Patents by Inventor Michael C. Stephan

Michael 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).

  • Publication number: 20240069534
    Abstract: A method for forming a blank of sheet material includes a step of forming a target shape from the blank. The target shape includes a plurality of component structures connected via a common addendum. Each one of the plurality of component structures has a component-shape and a component-boundary. The common addendum extends between the component-boundary of each one of plurality of component structures and connects the component-boundary of each one of the plurality of component structures with a perimeter of the blank. The method minimizes a projected area of the common addendum via adjustment of a position and/or orientation of each of the component structures, thereby reducing a total amount of sheet material required to form the component structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James O. Border, Andrew J. Stephan, Michael C. Elford
  • Patent number: 5918753
    Abstract: A lightweight blow-molded plastic container providing enhanced top loading capability. The container is rectangular in elevation and plan, and has four vertically extending post corners at the juncture of front, back and side walls. The front and back walls have label mounting areas defined by upper and lower label bumpers. The bumpers extend horizontally and terminate a spaced distance from the side walls, thus allowing the vertical corners of the container to extend uninterrupted and provide maximum post strength to the container. The configuration is capable of being made from a reduced amount of plastic, yet provides enhanced top loading capability as compared with like-sized known container configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Ogg, Michael C. Stephan
  • Patent number: D439519
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ashland Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Ruble, Doug Zalla, Michael C. Stephan, Sheldon Yourist