Patents by Inventor Franco A. Filice

Franco A. Filice 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: 11585419
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a double coast engagement diaphragm spring for a torque converter are provided. The double coast engagement diaphragm spring includes first and second coast engagement diaphragm springs. The first coast engagement diaphragm spring exerts a first, continuous axial thrust onto a turbine comprising the torque converter. The second coast engagement diaphragm spring applies a second axial thrust onto the turbine only during coasting conditions. A drive flange includes ramps for engaging the second coast engagement diaphragm spring during coasting conditions and causing the second coast engagement diaphragm spring to apply the second axial thrust onto the turbine. A retainer plate disengages the second coast engagement diaphragm spring during drive conditions. A spacer ring between the first coast engagement diaphragm spring and the second coast engagement diaphragm spring causes the first and second coast engagement diaphragm springs to operate in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Baylor Hartzler, David Avins, Franco Filice
  • Patent number: 5030008
    Abstract: An optomechanical system for illuminating and imaging selected portions of a three dimensional object having specularly reflective surfaces, including a two dimensional image sensor for receiving light reflected from the selected portions and producing an analog output signal representing a two dimensional image of the selected portions over a predetermined time period, a video digitizer for receiving and converting the analog output signal to a digital signal, and an image computer for receiving the digital signal output by the video digitizer, comparing the information obtained from the output digital signal to the stored specifications of a master of the imaged portion of the object, indicating whether the imaged object meets the specifications of the master, controlling the movement of the imaged object, and controlling the operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: KLA Instruments, Corporation
    Inventors: Richard S. F. Scott, Yoram Uziel, Franco A. Filice