Patents by Inventor Franco Sapia

Franco Sapia 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: 20190024970
    Abstract: A beverage cooling apparatus for imparting coldness to beverage containers includes a base having a planar configuration and having a pair of side walls extending upwardly from ends of the base. The apparatus includes a guide member that includes first and second end portions and defining a plurality of apertures spaced apart from one another between the first and second end portions thereof that are configured to selectively receive and suspend the plurality of beverage containers, respectively. The first and second end portions of the guide member are coupled to upper ends of the side walls of the cooling member, respectively. The cooling member includes a temperature transfer material that transfers hot or cold heat energy to beverage containers suspended in apertures, respectively, such that they touch or are in proximity to the cooling member. The cooling member is separable from the guide member and re-frozen for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Franco Sapia, Anthony Ricci
  • Patent number: 7765626
    Abstract: A drain clearing device includes a first hollow tube having opposed first and second ends and a plunger head coupled to the first end. A second hollow tube includes a first end operatively coupled to the first end of the first tube, the first and second tubes being configured for telescoping movement between extended and retracted configurations. A snaking member is situated in the first and second tubes for movement between storing and operating configurations when the tubes are moved between extended and retracted configurations, respectively. A crank handle connected to the snaking member enables a user to rotate and extend the snake as needed. A plug is included for separating an inner tube area from an inner area of the plunger head and to prevent water spillage from the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Franco Sapia
  • Publication number: 20080097351
    Abstract: A drain clearing device according to the present invention includes a first hollow tube having opposed first and second ends and a plunger head coupled to the first end. A second hollow tube includes a first end operatively coupled to the first end of the first tube, the first and second tubes being configured for telescoping movement between extended and retracted configurations. A snaking member is situated in the first and second tubes for movement between storing and operating configurations when the tubes are moved between extended and retracted configurations, respectively. A crank handle connected to the snaking member enables a user to rotate and extend the snake as needed. A plug is included for separating an inner tube area from an inner area of the plunger head and to prevent water spillage from the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Franco Sapia
  • Patent number: 6494368
    Abstract: A system for preventing unauthorized access to a firearm trigger includes a database of PIN numbers associated with a plurality of trigger locks and access tokens, each corresponding trio represented by an identification code. At purchase, a purchased firearm includes a two-piece trigger lock along with an access token. Each token includes a unique configuration of ferro-magnetic wires. If a background check of the firearm purchaser is approved, a central computer coupled to the database and to a computer network displays a personal identification number (PIN). Entry of this PIN into a keypad on a corresponding trigger lock actuates a read head therein and a token may be positioned thereby. A processor coupled to the read head is able to determine if the trigger lock and token match and, if so, to release of the trigger lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Franco Sapia
  • Publication number: 20020095845
    Abstract: A system for preventing unauthorized access to a firearm trigger includes a database of PIN numbers associated with a plurality of trigger locks and access tokens, each corresponding trio represented by an identification code. At purchase, a purchased firearm includes a two-piece trigger lock along with an access token. Each token includes a unique configuration of ferro-magnetic wires. If a background check of the firearm purchaser is approved, a central computer coupled to the database and to a computer network displays a personal identification number (PIN). Entry of this PIN into a keypad on a corresponding trigger lock actuates a read head therein and a token may be positioned thereby. A processor coupled to the read head is able to determine if the trigger lock and token match and, if so, to release of the trigger lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Franco Sapia
  • Patent number: 6408555
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to a trigger of a firearm comprises a database of PIN numbers associated with a plurality of trigger locks and access tokens, each corresponding trio being represented by a common identification code. At a point of purchase, a consumer receives a two-piece trigger lock secured about the trigger of a purchased firearm as well as an access token. Each token includes a unique number or configuration of ferro-magnetic wires. Each trigger lock includes a magnetic read head which generates voltage pulses when a token is positioned in close proximity thereto. This positioning causes the ferro-magnetic wires to switch magnetic states, thus invoking electromagnetic impulses. If a background check of the firearm purchaser, initiated at the point of purchase, is approved, a central computer coupled to the database and to a computer network displays a personal identification number (PIN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Franco Sapia, Thomas B. Brundage