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).
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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: 20110308710Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Martyn V. Hagedorn, Philip S. Hill, Stephen J. Hollowell, Gary N. Brotherton, Colin D. Sinclair
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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: 7815130Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Michael J. R. Adams, Antonio Bacciocchi, Malcolm F. Douglas, Daniel E. Siltberg
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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: 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: 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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Publication number: 20100139858Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Martyn V. Hagedorn, Philip S. Hill, Stephen J. Hollowell, Gary N. Brotherton, Colin D. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20100117660Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, David Cook, Richard A. Loyd
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Publication number: 20090218417Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Phillip J. Bouic, Stephen C.P. Joseph
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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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Publication number: 20090045824Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, David Cook, Richard A. Loyd
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Patent number: D751358Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Stephen J. Hollowell, Martyn Hagedorn, Gary Brotherton, Philip S. Hill