Patents by Inventor Joseph E. Tix

Joseph E. Tix 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).

  • Patent number: 8985391
    Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system including a container for storing adhesive pellets, a feed system for transporting adhesive pellets from the container, and a blower. The blower is positioned with respect to an inlet of the feed system for applying a flow of air for agitating the adhesive pellets and moving the adhesive pellets toward the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Joseph E. Tix
  • Patent number: 8939330
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge tip, a valve stem and a movable service seat. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge tip is removably mounted to the module and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharge tip. The movable service seat surrounds the valve stem within the fluid passage between the discharge tip and the fluid inlet. The service seat is configured to seal the fluid passage when the discharge tip is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger
  • Patent number: 8939328
    Abstract: The cartridge 10 provides an inexpensive, effective, clean, reliable means of supplying pressurized cleaning fluid for two component applicators 14. The low friction piston 18 design reduces drag and provides consistent cleaning fluid 12 pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Velgersdyk, Douglas S. Ryder, Joseph E. Tix, Mark T Weinberger
  • Patent number: 8893930
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge orifice, a valve stem and a filter. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharger orifice. The filter is disposed within the fluid passage and surrounds the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger, Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, John S. Lihwa
  • Publication number: 20140263478
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge tip, a valve stem and a movable service seat. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge tip is removably mounted to the module and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharge tip. The movable service seat surrounds the valve stem within the fluid passage between the discharge tip and the fluid inlet. The service seat is configured to seal the fluid passage when the discharge tip is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger
  • Publication number: 20140263451
    Abstract: A pumping system comprises a pump, first and second channels, a valve, and an actuator. The pump pumps fluid according to a pumping cycle. The first channel has a first fluid flow orifice with a first diameter, while the second channel has a second fluid flow orifice with a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The valve is configured to direct fluid from the pump to the first channel in a first state, and to the second channel in a second state. The actuator is configured to switch the valve into the first state during a high pressure period of the pumping cycle, and into the second state during a low pressure period of the pumping cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Robert J. Lind, Douglas B. Farrow, John S. Lihwa, Joseph E. Tix, Mark J. Brudevold, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark W. Sheahan, Shaun M. Cook, Nicholas D. Long, Michael J. Sebion
  • Publication number: 20140263452
    Abstract: A melting system includes a hopper for receiving solid hot melt material, a heated conduit in communication with the hopper for melting the solid hot melt material, and a valve for allowing solid hot melt material to flow from the hopper to the heated conduit. The valve includes a disk movable between a closed position and an open position, a stem connected to the disk and an actuator for controlling the position of the disk. The disk prevents solid hot melt material from flowing from the hopper to the conduit in the closed position and allows solid hot melt material to flow from the hopper to the conduit in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sebion, Nicholas D. Long, Shaun M. Cook, Mark W. Sheahan, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark J. Brudevold, Joseph E. Tix, John S. Lihwa, Douglas B. Farrow, Robert J. Lind, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140263450
    Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system includes a melter, a feed system, a dispenser and a filter. The feed system delivers hot melt pellets to the melter. The dispenser dispenses liquefied hot melt adhesive from the melter. The filter is connected to the feed system and prevents contaminants from passing through the feed system. In one embodiment, the filter comprises a screen filter positioned near a bottom of a pellet hopper. In another embodiment, the filter comprises a series of baffles positioned along the pellet hopper. In yet another embodiment, the filter comprises an electro-static filter coupled to a feed hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Robert J. Lind, Douglas B. Farrow, John S. Lihwa, Joseph E. Tix, Mark J. Brudevold, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark W. Sheahan, Shaun M. Cook, Nicholas D. Long, Michael J. Sebion
  • Patent number: 8807462
    Abstract: A two component spray gun with low/high flow rates allows the operator to spray in confined areas at lower flow without having to change the mix module. The lower flow reduces undesirable “spray back” and will also help reduce material waste. Pneumatic piston 12 travel, which determines on/off fluid flow, can be selected on the fly to either close the fluid ports 14 which stops fluid flow, partially open the fluid ports 14 which limits fluid flow, or to fully open the fluid ports 14 to allow for maximum flow. Pneumatic piston 12 travel can be limited by means of a simple multi-position mechanical stop plunger 16. The stop bar 22 can be connected to a knob 18 or other operator input and turned or adjusted to the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Christopher J. Pellin, Mark T. Weinberger, Jeffrey N. Velgersdyk, Douglas S. Ryder
  • Publication number: 20140166125
    Abstract: A melter for a melt system includes a tank, a vibration generating device, and a heater. The tank has a wall for containing a hot melt adhesive, and the vibration generating device vibrates the wall. The heater transfers heat to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sebion, Nicholas D. Long, Shaun M. Cook, Mark W. Sheahan, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark J. Brudevold, Joseph E. Tix, John S. Lihwa, Douglas B. Farrow, Robert J. Lind, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140170581
    Abstract: A heating system includes an air motor with an exhaust; a pump for a hot melt dispensing system and driven by the air motor; and a shroud enclosing at least a portion of the air motor and the pump to direct heat from the pump to the exhaust of the air motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sebion, Nicholas D. Long, Shaun M. Cook, Mark W. Sheahan, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark J. Brudevold, Joseph E. Tix, John S. Lihwa, Douglas B. Farrow, Robert J. Lind, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140124050
    Abstract: A pour spout adapter comprises a housing, a collar and a threaded engagement. The housing has a sealed bore for receiving a tube. The collar has an internal bore coupled to the housing at a rotatable connection so as to permit a tube to extend from the sealed bore through the collar. The threaded engagement is disposed on the internal bore to receive a threaded pour spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Christopher J. Pellin, Mark T. Weinberger, Andrew M. Spiess
  • Publication number: 20140117047
    Abstract: A hot melt system is described which includes a container of hot melt pellets, a melter, a feed system, a pump, and a dispensing system. A pressure relief system is built around the pump, which may redirect liquefied adhesive from the pump outlet to the pump inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Joseph E. Tix, Matthew R. Theisen, Nicholas K. Studt
  • Publication number: 20140116514
    Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system includes a hopper, a delivery line, a shaker, and an air supply line. The hopper stores hot melt pellets and the delivery line delivers the hot melt pellets from the hopper. The shaker agitates the hot melt pellets. The air supply line supplies air that flows through the shaker to produce vibration and additionally flows through the delivery line to create a vacuum that draws the hot melt pellets through the delivery line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Daniel P. Ross, Kyle A. Bottke
  • Publication number: 20140120254
    Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system includes a melter for heating adhesive pellets into liquefied adhesive pellets and a feed cap connected to the melter. The melter includes a collection surface defining a melter collection area. The feed cap has a feed inlet for receiving a supply of adhesive pellets and air. The feed cap also has a ventilation window system positioned with respect to the feed inlet so as to induce air flow out the ventilation window system and to induce the distribution of the adhesive pellets throughout the melter collection area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Joseph E. Tix
  • Publication number: 20140116535
    Abstract: An adhesive melting system comprises a melter, an ultrasonic sensor, and a feed system. The melter contains and melts adhesive. The ultrasonic sensor is positioned to sense a level of adhesive in the melter. The feed system supplies unmelted adhesive to the melter as a function of the sensed level of adhesive in the melter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Daniel P. Ross, Banjamin R. Godding, Bryce J. Gapinski, Nicholas K. Studt, Mark T. Weinberger
  • Publication number: 20140119715
    Abstract: A method includes delivering current in parallel to a first resistive heating element, a second resistive heating element and a third resistive heating element during a first operating mode of a hot melt dispensing system, and delivering current in parallel to the first resistive heating element, the second resistive heating element and third and fourth resistive heating elements during a second operating mode of a hot melt dispensing system where the third and fourth resistive heating elements are arranged in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Daniel P. Ross, Benjamin R. Godding, Mark J. Brudevold
  • Patent number: D703710
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger, Richard D. Anderson, Nicholas K. Studt
  • Patent number: D704236
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger, Richard D. Anderson, Nicholas K. Studt
  • Patent number: D709934
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Joseph E. Tix, Nicholas D. Long, James A. Lingenfelter, Mark T. Weinberger