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: 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
  • Publication number: 20120328396
    Abstract: A plant for storing products comprising at least a pair of vertical stores (40) facing one another, each being provided with opposite flanks (4) which are provided with pluralities of guides (6) located such that a pair of opposite guides (6) which face one another on the same horizontal plane define end rests for single drawers or trays (5). Housings for the drawers or trays (5) are defined between the pairs of guides (6) and the contiguous pairs of guides, each of which is transferable between a load/unload configuration of the products and a storage configuration in which the drawer or tray (5) is inserted with ends thereof on a pair of opposite guides (6) and vice versa. An elevator (9) is provided, associated to the frame (2) and mobile along a development direction (A) of the vertical stores (40) such as to move the drawers or trays (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SYSTEM LOGISTICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Stefani, Stefano Cassani, Federico Calzini
  • Publication number: 20100218799
    Abstract: A process for series connection of two photovoltaic cells (1a, 1b) in series, comprising following stages: predisposing a first photovoltaic cell (1a) and a second photovoltaic cell (1b), both of a type comprising a photosensitive semiconductor layer (2) provided with front contacts (3a, 3b) and back contacts (4) arranged on opposite surfaces of the cell; partially superposing the two photovoltaic cells (1a, 1b), causing at least a partial superposing of the back contact (4) of the first photovoltaic cell (1a) on the front contact (3a, 3b) of the second photovoltaic cell (1b) and consequently establishing an electrical contact between the back contact (4) and the front contact (3a, 3b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20100116313
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module (1) comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells (100), electrically interconnected to define a photo-active surface (2). The photovoltaic cells (100) being closed between a front covering layer (3a) and a back covering layer (3b) which are electrically insulating, the front covering layer (3a) being frontally covered by a frontal covering element (4) having a mechanical protection function for the photovoltaic cells (100). The back covering layer (3b) being posteriorly supported by a support element, the support element being a ceramic slab of a limited thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 7178459
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing powders on a support in a predetermined pattern, includes: a belt conveyor (2) for transporting the support (3); a head for applying the powders (1), located above the conveyor (2), which head (1) includes a ring-wound closed continuous belt (4) exhibiting a plurality of perforations arranged according to a predetermined pattern, the perforations being of a size which enables passage of predetermined quantities of powders; a mechanism for controlling a supply and delivery of powders through the perforations and for keeping the continuous belt (4) clean. The head also includes a mechanism for controlling a movement of the continuous belt (4) in synchrony with a movement of the conveyor (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 7160092
    Abstract: A structure for presses includes: a resistant structure having at least one resistance element having a flat annular element internally of which and in diametrically opposite positions two facing surfaces are arranged, between which facing surfaces at least one tool can be inserted, for exerting a pressing action and compressing between two bodies, the two facing surfaces receiving equal and opposite reactions to the pressing action. Cuts at ends of the facing surfaces involve a total thickness of the facing surface. Each cut includes a first tract parallel to a pressing direction and a second circular part; the circular second part constituting a snug seating for discs. Interpositioning elements are provided for being interpositioned between ends of the facing surfaces so that two resultants, parallel to the pressing direction, of action exerted on each facing surface are located externally to centers of corresponding circular second parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 7108499
    Abstract: On a mobile rest plane on which tiles are translated in a predetermined direction, the following operate: a matrix-bearing cylinder, mobile in rotation about an axis thereof, and at least a doctor predisposed to operate contactingly with an external surface of the cylinder. The apparatus comprises: a vertically-developing frame; a first slide constrained on the vertical frame and slidable vertically with respect thereto; the matrix-bearing cylinder being supported on the first slide, together with organs for supporting the matrix-bearing cylinder and organs for controlling rotation thereof about a rotation axis thereof; a second slide, with at least one doctor being supported thereon, together with organs for supporting the doctor and organs for controlling movements thereof, is constrained on the frame and can slide vertically with respect thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: SYFAL S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20060099055
    Abstract: The automatic store comprises: at least two walls (20) which delimit an internal space in which a plurality of objects (30) is arranged, which plurality of objects (30) is arranged on supports. At least one of the walls (20) has at least one opening (21) for introduction and extraction of the objects (30) from the space delimited by the walls (20). A vector (2) is slidable at least along a vertical direction (y) internally of the space delimited by the walls (20) and is provided with a transport organ (4) predisposed to remove/replace the objects (30) from or onto respective supports. The transport organ (4) is mobile with respect to the vector (2) by an amount which is sufficient to enable transport of the objects (30) between the supports and the outside of the space delimited by the walls (20) through the opening (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: SYSTEM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20060000373
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing powders on a support in a predetermined pattern, includes: a belt conveyor (2) for transporting the support (3); a head for applying the powders (1), located above the conveyor (2), which head (1) includes a ring-wound closed continuous belt (4) exhibiting a plurality of perforations arranged according to a predetermined pattern, the perforations being of a size which enables passage of predetermined quantities of powders; a mechanism for controlling a supply and delivery of powders through the perforations and for keeping the continuous belt (4) clean. The head also includes a mechanism for controlling a movement of the continuous belt (4) in synchrony with a movement of the conveyor (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: System S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 6957820
    Abstract: In a wheel assembly of a motorcycle having a swing arm including a chain guard, positioned axially outwardly of a sprocket and an axle assembly locking element and further including a rear wheel hub bearing mounted upon an axle, a chain and sprocket secured to an outer radial face of the hub, and a chain drive mounted in rotational relationship to an engine of the motorcycle. Rearward of the assembly, the novel license plate relocating bracket includes an elongate bracket arm having a plane substantially parallel with the plane of the swing arm and an aperture in a forward end. The aperture is proportioned for engagement about the axle of the wheel assembly. A locking element secures an area of the bracket arm about the aperture of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20040261489
    Abstract: A structure for presses includes: a resistant structure having at least one resistance element having a flat annular element internally of which and in diametrically opposite positions two facing surfaces are arranged, between which facing surfaces at least one tool can be inserted, for exerting a pressing action and compressing between two bodies, the two facing surfaces receiving equal and opposite reactions to the pressing action. Cuts at ends of the facing surfaces involve a total thickness of the facing surface. Each cut includes a first tract parallel to a pressing direction and a second circular part; the circular second part constituting a snug seating for discs. Interpositioning elements are provided for being interpositioned between ends of the facing surfaces so that two resultants, parallel to the pressing direction, of action exerted on each facing surface are located externally to centers of corresponding circular second parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 6805526
    Abstract: At least one vertical structure is constituted by plurality of planes, set one upon another, each of which can house at least one container. A lift truck is able to transport at least one of the containers and can move in a vertical direction in a vertical work space parallel to the vertical surface on which the planes are aligned. The lift truck on command can be positioned facing one of the planes, and can interact with the planes in order to remove or insert a single container. The invention comprises a plurality of the vertical structures which are arranged parallel and afford a plurality of the work spaces for movement of the lift truck and are conformed to enable transfer of the lift truck at least from one of the work spaces to another of the work spaces. Means are provided to operate a transfer of the lift truck from one of the work spaces to another as well as to displace of the lift truck at least in a vertical direction along a single work space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: System SpA
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 6733588
    Abstract: On a mobile rest plane, the following operate: a matrix-bearing cylinder, rotatable about an axis thereof, and at least a doctor predisposed to operate contactingly with an external surface of the matrix-bearing cylinder. A supply of glaze is directed into a chamber delimited between the doctor and a portion of external cylindrical surface of the cylinder facing the doctor, at a position in which the doctor and the surface are in contact, via a flexible conduit terminating at a discharge end thereof which is positioned superiorly of the chamber and which is commanded to perform an alternating motion. The flexible conduit is supported by an articulated chain which is commanded to slide axially in two directions along a guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Syfal SpA
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20040081718
    Abstract: On a mobile rest plane on which tiles are translated in a predetermined direction, the following operate: a matrix-bearing cylinder, mobile in rotation about an axis thereof, and at least a doctor predisposed to operate contactingly with an external surface of the cylinder. The apparatus comprises: a vertically-developing frame; a first slide constrained on the vertical frame and slidable vertically with respect thereto; the matrix-bearing cylinder being supported on the first slide, together with organs for supporting the matrix-bearing cylinder and organs for controlling rotation thereof about a rotation axis thereof; a second slide, with at least one doctor being supported thereon, together with organs for supporting the doctor and organs for controlling movements thereof, is constrained on the frame and can slide vertically with respect thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: SYFAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20040060507
    Abstract: On a mobile rest plane, the following operate: a matrix-bearing cylinder, rotatable about an axis thereof, and at least a doctor predisposed to operate contactingly with an external surface of the matrix-bearing cylinder. A supply of glaze is directed into a chamber delimited between the doctor and a portion of external cylindrical surface of the cylinder facing the doctor, at a position in which the doctor and the surface are in contact, via a flexible conduit terminating at a discharge end thereof which is positioned superiorly of the chamber and which is commanded to perform an alternating motion. The flexible conduit is supported by an articulated chain which is commanded to slide axially in two directions along a guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: SYFAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20030185657
    Abstract: At least one vertical structure is constituted by plurality of planes, set one upon another, each of which can house at least one container. A lift truck is able to transport at least one of the containers and can move in a vertical direction in a vertical work space parallel to the vertical surface on which the planes are aligned. The lift truck on command can be positioned facing one of the planes, and can interact with the planes in order to remove or insert a single container. The invention comprises a plurality of the vertical structures which are arranged parallel and afford a plurality of the work spaces for movement of the lift truck and are conformed to enable transfer of the lift truck at least from one of the work spaces to another of the work spaces. Means are provided to operate a transfer of the lift truck from one of the work spaces to another as well as to displace of the lift truck at least in a vertical direction along a single work space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Ronflette S.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: 6554901
    Abstract: The machine comprises: a mobile rest plane for tiles on which the tiles transit in a predetermined advancement direction; a decorating apparatus which comprises a plurality of cylinders, located above the mobile rest plane; means for setting the plurality of cylinders in rotation each about an axis thereof, and with a predetermined stagger of one of the plurality of cylinders with respect to others of the plurality of cylinders. The means for setting the plurality of cylinders in rotation employ a mechanical transmission of drive to the plurality of cylinders which comprises a driven gear coaxially and solidly associated to each of the plurality of cylinders. The driven gears are drawn in rotation, with couplings allowing no relative dragging, by a chain and have diameters which are different from diameters of the plurality of cylinders to which they are solidly constrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Syfal S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Publication number: 20020043211
    Abstract: The machine comprises: a mobile rest plane for tiles on which the tiles transit in a predetermined advancement direction; a decorating apparatus which comprises a plurality of cylinders, located above the mobile rest plane; means for setting the plurality of cylinders in rotation each about an axis thereof, and with a predetermined stagger of one of the plurality of cylinders with respect to others of the plurality of cylinders. The means for setting the plurality of cylinders in rotation employ a mechanical transmission of drive to the plurality of cylinders which comprises a driven gear coaxially and solidly associated to each of the plurality of cylinders. The driven gears are drawn in rotation, with couplings allowing no relative dragging, by a chain and have diameters which are different from diameters of the plurality of cylinders to which they are solidly constrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Ronflette S.A.
    Inventor: Franco Stefani
  • Patent number: D512363
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Franco Stefani