Patents by Inventor Alan F. Butler
Alan F. Butler 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).
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Patent number: 9211553Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying a liquid relating to a gravity-fed spray gun are disclosed. Disclosed gravity fed spray guns may comprise a body and an attachment point located at a top portion of the body; and a spray nozzle located at a front portion of the body. An apparatus may further comprise a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid to be sprayed through the spray nozzle, the fluid reservoir comprising a container comprising an open end; a lid for cooperative engagement with the open end of the container, the lid comprising a connector to couple the fluid reservoir to the attachment point of the spray gun and an aperture through which the fluid can flow from the fluid reservoir to the spray nozzle in use; and a filter positioned to filter the fluid before reaching the spray nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Publication number: 20150090614Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying a liquid relating to a gravity-fed spray gun are disclosed. Disclosed gravity fed spray guns may comprise a body and an attachment point located at a top portion of the body; and a spray nozzle located at a front portion of the body. An apparatus may further comprise a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid to be sprayed through the spray nozzle, the fluid reservoir comprising a container comprising an open end; a lid for cooperative engagement with the open end of the container, the lid comprising a connector to couple the fluid reservoir to the attachment point of the spray gun and an aperture through which the fluid can flow from the fluid reservoir to the spray nozzle in use; and a filter positioned to filter the fluid before reaching the spray nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Patent number: 8955770Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying a liquid relating to a gravity-fed spray gun are disclosed. Disclosed gravity fed spray guns may comprise a body and an attachment point located at a top portion of the body; and a spray nozzle located at a front portion of the body. An apparatus may further comprise a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid to be sprayed through the spray nozzle, the fluid reservoir comprising a container comprising an open end; a lid for cooperative engagement with the open end of the container, the lid comprising a connector to couple the fluid reservoir to the attachment point of the spray gun and an aperture through which the fluid can flow from the fluid reservoir to the spray nozzle in use; and a filter positioned to filter the fluid before reaching the spray nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Patent number: 8628026Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Publication number: 20130256424Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying a liquid relating to a gravity-fed spray gun are disclosed. Disclosed gravity fed spray guns may comprise a body and an attachment point located at a top portion of the body; and a spray nozzle located at a front portion of the body. An apparatus may further comprise a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid to be sprayed through the spray nozzle, the fluid reservoir comprising a container comprising an open end; a lid for cooperative engagement with the open end of the container, the lid comprising a connector to couple the fluid reservoir to the attachment point of the spray gun and an aperture through which the fluid can flow from the fluid reservoir to the spray nozzle in use; and a filter positioned to filter the fluid before reaching the spray nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Patent number: 8424780Abstract: A spray gun is disclosed, including components and kits of components thereof, comprising a body comprising an attachment point for a compatible liquid reservoir and an adapter. The adapter comprises, at a first end, a non-threaded connection for attachment to a connector of a compatible liquid reservoir, the adapter being attached at a second end to the attachment point on the body such that the adapter remains attached to the body upon removal of a compatible liquid reservoir from the non-threaded connection.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Publication number: 20120256010Abstract: A spray gun is disclosed, including components and kits of components thereof, comprising a body comprising an attachment point for a compatible liquid reservoir and an adapter. The adapter comprises, at a first end, a non-threaded connection for attachment to a connector of a compatible liquid reservoir, the adapter being attached at a second end to the attachment point on the body such that the adapter remains attached to the body upon removal of a compatible liquid reservoir from the non-threaded connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Publication number: 20110266368Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Patent number: 8002200Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Patent number: 7798421Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Patent number: 7798426Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) which contains a removable liner (13). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a plastic material, is a close fit within the interior of the reservoir and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner during operation of the gun. Preferably, the liner has a comparatively-rigid base and is capable of standing, unsupported, outside the reservoir. The side walls of the liner are preferably thin in comparison to the base and can be collapsed for disposal of the liner. The reservoir (11) has a removable lid (15) and is capable of standing, inverted, on its own so that it can be filled with fluid. The lid (15) also functions to secure the liner (13) in the reservoir and, at the end of a spraying operation, the lid (15) and the liner (13) are removed together from the reservoir (11) and discarded, thereby simplifying the cleaning of the spray gun.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler
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Patent number: 7798427Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler
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Patent number: 7798425Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) which contains a removable liner (13). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a plastic material, is a close fit within the interior of the reservoir and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner during operation of the gun. Preferably, the liner has a comparatively-rigid base and is capable of standing, unsupported, outside the reservoir. The side walls of the liner are preferably thin in comparison to the base and can be collapsed for disposal of the liner. The reservoir (11) has a removable lid (15) and is capable of standing, inverted, on its own so that it can be filled with fluid. The lid (15) also functions to secure the liner (13) in the reservoir and, at the end of a spraying operation, the lid (15) and the liner (13) are removed together from the reservoir (11) and discarded, thereby simplifying the cleaning of the spray gun.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Alan F. Butler
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Publication number: 20090166443Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
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Patent number: 7374111Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler
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Publication number: 20040256485Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) which contains a removable liner (13). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a plastic material, is a close fit within the interior of the reservoir and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner during operation of the gun. Preferably, the liner has a comparatively-rigid base and is capable of standing, unsupported, outside the reservoir. The side walls of the liner are preferably thin in comparison to the base and can be collapsed for disposal of the liner. The reservoir (11) has a removable lid (15) and is capable of standing, inverted, on its own so that it can be filled with fluid. The lid (15) also functions to secure the liner (13) in the reservoir and, at the end of a spraying operation, the lid (15) and the liner (13) are removed together from the reservoir (11) and discarded, thereby simplifying the cleaning of the spray gun.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Alan F. Butler
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Publication number: 20040256484Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) which contains a removable liner (13). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a plastic material, is a close fit within the interior of the reservoir and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner during operation of the gun. Preferably, the liner has a comparatively-rigid base and is capable of standing, unsupported, outside the reservoir. The side walls of the liner are preferably thin in comparison to the base and can be collapsed for disposal of the liner. The reservoir (11) has a removable lid (15) and is capable of standing, inverted, on its own so that it can be filled with fluid. The lid (15) also functions to secure the liner (13) in the reservoir and, at the end of a spraying operation, the lid (15) and the liner (13) are removed together from the reservoir (11) and discarded, thereby simplifying the cleaning of the spray gun.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler
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Patent number: 6820824Abstract: A spray gun has a fluid reservoir that contains a removable liner. The liner, which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a plastics material, is a close fit within the interior of the reservoir and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner during operation of the gun. Preferably, the liner has a comparatively-rigid base and is capable of standing, unsupported, outside the reservoir. The side walls of the liner are preferably thin in comparison to the base and can be collapsed for disposal of the liner. The reservoir has a removable lid and is capable of standing, inverted, on its own so that it can be filled with fluid. The lid also functions to secure the liner in the reservoir and, at the end of a spraying operation, the lid and the liner are removed together from the reservoir and discarded, thereby simplifying the cleaning of the spray gun.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel