Patents by Inventor Stephen R. Alexander

Stephen R. Alexander 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: 20210186663
    Abstract: An orthodontic bite corrector for moving the relative positions of an upper dental arch and a lower dental arch, the orthodontic bite corrector comprising a post extending from a first support, the first support for connection to the first dental arch; a hub extending from a second support, the second support for connection to the second dental arch, and a ramp extending from the hub, the ramp including an occlusal end and a gingival end, where the hub is adjustable between a first fixed hub position and a second fixed hub position, and where the post is configured to slide along the ramp from the occlusal end to the gingival end when the upper dental arch and the lower dental arch are closed and methods of using such orthodontic bite corrector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventor: Stephen R. Alexander
  • Patent number: 11022483
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using such device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface, where the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surface and the bottom surface; and a support member connected to the housing and adapted to be selectively moved from a closed position to an open position. The support member is further adapted to maintain the light detection device in an upright position when the bottom surface and the support member are in contact with a working surface and the support member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Fusu Thao, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Thomas E. Dewey, Jr., Kathleen M. Stenersen, Beth A. Fritcher, Stephen R. Alexander, Phillip A. Bolea, Michele A. Waldner
  • Patent number: 11022564
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using the device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing that extends along a housing axis between top and bottom surfaces. The device can also include a port that is adapted to receive a sample, and a door connected to the housing. The door can include an actuator portion adapted to selectively move the door between a closed position and an open position, and a cover portion connected to the actuator portion and adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed position and open the port when the door is in the open position to allow external access to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas J. Brace, Phillip A. Bolea, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Michele A. Waldner, Stephen R. Alexander, Fusu Thao, Kathleen M. Stenersen
  • Publication number: 20200330188
    Abstract: A twisting-action, sliding bracket-door opening tool including a ceramic blade for opening self-ligating brackets, particularly ceramic self-ligating brackets with ceramic doors. The ceramic tool blade allows for opening of the ceramic bracket sliding door without significant wear or function loss, as compared to a similar tool made of stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: William E. Wyllie, II, Kevin G. Nordine, Ming-Lai Lai, Stephen R. Alexander, Kristen F. Keller
  • Publication number: 20200191727
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using the device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing that extends along a housing axis between top and bottom surfaces. The device can also include a port that is adapted to receive a sample, and a door connected to the housing. The door can include an actuator portion adapted to selectively move the door between a closed position and an open position, and a cover portion connected to the actuator portion and adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed position and open the port when the door is in the open position to allow external access to the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas J. Brace, Phillip A. Bolea, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Michele A. Waldner, Stephen R. Alexander, Fusu Thao, Kathleen M. Stenersen
  • Patent number: 10613038
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using the device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing that extends along a housing axis between top and bottom surfaces. The device can also include a port that is adapted to receive a sample, and a door connected to the housing. The door can include an actuator portion adapted to selectively move the door between a closed position and an open position, and a cover portion connected to the actuator portion and adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed position and open the port when the door is in the open position to allow external access to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas J. Brace, Phillip A. Bolea, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Michele A. Waldner, Stephen R. Alexander, Fusu Thao, Katleen M. Stenersen
  • Publication number: 20200041335
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using such device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface, where the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surface and the bottom surface; and a support member connected to the housing and adapted to be selectively moved from a closed position to an open position. The support member is further adapted to maintain the light detection device in an upright position when the bottom surface and the support member are in contact with a working surface and the support member is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: FUSU THAO, GIUSEPPE M. BOMMARITO, THOMAS E. DEWEY, JR., KATHLEEN M. STENERSEN, BETH A. FRITCHER, STEPHEN R. ALEXANDER, PHILLIP A. BOLEA, MICHELE A. WALDNER
  • Patent number: 10488249
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using such device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface, where the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surface and the bottom surface; and a support member connected to the housing and adapted to be selectively moved from a closed position to an open position. The support member is further adapted to maintain the light detection device in an upright position when the bottom surface and the support member are in contact with a working surface and the support member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Fusu Thao, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Thomas E. Dewey, Jr., Kathleen M. Stenersen, Beth A. Fritcher, Stephen R. Alexander, Phillip A. Bolea, Michele A. Waldner
  • Patent number: 10422753
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a system that utilizes such device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing that includes a port disposed in a top surface, a receptacle disposed within the housing and adapted to receive a sample, a detector disposed within the housing along an optical axis and including an input surface having an active area, and a reflector disposed within the housing along the optical axis between the receptacle and the input surface of the detector. The reflector can include an input aperture disposed adjacent the receptacle, an output aperture disposed adjacent the input surface of the detector, and a reflective surface that extends between the input aperture and the output aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Phillip A. Bolea, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Michele A. Waldner, Thomas J. Brace, Stephen R. Alexander, Thomas E. Dewey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180113076
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a system that utilizes such device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing that includes a port disposed in a top surface, a receptacle disposed within the housing and adapted to receive a sample, a detector disposed within the housing along an optical axis and including an input surface having an active area, and a reflector disposed within the housing along the optical axis between the receptacle and the input surface of the detector. The reflector can include an input aperture disposed adjacent the receptacle, an output aperture disposed adjacent the input surface of the detector, and a reflective surface that extends between the input aperture and the output aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: PHILLIP A. BOLEA, GIUSEPPE M. BOMMARITO, MICHELE A. WALDNER, THOMAS J. BRACE, STEPHEN R. ALEXANDER, THOMAS E. DEWEY, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180059031
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using the device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing that extends along a housing axis between top and bottom surfaces. The device can also include a port that is adapted to receive a sample, and a door connected to the housing. The door can include an actuator portion adapted to selectively move the door between a closed position and an open position, and a cover portion connected to the actuator portion and adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed position and open the port when the door is in the open position to allow external access to the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: THOMAS J. BRACE, PHILLIP A. BOLEA, GIUSEPPE M. BOMMARITO, MICHELE A. WALDNER, STEPHEN R. ALEXANDER, FUSU THAO, KATLEEN M. STENERSEN
  • Publication number: 20180058919
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using such device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface, where the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surface and the bottom surface; and a support member connected to the housing and adapted to be selectively moved from a closed position to an open position. The support member is further adapted to maintain the light detection device in an upright position when the bottom surface and the support member are in contact with a working surface and the support member is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: FUSU THAO, GIUSEPPE M. BOMMARITO, THOMAS E. DEWEY, Jr., KATHLEEN M. STENERSEN, BETH A. FRITCHER, STEPHEN R. ALEXANDER, PHILLIP A. BOLEA, MICHELE A. WALDNER
  • Patent number: 6027104
    Abstract: A security enclosure for children and pets is disclosed which is formed from a plurality of identical interlocking panels. Each panel comprises a panel body having opposed inner and outer faces and first and second opposite sides. First and second hinge members are disposed on the first panel body side in vertically spaced relation, and a third hinge member is disposed on the second body side having a vertical dimension which corresponds to the vertical spacing of the first and second hinge members. A spring loaded engagement member holds the third hinge member in interlocking relation between the first and second hinge members. A circular array of gear teeth formed on the respective hinge members hold adjacent panels in a predetermined angular relationship and are constructed to permit relative angular adjustment between the adjacent panels. The hinge means are offset in such a manner that adjacent panels can be folded in flat, face-to-face relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: North States Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Alexander, Lester Stener
  • Patent number: 5975015
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus (device) has a housing including two members. These two members are telescoping arranged when the housing is in a disassembled position. Upon assembly of the housing, by moving these members with respect to each other, the members resiliently deform with respect to each other, and once the assembled position is reached, the peripheral surfaces of each member are in an abutment sufficient to inhibit the members, and thus, the housing, from collapsing. By making the housing in this manner, assembly is simple, and the feeding apparatus (device) is economical, as packaging volume, and resulting shipping volume, are reduced, when compared to contemporary feeding apparatus (devices).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: North States Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Mark Runyon, Stephen R. Alexander, Lester Stener
  • Patent number: 4570370
    Abstract: A guide for the insertion of gun magazines that is an extension of a pistol mainspring housing with a wide angled bifurcated opening making it easier and faster to insert fresh magazine clips into the gun receiver. This guide extension that is quite useful for pistols such as the Colt Government Model pistols advantageously also lengthens the pistol grip enhancing stability of the gun in hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Inventors: Alan K. Smith, Stephen R. Alexander
  • Patent number: 4521985
    Abstract: An ambidextrous release for gun magazines in a retrofit design is provided for Colt government model pistols and other similar design semi automatic pistols. The new magazine release catch has much of the basic configuration of the original equipment catch but instead of a solid catch it has a pivotal lever, with a cam surfaced catch on the end to engage the magazine, that is pivot pin mounted in the gun magazine catch lock release structure. The structure is lengthened to also extend outward beyond the gun right hand surface with a right side button on the right hand end. The magazine lock release right side button with proper manipulation combined with pressure from the other end and turning achieves dog projection release removal and, in reverse, installation thereof without requiring the use of a screw driver or any other tools. A simple dog slot extension is machined within the gun receiver to allow for installation and movement of the new magazine release catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventors: Alan K. Smith, Stephen R. Alexander
  • Patent number: D525640
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Infrared Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Bloch, William M. Volna, Stephen R. Alexander