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).
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Publication number: 20180089717Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Robert L. Morin, Michael W. Stephens
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Publication number: 20150125583Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Detlef Blass, Michael W. Stephens
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Patent number: 7789694Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Greenlee Textron, Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Stephens, Kyle Dean Hedrick
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Publication number: 20090203252Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Greenlee Textron Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Stephens, Kyle Dean Hedrick
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Patent number: 7204864Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Stephens & Company, LLCInventor: Michael W. Stephens
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Patent number: 5439418Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 19, 1994Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
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Patent number: 5411442Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 1994Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Stephens, William M. Riley, Robert L. Morin, Steven A. Bumbera
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Patent number: 5358448Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
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Patent number: 5330412Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
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Patent number: 5181716Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 3, 1992Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
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Patent number: D608613Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Greenlee Textron, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Dean Hedrick, Michael W. Stephens, John Payne
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Patent number: D351888Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
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Patent number: D366510Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Stephens
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Patent number: RE35232Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 1993Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: AMF Bowling, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Stephens