Patents by Inventor Bernard Grehant

Bernard Grehant 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: 9122256
    Abstract: Method of operating a mobile control unit intended to form part of a home-automation installation comprising elements including items of equipment fixed in a building, the elements of the installation communicating over a home-automation network, each element being furnished with an identifier which is specific to it and with an authentication key, termed “common key”, identical for all the elements of the home-automation network and authenticating an element's membership to the home-automation network, characterized in that it comprises:—a step of locating the mobile control unit with respect to a contour containing the elements of the home-automation installation, the mobile unit comprising a means of network linking to the home-automation network,—a step of automatic invalidation of the common key contained in the mobile control unit in the case where the mobile control unit is situated outside the contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Payan, Florent Pellarin, Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 8604736
    Abstract: Method of operating an actuator (1) for maneuvering a movable element (52), comprising a motor of asynchronous type or of brushless type or comprising a motor associated with a differential brake, and comprising a partially irreversible reduction gear, which comprises a step of establishing a measurement of an operating parameter of the actuator and a step of using this measurement to determine whether the actuator is driving the movable element or whether the actuator is being driven by the movable element, and then a step of implementing first logic for determining an end of travel or an obstacle, or a step of implementing second logic for determining an end of travel or an obstacle, depending on whether the actuator drives the movable element or the actuator is driven by the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Bernard Grehant, Alain Tranchand, Geoffroy Dumont D'ayot
  • Patent number: 8581163
    Abstract: An automated control method for a solar protection screen (SCR) installation (INST) comprising retroreflecting-type slats (B1, B2, B3) which can be inclined between two extreme inclinations, wherein, in the presence of direct solar radiation, the slats are inclined at a first intermediate inclination, equal to the maximum aperture inclination (AMAX) of the screen relative to a preferred direction, as long as an inclination threshold automatically controlled in relation to the height of the sun (ATH) remains less than the maximum aperture inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Bernard Grehant, Eric Lagarde
  • Publication number: 20130225132
    Abstract: Method of operating a mobile control unit intended to form part of a home-automation installation comprising elements including items of equipment fixed in a building, the elements of the installation communicating over a home-automation network, each element being furnished with an identifier which is specific to it and with an authentication key, termed “common key”, identical for all the elements of the home-automation network and authenticating an element's membership to the home-automation network, characterized in that it comprises:—a step of locating the mobile control unit with respect to a contour containing the elements of the home-automation installation, the mobile unit comprising a means of network linking to the home-automation network,—a step of automatic invalidation of the common key contained in the mobile control unit in the case where the mobile control unit is situated outside the contour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Pascal Payan, Florent Pellarin, Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 7948195
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electromechanical actuator (ACT) comprising a motor (MOT) for maneuvering a mobile appliance (LD) of a building in a first direction (DIR1) and in a second direction (DIR2) by way of a remote-control unit (RCU) and a unit (MCU) for driving the motor that are placed respectively one upstream of the other on an electrical power line energizing the motor with an alternating voltage, a command to maneuver in the first direction comprising a half-wave rectified signal of positive polarity and a command to maneuver in the second direction comprising a half-wave rectified signal of negative polarity, wherein the maneuver commands furthermore comprise an alternating voltage signal following the half-wave rectified signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Publication number: 20100262292
    Abstract: An automated control method for a solar protection screen (SCR) installation (INST) comprising retroreflecting-type slats (B1, B2, B3) which can be inclined between two extreme inclinations, wherein, in the presence of direct solar radiation, the slats are inclined at a first intermediate inclination, equal to the maximum aperture inclination (AMAX) of the screen relative to a preferred direction, as long as an inclination threshold automatically controlled in relation to the height of the sun (ATH) remains less than the maximum aperture inclination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Bernard Grehant, Eric Lagarde
  • Publication number: 20100231156
    Abstract: Method of operating an actuator (1) for maneuvering a movable element (52), comprising a motor of asynchronous type or of brushless type or comprising a motor associated with a differential brake, and comprising a partially irreversible reduction gear, which comprises a step of establishing a measurement of an operating parameter of the actuator and a step of using this measurement to determine whether the actuator is driving the movable element or whether the actuator is being driven by the movable element, and then a step of implementing first logic for determining an end of travel or an obstacle, or a step of implementing second logic for determining an end of travel or an obstacle, depending on whether the actuator drives the movable element or the actuator is driven by the movable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Bernard Grehant, Alain Tranchand, Geoffroy Dumont D'Ayot
  • Patent number: 7777637
    Abstract: A method for setting a safety threshold that triggers the sending, by an acceleration or movement sensor device (20), of a safety signal that causes a safety movement of a motorized screen (11) used as a closure or as a sunshade or for privacy, said method comprising the following steps: manual shaking of the screen, recording of a signal produced by a sensor means (33) during the manual shaking step, and determination of the safety threshold from this recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 7729807
    Abstract: A sensor-transmitter (20) intended to be fastened to a mobile structure (11, 13, 14) and to transmit a security signal in a home automation installation (10), comprising, in a casing (22, 23): an autonomous power source (36), a vibration sensor (33), a wireless transmitter (35) and a processing logic unit (34) analyzing the signals obtained from the vibration sensor to decide whether to transmit the security signal by the wireless transmitter, which comprises means (27, 32) of detecting the mechanical state of the casing, the sensor-transmitter being: in an operational state when the casing is closed and fastened to the mobile structure, the transmission of a security signal being enabled in this operational state, and in a disabled state otherwise, the transmission of a security signal being prohibited in this disabled state, whereas the transmission of other signals remains possible, or the transmission of a security signal being enabled in this disabled state, the security signal being disabled by a di
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Eric André Georges Guillemot, Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 7701160
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for a roller shutter comprising an actuator which is used to move the shutter and which consists of: a motor, an electronic control unit for powering the motor, and a control box which is connected to the electronic unit and which is equipped with at least one control key. The inventive operating method comprises at least one configuration mode, during which values that are associated with specific positions can be recorded. The invention is designed such that a roller shutter movement command only occurs after a key has been pressed during a period of time greater than a first period t1 if the device is not at least partially configured, but the pressing of a control key can be immediately interpreted as a command to move the mobile element if the device is at least partially configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Bernard Grehant, Cyrille Froidure, Valérie Maistre, Paul Violland
  • Publication number: 20080290823
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electromechanical actuator (ACT) comprising a motor (MOT) for maneuvering a mobile appliance (LD) of a building in a first direction (DIR1) and in a second direction (DIR2) by way of a remote-control unit (RCU) and a unit (MCU) for driving the motor that are placed respectively one upstream of the other on an electrical power line energizing the motor with an alternating voltage, a command to maneuver in the first direction comprising a half-wave rectified signal of positive polarity and a command to maneuver in the second direction comprising a half-wave rectified signal of negative polarity, wherein the maneuver commands furthermore comprise an alternating voltage signal following the half-wave rectified signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Publication number: 20080150717
    Abstract: A sensor-transmitter (20) intended to be fastened to a mobile structure (11, 13, 14) and to transmit a security signal in a home automation installation (10), comprising, in a casing (22, 23): an autonomous power source (36), a vibration sensor (33), a wireless transmitter (35) and a processing logic unit (34) analyzing the signals obtained from the vibration sensor to decide whether to transmit the security signal by the wireless transmitter, which comprises means (27, 32) of detecting the mechanical state of the casing, the sensor-transmitter being: in an operational state when the casing is closed and fastened to the mobile structure, the transmission of a security signal being enabled in this operational state, and in a disabled state otherwise, the transmission of a security signal being prohibited in this disabled state, whereas the transmission of other signals remains possible, or the transmission of a security signal being enabled in this disabled state, the security signal being disabled by a di
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Andre Georges Guillemot, Bernard Grehant
  • Publication number: 20080150743
    Abstract: A method for setting a safety threshold that triggers the sending, by an acceleration or movement sensor device (20), of a safety signal that causes a safety movement of a motorised screen (11) used as a closure or as a sunshade or for privacy, said method comprising the following steps: manual shaking of the screen, recording of a signal produced by a sensor means (33) during the manual shaking step, and determination of the safety threshold from this recording.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 7391176
    Abstract: The actuator comprises at least two terminals enabling it to be connected to a voltage source, an electric motor, a control unit) connected to means of powering the motor from the voltage source, the control unit comprising a voltage converter whose output powers a microcontroller driving the means for powering the motor. The control unit comprises a unit for monitoring the power-off time during which the actuator is not connected to the voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Publication number: 20070261802
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for a roller shutter comprising an actuator which is used to move the shutter and which consists of: a motor, an electronic control unit for powering the motor, and a control box which is connected to the electronic unit and which is equipped with at least one control key. The inventive operating method comprises at least one configuration mode, during which values that are associated with specific positions can be recorded. The invention is designed such that a roller shutter movement command only occurs after a key has been pressed during a period of time greater than a first period t1 if the device is not at least partially configured, but the pressing of a control key can be immediately interpreted as a command to move the mobile element if the device is at least partially configured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Bernard Grehant, Cyrille Froidure, Valerie Maistre, Paul Violland
  • Publication number: 20050242763
    Abstract: The method of operating an actuator comprising a motor and an electronic unit controlling the electrical power supply to the motor to provoke the movement of the actuator in a first direction or in a second direction, the actuator being linked to a control module acting on the electronic unit and provided with at least one button controlling the movement of the actuator, is characterized in that a first particular press on the control button causes the electronic unit to switch over to a disabled state in which at least one further press on the button is analyzed but does not give rise to an actuator movement command. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Inventors: Bernard Grehant, Cyrille Froidure, Valerie Maistre, Paul Violland
  • Publication number: 20050237692
    Abstract: The actuator comprises at least two terminals enabling it to be connected to a voltage source, an electric motor, a control unit) connected to means of powering the motor from the voltage source, the control unit comprising a voltage converter whose output powers a microcontroller driving the means for powering the motor. The control unit comprises a unit for monitoring the power-off time during which the actuator is not connected to the voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Applicant: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Publication number: 20050116835
    Abstract: The device for the remote control of an actuator and/or a sensor of a security and/or comfort and/or monitoring installation for a building, includes a processing unit and a command transmitter. Further included is a transfer means to transfer to the processing unit, from the command transmitter, a processing program relating to the operation of the actuator and/or of the sensor, the program being provided and stored in directly executable form. This device makes it possible to update the operation of the actuator easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 6750570
    Abstract: A flux-switching linear motor with at least two phases P1, P2, P3 has a moving rig, two permanent magnets 9, 10 and a switching mechanism. The moving rig 1 has at least two field coils 7. Each field coil 7 surrounds a magnetic armature 8 defining moving magnetic poles. The two permanent magnets 9, 10 are magnetized in opposite directions, transverse to the axis of a guidance stator tube 1. The stator tube 1 has magnetic poles 2 disposed along at least one of its walls so as to be successively facing the moving magnetic poles during the travel of the moving rig. The switching mechanism switches the direction of the current in the coils. The permanent magnets 9, 10 are disposed outside the coils and magnetized along an axis parallel to the axis of the coil. The stator magnetic poles include pieces 2 made of magnetic material fixed in a guidance tube made of amagnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Metabode Developpement et Conseil
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 6417598
    Abstract: Power circuit for traveling or standing wave piezo-electric motors comprising a series resonant circuit, a switching element (T1) in parallel with the capacitor C of the resonant circuit and a switching element control (O) ensuring the cyclic closure thereof at a frequency close to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit. The power circuit includes a transformer (Tr) whose primary constitutes the inductance of the resonant circuit and whose secondary is linked to the piezo-electric exciter, this transformer exhibiting a small magnetic inductance at the primary. An advantage of this power supply is in particular the almost-zero heating of the switching element and low current consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Metabole Development et Conseil
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant