Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Douglas B. Farrow
  • Patent number: 7444923
    Abstract: A packing stack for a reciprocating piston pump is formed of alternating V's of UHMWPE and either a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer or an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Horning, David J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7306171
    Abstract: A plural component spray gun (10) is designed for spraying quick setting materials such as foams and the like. A mix module (14) plastic material provides at least twice the life with ½ the wear of currently marketed mix modules and is made of poly ether ether ketone reinforced with graphite and PTFE lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Weinberger, Richard D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7303155
    Abstract: A hand trigger (16) is pivotally mounted on the handlebar (12) of the striper (14). A pair of selectors (26) are pivotally mounted at the trigger pivot points. The selectors (26) are made from a spring or spring-like steel, which allows the selectors (26) to springingly deform for gun selection and adjustment yet return to their original position and shape. This allows delayed gun activation, disabling of one or both guns from the trigger (16) and functioning as a one-handed gun selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kesti, Christopher A. Lins, Jon M. Knutson
  • Patent number: 7296708
    Abstract: The invention replaces mechanical actuation of the valve (22) in lubricant dispense meters (10) to provide a software driven method of controlling the dispense of fluids. The design utilizes either a pressure sensitive membrane switch or a multiple discrete position membrane switch (18) in conjunction with either a multiple discrete stage solenoid actuated valve, a proportional solenoid actuated valve or an on/off solenoid actuated valve (22) to provide operator or programmed control of lubricant dispense frequency and flow rate via the meter's microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. King, Eugene G. Thury, Gregory W. Parkhurst, Michael J. Marshik
  • Patent number: 7226004
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun (10) having an air powered alternator-turbine (14) with a rotating impeller (24) therein mounted in bearings (18) is provided with bearings (18) which are coated with a solvent resistant material. This coating is provided on all surfaces of the bearing (18) except for the inner diameter (18A) which contains the impeller (24). This construction prevents leaching of the oil out of the bearing (18) and into the airstream and also is resistant to paint should the spray gun (10) become immersed in such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Lunzer
  • Patent number: 7168856
    Abstract: Wet cup throat seal (3) and bearing (2) combination is designed for use in a reciprocating piston pump where in the wet cup (1) is designed to hold the seal assembly thereby insuring proper displacement rod (5) alignment and maximizing seal life. The construction also allows for easy and inexpensive replacement and allows piston seals (6) and throat seals (3) to be interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Mark T. Weinberger, James P. Korzenowski, Mark D. Hilde
  • Patent number: 7114664
    Abstract: A texture sprayer is provided with a hopper feeding an air operated double diaphragm pump. The sprayer is provided with a removable power pack which includes a gas engine, an air pump, an air unloading regulator, an air cooler, an air QD and a mounting base with handles. The power pack may be removed from the sprayer cart and located outside so that the sprayer can be used quietly and safely indoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gundersen, James C. Schroeder, David J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7090726
    Abstract: A pair of hoses connects directly from the feed pumps to the extruder without utilizing a PCV (pressure compensating valve). Each feed unit has automatic air pressure relief through a solenoid valve on top of the feed unit so that the unit does not stall at full static line pressure. When the dispense valve at the extruder is shut off, air pressure to the air motor is dumped. A pair of electric eyes is utilized—the first signals the pump (by providing pressurized air) to provide pressure while the second actually opens the extruder when the article to be coated comes into position. The first valve is located only a short distance ahead of the second valve so that the line pressure does not have a chance to exceed the dynamic pressure before the extruder opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: J. Robert Degenkolb, William A. Stusek
  • Patent number: 7025087
    Abstract: A ball stop valve (10) allows liquid to enter a reciprocating piston pump when internal suction is great enough to raise the ball (13) and create a space between the ball (13) and a seat (9). This invention allows the user to easily insert or remove rings (15) into the ball inlet valve, either above or below the ball (13), so that the space between the ball (13) and the seat (9) can be adjusted. The valve (10) is easily accessible to the user and all components of the ball valve (10) are removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Weinberger, Michael J. Sebion
  • Patent number: 7006896
    Abstract: As the command signal to a unit for dispensing sealant is modified, the pressure range for the calibrated point is either extrapolated or interpolated as necessary in order to achieve the correct flow rate. As a result, each time the unit dispenses, it is also recalibrated. This method provides immediate correction for changes in system fluid dynamics thus allowing for a more consistent and predictable dispense profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Balmas, Neal A. Werner
  • Patent number: 6925926
    Abstract: A device that eliminates the need for torque, usually applied by large tools, in the assembly or maintenance of pumps. This device connects the cylinder (7) and upper housing (5) of a pump using a simple locking pin (9) that inserts through the upper housing (5) of the pump and along the flat (7a) on the pump cylinder (7). The cylinder (7) inserts into the upper housing (5) until the holes (11) for the pin are (9) aligned. Upon alignment, the locking pin (9) is inserted through both components and locked, thus connecting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc
    Inventors: Mark T. Weinberger, Michael J. Sebion
  • Patent number: D526045
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gundersen, Timothy J. Kesti, David J. Thompson, James C. Schroeder
  • Patent number: D537458
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Breeser
  • Patent number: D550715
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Glen W. Davidson, Steven J. Wrobel, Andrew J. Kopel, Barry W. Mattson, David J. Thompson, James C. Schroeder
  • Patent number: D560271
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kesti, Philip K. Snider, Dale C. Pemberton, Robert J. Gundersen, Craig J. Wojciechowski, Harold D. Johnson, Diane L. Olson, Jerry D. Horning
  • Patent number: D580515
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Wrobel, Steven H. Fredrickson
  • Patent number: D580516
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Barry W. Mattson, Andrew J. Kopel, James C. Schroeder, Jon M. Knutson, David J. Thompson
  • Patent number: D580517
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Barry W. Mattson, Andrew J. Kopel, James C. Schroeder, Jon M. Knutson, David J. Thompson
  • Patent number: D580518
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Harold D. Johnson, Dale C. Pemberton, Diane L. Olson, William M. Blenkush, Jason P. Iverson, Steve R. Blanchette
  • Patent number: D588230
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: Barry W. Mattson, William M. Blenkush, David M. Larsen, Chad R. Taszarek, Glen W. Davidson, Eric J. Finstad, Thomas E. Kariniemi, James C. Schroeder