Patents by Inventor James S. Vann

James S. Vann 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: 5823652
    Abstract: Typically acrylic is lighted by grouping end portions of a multiplicity of light transmitting fiber optic cables together to form a desired shape or pattern. The problem with this approach is that because so many cables are required, it is difficult, time consuming, and relatively expensive. This invention discloses three artistic and novel methods of light sculpturing acrylic with fiber optic cable. In one method an elongate channel is carved on a rear side portion of the acrylic; a front side portion of the channel is colored; and one end portion of a fiber optic cable is laid in and secured along the channel. In a second method a rearwardly extending post is mounted on a rear side portion of the acrylic; and one end portion of the fiber optic cable is secured to the top portion of the post, so that light transmitted through the cable disperses over an area on the acrylic adjacent to the post. In a third method the rear side portion of the acrylic is painted and a shape is carved thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: James S. Vann
  • Patent number: D405223
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: James S. Vann