Patents by Inventor Thomas Franco

Thomas Franco 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: 20120244456
    Abstract: The substrate-supported anode for a high-temperature fuel cell comprises an at least three-layer anode laminate on a metallic substrate. Each of the layers of the anode laminate comprises yttria-stabilized zirconia and nickel, wherein the mean particle size of the nickel decreases from one layer to the next as the distance from the substrate increases. The last layer of the anode laminate, which is provided for contact with the electrolyte, has a root mean square roughness of less than 4 ?m. The overall mean pore size of this layer is typically between 0.3 and 1.5 ?m. Starting powders having a bimodal particle size distribution of yttria-stabilized zirconia and nickel-containing powder are used at least for the first and second layers of the anode laminate. The mean particle size of the nickel-containing powder is reduced from one layer to the next, whereby it is advantageously no more than 0.5 ?m in the last layer of the anode laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Muecke, Norbert H. Menzler, Hans Peter Buchkremer, Matthias Ruettinger, Marco Brandner, Thomas Franco, Andreas Venskutonis
  • Publication number: 20100173217
    Abstract: A fuel cell (1) has a plate (2) produced by powder metallurgy which comprises in one piece a porous substrate area (4) to which the electrochemically active cell layers (6) are applied, and a gastight edge area (5) which is provided with gas passages (17, 18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Marco Brandner, Thomas Franco, Georg Kunschert, Reinhold Zach, Gebhard Zobl
  • Publication number: 20050093709
    Abstract: A monitoring system for physically challenged clients can have a base hub unit, one or more sensor units, one or more repeater units, and a mobile unit for a client to wear in a residential setting. In an institutional setting, a mobile repeater can be used for monitoring outside premises. A three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect falls and to monitor for other life activities, such as sleeping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: WellCare Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Franco, William DiMario
  • Patent number: 5184973
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for descaling tuna fish and the like wherein the fish is at least partially cooked and then cooled to a backbone temperature of about 70.degree. to 100.degree. F. The fish is placed on a conveyor and passed through horizontally and vertically disposed brushes. Jets of water are sprayed on the fish at the point of contact of the fish and the brushes to thereby wash away the scales and skin as removed by the brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Star Kist Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin P. Orlando, Thomas Franco