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: 20250065569
    Abstract: A method of assessing the ability to remove powder from an additively manufacturable article includes performing the following for each of a plurality of discrete starting points distributed within a sampling volume: calculating the starting point directional trajectory lengths of a plurality of trajectories of a particle starting from the starting point and moving in an initial direction respectively along a plurality of combinations of a polar angle ? and an azimuthal angle ? of a spherical coordinate system about the starting point, and calculating an average of the starting point directional trajectory lengths to give a starting point average trajectory length for the starting point. The method also includes calculating an average of the starting point average trajectory lengths respectively of the plurality of starting points to give a global average trajectory length for the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2023
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Michael C. Elford, Andrew J. Stephan
  • 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