Patents by Inventor Paul R. Micheli

Paul R. Micheli 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: 20120097765
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device. An exemplary spray coating device of the present technique has a fine finish tip with an atomization section comprising a first fluid impingement orifice, i.e., a pre-orifice, angled toward an expansion chamber and a subsequent second fluid impingement orifice. The fine finish tip is provided as a unitary assembly that may be applied to a spray gun and that provides a fixed relationship between the pre-orifice, the expansion chamber, and the second orifice, which results in refined spray characteristics, such as uniform particle distribution and uniform fan pattern shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Ilinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell M. Drozd, Paul R. Micheli, Nekheel S. Gajjar
  • Patent number: 8105411
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a fluid filter that includes a first set of strips of a first filter material having a first density, and a second set of strips of a second filter material having a second density greater than the first density, wherein the first set and second set of strips are arranged in an alternating pattern to define a first filter layer. The system also includes a second filter layer comprising a third filter material having a third density greater than the second density, wherein the first filter layer is coupled to the second filter layer. In other embodiments, the system includes a fluid filter which includes a first filter material having a first density, a second filter material having a second density greater than the first density, and a third filter material having a third density greater than the second density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Nekheel Gajjar, Paul R. Micheli
  • Patent number: 7992808
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a system includes a spray device having a liquid pathway leading to a liquid exit, an air pathway leading to an air exit directed toward a spray region downstream of the liquid exit, and an assembly disposed in the liquid pathway adjacent the liquid exit. The assembly includes a threadless pintle generally fit into a sleeve in a concentric manner without threads. The assembly also includes a generally annular passage between the threadless pintle and the sleeve and a passage coupled with the generally annular passage. The generally annular passage also has a cross-sectional area that alternatingly increases and decreases in a lengthwise direction along the liquid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Patent number: 7926733
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a spray coating device includes a body and a spray formation head coupled to the body. The spray formation head has a fluid delivery mechanism comprising a pintle, a sleeve disposed about the pintle, and a throat between the pintle and the sleeve, wherein the throat decreases in cross-section at least partially lengthwise through the fluid delivery mechanism toward a fluid exit between the pintle and the sleeve. The spray formation head also has a pneumatic atomization mechanism disposed adjacent the fluid delivery mechanism, wherein the pneumatic atomization mechanism comprises a plurality of pneumatic orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Patent number: 7883026
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a system includes a spray device having a liquid pathway leading to a liquid exit, an air pathway leading to an air exit directed toward a spray region downstream of the liquid exit, and an assembly disposed in the liquid pathway adjacent the liquid exit. The assembly includes a threadless pintle generally fit into a sleeve in a concentric manner without threads. The assembly also includes a generally annular passage between the threadless pintle and the sleeve and a passage coupled with the generally annular passage. The generally annular passage also has a cross-sectional area that alternatingly increases and decreases in a lengthwise direction along the liquid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Patent number: 7789327
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, may include a spray coating device leaving a plurality of casings coupled together to define an exterior contour and a hollow interior of the spray coating device. The spray coating device also may include a plurality of modular components disposed in the hollow interior, wherein the plurality of modular components are configured to cooperate with one another output a spray coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Micheli, Christine Laub, Nekheel Gajjar
  • Patent number: 7762476
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device by internally mixing and breaking up a desired coating fluid prior to atomization at a spray formation section of the spray coating device. An exemplary spray coating device of the present technique has an internal fluid breakup section comprising at least one fluid impingement orifice angled toward a fluid impingement region. In operation, the internal fluid breakup section forms one or more fluid jets, which impinge one or more surfaces or one another in the fluid impingement region. Accordingly, the impinging fluid jets substantially breakup particulate/ligaments in the coating fluid prior to atomization. The resulting spray coating has refined characteristics, such as reduced mottling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20100108784
    Abstract: A spray coating system is provided with features to improve resistance to wear and corrosion, while also improving ergonomics. The spray coating system may include a spray coating device having a body with a liquid inlet coupled to a liquid chamber, and a protective liner extending inside the liquid chamber, wherein the protective liner is fixedly coupled to the body without threads. The spray coating device also may include a liquid nozzle extending inside the protective liner, and a cap extending over the liquid nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell M. Drozd, Paul R. Micheli, Christine S. Laub, Nekheel S. Gajjar
  • Publication number: 20100050870
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a fluid filter that includes a first set of strips of a first filter material having a first density, and a second set of strips of a second filter material having a second density greater than the first density, wherein the first set and second set of strips are arranged in an alternating pattern to define a first filter layer. The system also includes a second filter layer comprising a third filter material having a third density greater than the second density, wherein the first filter layer is coupled to the second filter layer. In other embodiments, the system includes a fluid filter which includes a first filter material having a first density, a second filter material having a second density greater than the first density, and a third filter material having a third density greater than the second density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Nekheel Gajjar, Paul R. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20100006673
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a system includes a spray device having a liquid pathway leading to a liquid exit, an air pathway leading to an air exit directed toward a spray region downstream of the liquid exit, and an assembly disposed in the liquid pathway adjacent the liquid exit. The assembly includes a threadless pintle generally fit into a sleeve in a concentric manner without threads. The assembly also includes a generally annular passage between the threadless pintle and the sleeve and a passage coupled with the generally annular passage. The generally annular passage also has a cross-sectional area that alternatingly increases and decreases in a lengthwise direction along the liquid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20090302133
    Abstract: A spray coating system, in one embodiment, includes a spray gun having a body, a valve cartridge, and a protective insert. The body includes a passage intersecting a receptacle. The valve cartridge is disposed in the receptacle. The protective insert is disposed in the passage. The protective insert has a central passage, and the protective insert protects the passage from wear by liquid flow through the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. Micheli, Nekheel Gajjar
  • Publication number: 20090277976
    Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a spray gun having a body, a receptacle disposed in the body, and a valve cartridge. The valve cartridge includes a biasing member, a valve seat, a seal, and a valve member disposed through the seal and biased toward the valve seat via the biasing member. The valve member is movable between an open position and a closed position in a direction generally crosswise to a spray exit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Micheli, Nekheel Gajjar
  • Patent number: 7568635
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for atomizing a liquid without the use of air to atomize the liquid. The system comprises a turbo spray nozzle that has a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft has a center bore with an opening at one end to enable a liquid to flow into the center bore of the rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft also has a plurality of orifices that extend from the center bore to an outer surface of the rotatable shaft at the end opposite the opening. The rotatable shaft is rotated by pressurized air. The rotation of the shaft causes the liquid flowing into the center bore to be induced into a helical flow path that causes the liquid to disassociate. The system may comprise a spray gun coupled to the turbo spray nozzle. The system may also comprise an air compressor to provide the pressurized air to rotate the rotatable shaft. The system may also comprise a container for the liquid hat may be pressurized to provide a motive force to the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20090148612
    Abstract: A spray coating device having a an adjustable handle is provided. The adjustable handle can be extended or folded relative the body of the spray coating device. This provides the user with an ability to easily manipulate and move the spray coating device. The spray coating device also includes a plurality of molecular components adapted to ease replacement at ports within the spray coating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: IIIinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20080295768
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, may include a spray coating device leaving a plurality of casings coupled together to define an exterior contour and a hollow interior of the spray coating device. The spray coating device also may include a plurality of modular components disposed in the hollow interior, wherein the plurality of modular components are configured to cooperate with one another output a spray coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Paul R. Micheli, Christine Laub, Nekheel Gajjar
  • Publication number: 20080296409
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, may include a spray coating device having a handle, a fluid head comprising a fluid valve and a trigger coupled to the fluid valve, and a quick disconnect fastener coupling the fluid head with the handle. A system, in other embodiments, may include a spray coating device having a body, a pivot joint coupled to the body, and a trigger having a lever coupled to the pivot joint. The trigger may be configured to move in a first direction. The system also may include a valve disposed in the body and movable in a second direction crosswise to the first direction, wherein the lever is configured to bias the valve in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20080185009
    Abstract: An input device for a clinician to control and modify the operation of a mechanical ventilator comprises a graphical display, a representation of a respiratory therapy trajectory to be delivered to a patient, at least one data point associated with the trajectory, and a data input means for the clinician to select a data point and to modify the value of the trajectory at that data point. The present invention provides for the creation and modification of a respiratory therapy trajectory, wherein the ventilator provides a medical gas waveform to a patient according to the respiratory therapy trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Gary J. Choncholas, Paul R. Micheli, Jaron M. Acker, Robert Q. Tham
  • Publication number: 20080017734
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes microblasting a spray tip of a spray device to refine spray characteristics of the spray tip. In other embodiments, a method includes outputting a substance from a microblasted output orifice of a spray device to create a spray having characteristics at least partially attributed to a microblast treatment of the microblasted output orifice; and applying the spray onto a surface of a product to create a coating having characteristics at least partially attributed to the microblast treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Paul R. Micheli, Christine Laub, Al Suopys, Michael Starozhitsky
  • Patent number: 7311271
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device by internally mixing and breaking up a desired coating fluid prior to atomization. In one embodiment, a flow barrier is disposed in the spray coating device downstream of an internal fluid valve and upstream of a fluid exit. The flow barrier may have a plurality of passages configured to direct fluid streams to create a fluid swirling and rotating motion around a central axis of a central flow path to facilitate fluid mixing and breakup. The plurality of passages may direct the fluid streams toward a surface, and may be angled substantially toward one another or diverging from one another. Embodiments of the spray coating device may further include an atomization mechanism adapted to facilitate formation of a spray of the fluid flowing from the fluid exit. The resulting spray coating has refined characteristics, such as reduced mottling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R Micheli
  • Patent number: 7028916
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for improving atomization in a spray coating device by internally mixing and breaking up a desired coating fluid prior to atomization at a spray formation section of the spray coating device. An exemplary spray coating device of the present technique has a mixture-inducing valve disposed adjacent a flow barrier upstream of a spray formation exit. The mixture-inducing valve may have a variety of blunt/angled structures and internal passages to facilitate fluid mixing. The mixture-inducing valve also may interact with the flow barrier to enhance the fluid mixing and fluid breakup. One embodiment of the present spray coating device has an internal fluid breakup section, such as an impinging jet section, adjacent the mixture-inducing valve. The resulting spray coating has refined characteristics, such as reduced mottling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Micheli