Patents by Inventor Paul R. Quam

Paul R. Quam 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: 10555905
    Abstract: A retaining system for a solenoid assembly of a liquid adhesive dispensing system includes a quick-release mechanism configured to secure the solenoid assembly in place. The quick-release mechanism engages an air tube of the solenoid and thereby secures the entire solenoid assembly to a manifold. The quick-release mechanism can release the solenoid, facilitating easy removal of the entire solenoid assembly, by a simple turning, pushing, or pulling action on the quick-release mechanism. The released solenoid can then be removed and replaced, thereby minimizing downtime caused due to the replacement of a faulty solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Quam, Matthew R. Theisen, Parker J. Haffley
  • Publication number: 20190216732
    Abstract: A retaining system for a solenoid assembly of a liquid adhesive dispensing system includes a quick-release mechanism configured to secure the solenoid assembly in place. The quick-release mechanism engages an air tube of the solenoid and thereby secures the entire solenoid assembly to a manifold. The quick-release mechanism can release the solenoid, facilitating easy removal of the entire solenoid assembly, by a simple turning, pushing, or pulling action on the quick-release mechanism. The released solenoid can then be removed and replaced, thereby minimizing downtime caused due to the replacement of a faulty solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Paul R. Quam, Matthew R. Theisen, Parker J. Haffley
  • Patent number: 10278921
    Abstract: A retaining system for a solenoid assembly of a liquid adhesive dispensing system includes a quick-release mechanism configured to secure the solenoid assembly in place. The quick-release mechanism engages an air tube of the solenoid and thereby secures the entire solenoid assembly to a manifold. The quick-release mechanism can release the solenoid, facilitating easy removal of the entire solenoid assembly, by a simple turning, pushing, or pulling action on the quick-release mechanism. The released solenoid can then be removed and replaced, thereby minimizing downtime caused due to the replacement of a faulty solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Quam, Matthew R. Theisen, Parker J. Haffley
  • Patent number: 9884331
    Abstract: A bellow seal of a fluid dispensing system is disclosed. The bellow seal having a generally circular cross section includes a first end having a first diameter. The bellow seal further includes a second end having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the first end. The bellow seal further includes a contoured external surface extending between the first end and the second end. The external surface includes a cylindrical portion extending from the first end, an undulating portion, (which includes a convex portion extending from the cylindrical portion and a concave portion extending from the convex portion), and a tapered portion extending from the concave portion to the second end. The bellow seal further includes a flexible region defined between a first point located on the cylindrical portion and a second point located on the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Parker J. Haffley, Matthew R. Theisen, Paul R. Quam
  • Publication number: 20170333923
    Abstract: A bellow seal of a fluid dispensing system is disclosed. The bellow seal having a generally circular cross section includes a first end having a first diameter. The bellow seal further includes a second end having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the first end. The bellow seal further includes a contoured external surface extending between the first end and the second end. The external surface includes a cylindrical portion extending from the first end, an undulating portion, (which includes a convex portion extending from the cylindrical portion and a concave portion extending from the convex portion), and a tapered portion extending from the concave portion to the second end. The bellow seal further includes a flexible region defined between a first point located on the cylindrical portion and a second point located on the concave portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Parker J. Haffley, Matthew R. Theisen, Paul R. Quam
  • Publication number: 20170239678
    Abstract: A retaining system for a solenoid assembly of a liquid adhesive dispensing system includes a quick-release mechanism configured to secure the solenoid assembly in place. The quick-release mechanism engages an air tube of the solenoid and thereby secures the entire solenoid assembly to a manifold. The quick-release mechanism can release the solenoid, facilitating easy removal of the entire solenoid assembly, by a simple turning, pushing, or pulling action on the quick-release mechanism. The released solenoid can then be removed and replaced, thereby minimizing downtime caused due to the replacement of a faulty solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Paul R. Quam, Matthew R. Theisen, Parker J. Haffley
  • Patent number: 9291160
    Abstract: An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Quam
  • Publication number: 20150314318
    Abstract: Systems and methods of dispensing a hot melt adhesive material that can be heated from a lower temperature flowable non-molten liquid state to a higher temperature molten liquid state, the systems and methods comprise: pumping with a pump the hot melt adhesive material in the lower temperature flowable non-molten liquid state into a supply conduit; passing the hot melt adhesive material through a heated thermal break in the supply conduit that allows free flowing movement of transitional non-molten and molten state material; heating the hot melt adhesive material in a heat exchanger connected to the heated thermal break to the higher temperature molten liquid state; and dispensing the hot melt adhesive material in the higher temperature molten liquid state from a dispenser in fluid communication with the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Corey D. Johnson, John S. Lihwa, Paul R. Quam, Steven R. Sinders, J. Shawn Oakes
  • Patent number: 9156053
    Abstract: A melt system capable of heating hot melt pellets into a liquid includes a melter including a body, a chamber, a collector, channels, and a heater. The thermally conductive body forms an interior with a surface area. The chamber is at an upper end of the body for receiving the pellets. The collector is within the body and located below the chamber for receiving the liquid from the melted pellets. The channels extend between the chamber and the collector to increase the surface area of the interior, and the walls of the channels form heat exchange surfaces. The heater is for transferring heat to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross
  • Patent number: 8985391
    Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system including a container for storing adhesive pellets, a feed system for transporting adhesive pellets from the container, and a blower. The blower is positioned with respect to an inlet of the feed system for applying a flow of air for agitating the adhesive pellets and moving the adhesive pellets toward the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Joseph E. Tix
  • Patent number: 8939330
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge tip, a valve stem and a movable service seat. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge tip is removably mounted to the module and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharge tip. The movable service seat surrounds the valve stem within the fluid passage between the discharge tip and the fluid inlet. The service seat is configured to seal the fluid passage when the discharge tip is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger
  • Publication number: 20150023806
    Abstract: An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Paul R. Quam
  • Patent number: 8893930
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge orifice, a valve stem and a filter. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge orifice is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharger orifice. The filter is disposed within the fluid passage and surrounds the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger, Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, John S. Lihwa
  • Patent number: 8887966
    Abstract: An inductor pump system comprises a fluid activated ram, an inductor pump platen, a fluid activated motor and a fluid control. The inductor pump platen is driven by the fluid activated ram. The fluid activated motor is coupled to the platen. The fluid control comprises an inlet for receiving a source of pressurized fluid, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are configured to receive pressurized fluid from the inlet. The first circuit comprises a switching valve connected to the inlet; an actuator line connected to the ram and the switching valve; and a blow-off line connected to the inductor pump platen and the switching valve. The second circuit is connected to the inlet to receive pressurized fluid and to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Quam
  • Publication number: 20140263450
    Abstract: A hot melt dispensing system includes a melter, a feed system, a dispenser and a filter. The feed system delivers hot melt pellets to the melter. The dispenser dispenses liquefied hot melt adhesive from the melter. The filter is connected to the feed system and prevents contaminants from passing through the feed system. In one embodiment, the filter comprises a screen filter positioned near a bottom of a pellet hopper. In another embodiment, the filter comprises a series of baffles positioned along the pellet hopper. In yet another embodiment, the filter comprises an electro-static filter coupled to a feed hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Robert J. Lind, Douglas B. Farrow, John S. Lihwa, Joseph E. Tix, Mark J. Brudevold, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark W. Sheahan, Shaun M. Cook, Nicholas D. Long, Michael J. Sebion
  • Publication number: 20140263451
    Abstract: A pumping system comprises a pump, first and second channels, a valve, and an actuator. The pump pumps fluid according to a pumping cycle. The first channel has a first fluid flow orifice with a first diameter, while the second channel has a second fluid flow orifice with a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The valve is configured to direct fluid from the pump to the first channel in a first state, and to the second channel in a second state. The actuator is configured to switch the valve into the first state during a high pressure period of the pumping cycle, and into the second state during a low pressure period of the pumping cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Robert J. Lind, Douglas B. Farrow, John S. Lihwa, Joseph E. Tix, Mark J. Brudevold, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark W. Sheahan, Shaun M. Cook, Nicholas D. Long, Michael J. Sebion
  • Publication number: 20140263452
    Abstract: A melting system includes a hopper for receiving solid hot melt material, a heated conduit in communication with the hopper for melting the solid hot melt material, and a valve for allowing solid hot melt material to flow from the hopper to the heated conduit. The valve includes a disk movable between a closed position and an open position, a stem connected to the disk and an actuator for controlling the position of the disk. The disk prevents solid hot melt material from flowing from the hopper to the conduit in the closed position and allows solid hot melt material to flow from the hopper to the conduit in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sebion, Nicholas D. Long, Shaun M. Cook, Mark W. Sheahan, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark J. Brudevold, Joseph E. Tix, John S. Lihwa, Douglas B. Farrow, Robert J. Lind, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140263478
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve comprises a module, a discharge tip, a valve stem and a movable service seat. The module has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The discharge tip is removably mounted to the module and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The valve stem extends into the fluid passage to close-off the discharge tip. The movable service seat surrounds the valve stem within the fluid passage between the discharge tip and the fluid inlet. The service seat is configured to seal the fluid passage when the discharge tip is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Paul R. Quam, Joseph E. Tix, Mark T. Weinberger
  • Publication number: 20140170581
    Abstract: A heating system includes an air motor with an exhaust; a pump for a hot melt dispensing system and driven by the air motor; and a shroud enclosing at least a portion of the air motor and the pump to direct heat from the pump to the exhaust of the air motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sebion, Nicholas D. Long, Shaun M. Cook, Mark W. Sheahan, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark J. Brudevold, Joseph E. Tix, John S. Lihwa, Douglas B. Farrow, Robert J. Lind, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140166125
    Abstract: A melter for a melt system includes a tank, a vibration generating device, and a heater. The tank has a wall for containing a hot melt adhesive, and the vibration generating device vibrates the wall. The heater transfers heat to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Sebion, Nicholas D. Long, Shaun M. Cook, Mark W. Sheahan, Mark T. Weinberger, Mark J. Brudevold, Joseph E. Tix, John S. Lihwa, Douglas B. Farrow, Robert J. Lind, Paul R. Quam, Daniel P. Ross