Patents by Inventor James Tryon

James Tryon 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: 6905050
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly through which texture material is dispensed from an aerosol system to substantially match an existing texture pattern. The nozzle assembly comprises an actuator member, at least one outlet member, and an outlet structure. The actuator member has a stem portion adapted to engage the aerosol system, an actuator opening, and an actuator passageway for allowing fluid to flow between the stem portion and the actuator opening. The at least one outlet member defines at least one outlet opening. The outlet structure secures the at least one outlet member to the actuator member. The at least one outlet member may be configured such that the outlet opening defines a plurality of cross-sectional areas each corresponding to a predetermined texture pattern. One of the cross-sectional areas is a selected cross-sectional area. The predetermined texture pattern associated with the selected cross-sectional area substantially matches the existing texture pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6883688
    Abstract: A system for forming a coating having a desired texture pattern that substantially matches a pre-existing texture pattern. The system comprises an aerosol assembly, texture material, propellant, and an outlet structure. The aerosol assembly comprises a container assembly defining a product chamber, a valve assembly, and an actuator member defining a nozzle opening. The texture material is arranged within the product chamber. The propellant is arranged within the product chamber to pressurize the texture material. The outlet structure defines an outlet orifice. The outlet structure is fixed relative to the actuator member such that fluid flowing along a fluid path flows through the outlet orifice and onto a surface in the desired texture pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Publication number: 20040089676
    Abstract: An aerosol system for dispensing liquid material. The aerosol system comprises an aerosol assembly, at least one accessory member, and an accessory storage system. The aerosol assembly contains and dispenses liquid material. The at least one accessory member is used in conjunction with the dispensing of the liquid material. The accessory storage system allows the at least one accessory member to be removably secured relative to the aerosol assembly using the deliberate application of manual force. The aerosol system operates in a first configuration in which the at least one accessory member is not secured relative to the aerosol assembly and in a second configuration in which the at least one accessory member is secured relative to the aerosol assembly. Optionally, the aerosol system may operate in a third configuration in which the at least one accessory member is integrally formed with the accessory storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Lester Greer, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6659312
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly through which texture material is dispensed from an aerosol system to substantially match an existing texture pattern. The nozzle assembly comprises an actuator member, at least one outlet member, and an outlet structure. The actuator member has a stem portion adapted to engage the aerosol system, an actuator opening, and an actuator passageway for allowing fluid to flow between the stem portion and the actuator opening. The at least one outlet member defines at least one outlet opening. The outlet structure secures the at least one outlet member to the actuator member. The at least one outlet member may be configured such that the outlet opening defines a plurality of cross-sectional areas each corresponding to a predetermined texture pattern. One of the cross-sectional areas is a selected cross-sectional area. The predetermined texture pattern associated with the selected cross-sectional area substantially matches the existing texture pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6641005
    Abstract: An aerosol device for dispensing texture material for matching existing acoustical ceiling texture. The device comprises a container, a valve assembly, a dispensing nozzle, a hardenable material, and pressurized inert gas as a propelling mechanism. The hardenable material and pressurized inert gas are placed into the container. When the valve assembly is opened, the inert gas forces the hardenable material out of the container through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle diverts at least a portion of the hardenable material exiting the container to develop a spray suitable for the application of the hardenable material onto the ceiling surface being textured. The hardenable material preferably comprises at least water, filler, binder, and polystyrene particles. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon, Eivind Clausen
  • Patent number: 6536633
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall, ceiling or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes along a fluid path, out of an outlet orifice, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet means capable of varying the effective cross-sectional area the outlet orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6446842
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes through a nozzle passageway, out of a discharge opening, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet member that can be placed over the discharge opening to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof. This outlet member can be in the form of a straw or tube that is inserted into the nozzle passageway or a disc or other member having a plurality of outlet orifices formed therein. The outlet member having a plurality of outlet orifices can be attached directly to an actuator member in which the dispensing passageway is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Publication number: 20020084289
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall, ceiling or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes along a fluid path, out of an outlet orifice, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet means capable of varying the effective cross-sectional area the outlet orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6352184
    Abstract: An aerosol device for dispensing texture material for matching existing accoustical ceiling texture. The device comprises a container, a valve assembly, a dispensing nozzle, a hardenable material, and pressurized inert gas as a propelling mechanism. The hardenable material and pressurized inert gas are placed into the container. When the valve assembly is opened, the inert gas forces the hardenable material out of the container through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle to diverts at least a portion of the hardenable material exiting the container to develop a spray suitable for the application of the hardenable material onto the ceiling surface being textured. The hardenable material preferably comprises at least water, filler, binder, and polystyrene particles. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Publication number: 20020000454
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes through a nozzle passageway, out of a discharge opening, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet member that can be placed over the discharge opening to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof. This outlet member can be in the form of a straw or tube that is inserted into the nozzle passageway or a disc or other member having a plurality of outlet orifices formed therein. The outlet member having a plurality of outlet orifices can be attached directly to an actuator member in which the dispensing passageway is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6328185
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall, ceiling or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes through a nozzle passageway, out of a discharge opening, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet member that can be placed over the discharge opening to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof. This outlet member is preferably in the form of a resilient tube that defines an outlet opening, where the tube may be squeezed to change the effective cross-sectional area of the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6276570
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes through a nozzle passageway, out of a discharge opening, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet member that can be placed over the discharge opening to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof. This outlet member can be in the form of a straw or tube that is inserted into the nozzle passageway or a disc or other member having a plurality of outlet orifices formed therein. The outlet member having a plurality of outlet orifices can be attached directly to an actuator member in which the dispensing passageway is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6168093
    Abstract: An airless sprayer adapted to spray both paint and texture material. The sprayer uses a reciprocating piston that mechanically forces the material to be dispensed out of a charging chamber. The piston is driven by a motor mounted within a motor chamber. A working surface of the piston has a surface area adapted to dispense texture material. The sprayer is gravity fed with an overhead hopper. The sprayer is provided with a detachable overflow member that defines an overflow chamber for capturing texture material that leaks around the piston. This overflow chamber is configured relative to the motor chamber such that material leakage is contained within the overflow chamber and does not reach the motor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6152335
    Abstract: An aerosol device for dispensing texture material for matching existing accoustical ceiling texture. The device comprises a container, a valve assembly, a dispensing nozzle, a hardenable material, and pressurized inert gas as a propelling mechanism. The hardenable material and pressurized inert gas are placed into the container. When the valve assembly is opened, the the inert gas forces the hardenable material out of the container through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle diverts at least a portion of the hardenable material exiting the container to develop a spray suitable for the application of the hardenable material onto the ceiling surface being textured. The hardenable material preferably comprises at least water, filler, binder, and polystyrene particles. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6116473
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes through a nozzle passageway, out of a discharge opening, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet member that can be placed over the discharge opening to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof. This outlet member can be in the form of a straw or tube that is inserted into the nozzle passageway or a disc or other member having a plurality of outlet orifices formed therein. The outlet member having a plurality of outlet orifices can be attached directly to an actuator member in which the dispensing passageway is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6101663
    Abstract: An scraper system for removing acoustic texture materials comprising an integral debris collection assembly. The system comprises a scraper assembly comprising a scraper blade maintained at an angle with respect to a handle portion. A band is provided that defines at least a portion of a rectangular perimeter that, in use, is arranged below the scraper blade. A bag is attached to the band so that acoustic texture material removed by the scraper blade falls into the bag. The band is made of resilient material and is attached to the scraper assembly in a manner that allows the band to deflect when it contacts a wall surface adjacent to the ceiling surface. This allows the scraper blade to reach allow the way to wall surface. But the band returns to its original position with the perimeter defined thereby under the blade when the blade is not scraping near the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester R. Greer, Jr., Stephen E. Cunningham, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6095435
    Abstract: Dispensing systems and methods for stucco and similar materials. The system comprises a dispensing assembly and a cartridge assembly. The dispensing assembly comprises a piston pushing assembly, an outlet assembly, and a structural assembly for holding the piston pushing assembly in a fixed relationship to the outlet assembly. The cartridge assembly can contain the material to be dispensed and is mounted within the dispensing assembly. Operation of the piston pushing assembly forces stucco or other material to move from the cartridge assembly to a mixing chamber portion defined by the outlet assembly. At the mixing chamber portion, the stucco material is mixed with a stream of pressurized air which carries the mixture out of the system and deposits the material onto a surface to be coated. The system allows substantial control over the manner in which the stucco or other material is sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester Greer, Jr., James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 6000583
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying spray texture to a wall or the like. The apparatus comprises an aerosol can containing pressurized spray texture material. The spray texture material is released from the can by a valve and passes through a nozzle passageway, out of a discharge opening, and on to a surface to be textured. The apparatus further comprises an outlet member that can be placed over the discharge opening to vary the effective cross-sectional area thereof. This outlet member can be in the form of a straw or tube that is inserted into the nozzle passageway or a disc or other member having a plurality of outlet orifices formed therein. The outlet member having a plurality of outlet orifices can be attached directly to an actuator member in which the dispensing passageway is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 5934518
    Abstract: An aerosol assembly for applying texture material to a surface in a plurality of pre-existing texture patterns. One or more actuator assemblies are employed, each one defining an outlet orifice having a different cross-sectional area. Each actuator assembly is associated with or can be reconfigured to be associated with a different pre-existing texture pattern. In one form, the actuator assemblies comprise a plurality of identical button members having an outlet chamber and a tube member inserted into the outlet chamber of each button member. The tube members define discharge passageways having different cross-sectional areas. The entire actuator assembly is removed and replaced to dispense a different texture pattern. In another form, the actuator assemblies are individual button members manufactured to define outlet chambers that form discharge passageways of different cross-sectional areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stern, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 5727736
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device having a housing assembly, a conduit assembly, and a shut-off valve assembly. The conduit assembly engages the housing assembly to form a first valve assembly that prevents fluid material from reaching a mixing location in a closed configuration and allows fluid material to reach the mixing location in an open configuration. The shut-off valve assembly comprises a valve housing and a valve member disposed within a valve chamber defined by the valve housing. When the conduit assembly is in the closed configuration, pressurized air within the valve chamber forces the valve member into a closed position against the valve housing to prevent pressurized air from reaching the mixing location. When the conduit assembly is in the open configuration, it displaces the valve member into an open position in which pressurized air can flow from the valve chamber, through the conduit assembly, and to the mixing location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Tryon