Patents by Inventor Malcolm F. Douglas

Malcolm F. Douglas 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: 9211553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Publication number: 20150090614
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Patent number: 8955770
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Patent number: 8628026
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Publication number: 20130256424
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Patent number: 8424780
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Publication number: 20120256010
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Publication number: 20110308710
    Abstract: An elongate masking article (1) that can be removably-attached to a vehicle for masking a surface to be painted, the article being formed from polymeric foam which, on the external surface of the article, or at least a lengthwise-extending part thereof, comprises an integral skin (7). The position of the integral skin on the article is such that, when the article is attached to a vehicle for masking a surface to be painted, at least a part of the skin will face generally towards the direction from which paint will be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Martyn V. Hagedorn, Philip S. Hill, Stephen J. Hollowell, Gary N. Brotherton, Colin D. Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20110266368
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Patent number: 8002200
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Patent number: 7815130
    Abstract: A paint reservoir has a fluid outlet 115 connectable to a spray gun 101 and a fluid inlet 131 provided with a removable screw cap 132 whereby the fluid inlet 131 is directly accessible for introducing paint to the reservoir while attached to the spray gun 101. The fluid outlet 115 and fluid inlet 131 may both be provided in an end wall of the reservoir with outlet 115 located on the longitudinal axis of the reservoir or offset to allow the size of the fluid inlet 131 to be increased for easier filling of the reservoir. The outlet 115 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reservoir or it can be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis to provide greater clearance for access to the fluid inlet 131 when the reservoir is attached to the spray gun 101. In an alternative arrangement, the fluid outlet is provided in an end wall of the reservoir and the fluid inlet is provided in a sidewall of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Michael J. R. Adams, Antonio Bacciocchi, Malcolm F. Douglas, Daniel E. Siltberg
  • Patent number: 7798427
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler
  • Patent number: 7798426
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler
  • Patent number: 7798421
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Publication number: 20100139858
    Abstract: An elongate masking article (1) that can be removably-attached to a vehicle for masking a surface to be painted, the article being formed from polymeric foam which, on the external surface of the article, or at least a lengthwise-extending part thereof, comprises an integral skin (7). The position of the integral skin on the article is such that, when the article is attached to a vehicle for masking a surface to be painted, at least a part of the skin will face generally towards the direction from which paint will be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Martyn V. Hagedorn, Philip S. Hill, Stephen J. Hollowell, Gary N. Brotherton, Colin D. Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20100117660
    Abstract: A capacitive proximity sensor assembly comprises: (i) a capacitive proximity sensor (1) for mounting to a body for sensing external objects, the sensor comprising a dielectric substrate (2) having front and rear major surfaces which, in use of the sensor, face respectively outward from and towards the body; a sensor conductor (3) on the front major surface; and a guard conductor on at least one of the major surfaces to provide an electrical shield for the sensor conductor; and (ii) a cable (16) for transmitting electrical signals from the sensor (1) to an electronic control unit; the cable comprising a dielectric film substrate having, on a first major surface thereof, a first electrical conductor (13) that is connected to the sensor conductor (3) for transmitting electrical signals therefrom and, on both major surfaces thereof, an electrically-conductive layer (14) that is connected to the guard conductor to provide an electrical shield for the said first conductor (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, David Cook, Richard A. Loyd
  • Publication number: 20090218417
    Abstract: A reservoir for use with a spray gun has a body and a flexible diaphragm that define a chamber for liquid to be supplied to the spray gun. The body has an outlet opening leading to a spout connectable to the spray gun and the diaphragm deflects to reduce the volume of the chamber as liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir. The diaphragm gradually conforms to the internal surface of the body as the liquid is withdrawn to prevent pockets forming in which the liquid may be trapped so that substantially all the liquid can be dispensed. The reservoir may be supplied pre-filled with the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Phillip J. Bouic, Stephen C.P. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20090166443
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen C.P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerry E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • Publication number: 20090045824
    Abstract: A capacitive proximity sensor is described for mounting to a body for sensing external objects. The sensor comprises a dielectric film substrate (2) having front and rear major surfaces which, in use of the sensor, face respectively outward from and towards the body; a sensor conductor (6) on the front major surface, and a guard conductor (8) on the rear major surface to provide an electrical shield for the sensor conductor. The sensor is configured so that electrical contact can be made to the sensor conductor and to the guard conductor at the edge of the film substrate. In one embodiment, this is achieved through the provision of a tongue portion (5) which extends from a peripheral edge (4a) of a main part (4) of the substrate, and onto which the sensor and guard conductors extend to provide respective terminals (10, 12) by which external electrical connections can be made to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, David Cook, Richard A. Loyd
  • Patent number: D751358
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Stephen J. Hollowell, Martyn Hagedorn, Gary Brotherton, Philip S. Hill