Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Lins

Christopher A. Lins 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: 9695557
    Abstract: A line striping system comprises a chassis, wheels, a spray system, a propulsion system and a steering system. The wheels are mounted under the chassis. The spray system is mounted on the chassis. The propulsion system is mounted on the chassis to drive a wheel. The steering system is coupled to the chassis. The steering system comprises a handlebar rotatable to steer a wheel, and a speed bar pivotable to control the propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lins, Thomas L. Triplett, James C. Schroeder, Steven R. Kuczenski, Barry W. Mattson, Brian M. Mulgrew, Douglas S. Ryder
  • Patent number: 9481000
    Abstract: A pump 24 with speed control is utilized. A dispenser 12 may have a trigger 14 which actuates a valve 16. Dispenser control 18 has “up” and “down” buttons, 20 and 22 respectively. The controls 28(comprising elements 18, 20 and 22) for the pump 24 are remote from pump 24. The controls communicate with the pump via wires or radio frequency (RF) 26 to regulate pump speed. Quick button (20 and 22) presses will incrementally change the flow setting while long button (20 and 22) presses will change the settings at a higher rate. This control method can also be tied to the controls located on the pump 24. The potentiometer 30 on the pump 24 will set a max setting, and any adjustments at the valve can go below this setting and back up to it, but never exceed it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: Graco Minnesota Inc., Axia Acquistion Corporation
    Inventors: Steve J. Wrobel, Jeromy D. Horning, Robert J. Gundersen, James M. Dalton, Christopher A. Lins, Grant E. Kurre
  • Publication number: 20160186743
    Abstract: A pump rod has a head extending from a neck, and the head is received within a drive slot of a drive link. The head includes a projection, and has an area smaller than an area of the head. The projection contacts an inner surface of the drive slot. The drive link may include a projection aligned with a centerline of the drive link. The drive link projection contacts a head of the pump rod. The projections provide a reduced contact area between the pump rod and the drive link, thereby reducing any side-loading on the pump rod and increasing a lifespan of the wear parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: David J. Thompson, Christopher A. Lins, Andrew J. Kopel, Glen W. Davidson, Chad R. Taszarek, Chris W. Sydow, William M. Blenkush, Steve J. Wrobel
  • Publication number: 20160186788
    Abstract: A clamp is secured to a displacement pump, and the clamp includes an axial ring and a tightening ring. The axial ring is mounted above the tightening ring, and the axial ring is configured to align the displacement pump during mounting and to limit the stoke of a pump rod within the displacement pump. The tightening ring may be tightened such that the axial ring and the tightening ring exert a clamping force on a drive housing, which secures the displacement pump to the drive housing. The tightening ring may receive a projection extending from the drive housing to provide structural support to the drive housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Glen W. Davidson, Steve J. Wrobel, Chad R. Taszarek, William M. Blenkush, Chris W. Sydow, Andrew J. Kopel, Christopher A. Lins, David J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20160186744
    Abstract: A displacement pump includes a pump rod having a load concentrating feature extending from the head of the pump rod. The head of the pump rod is received within a slot of a drive link, and the drive link is configured to contact the load concentrating feature. Having the drive link contact the smaller diameter load concentrating feature reduces the misalignment between the driving force and the center of the pump rod and thereby reduces side-loading experienced by the pump rod. The displacement pump is configured to be used in a fluid dispensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Glen W. Davidson, Steve J. Wrobel, Chad R. Taszarek, William M. Blenkush, Chris W. Sydow, Christopher A. Lins, Andrew J. Kopel, David J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20150352570
    Abstract: In one example, a fluid spraying device includes a chassis, a plurality of wheels connected to the chassis, a spray tip assembly connected to the chassis, and a hopper mounted on the chassis. The hopper is in fluid communication with the spray tip assembly and is configured to be oriented in an upright draining position for draining fluid from the hopper. The hopper includes a bottom side, a top side opposite the bottom side and including an aperture configured to receive and drain the fluid, and a side wall extending at an obtuse angle away from the bottom side to the top side adjacent the aperture to facilitate draining of fluid when the hopper is in the upright draining position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lins, James C. Schroeder, Roland M. Bedard, Steven H. Fredrickson
  • Patent number: 9133631
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a handle system for use with finishing tools utilized to finish wallboard joints. A finishing tool may be connected to the handle system and moved relative to a wallboard joint to appropriately apply mastic over the joint. In one embodiment, the handle system includes an elongate handle body having a tear drop cross-sectional shape. The shape enables the handle body to fit ergonomically within a user's hand and improves the user's ability to resist torque tending to cause the handle body to twist and a connected finishing tool to come out of contact with wallboard during use. The handle system further includes a pivoting connector assembly that permits a connected finishing tool to rotate relative to the handle body and that has a unique pivot pin that allows mastic to flow through the handle body, through the pivoting connector assembly, and into the connected finishing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: AXIA ACQUISITION CORPORATION, GRACO INC.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Jungklaus, David J. Castagnetta, Charles C. Somers, III, Christopher A. Lins, Jeromy D. Horning, Bret A. Deneson, Steve J. Wrobel
  • Publication number: 20150136020
    Abstract: A line striping system comprises a chassis, wheels, a spray system, a propulsion system and a steering system. The wheels are mounted under the chassis. The spray system is mounted on the chassis. The propulsion system is mounted on the chassis to drive a wheel. The steering system is coupled to the chassis. The steering system comprises a handlebar rotatable to steer a wheel, and a speed bar pivotable to control the propulsion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lins, Thomas L. Triplett, James C. Schroeder, Steven R. Kuczenski, Barry W. Mattson, Brian M. Mulgrew, Douglas S. Ryder
  • Publication number: 20150097054
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuation system for a sprayer comprises a hydraulic system, a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator and a sprayer. The hydraulic system is for pressurizing a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic actuator is powered by the hydraulic system. The electric actuator controls actuation of the hydraulic actuator by the hydraulic system. The sprayer is actuated by the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: James C. Schroeder, Christopher A. Lins, Steven R. Kuczenski
  • Patent number: 8992120
    Abstract: A mobile thermoplastic applicator comprises a kettle, a main gas burner, a heat exchanger plenum, and a screed die box. The kettle has walls which define an interior space for melting thermoplastic. The main gas burner is situated beneath the kettle, and is configured to heat the kettle. The heat exchanger plenum is situated inside the thermoplastic kettle and is configured to subdivide the interior space and circulate heated air from the main gas burner. The screed die box is configured to receive molten thermoplastic from the kettle and deposit that molten thermoplastic on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Fredrickson, Barry W. Mattson, Christopher A. Lins, James C. Schroeder, Roland M. Bedard, Thomas L. Triplett
  • Patent number: 8899872
    Abstract: A screed die box includes a screed die bucket, a screed die box gate, a screed die box lever, a screed plate, and a positioning member. The screed die box gas is slidably connected at the bottom of the screed die bucket. The screed die box lever is rotatably connected to the screed die bucket and the screed die box gate for sliding the screed die box gate between an open position and a closed position. The screed plate is slidably connected along an aft side of the screed die bucket and includes a positioning aperture. The positioning member is located in the screed die bucket and engages the screed plate, the positioning member sliding the screed plate as the positioning member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Triplett, Steven H. Fredrickson, Charles W. Dawson, Christopher A. Lins, Barry W. Mattson
  • Patent number: 8887965
    Abstract: A drywall feed pump system supplies drywall joint compound to a fill port assembly that allows for the connection of tools with various couplings, such as continuous flow pump tools and conventional automated hand tools. The assembly includes a feed hose, a mounting plate, a coupling plate, and a quick-connect adapter. An inlet of the feed hose connects to the feed pump system to supply the assembly with joint compound. The mounting plate provides a location for the outlet of the feed hose and accessory couplings to attach. The coupling plate facilitates the attachment to the drywall feed pump system. The quick-connect adapter extends from the mounting plate and facilitates the connection of various accessory couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Verby, Robert J. Gundersen, Christopher A. Lins, Bret A. Deneson, Jeromy D. Horning
  • Patent number: 8840337
    Abstract: A screed die box includes a screed die bucket, a screed die box gate, a screed die box lever, a screed plate, and a positioning member. The screed die box gas is slidably connected at the bottom of the screed die bucket. The screed die box lever is rotatably connected to the screed die bucket and the screed die box gate for sliding the screed die box gate between an open position and a closed position. The screed plate is slidably connected along an aft side of the screed die bucket and includes a positioning aperture. The positioning member is located in the screed die bucket and engages the screed plate, the positioning member sliding the screed plate as the positioning member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Fredrickson, Barry W. Mattson, Christopher A. Lins, Thomas L. Triplett, Bradley K. Voigt, Charles W. Dawson
  • Patent number: 8814467
    Abstract: A flame safety system for a thermoplastic applicator comprises a gas burner and a flame indicator. The gas burner expels a jet of pressurized combustible gas from an outlet nozzle, and includes an attachment groove near the nozzle. The flame indicator includes an attachment ring configured to fit into the groove, thereby securing the flame indicator to the gas burner, and a flame path portion extending from the attachment ring into the jet of pressurized combustible gas. The flame path portion is formed from a material which incandescently glows whenever the jet of combustible pressurized gas is lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Dawson, Barry W. Mattson, Thomas L. Triplett, Steven H. Fredrickson, Christopher A. Lins
  • Publication number: 20130302091
    Abstract: A mobile thermoplastic applicator comprises a kettle, a main gas burner, a heat exchanger plenum, and a screed die box. The kettle has walls which define an interior space for melting thermoplastic. The main gas burner is situated beneath the kettle, and is configured to heat the kettle. The heat exchanger plenum is situated inside the thermoplastic kettle and is configured to subdivide the interior space and circulate heated air from the main gas burner. The screed die box is configured to receive molten thermoplastic from the kettle and deposit that molten thermoplastic on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Steven H. Fredrickson, Barry W. Mattson, Christopher A. Lins, James C. Schroeder, Roland M. Bedard, Thomas L. Triplett
  • Publication number: 20130302090
    Abstract: A screed die box includes a screed die bucket, a screed die box gate, a screed die box lever, a screed plate, and a positioning member. The screed die box gas is slidably connected at the bottom of the screed die bucket. The screed die box lever is rotatably connected to the screed die bucket and the screed die box gate for sliding the screed die box gate between an open position and a closed position. The screed plate is slidably connected along an aft side of the screed die bucket and includes a positioning aperture. The positioning member is located in the screed die bucket and engages the screed plate, the positioning member sliding the screed plate as the positioning member is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Fredrickson, Barry W. Mattson, Christopher A. Lins, Thomas L. Triplett, Bradley K. Voigt, Charles W. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20130294832
    Abstract: A flame safety system for a thermoplastic applicator comprises a gas burner and a flame indicator. The gas burner expels a jet of pressurized combustible gas from an outlet nozzle, and includes an attachment groove near the nozzle. The flame indicator includes an attachment ring configured to fit into the groove, thereby securing the flame indicator to the gas burner, and a flame path portion extending from the attachment ring into the jet of pressurized combustible gas. The flame path portion is formed from a material which incandescently glows whenever the jet of combustible pressurized gas is lit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Dawson, Barry W. Mattson, Thomas L. Triplett, Steven H. Fredrickson, Christopher A. Lins
  • Publication number: 20130294831
    Abstract: A screed die box includes a screed die bucket, a screed die box gate, a screed die box lever, a screed plate, and a positioning member. The screed die box gas is slidably connected at the bottom of the screed die bucket. The screed die box lever is rotatably connected to the screed die bucket and the screed die box gate for sliding the screed die box gate between an open position and a closed position. The screed plate is slidably connected along an aft side of the screed die bucket and includes a positioning aperture. The positioning member is located in the screed die bucket and engages the screed plate, the positioning member sliding the screed plate as the positioning member is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Triplett, Steven H. Fredrickson, Charles W. Dawson, Christopher A. Lins, Barry W. Mattson
  • Patent number: D742927
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Thompson, Christopher A. Lins, Andrew J. Kopel, Glen W. Davidson, Chad R. Taszarek
  • Patent number: D752649
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Lins, James M. Dalton