Patents by Inventor Francesco Butera

Francesco Butera 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).

  • Publication number: 20240034612
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (1) for automatic filling of a beverage container (2), comprising a beverage dispensing device (3), adapted, in a use configuration, for dispensing a beverage into a container (2) positioned below said dispensing device (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: FLUID-O-TECH S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabrizio TESSICINI, Francesco BUTERA, Diego ANDREIS, Gianluca MEZZANZANICA
  • Patent number: 11807512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a proportional valve (1), particularly for fluid dispensing devices, comprising a main body (3) in which an inlet conduit (5) for an inlet fluid to said proportional valve (1) and an outlet conduit (7) for a fluid leaving said proportional valve (1) are defined, said inlet conduit (5) and said outlet conduit (7) being in fluid communication with each other, said proportional valve (1) comprising at least one shutter element (9) arranged between said inlet conduit (5) and said outlet conduit (7) adapted to intercept said fluid, said shutter element (9) comprising a movable fluid sealing element (90) adapted to intercept said fluid at one of said inlet conduit (5) and said outlet conduit (7) and a lever element (92) associated at a first end with said movable fluid sealing element (90) and at a second end with an actuator device (11), said lever element (92) being hinged about said main body (3) at a fulcrum point (94) arranged between said first end and said second end of said
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DOLPHIN FLUIDICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Butera, Luca Montella, Diego Andreis
  • Patent number: 11730308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a proportional emulsion valve (1), configured to be used inside a fluid treatment machine, comprising a main body (2) in which an inlet duct (3) is defined, operatively connectable to the hydraulic circuit of a fluid treatment machine and configured to allow the entrance into said valve (1) of a fluid at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and an outlet duct (4) operatively connectable to the hydraulic circuit of the machine and configured for the expulsion of the fluid from the valve (1), the inlet duct (3) and said outlet duct (4) being in fluid communication one another, the valve (1) comprising a slider (7) selectively positionable in an opening position, in which it allows the fluid communication between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet duct (4), and being selectively positionable, against the pressure exerted by a fluid when it is contained in the inlet duct (3), in a closing position in which the fluid communication between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet du
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Dolphin Fluidics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Butera, Stefano Avoledo, Filippo Lucetti
  • Publication number: 20230011112
    Abstract: A fluid-dynamic device with integrated sensor element includes a first chamber suitable for the containment and/or the passage of a fluid, provided with an inlet opening operatively connectable to a fluid-dynamic circuit and configured to allow a fluid to enter the first chamber, and with a separate outlet opening, operatively connectable to a fluid-dynamic circuit and configured to expel said fluid from the first chamber. The first chamber includes at least one portion elastically deformable due to the action of the fluid contained therein and/or passing through the first chamber, to which a sensor element is associated which is sensitive to the deformation of the elastically deformable portion of the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Paolo MILANI, Tommaso SANTANIELLO, Lorenzo MIGLIORINI, Diego ANDREIS, Francesco BUTERA
  • Publication number: 20220160165
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure profiling device (1), particularly for dispensing units of pressurized liquids, comprising a pump (3) adapted to generate a flow of a pressurized liquid in outlet, said pump (3) being configured to be connected, by means of at least one delivery duct (5, 5?), to at least one dispensing unit (7, 7?) of said liquid, a three-way hydraulic fitting (9, 9?) being applied to said at least one delivery duct (5, 5?), configured to divert a first part of said liquid leaving said pump (3) into a bypass duct (11, 11?), a remaining second part of said liquid continuing on said at least one delivery duct (5, 5?), a proportional valve (13, 13?) being applied to said bypass duct (11, 11?), which can be operated to vary the flow rate of said first part of said liquid diverted in said bypass duct (11, 11?) as a function of the degree of opening of said proportional valve (13, 13?) so as to vary the pressure of the remaining second part of said liquid, According to the invention, a re
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: DOLPHIN FLUIDICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Diego ANDREIS, Francesco BUTERA, Filippo LUCETTI
  • Publication number: 20210253414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a proportional valve (1), particularly for fluid dispensing devices, comprising a main body (3) in which an inlet conduit (5) for an inlet fluid to said proportional valve (1) and an outlet conduit (7) for a fluid leaving said proportional valve (1) are defined, said inlet conduit (5) and said outlet conduit (7) being in fluid communication with each other, said proportional valve (1) comprising at least one shutter element (9) arranged between said inlet conduit (5) and said outlet conduit (7) adapted to intercept said fluid, said shutter element (9) comprising a movable fluid sealing element (90) adapted to intercept said fluid at one of said inlet conduit (5) and said outlet conduit (7) and a lever element (92) associated at a first end with said movable fluid sealing element (90) and at a second end with an actuator device (11), said lever element (92) being hinged about said main body (3) at a fulcrum point (94) arranged between said first end and said second end of said
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: DOLPHIN FLUIDICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco BUTERA, Luca MONTELLA, Diego ANDREIS
  • Publication number: 20200390269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a proportional emulsion valve (1), configured to be used inside a fluid treatment machine, comprising a main body (2) in which an inlet duct (3) is defined, operatively connectable to the hydraulic circuit of a fluid treatment machine and configured to allow the entrance into said valve (1) of a fluid at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and an outlet duct (4) operatively connectable to the hydraulic circuit of the machine and configured for the expulsion of the fluid from the valve (1), the inlet duct (3) and said outlet duct (4) being in fluid communication one another, the valve (1) comprising a slider (7) selectively positionable in an opening position, in which it allows the fluid communication between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet duct (4), and being selectively positionable, against the pressure exerted by a fluid when it is contained in the inlet duct (3), in a closing position in which the fluid communication between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet du
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Francesco BUTERA, Stefano AVOLEDO, Filippo LUCETTI
  • Patent number: 10471404
    Abstract: A valve for dosing and mixing two fluids includes two respective inlet ducts, a double chamber for controlling the flows, at least one actuator configured to regulate the flow rates of the two fluids to be mixed, an electronic control unit and a Brix degrees optical sensor, arranged on the mixing duct of the mixture of the two fluids and operatively connected to the electronic control unit. The optical sensor is configured to send a measurement and control signal to the electronic control unit to drive the actuator so as to proportionally control the flow rates of the two fluids and, therefore, regulate the mixing ratio of the two fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Dolphin Fluidics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Diego Andreis, Francesco Butera
  • Patent number: 10458504
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing devices comprising a plurality of slender metallic structures having a slenderness ratio equal to or higher than 10 is described. Systems and/or components using such devices are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignees: SAES GETTERS S.P.A., GRUPPO ROLD S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Citro, Gaetano Cascini, Francesco Butera, Paolo Barbatelli
  • Patent number: 10071236
    Abstract: The invention describes a total isolation diverter valve comprising a valve body whereon a main inlet conduit for inletting a fluid, a first outlet conduit for outletting the fluid and at least one second outlet conduit for outletting the fluid are obtained. The first outlet conduit for outletting the fluid is provided with a first fluid adhesion inner surface and the second fluid outlet conduit is provided with a second fluid adhesion inner surface. Between the main fluid inlet conduit and the two fluid outlet conduits a connection channel is interposed. On the connection channel at least one device for perturbing at least one of the first fluid adhesion inner surface and the second fluid adhesion inner surface is provided. The perturbation device is configured so as to cause a deviation of the fluid flow from the first fluid outlet conduit to the second fluid outlet conduit or vice-versa by exploiting a physical effect called Coand{hacek over (a)} effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DOLPHIN FLUIDICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Diego Andreis, Francesco Butera
  • Publication number: 20180126347
    Abstract: A valve for dosing and mixing two fluids includes two respective inlet ducts, a double chamber for controlling the flows, at least one actuator configured to regulate the flow rates of the two fluids to be mixed, an electronic control unit and a Brix degrees optical sensor, arranged on the mixing duct of the mixture of the two fluids and operatively connected to the electronic control unit. The optical sensor is configured to send a measurement and control signal to the electronic control unit to drive the actuator so as to proportionally control the flow rates of the two fluids and, therefore, regulate the mixing ratio of the two fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Diego Andreis, Francesco Butera
  • Patent number: 9694884
    Abstract: An overpressure or relief valve (30) for a buoyancy compensator device (10) for underwater use of the type comprising an expandable bag (12) internally provided with at least one air chamber is disclosed. The valve (30) comprising at least one mobile shutter element (32) configured to occlude at least one corresponding hole (62) formed on an abutment plate (46) that is configured to be applied on a wall of the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DOLPHIN FLUIDICS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Francesco Butera
  • Patent number: 9630560
    Abstract: A shape memory actuator includes a supporting body, a driven element pivotably mounted on the supporting body and in permanent contact with a driving element whose movement is determined by a SMA actuating member and by at least one resilient return member acting in opposition to the SMA actuating member. The driven element is able to take two stable positions under the action of a bistable moving system connecting the driving element to the driven element such that each toggling between the two stable positions is due to an activation of the SMA actuating member, the latter being arranged together with the bistable moving system. The resilient return member, the driving element and the driven element on a same side of the supporting body are in a substantially co-planar arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Alacqua, Francesco Butera
  • Publication number: 20170108020
    Abstract: The invention describes a total isolation diverter valve comprising a valve body whereon a main inlet conduit for inletting a fluid, a first outlet conduit for outletting the fluid and at least one second outlet conduit for outletting the fluid are obtained. The first outlet conduit for outletting the fluid is provided with a first fluid adhesion inner surface and the second fluid outlet conduit is provided with a second fluid adhesion inner surface. Between the main fluid inlet conduit and the two fluid outlet conduits a connection channel is interposed. On the connection channel at least one device for perturbing at least one of the first fluid adhesion inner surface and the second fluid adhesion inner surface is provided. The perturbation device is configured so as to cause a deviation of the fluid flow from the first fluid outlet conduit to the second fluid outlet conduit or vice-versa by exploiting a physical effect called Coand{hacek over (a)} effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Diego ANDREIS, Francesco BUTERA
  • Patent number: 9512829
    Abstract: A shape memory actuator is described. The shape memory actuator has a supporting body, a driven element slidably mounted on the supporting body for movement between a stable rest position and a stable operative position, a driving element that drives the driven element, the movement of the driving element being determined by a SMA wire and by first resilient return means acting to return the driving element to the rest position upon deactivation of the SMA wire, second resilient return means acting on the driven element in opposition to the SMA wire, engaging means suitable to achieve at the operative position a reversible engagement between the driven element and the supporting body, either directly or indirectly, said engagement being able to resist the action of second resilient return means, and a control system for the engagement and disengagement of the engaging means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Alacqua, Francesco Butera, Matteo Mazzoni
  • Patent number: 9481432
    Abstract: Sails for sailboat wind propulsion comprising shape memory systems containing shape memory elements are described. The shape memory systems are arranged in correspondence to the sail battens, extending along them and operably connected to the sail opposite faces or directly to the battens so as to face the opposite faces of the sail. A control apparatus and method of said sails is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Dogliotti, Francesco Butera
  • Publication number: 20160244133
    Abstract: An overpressure or relief valve (30) for a buoyancy compensator device (10) for underwater use of the type comprising an expandable bag (12) internally provided with at least one air chamber is disclosed. The valve (30) comprising at least one mobile shutter element (32) configured to occlude at least one corresponding hole (62) formed on an abutment plate (46) that is configured to be applied on a wall of the air chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventor: Francesco BUTERA
  • Publication number: 20160221656
    Abstract: Sails for sailboat wind propulsion comprising shape memory systems containing shape memory elements are described. The shape memory systems are arranged in correspondence to the sail battens, extending along them and operably connected to the sail opposite faces or directly to the battens so as to face the opposite faces of the sail. A control apparatus and method of said sails is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Andrea DOGLIOTTI, Francesco BUTERA
  • Publication number: 20160069410
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing devices comprising a plurality of slender metallic structures having a slenderness ratio equal to or higher than 10 is described. Systems and/or components using such devices are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Marco CITRO, Gaetano CASCINI, Francesco BUTERA, Paolo BARBATELLI
  • Publication number: 20160047363
    Abstract: A shape memory actuator is described. The shape memory actuator has a supporting body, a driven element slidably mounted on the supporting body for movement between a stable rest position and a stable operative position, a driving element that drives the driven element, the movement of the driving element being determined by a SMA wire and by first resilient return means acting to return the driving element to the rest position upon deactivation of the SMA wire, second resilient return means acting on the driven element in opposition to the SMA wire, engaging means suitable to achieve at the operative position a reversible engagement between the driven element and the supporting body, either directly or indirectly, said engagement being able to resist the action of second resilient return means, and a control system for the engagement and disengagement of the engaging means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano ALACQUA, Francesco BUTERA, Matteo MAZZONI