Patents by Inventor Franco Stefani

Franco Stefani 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: 12134207
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Vaccari, Franco Gozzi, Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 12109725
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Franco Gozzi, Ivan Ghirelli
  • Publication number: 20240190042
    Abstract: A pressing device for pressing a layer of ceramic material, comprising: a press (10), provided with a lower pad (11), provided with a pressing surface (11a) facing upwards and arranged below the active portion (3) of a first movable belt (2), and an upper pad (12), provided with a pressing surface (12a) facing downwards and arranged above the active portion (3) of the first movable belt (2); a compactor (20), arranged upstream of the press (10), which comprises a lower presser (21), provided with a pressing surface (21a) facing upwards, which is arranged below the active portion (3) of a first movable belt (2), and an upper presser (22), provided with a pressing surface (22a) facing downwards, which is arranged above the active portion (3) of the first movable belt (2). The pressers (21,22) of the compactor (20) can be activated independently of the pads (11,12) of the press (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: FRANCO STEFANI, Eustachio Tarasco, Franco Gozzi, Andrea Gozzi
  • Publication number: 20240167766
    Abstract: A kiln for firing ceramic slabs (T) comprising: a heating module (2), a firing module (3), a cooling module (4), consecutively connected to each other along an advancement direction (Y) of the slabs (L), which define a process chamber (C) provided with an inlet opening (A) and an outlet opening (B); a transport system (T1, T2) arranged along the process chamber (C) from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, structured to transport the slabs (L) along the advancement direction (Y) the process chamber (C) comprises at least a first channel (C1) and at least a second channel (C2), thermally isolated from one another, cach of which extends along the advancement direction (Y) from the inlet opening (A) to the outlet opening (B); the transport system (T1, T2) comprises at least a first line (T1) and at least a second line (T2), respectively arranged along the first channel (C1) and along the second channel (C2) from the inlet opening (A) to the outlet opening (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventor: FRANCO STEFANI
  • Patent number: 11986976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the mass decoration of ceramic products, comprising the following steps: spreading, superposed on one another, a layer (L) of granular or powder material and a decorative layer (3) on a support surface (2); transferring the layer (L) from the support surface (2) to an accumulation belt (T1), contiguous and aligned to the support surface (2), which is located at a lower height than the support surface (2), wherein the accumulation belt (T1) is mobile in advancement at a speed that is different from the advancement speed of the support surface (2), so that a variation in the thickness and longitudinal extension of the layer (L) is produced; pressing the layer (L) and the decorative layer (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Mohamed Ouassif, Andrea Annovi
  • 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: 20230382103
    Abstract: An ink jet head, comprising: a dispensing unit (2), provided with: a main circulation conduit (21) for circulating a ceramic enamel; two or more nozzles (3), placed in communication with the main conduit (21) and distributed along a main direction (X); at least one shutter (4), activatable to close or free said nozzles (3); at least one actuator (5), arranged to activate the shutter (4); wherein the shutter (4) is movable between at least one closing configuration, in which it is capable of closing all the nozzles (3), and at least one opening configuration, in which it frees at least one nozzle (3) to allow the emission of ceramic enamel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: MOHAMED OUASSIF, FRANCO STEFANI
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11691426
    Abstract: Management system for the ink in a printing machine, comprising: one or more tanks (2), each of which is equipped with hydraulic connections (21) for quick coupling and an inner layer of insulation; a docking station (3), arranged to be placed in a printing machine, which comprises hydraulic connections (31) for quick coupling, intended to be connected to the hydraulic connections (21) of one or more tanks (2); motor means (4), associated with the docking station (3) and arranged to transfer a tank (2) between a standby position and an operating position within the docking station, and to produce the coupling of the hydraulic connections (21,31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • 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: 20220371823
    Abstract: An automatic warehouse (1), comprising: a frame (2), defining a prismatic-shaped containment volume (V), with a vertical axis (X); an elevator (3), arranged inside the containment volume (V), comprising a flat bed (4), movable along a vertical direction; a locking device (101), interposed between the frame (2) and the elevator (3), which is operable between a locking configuration, in which the elevator (3) is constrained to the frame (2) with respect to the vertical movements and cannot move vertically, and a release configuration, in which the elevator (3) can move vertically. The locking device (101) can be activated on command from a predetermined zone of the frame (2), which can be positioned with great flexibility, based on any access needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: MODULA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco STEFANI, Stefano CASSANI
  • Patent number: 11498336
    Abstract: A cleaning device for printing heads arranged in a group along an alignment direction (Y) with a lower surface lying on a main plane (T). The device comprises a collecting head (2), movable along the alignment direction (Y) on the main plane (Y), in contact with or near the lower surfaces of the heads. The print head (2) is movable between a first and a second position that are located at the ends of the group of heads. The collecting head (2) is provided with an inlet opening (21) for collecting material from the heads (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20220032635
    Abstract: Management system for the ink in a printing machine, comprising: one or more tanks (2), each of which is equipped with hydraulic connections (21) for quick coupling and an inner layer of insulation; a docking station (3), arranged to be placed in a printing machine, which comprises hydraulic connections (31) for quick coupling, intended to be connected to the hydraulic connections (21) of one or more tanks (2); motor means (4), associated with the docking station (3) and arranged to transfer a tank (2) between a standby position and an operating position within the docking station, and to produce the coupling of the hydraulic connections (21,31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventor: FRANCO STEFANI
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11200469
    Abstract: A graphics adaptation method for printable ceramic supports. Images are printed on sample ceramic supports starting from an original image file. A sample printed image is acquired. Sample points representative of the sample image are selected. Original points present in the original image file are also selected. A point-based matching is sought between the sample points and the original points, on the basis of which the original image file is modified and an adapted image file is determined, thus adapting the graphics of the original image file to the graphics of the sample image. A graphics adaptation system based on the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Rubbiani, Davide Bonvicini, Franco Stefani
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11167445
    Abstract: A feeding device for a press comprising: a first belt (2), movable in advancement along a conveying direction (X) and passing through a press (11, 12); depositing means (3), predisposed for spreading in a layer an amount (L) of loose material (L) on a movable plane. The device comprises a second belt (4), on which the depositing means (3) operate, located upstream of the first belt (2), which is movable along the conveying direction (X) and is substantially aligned and contiguous to the first belt (2). The first belt (2) and second belt (4) are movable independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: SYSTEM CERAMICS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 11155407
    Abstract: A seismic isolation device for structures of the type in which the structure to be isolated is provided with at least one support leg is constrained to the same structure, includes at least a support element or pad adapted to rest on a sliding surface with a deformation, and includes a contact area in contact with said sliding surface whose extension is variable and depends on the load resting on the support. The sliding surface is rigid and the contact area in contact therewith has a variable extension and depends on the load resting on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: MODULA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Stefano Cassani
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210197568
    Abstract: A cleaning device for printing heads arranged in a group along an alignment direction (Y) with a lower surface lying on a main plane (T). The device comprises a collecting head (2), movable along the alignment direction (Y) on the main plane (Y), in contact with or near the lower surfaces of the heads. The print head (2) is movable between a first and a second position that are located at the ends of the group of heads. The collecting head (2) is provided with an inlet opening (21) for collecting material from the heads (T).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventor: FRANCO STEFANI