Patents by Inventor Michael W. Stephens

Michael W. Stephens 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: 20180089717
    Abstract: A method, system, device and computer program for creating, storing, collecting data, analytically processing, and delivering data displaying content via digital electronic signs, digital message boards and other designated display devices (collectively, Digital Electronic Displays or DED's) based upon predefined sets of display criteria. Such Display Criteria may include date, time, and other user-defined conditions. The System and method may integrate with third-party Systems to facilitate creation, modification, transfer, downloading and storage of digital images, graphics and files. Additionally, System and method may allow distribution of functional controls to one or more designated non-affiliated users (users not affiliated with DED owner).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Robert L. Morin, Michael W. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20150125583
    Abstract: The method for sorting grain (10) comprises the step of conveying the grain (10) with at least a part of the pericarp, seed-coat or aleuron layer or any combination thereof attached into a colour-sorting device (1). The grain (10) is sorted according to colour into at least a first colour-fraction (11) and at least a second colour-fraction (12). The first colour-fraction (11) or the second colour-fraction (12) is conveyed into a size-sorting device (2). Subsequently, the first colour-fraction (11) or the second colour-fraction (12) conveyed into the size-sorting device (2) is sorted according to size of the grain (10) into a size-accept fraction (13) and a size-reject fraction (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Detlef Blass, Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: 7789694
    Abstract: An RJ modular connector is provided that has wire channels that slope upward and end at openings in the top of the connector through which the stripped wires extend. In use, the outer jacket insulation is removed from an end portion of the cable, leaving lengths of exposed wires. The length of the exposed wire is unimportant. The wires are arranged in an essentially flat configuration and inserted longitudinally into the connector and then directed upward by the upward slope of the channels, so that the distal ends of the respective wires extend through the top of the connector. The protruding wire ends are then compared with a standard to confirm the correct color identification pattern for them and corresponding wire position. After the comparison is made, the protruding wire ends are crimped/secured and sheared off. Conductive contact blades are inserted, and pierce the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Stephens, Kyle Dean Hedrick
  • Publication number: 20090203252
    Abstract: An RJ modular connector is provided that has wire channels that slope upward and end at openings in the top of the connector through which the stripped wires extend. In use, the outer jacket insulation is removed from an end portion of the cable, leaving lengths of exposed wires. The length of the exposed wire is unimportant. The wires are arranged in an essentially flat configuration and inserted longitudinally into the connector and then directed upward by the upward slope of the channels, so that the distal ends of the respective wires extend through the top of the connector. The protruding wire ends are then compared with a standard to confirm the correct color identification pattern for them and corresponding wire position. After the comparison is made, the protruding wire ends are crimped/secured and sheared off. Conductive contact blades are inserted, and pierce the wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Stephens, Kyle Dean Hedrick
  • Patent number: 7204864
    Abstract: A combustible product of various shapes and compositions efficiently and conveniently supplies heat, such as for outdoor cooking. The product includes a hollow cone of combustible material defining a substantially cone-shaped exterior, a substantially cone-shaped interior space, a large opening in the base of the cone and a small opening in the top of the cone creating a flue to facilitate ignition of the product and to allow individual products to be stacked upon each other for larger heating requirements or for efficient storage before use. The product may be a single integral piece of combustible material, a plurality of combustible pieces secured to each other to form the cone shape, or a plurality of combustible pieces arranged into a cone shape through means of combustible packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Stephens & Company, LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5439418
    Abstract: A bowling pin storage device includes a one piece three dimensional molded magazine or bin having a plurality of elongated pockets for storing bowling pins in an essentially horizontal plane above a pin spotter. Each of the elongated cavities define a bowling pin shaped opening in the bottom thereof and include a shoulder portion for supporting the head of a bowling pin. The device also includes a plurality of movable wing like support elements for supporting the base or lower portion of bowling pins. The support elements hold or retain the pins within the storage bin when in a first position and when in a second position release the pins to fall downwardly to a pin spotting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5411442
    Abstract: An easily changeable bowling alley masking unit provides a visual barrier that covers a forward portion of a pin spotter in a first position and provides ready access to that portion of the pin spotting mechanism when in a second position. The unit includes a generally rectangular frame, a cartridge adjacent to the frame and a pair of rollers disposed within the cartridge. The unit also includes a pair of masking members with one of the masking members attached to each of the rollers. Each of the masking members includes a display of one side thereof and is adapted to be rolled upon a roller for storage within the cartridge and unrolled to cover a portion of the pin spotter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Stephens, William M. Riley, Robert L. Morin, Steven A. Bumbera
  • Patent number: 5358448
    Abstract: A bumper bowling game includes an elongated bowling lane and a pair of gutters alongside of the lane. The game also includes a foul line and pin deck at opposite ends of the lane and a plurality of pins on the pin deck. A pair of bumpers temporarily block the gutters to prevent a bowling ball from falling into the gutters. The gutters also redirect a bowling ball which strikes them toward the pins. The game also includes a bowling ball which includes a plurality of finger holes and an eccentric weight for causing the ball to follow an erratic path. The weight may be a fixed weight, free moving within a hollow core, or pendulum-like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5330412
    Abstract: A bowling alley pit assembly for transferring bowling pins and balls to a pin elevator and ball return includes a base member having a forward and rear portion and a pair of laterally-spaced walls. The base member is disposed in a pit area of the bowling alley with the forward portion adjacent to the pin deck and the rear portion adjacent a pin elevating mechanism. A pair of rollers are disposed between the spaced walls and a motor is operatively connected to one of the rollers. A pit-wide endless belt passes around the rollers for moving fallen pins rearwardly away from the pin deck. The pit assembly also includes a one-piece or unitary, generally hollow, plastic bounce board disposed between the upper and lower portions of the endless belt and between the pair of rollers. The bounce board is transverse to the alley and defines two side-by-side, relatively flat portions which slope downwardly to form a shallow trough with a recessed area at one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5181716
    Abstract: A bowling alley bumper system which can be used for conventional bowling and for bumper bowling is disclosed. The bowling alley bumper system includes a pair of gutters having longitudinally extending portions and extending and retracting means for moving those portions into an extended position which allows bowling balls to fall into and roll along one of the gutters. In one embodiment, the portion is moved upwardly or downwardly along an arc in an xz plane with little or no lateral movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: D608613
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Dean Hedrick, Michael W. Stephens, John Payne
  • Patent number: D351888
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: D366510
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
  • Patent number: RE35232
    Abstract: A bowling alley bumper system which can be used for conventional bowling and for bumper bowling is disclosed. The bowling alley bumper system includes a pair of gutters having longitudinally extending portions and extending and retracting means for moving those portions into an extended position which allows bowling balls to fall into and roll along one of the gutters. In one embodiment, the portion is moved upwardly or downwardly along an arc in an xz plane with little or no lateral movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Stephens