Patents by Inventor Franco Gozzi

Franco Gozzi 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: 11926072
    Abstract: A method for decorating in thickness a ceramic slab, comprising the following steps: preparing, on a decoration surface (10), a first soft decorated layer (L1) of ceramic material endowed with a decoration (V); progressively transferring, by deposition, the soft decorated layer (L1) from the decoration surface (10) to a first deposition surface (50), situated at a lower height than the decoration surface (10), thus progressively forming on the first deposition surface (50) a second soft decorated layer (L2) which has a head (H) and a tail (T); progressively transferring, by deposition, the second soft decorated layer (L2) from the first deposition surface (50) to a second deposition surface (83), situated at a lower height than the first deposition surface (50), starting from the tail (T) of the second soft decorated layer (L2), thus progressively forming on the second deposition surface (83) a third soft decorated layer (L3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Franco Gozzi, Paolo Vaccari
  • Publication number: 20230356261
    Abstract: A dispensing device for granular or powdered materials, comprising: a main body; a dispensing channel, arranged at least partially in the main body and provided with a longitudinal axis, an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a suction means, provided to retain, upon command, at least a part of granular or powdered material inside the dispensing channel, so as to form an accumulation that obstructs the dispensing channel and prevents the flow of material; at least one suction opening, placed in communication with the dispensing channel and with the suction means; a filter, interposed between the suction opening and the dispensing channel; a ventilation portion, associated with the main body and connected to the inlet opening, which is provided with an outer surface placed in communication with an environment at a determined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: FRANCO GOZZI, IVAN GHIRELLI, PAOLO VACCARI
  • Publication number: 20230234259
    Abstract: A machine for dry decoration of ceramic slabs or tiles, comprising: —a deposit plane (50); —a distributor unit (D), arranged to dispense, in a controlled manner, a ceramic compound in granular or powdered form, formed by two or more different ceramic materials; —a storage container (F), interposed between the distributor unit (D) and the deposit plane (50) to store a certain quantity of ceramic compound dispensed by the distributor unit (D), and comprising an unloading opening (0) arranged to allow the deposit of the ceramic compound on the deposit plane (50); wherein the storage container (F) and the deposit plane (50) are in relative movement with respect to one another along a longitudinal direction (Y); —a control module, connected to the distributor unit (D) and arranged to control and regulate the dispensing of ceramic compound by the distributor unit (D); The machine comprises one or more sensors (S), connected to the control module and arranged to detect a significant parameter of the quantity of cera
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: PAOLO VACCARI, IVAN GHIRELLI, FRANCO GOZZI
  • Publication number: 20230219255
    Abstract: A method for realising a ceramic slab, comprising the following steps: arranging on a first deposition plane (50) a decorated layer (L2) provided with a decoration (200), gradually depositing the decorated soft layer (L2) from a head (H) to a tail (T); gradually transferring the soft layer (L2) by deposition from the first deposition plane (50) to a second deposition plane (83), placed at a lower height than the first deposition plane (50), starting from the tail (T) of the second soft layer (L2), gradually realising a second layer (L3) on the second deposition plane (83).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: FRANCO STEFANI, FRANCO GOZZI, PAOLO VACCARI, IVAN GHIRELLI
  • Publication number: 20230173710
    Abstract: A machine (1) for depositing ceramic powders comprises a supply device (2) and a distributor device (3) of the ceramic powders. The supply device (2) is configured to convey the ceramic powders receiving them from a process situated upstream of the machine. The distributor (3) is movable along a processing direction (X) which extends in a support plane and is configured to receive the ceramic powders from the supply device (2) depositing at least one layer thereof on the support plane during an advancement and/or reverse movement thereof along the processing direction (X). A system for making ceramic tiles or slabs is also claimed, comprising (i) the machine (1) for depositing ceramic powders, (ii) a conveyor belt (11) defining the support plane and (iii) a pressing device arranged along the support plane downstream of the machine (1) and configured to press at least one layer of ceramic powders deposited by the machine (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: CARMINE SANGIOVANNI, EUSTACHIO TARASCO, FRANCO GOZZI
  • Patent number: 11534938
    Abstract: Levelling device for materials in powder or granule form, comprising: a rest plane (2), mobile in advancement along a longitudinal direction (X) and predisposed to transport a layer (L) having a thickness (S) of material in powder or granule form. The device comprises a leveller (5,6), positioned above the rest plane (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Gozzi, Ivan Ghirelli, Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20220323988
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a granular material, comprising a dispensing channel (20) provided with an inlet opening (21) and an outlet opening (22). The dispensing channel (20) comprises an intermediate portion (23), which connects the inlet (21) and outlet (22) openings and is provided with a longitudinal axis (Y); the intermediate portion (23) has a length (L) and a height (H), measured on a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis (Y), wherein the height (H) is measured perpendicular to the length (L). The intermediate portion (23) is configured to enable the deposit and accumulation of a predetermined quantity of granular material coming from the inlet opening (21); Motor means are provided which can be activated on command to cause the granular material to flow in advancement from the intermediate portion (23) towards the outlet opening (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: IVAN GHIRELLI, FRANCO GOZZI, PAOLO VACCARI
  • Publication number: 20220219352
    Abstract: A method for realising ceramic slabs or tiles, comprising the following steps: laying a soft layer (SL) of granular or powder ceramic material on a support plane (P); pressing the soft layer (SL) in order to obtain a compacted layer (CL); firing the compacted layer (CL); prior to the pressing, applying an identification mark (M) onto the soft layer (SL), the identification mark (M) having an optical contrast with respect to the soft layer (SL), so as to enable an optical detection of the mark (M); subsequently to the pressing, acquiring an image of the mark (M); processing the image of the mark (M) detected so as to control one or more operating steps subsequent to the pressing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: IVAN GHIRELLI, FRANCO GOZZI, PAOLO VACCARI
  • Publication number: 20220024069
    Abstract: A method for decorating in thickness a ceramic slab, comprising the following steps: preparing, on a decoration surface (10), a first soft decorated layer (L1) of ceramic material endowed with a decoration (V); progressively transferring, by deposition, the soft decorated layer (L1) from the decoration surface (10) to a first deposition surface (50), situated at a lower height than the decoration surface (10), thus progressively forming on the first deposition surface (50) a second soft decorated layer (L2) which has a head (H) and a tail (T); progressively transferring, by deposition, the second soft decorated layer (L2) from the first deposition surface (50) to a second deposition surface (83), situated at a lower height than the first deposition surface (50), starting from the tail (T) of the second soft decorated layer (L2), thus progressively forming on the second deposition surface (83) a third soft decorated layer (L3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: FRANCO STEFANI, FRANCO GOZZI, PAOLO VACCARI
  • Publication number: 20210379794
    Abstract: A machine for dry decoration of ceramic slabs or tiles, comprising: a support element (10), provided with a plurality of cavities (11) with a pre-established shape; a dispensing device (20), configured to deposit a pre-fixed amount of powder material inside one or more pre-established cavities (11); an unloading device (30), configured to move the cavities (11) from a loading position, in which they can receive the powder material from the dispensing device (20), to an unloading position, in which they can unload the powder material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: PAOLO VACCARI, FRANCO GOZZI, FRANCO STEFANI
  • Publication number: 20210229316
    Abstract: Levelling device for materials in powder or granule form, comprising: a rest plane (2), mobile in advancement along a longitudinal direction (X) and predisposed to transport a layer (L) having a thickness (S) of material in powder or granule form. The device comprises a leveller (5,6), positioned above the rest plane (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: FRANCO GOZZI, IVAN GHIRELLI, FRANCO STEFANI
  • Patent number: 11020875
    Abstract: A pressing device, comprising: a lower punch (10), provided with a pressing surface (10a) facing upwards; an upper punch (11), provided with a pressing surface (11a), facing downwards; at least one of the two punches is movable nearingly and distancingly relative to the other in order to perform pressing of a layer (L) of a ceramic material; a first movable belt (2) comprising an active portion (3) arranged at least partially between the upper punch (11) and the lower punch (10); a second movable belt (4) comprising an active portion (5) arranged at least partially between the first movable belt (2) and the upper punch (13); a shaped profile (6), which is so structured as to at least partially delimit a pressing chamber, which is detachably associated to the lower punch (10) or to the upper punch (11) in a projecting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Franco Gozzi
  • Publication number: 20210114254
    Abstract: A pressing method for pressing ceramic slabs, comprising the following steps: spreading a layer (1) of granular or powdered material onto a pressing plane (2), wherein the layer (1) comprises at least a first zone (11), with a prefixed area and border, made of a granular or powdered primary material, and at least a second zone (12), with a prefixed area and border, made of a granular or powdered secondary material different from the primary material; pressing the layer (1) using a press (P); separating at least a main portion (10) of the first zone (11) from the second zone (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: FRANCO STEFANI, FRANCO GOZZI, IVAN GHIRELLI
  • Patent number: 10478995
    Abstract: A pressing device, comprising: a lower presser (10), provided with a pressing surface (10a) facing upwards; an upper presser (11), provided with a pressing surface (11a), facing downwards; at least one of the two pressers is movable towards and away relative to the other in order to perform pressing of a layer (L) of a ceramic material; a pressing space (V) delimited inferiorly and superiorly by the lower presser (10) and by the upper presser (11); a lower belt (2), movable along a forward direction (Y) and comprising an active portion (3) arranged at least partially between the upper presser (11) and the lower presser (10); an upper belt (4), movable along the forward direction (Y) and comprising an active portion (5) arranged at least partially between the lower belt (2) and the upper presser (11); two side barriers (13,14,15), arranged to laterally contain the layer (L) within the pressing space (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Franco Gozzi
  • Publication number: 20190061197
    Abstract: A pressing device, comprising: a lower presser (10), provided with a pressing surface (10a) facing upwards; an upper presser (11), provided with a pressing surface (11a), facing downwards; at least one of the two pressers is movable towards and away relative to the other in order to perform pressing of a layer (L) of a ceramic material; a pressing space (V) delimited inferiorly and superiorly by the lower presser (10) and by the upper presser (11); a lower belt (2), movable along a forward direction (Y) and comprising an active portion (3) arranged at least partially between the upper presser (11) and the lower presser (10); an upper belt (4), movable along the forward direction (Y) and comprising an active portion (5) arranged at least partially between the lower belt (2) and the upper presser (11); two side barriers (13,14,15), arranged to laterally contain the layer (L) within the pressing space (V).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: FRANCO STEFANI, FRANCO GOZZI
  • Publication number: 20190016011
    Abstract: A pressing device, comprising: a lower punch (10), provided with a pressing surface (10a) facing upwards; an upper punch (11), provided with a pressing surface (11a), facing downwards; at least one of the two punches is movable nearingly and distancingly relative to the other in order to perform pressing of a layer (L) of a ceramic material; a first movable belt (2) comprising an active portion (3) arranged at least partially between the upper punch (11) and the lower punch (10); a second movable belt (4) comprising an active portion (5) arranged at least partially between the first movable belt (2) and the upper punch (13); a shaped profile (6), which is so structured as to at least partially delimit a pressing chamber, which is detachably associated to the lower punch (10) or to the upper punch (11) in a projecting manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: FRANCO STEFANI, FRANCO GOZZI
  • Patent number: 8857327
    Abstract: A structure for presses, a resistant structure of which includes at least a resistant element which, in turn, includes an annular element or arch, internally of which are predisposed two facing surfaces, between which at least a power organ is insertable, which power organ is suitable for compressing an object or material to be pressed between two bodies. Full-thickness cuts are symmetrically arranged at ends of the facing surfaces, each cut, starting from the end of the relative facing surface, develops over an arc of a polycentric curve which exhibits at least a first tract, the most external surface of which connects with the lateral surface of the vertical portion of the annular element or arch, and at least a second tract which is connected to the first tract and extends over a portion of not less than a quarter of an arc of circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: System S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Franco Gozzi
  • Publication number: 20130206024
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for presses, a resistant structure of which comprises at least a resistant element (1) which, in turn, comprises an annular element or arch (2), internally of which are predisposed two facing surfaces (20), diametrically opposite one another, between which at least a power organ (5) is insertable, which power organ (5) is suitable for compressing an object or material to be pressed between two bodies, such as to unload, on the facing surfaces (20), equal and opposite reactions of the pressing action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Franco Gozzi
  • Patent number: 6966460
    Abstract: A device for containing and supplying loose materials, includes: a support frame (5); a rigid container (2) mounted on the support frame (5) and exhibiting at least one opening (3); elements (4) for opening or closing the at least one opening (3). The rigid container (2) is rotatably constrained to the support frame (5) and is rotated on the support frame (5) with rotating elements (11). The container (2) is mobile between at least a first position, in which the at least one opening (3) is located in an upper position for loading loose material into the container (2), and at least a second position, in which the at least one opening is located in a lower position for unloading the loose material from the container (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Gozzi
  • Publication number: 20050145652
    Abstract: A device for containing and supplying loose materials, includes: a support frame (5); a rigid container (2) mounted on the support frame (5) and exhibiting at least one opening (3); elements (4) for opening or closing the at least one opening (3). The rigid container (2) is rotatably constrained to the support frame (5) and is rotated on the support frame (5) with rotating elements (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Applicant: System S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Gozzi