Thomas F Stephens

US Patent:

6840381, Jan 11, 2005

Filed:

Jul 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/210408

Inventors:

Thomas Stephens - Los Gatos CA, US

Assignee:

RSVP Operations, LLC - Campbell CA

International Classification:

B65D 8102

US Classification:

206589, 206592

Abstract:

One or more unique hinges are provided within panels of a fragility packaging article for use in retaining one or more fragile articles within a container (e. g. , a corrugated box). The unique hinges provide predicted deformation paths that assist in protecting one or more fragile items stored in the container. One of the unique hinges is a diamond shaped hinge that provides at least two predicted deformation paths. Other unique hinges of the present invention includes a gusset hinge, a step hinge, and a v-hinge, each of which provides at least one predicted deformation path. The predicted deformation paths reduce permanent deformation and provide for improved overall cushioning, thereby increasing protection of fragile items and significantly reducing damage that may occur to the fragile items. The unique hinges of the present invention also improve the cosmetic appearance of a fragility packing article because a majority of crushing occurs along the unique hinges, preventing random unsightly crush points from occurring throughout the packaging article.

US Patent:

7134553, Nov 14, 2006

Filed:

Jul 28, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/900708

Inventors:

Thomas Stephens - Los Gatos CA, US

Assignee:

RSVP Operations LLC - Fremont CA

International Classification:

B65D 81/02

US Classification:

206589, 206592

Abstract:

One or more unique hinges are provided within panels of a fragility packaging article for use in retaining one or more fragile articles within a container (e. g. , a corrugated box). The unique hinges provide predicted deformation paths that assist in protecting one or more fragile items stored in the container. One of the unique hinges is a diamond shaped hinge that provides at least two predicted deformation paths. Other unique hinges of the present invention includes a gusset hinge, a step hinge, and a v-hinge, each of which provides at least one predicted deformation path. The predicted deformation paths reduce permanent deformation and provide for improved overall cushioning, thereby increasing protection of fragile items and significantly reducing damage that may occur to the fragile items. The unique hinges of the present invention also improve the cosmetic appearance of a fragility packing article because a majority of crushing occurs along the unique hinges, preventing random unsightly crush points from occurring throughout the packaging article.

US Patent:

20070125671, Jun 7, 2007

Filed:

Jan 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/343168

Inventors:

Thomas Stephens - Los Gatos CA, US

International Classification:

B65D 85/20

US Classification:

206315100

Abstract:

The invention provides an industry standard packaging design to ship and protect surfboards, wakeboards, snowboards, kiteboards, etc. in various sizes. It uses corrugated die-cut end caps, flexible straps, and foam and corrugated pads to provide enhanced fragility protection in an easy to assemble/disassemble and reusable package. This package makes it possible to ship expensive board products around the world safely and cost effectively for OEM Bulk and retail single/bulk deliveries.

US Patent:

39726827, Aug 3, 1976

Filed:

Oct 6, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/619768

Inventors:

Thomas M. Stephens - Menlo Park CA
Yoshihiro Takahashi - San Francisco CA

Assignee:

Envirotech Corporation - Menlo Park CA

International Classification:

F27B 514
G01N 3112

US Classification:

23253PC

Abstract:

A furnace assembly for use in a chemical analysis system utilizing high-temperature pyrolytic techniques includes a refractory tube which defines a heated chamber wherein samples are pyrolyzed, inlet and outlet cap members mounted on opposite ends of the refractory tube, a cylindrical heating assembly which spacedly surrounds the refractory tube, and a frame which fixedly supports both the refractory tube and the heating assembly in a vertical orientation. The frame includes a stationary mounting plate and at least two rod-like members which fixedly extend in parallel downward from the stationary plate on opposite sides of the heating assembly. The heating assembly is fixed to the rods and a springy plate member is fixedly connected between the rods to provide a support upon which the outlet cap member rests and to press upwardly against the refractory tube when the same elongates during heating so that the upper and lower cap members are forceably sealed against the respective ends of the refractory tube.

US Patent:

39481042, Apr 6, 1976

Filed:

Oct 4, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/511975

Inventors:

Thomas M. Stephens - Menlo Park CA

Assignee:

Envirotech Corporation - Menlo Park CA

International Classification:

G01N 110

US Classification:

73422GC

Abstract:

A sampling valve includes upper and lower flat-faced body sections that are mounted facing one another for rotation about a generally centrally disposed shaft with a thin seal member interposed between the sections. A reciprocative device selectively rotates the upper body section relative to the lower section through a pre-selected angle about the shaft. A passage is formed from the lower body section to the upper section so that liquid continuously flows through the valve. At one portion of the valve, the passage is in communication with a bore of a sample-taking piston assembly which is arranged on the upper body section. The piston is driven upward to draw a liquid sample from the flowing liquid in the passage and then the upper body section is rotated and the sampling piston is driven downward to eject the sample into a pyrolysis furnace or the like.

US Patent:

51315432, Jul 21, 1992

Filed:

Oct 3, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/771135

Inventors:

Thomas Stephens - Los Gatos CA

Assignee:

Roberts, Stephens, Van Amburg Packaging, Inc. - Soquel CA

International Classification:

B65D 8530

US Classification:

206523

Abstract:

The invention provides a dissembleable and reusable package is provided for static, debris and shock sensitive objects. The package comprises a folding box of single piece static dissipative corrugated plastic interlocking configuration. The box has an interlocking bottom, an open top and two pairs of parallel opposite sides. A shock absorbing pad structure fits against the central portions of the sides. The pad structure is a solid self-skinning plastic foam which is static dissipative. It is detachably attachable against the sides utilizing fasteners. A shock absorbing plastic bottom pad fits inside of the box atop its bottom. An open top static dissipative plastic bag fits within the box atop the shock absorbing bottom pad and substantially lines the box. A sensitive object holding structure includes first and second pluralities of static dissipative corrugated plastic walls which interlock with one another, the pluralities of walls being mutually perpendicular. The walls are releasably interlockable with one another and, when interlocked, define a plurality of cavities, each of which is adapted to closely hold one of the sensitive objects.

US Patent:

52496856, Oct 5, 1993

Filed:

Jul 17, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/916194

Inventors:

Thomas Stephens - Los Gatos CA

Assignee:

Roberts, Stephens, Van Amburg, Packaging Inc. - Soquel CA

International Classification:

B65D 8530

US Classification:

206523

Abstract:

The invention provides a dissembleable and reusable package is provided for static, debris and shock sensitive objects. The package comprises a folding box of single piece static dissipative corrugated plastic interlocking configuration. The box has an interlocking bottom, an open top and two pairs of parallel opposite sides. A shock absorbing pad structure fits against the central portions of the sides. The pad structure is a solid self-skinning plastic foam which is static dissipative. It is detachably attachable against the sides utilizing fasteners. A shock absorbing plastic bottom pad fits inside of the box atop its bottom. An open top static dissipative plastic bag fits within the box atop the shock absorbing bottom pad and substantially lines the box. A sensitive object holding structure includes first and second pluralities of static dissipative corrugated plastic walls which interlock with one another, the pluralities of walls being mutually perpendicular. The walls are releasably interlockable with one another and, when interlocked, define a plurality of cavities, each of which is adapted to closely hold one of the sensitive objects.

US Patent:

61232009, Sep 26, 2000

Filed:

Apr 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/286858

Inventors:

Thomas B. Stephens - Los Gatos CA
Fred Schindler - Santa Cruz CA

Assignee:

Plastofilm Industries - Wheaton IL
Robert, Stephens, Van Amburg Packaging - Soquel CA

International Classification:

B65D 8102

US Classification:

206592

Abstract:

A structure for packaging a shock sensitive article within a container having a plurality of panels includes a flange having a bottom surface, and a peripheral portion including a pair of opposing sides, and the flange defines an article containing space. A first sidewall and a second sidewall are located along the opposing sides of the flange, the first and second sidewalls each include an inboard wall integral with the peripheral portion of the flange, an outboard wall having an article end and a container end depending from the bottom surface, and a bridge portion joining corresponding edges of the inboard wall and the outboard wall to form a cushion space. At least one column formation is formed integrally with the first sidewall and the second sidewall, each of the column formations has an inside wall and an outside wall, and extends from the inboard wall into the article containing space to be closer to the opposing column formation than the inboard walls are to each other. The inside wall is configured for supportingly extending over an end portion of the article.