Patents by Inventor Donald C. Stephan

Donald C. Stephan has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7014563
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming machine candle device. Gaming machines utilize electric “candles” placed thereon to inform patrons of a machine's particular denomination. In other words, yellow signifies a quarter machine and red a nickel machine. The improved candle device described herein uses colored and transparent plastic plates in conjunction with light emitting diodes (LEDs) to more visibly and aesthetically inform patrons. A first transparent colored plate is illuminated to signify the machine's denomination. A second plate behind said first plate is used to inform gaming machine operators of concerns with said machine or player. Said second plate may also display words or logos affiliated with operators, manufacturers or the like. Frosting and beveling techniques along edges and surfaces of said plates cause LED light to refract highlighting those areas. A transparent second plate permits the color of said first plate to be viewed throughout a gaming establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Innovative Gaming Corporation of America
    Inventors: Donald C. Stephan, Albert Hanis, Warren Tripp, Kevin Furry
  • Publication number: 20030064814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming machine candle device. Gaming machines utilize electric “candles” placed thereon to inform patrons of a machine's particular denomination. In other words, yellow signifies a quarter machine and red a nickel machine. The improved candle device described herein uses colored and transparent plastic plates in conjunction with light emitting diodes (LEDs) to more visibly and aesthetically inform patrons. A first transparent colored plate is illuminated to signify the machine's denomination. A second plate behind said first plate is used to inform gaming machine operators of concerns with said machine or player. Said second plate may also display words or logos affiliated with operators, manufacturers or the like. Frosting and beveling techniques along edges and surfaces of said plates cause LED light to refract highlighting those areas. A transparent second plate permits the color of said first plate to be viewed throughout a gaming establishment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Donald C. Stephan, Albert Hanis, Warren Tripp, Kevin Furry
  • Patent number: 4867499
    Abstract: A tailgate for a pickup truck includes three elongate, rectangular panels or louvers having an airfoil-shaped cross section pivotally mounted in a U-shaped tailgate frame conformed to be mounted on a pickup truck in place of the conventional tailgate. The louvers are linked to each other for coordinated pivotal movement about respective horizontal axes extending along the leading edge of the airfoil section between a closed position and an open position wherein the louvers project rearwardly from the frame to accommodate a substantially unrestricted flow of air through the tailgate. A reversible electric motor controlled from the cab drives the louvers in pivotal movement through a worm gear drive which will hold the louvers at any selected position. An airfoil section wing is mounted at the rearward end of the truck cab in spaced relationship to the cab roof and sidewalls to reduce turbulence in air flowing toward the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Mantex Corporation
    Inventors: Donald C. Stephan, Timothy M. Sharp, Gary A. Yeomans, James R. Abney, Ben V. Domas
  • Patent number: 4613146
    Abstract: A monocoque bicycle frame having a body defined by right and left side panels, top and bottom panels, and a bifurcated rearward portion defined by such panels and also by a rear wheel well insert. The body panels and insert completely enclose a continuous internal space which is compression loaded or tensile prestressed with a rigid foam plastic for increased torsional rigidity and resistance to impact distortion. The pedal sprocket and chain are both external of the hollow frame so as to not interrupt the continuity of the body cavity and its compression loading, and also enabling the body to have minimal weight and an optimum aerodynamic configuration. The frame is diamond-shaped in side profile enabling the monocoque to be constructed as a pair of triangles connected back-to-back for optimum strength, both torsionally and against vertical loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Inventors: Timothy M. Sharp, Donald C. Stephan
  • Patent number: D284592
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John G. Drews, Peter D. Dickinson, Donald C. Stephan