angular displacement capacity limited to the space defined between the accesses to the upper and lower chutes; said flap being controlled in position according to 4 possibilities by a group of two electromagnets (80-81) mounted in combination and associated with a control rod (84) subject to the axis of articulation of the flap (69); said mechanism being secured to the frame (44) by appropriate means (66-67) with an angular displacement capacity relative to the axis of the drive coil (48) of the belt. -10- Apparatus according to claim 9 characterized in that the flap (63) is arranged with two plates (64-65) superimposed and converging towards one another forward, leaving a passage for the scrolling of the cards; said plates being arranged in their central part with a cutout (64.1 -65.1) allowing the passage of drive rollers (68-69) coming substantially to tangent between them and between which is engaged the playing card to be distributed; the upper roller being arranged with a certain capacity for elastic movement relative to the roller (69); the roller (69) being associated with the axis of the belt drive coil by a transmission belt (74). -11- Apparatus according to claim 9 characterized in that the position of the rollers (68-69) on the flap is established so that any outgoing playing card addressed to the carpet is still in contact and is retained by the wall of the storage store when said card engages between said rollers (68-69). -12- Apparatus according to claims 9 and 11 together characterized in that a complementary mechanism is associated with the rotation of the rollers (68-69) to allow the accelerated evacuation at higher speed of the playing cards when they escape the storage magazine, said mechanism being disposed on the axis (2) of the roller (69) and comprising in particular a spring (77) wound in turns around said axis and one of the ends (77.1) of which is integral with a part fixed (78) and the other end associated with a rotating ring (79) integral with said axis (72); the rotation of the axis (72) associated with the movement of the rollers (69-68) causing the tensioning of said spring (77). -13- Apparatus according to claim according to claim ₉ characterized in that the electromagnets (80-81) closely associated with the card reader and the central memory of recorded data, are coupled to each other at a link (84) whose fork-shaped end (84.1) engages around the axis (72) of the roller (69); each of these electromagnets comprising two positions, and the assembly four positions depending on the degree of engagement or output of their respective bodies.

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