Patents by Inventor Stephen C. P. Joseph

Stephen C. P. Joseph 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: 11958069
    Abstract: Fluid liners and container assemblies for a spraying apparatus and related methods of use are provided. The disclosed liners include a side wall defining a fluid-containing portion and an open end, a flange extending outwardly from the side wall, and a latching member coupled to the flange, where the latching member includes a retaining feature for releasably coupling the side wall to a lid compatible with the liner. Disclosed fluid containers include a lid having a fluid outlet adapted to couple the lid to the spraying apparatus and a collapsible liner, where either the liner or lid comprises a latch that releasably couples the liner and the lid to each other. Advantageously, the fluid liners and fluid containers can provide enhanced storage options for container contents between spraying operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric O. Nyaribo, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 11919027
    Abstract: A spray gun cup lid is disclosed comprising a modular lid base and a modular liquid outlet that is formed independently of the modular lid base and is connected at an interface to the modular lid base. The modular liquid outlet comprises an outlet connection member to allow connection to a compatible spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dominic M. Pitera, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Scott D. Gullicks
  • Patent number: 11890636
    Abstract: A spray gun and a detachable liquid reservoir releasably attached to the spray gun by engagement of mateable, non-threaded formations provided on the spray gun and the reservoir. The spray gun has an integral connector boss with a socket for reception of a connector tube of the reservoir. The boss has an external flange at the distal end and the reservoir has hook members separate from the connector tube. The hook members are co-operable with the flange when the connector tube is received in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun. In another arrangement, the connector tube is an interference friction-fit in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun. In yet another arrangement, the connector tube has bayonet lugs co-operable with bayonet grooves in the wall of the socket when the connector tube is received in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Michael J. R. Adams, Neil Delbridge, Michael W. Howcroft
  • Patent number: 11666934
    Abstract: A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly is disclosed comprising a coating liquid inlet portion comprising a liquid connector for connection to an external liquid source; a coating liquid outlet portion comprising a liquid nozzle for spraying a coating liquid fed into the nozzle assembly through the coating liquid inlet portion, the liquid nozzle being disposed along a spray axis; a coating liquid flow path fluidly connecting the coating liquid inlet portion to the liquid nozzle; and a spray gun connection portion opposite the coating liquid outlet portion adapted to connect the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible liquid spray gun body. The spray gun connection portion comprises a nozzle assembly sealing surface adapted to seal the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the compatible liquid spray gun body, the nozzle assembly sealing surface comprising first and second sealing members that are each circular and concentric with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bryan J. Hayward, Brady P. Haislet, Brian E. Duncan, Alexander T. Ebertowski, Scott D. Gullicks, Anna M. Hegdahl, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 11638924
    Abstract: A spray gun cup receptacle is disclosed comprising an open end for receiving a liner within a cavity and a base end opposite the open end. The sidewall comprises two apertures through which the cavity is visible from outside the spray gun cup receptacle. The two apertures are divided one above the other by a brace member, at least a portion of which is disposed at a brace member angle a relative to the base plane. Also disclosed are improved lids for spray gun cups, and improved connections between the lid(s) and spray gun cup receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anna M. Hegdahl, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Sabeel Ullah
  • Patent number: 11541407
    Abstract: Fluid liners and container assemblies for a spraying apparatus and related methods of use are provided. The disclosed liners include a side wall defining a fluid-containing portion and an open end, a flange extending outwardly from the side wall, and a latching member coupled to the flange, where the latching member includes a retaining feature for releasably coupling the side wall to a lid compatible with the liner. Disclosed fluid containers include a lid having a fluid outlet adapted to couple the lid to the spraying apparatus and a collapsible liner, where either the liner or lid comprises a latch that releasably couples the liner and the lid to each other. Advantageously, the fluid liners and fluid containers can provide enhanced storage options for container contents between spraying operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric O. Nyaribo, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 11458491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid delivery assembly for a spraying apparatus. The assembly comprises an outer cup, a lid having a fluid outlet adapted to couple the lid to the spraying apparatus, and a liner for holding paint. The fluid delivery assembly comprises an interlocking keyed geometry adapted to prevent rotation of at least one of the lid and the liner with respect to the cup. The interlocking keyed geometry comprises at least one of (a) at least one protrusion of the cup extending into at least one recess of the lid, and (b) at least one protrusion of the lid extending into at least one recess of the cup, wherein the liner is trapped between the protrusion and the recess. The invention also relates to liners for such fluid delivery assemblies, which may be provided as a set of liners having different inners volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Anna M. Hegdahl
  • Patent number: 11413636
    Abstract: Spray gun reservoir components are disclosed. The spray gun reservoir component includes a liquid outlet and an outer face, and defines a centerline plane and an attachment plane. The liquid outlet surrounds a longitudinal axis. The outer face extends away from the liquid outlet. The centerline plane passes through the longitudinal axis. The attachment plane is defined orthogonally to the longitudinal axis and the centerline plane. The outer face further comprises a retention feature extending away from the centerline plane and generally parallel to the attachment plane. In some embodiments, the spray gun reservoir component further comprises a bearing surface formed on the outer face along the attachment plane to engage with a corresponding bearing surface on a liquid spray gun attachment point, with the bearing surface comprising the retention feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexander T. Ebertowski, Andrew R. Henry, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Anna M. Hegdahl
  • Patent number: 11235349
    Abstract: Provided are devices for coating a contoured surface or a three-dimensional structure, and methods of making and using the same. The devices have geometries that are in point contact with the contoured surface. The geometries are substantially rigid and are provided by a flexible applicator. In this way, the flexible applicator permits conformance to the surface contours, along with rigid point contact that provides uniform and consistent coverage of liquid material. Specifically, the devices comprise a handle and an applicator pliantly affixed to the handle, the applicator comprising a plurality of spaced geometries. The devices meter film-forming coating liquids onto contoured surfaces or three-dimensional structures to form uniform coatings and resulting uniform films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Eliason, John I. Escoto, Jr., Patrick J. Hager, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Dominic M. Pitera, Steven R. Raphaelson, Larry A. Schleif, Jeffrey J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 11167298
    Abstract: A barrel for use with a liquid spray gun platform to provide a liquid spray gun comprises a main body and an inseparable nozzle. The main body comprises at least one center air delivery passage and at least one liquid-handling passage. The inseparable nozzle defines a liquid-emitting orifice that is in fluid communication with the at least on liquid-handling passage of the main body, and defines a center air orifice that is in fluid communication with the at least on center air delivery passage of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian E. Duncan, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 11154884
    Abstract: A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly is disclosed comprising a coating liquid inlet portion comprising a liquid connector for connection to an external liquid source; a coating liquid outlet portion comprising a liquid nozzle for spraying a coating liquid fed into the nozzle assembly through the coating liquid inlet portion, the liquid nozzle being disposed along a spray axis; a coating liquid flow path fluidly connecting the coating liquid inlet portion to the liquid nozzle; and a spray gun connection portion opposite the coating liquid outlet portion adapted to connect the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible liquid spray gun body. The spray gun connection portion comprises a nozzle assembly sealing surface adapted to seal the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the compatible liquid spray gun body, the nozzle assembly sealing surface comprising first and second sealing members that are each circular and concentric with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bryan J. Hayward, Brady P. Haislet, Alexander T. Ebertowski, Scott D. Gullicks, Anna M. Hegdahl, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 11154894
    Abstract: A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly is disclosed comprising a coating liquid inlet portion comprising a liquid connector for connection to an external liquid source; a coating liquid outlet portion comprising a liquid nozzle for spraying a coating liquid fed into the nozzle assembly through the coating liquid inlet portion, the liquid nozzle being disposed along a spray axis; a coating liquid flow path fluidly connecting the coating liquid inlet portion to the liquid nozzle; and a spray gun connection portion opposite the coating liquid outlet portion adapted to connect the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible liquid spray gun body. The spray gun connection portion comprises a nozzle assembly sealing surface adapted to seal the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the compatible liquid spray gun body, the nozzle assembly sealing surface comprising first and second sealing members that are each circular and concentric with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bryan J. Hayward, Brady P. Haislet, Brian E. Duncan, Alexander T. Ebertowski, Scott D. Gullicks, Anna M. Hegdahl, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 10987684
    Abstract: Nozzle assemblies (10) for spray guns are disclosed. The nozzle assemblies (10) generally include a fluid outlet (100) extending along a fluid axis (102), the fluid outlet (100) including a fluid aperture (104) and a fluid side wall (164) defining the fluid aperture (104), an atomizing aperture (108) adjacent the fluid side wall (164) and at least partially surrounding the fluid axis (102), an atomizing inlet (110) configured to receive a pressurized gas, and an adjustment member (150) located on the nozzle assembly (10) and movable to: (i) an atomizing position such that the atomizing inlet (110) is in communication with the atomizing aperture (108), and (ii) a non-atomizing position such that the atomizing inlet (110) is not in communication with the atomizing aperture (108). The foregoing nozzle assemblies (810) allow dispensing of fluid coating media in both spray and bead patterns with improved ease of cleaning, superior spray performance, and adaptability with existing spray gun platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott D. Gullicks, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 10987686
    Abstract: Presently described are components of a spray application system. At least one component comprises a liquid repellent surface layer. The liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) may comprise a porous layer and a lubricant impregnated into pores of the porous layer; a fluoropolymer; a fluorochemical material and an organic polymeric binder; or a fluorochemical material melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. The component is typically a liquid reservoir, a liquid reservoir liner, a lid for a liquid reservoir or liner, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. In some favored embodiments, the component is a removable liquid reservoir or liner. In some favored embodiments, the component is a collapsible liquid reservoir or liner. The spray application system typically further comprises a gravity-fed spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam J. Meuler, Nicholas L. Untiedt, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Thomas P. Klun, Naiyong Jing, Paul B. Armstrong, David A. Gzik, Cheryl L. S. Elsbernd
  • Patent number: 10987685
    Abstract: Presently described are components of a spray application system. At least one component comprises a liquid repellent surface layer. The liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) may comprise a porous layer and a lubricant impregnated into pores of the porous layer; a fluoropolymer; a fluorochemical material and an organic polymeric binder; or a fluorochemical material melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. The component is typically a liquid reservoir, a liquid reservoir liner, a lid for a liquid reservoir or liner, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. In some favored embodiments, the component is a removable liquid reservoir or liner. In some favored embodiments, the component is a collapsible liquid reservoir or liner. The spray application system typically further comprises a gravity-fed spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam J. Meuler, Nicholas L. Untiedt, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Thomas P. Klun, Naiyong Jing, Paul B. Armstrong, David A. Gzik, Cheryl L. S. Elsbernd
  • Patent number: 10946399
    Abstract: Presently describes are articles, such as liquid reservoirs, comprising a liquid repellent surface. The liquid repellent surface comprises a surface layer comprising a silane or siloxane material, wherein the liquid repellent surface is not a lubricant impregnated surface. In one embodiment, the liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) comprise a silicone melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. In some embodiments, the article (e.g. liquid reservoir) comprise a thermoplastic polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam J. Meuler, Elaine M. Yorkgitis, David S. Hays, Kent C. Hackbarth, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Cheryl L. S. Elsbernd, Jon P. Nietfeld, Phillip H. Henna, David J. Kinning, Nicholas L. Untiedt, Jeffrey O. Emslander
  • Patent number: D937968
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anna M. Hegdahl, Brett A. Howell, William P. Atwood, Jade L. Perren, Ryan D. Erickson, Steven J. Tarnowski, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Mark S. Menzenski, Sean M. Cory, Dean E. Sitz
  • Patent number: D971725
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anna M. Hegdahl, Brett A. Howell, William P. Atwood, Jade L. Perren, Ryan D. Erickson, Steven J. Tarnowski, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Mark S. Menzenski, Sean M. Cory, Dean E. Sitz
  • Patent number: D971729
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anna M. Hegdahl, Brett A. Howell, William P. Atwood, Jade L. Perren, Ryan D. Erickson, Steven J. Tarnowski, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Mark S. Menzenski, Sean M. Cory, Dean E. Sitz
  • Patent number: D1014702
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Anna M. Hegdahl