Patents by Inventor Frederic Gagnon
Frederic Gagnon 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).
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Patent number: 8209052Abstract: The mechanical differential actuator according to the present invention comprises a mechanical differential having three mechanicals ports. A first transducer with a low impedance is coupled to a first port, a second transducer with a high impedance is coupled to a second port, and the mechanical load is coupled to the third port. The mechanical differential actuator enables controlling a force and a speed at a load coupled thereto through a known relation between the force and the speed. Moreover, the mechanical differential actuator presents a compact structure enabling the transfer of a large force relative to its volume.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Societe de Commercialisation de Produits de la Recherche Appliquee-Socpra-Sciences et Genie, S.E.C.Inventors: Michel Lauria, Marc-Antoine Legault, Patrick Giguére, Frédéric Gagnon, François Michaud, Marc-André Lavoie
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Publication number: 20070241696Abstract: The mechanical differential actuator according to the present invention comprises a mechanical differential having three mechanicals ports. A first transducer with a low impedance is coupled to a first port, a second transducer with a high impedance is coupled to a second port, and the mechanical load is coupled to the third port. The mechanical differential actuator enables controlling a force and a speed at a load coupled thereto through a known relation between the force and the speed. Moreover, the mechanical differential actuator presents a compact structure enabling the transfer of a large force relative to its volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Inventors: Michel Lauria, Marc-Antoine Legault, Patrick Giguere, Frederic Gagnon, Francois Michaud, Marc-Andre Lavoie
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Patent number: 6994928Abstract: A system and method for regulating steam pressure. The system includes a steam source, a reformer, and a pressure regulator. The reformer includes an inlet that is in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The pressure regulator includes a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents steam communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted steam communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Gary Everingham
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Patent number: 6878472Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve for fuel cells that includes an inlet, a plurality of first and second passages and at least two air mass sensors, seat positions, closure members and actuators. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and coupled to a housing, which has first and second banks of outlets disposed along second and third axes. The first and second banks of outlets are in communication with the inlet and are coupled to the plurality of first and second passages. One of the at least two air mass sensors is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two seat portions is disposed between the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed between the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two closure members is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.Inventor: Frèdèric Gagnon
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Publication number: 20050072786Abstract: A container configured for containing at least metallic particles, the metallic particles capable of absorbing hydrogen such that the metallic particles expand upon the absorption of hydrogen, the container including an inner surface, comprising: a liner disposed within the container such that a void space is provided between the liner and the inner surface, wherein the liner engages the inner surface to substantially prevent ingress of metallic particles, when the metallic particles are contained in the container, into the void space.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2004Publication date: April 7, 2005Applicant: HERA, Hydrogen Storage Systems, Inc.Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Robert Schulz, Patrick Larochelle, Stephane Gendron
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Patent number: 6867512Abstract: A solenoid for use in a valve such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve for a motor vehicle. The solenoid includes a housing having a coil for generating a first magnetic field. An armature is slidably mounted in the housing. The solenoid further includes a permanent magnet having a second magnetic field, wherein the magnet is located adjacent the armature. In addition, a stator is affixed in the housing for cooperation with the armature and the magnet to form a third magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.Inventors: Gilles Delaire, Frederic Gagnon
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Publication number: 20040263002Abstract: An improved hearing prosthetic implant and method of stimulating are disclosed. The method comprises stimulating an electrode array using a set of current stimuli having different geometries, so as to provide a more regular and monotonic set of pitch percepts for a user. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by combining different modes of stimulation for a patient, so that some channels utilise one mode and other channels utilise one or more different modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.Inventors: Gilles Delaire, Frederic Gagnon
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Patent number: 6830060Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve containing at least two air channels that deliver desired air mass amount from a single inlet to fuel cell(s) through at least one channel of the at least two air channels. Preferably, a single housing encloses the inlet, two air channels and actuating devices. Each air channel includes an actuating device that actuates an associated closure member to regulate air flow from the inlet through the air channel as a function of a signal from an air mass sensor or a controller signal. The signal from each air mass sensor can be directly coupled to the actuating device, or the signal can be used as an error correction signal to feed back control the actuating device associated with the air mass sensor and the air channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
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Patent number: 6817380Abstract: A diffuser for an air mass flow controller for fuel cells that includes a housing, an inlet, a first bank of outlets, and a second bank of outlets. The housing has walls, which define a volume. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and is coupled to a first one of the walls. The first bank of outlets is disposed along a second axis and is coupled to a second one of the walls. The first bank of outlets is in fluid communication with the inlet. The second bank of outlets is disposed along a third axis and is coupled to the second wall. The second bank of outlets is in fluid communication with the inlet and the first bank of outlets.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
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Patent number: 6787946Abstract: A solenoid for use in a valve such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve for a motor vehicle. The solenoid includes a housing having a coil for generating a first magnetic field. An armature is slidably mounted in the housing. The solenoid further includes a permanent magnet having a second magnetic field, wherein the magnet is located adjacent the armature. In addition, a stator is affixed in the housing for cooperation with the armature and the magnet to form a third magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.Inventors: Gilles Delaire, Frederic Gagnon
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Patent number: 6786467Abstract: An electric actuated control valve, such as an EGR valve, has a solenoid that can deliver useful force over a longer stroke for operating a valve element.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
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Publication number: 20040168837Abstract: A modular robotic platform is provided having four legs mounted to a body. Each of the legs is mounted to the body via a steering assembly so as to pivot in a first plane relatively to the body. Each leg includes an endless track assembly having a first wheel, a drive system for driving the first wheel, a second wheel, an endless track for rotatably coupling the second wheel to the first wheel, and a track tensioning assembly for pivoting the leg in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. Each leg includes a locomotion controller and a local environment recognition module. Synchronisation of the legs is achieved by a central controller, which gathers data information from each leg through a synchronisation bus. A coordination bus allows to exchange data information between different modules of the robotic platform, including the legs, the central control system and other systems or modules such as an energizing system, a pitch gauge system, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Universite de SherbrookeInventors: Francois Michaud, Dominic Letourneau, Martin Arsenault, Yann Bergeron, Richard Cadrin, Frederic Gagnon, Marc-Antoine Legault, Mathieu Millette, Jean-Francois Pare, Marie-Christine Tremblay, Serge Caron, Jonathan Bisson, Pierre Lapage, Yan Morin, Martin Deschambault, Hugues Rissmann
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Patent number: 6746054Abstract: A connection and a method of providing a connection includes a fluid tight communication between a valve and a tube. The valve includes a first surface, a second surface, a cavity, and an aperture extending through the valve between the first and second surfaces. The tube includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion between the first and second portions. The first portion penetrates the first surface and extends through the aperture into the cavity. The third portion is deformed so as to engage the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Peter Hueniken, Kenneth Peter Nydam, Robert Faulkner
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Patent number: 6725879Abstract: A steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer includes an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, IncorporatedInventor: Frederic Gagnon
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Publication number: 20040074546Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve for fuel cells that includes an inlet, a plurality of first and second passages and at least two air mass sensors, seat positions, closure members and actuators. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and coupled to a housing, which has first and second banks of outlets disposed along second and third axes. The first and second banks of outlets are in communication with the inlet and are coupled to the plurality of first and second passages. One of the at least two air mass sensors is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two seat portions is disposed between the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed between the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two closure members is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: SIEMENS AUTOMOTIVE INC.Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
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Patent number: 6718998Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissipating heat from a steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer including an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet providing a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, an actuator, and an intermediate body. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, IncorporatedInventors: Frederic Gagnon, Gary Everingham
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Patent number: 6681799Abstract: A valve including a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, and a coupling member. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and is rotatable on a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position. The device includes a rotor that is rotatably supported by a bearing, a stator that is proximate to the rotor, and an overmolded housing that positions the stator with respect to the bearing. The coupling member conveys motive force from the device to rotation of the closure member.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
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Patent number: 6668857Abstract: A flow reversal control valve for use in a fuel cell. The valve includes a housing having a first end and a second end disposed along a longitudinal axis. The valve also includes a wall that defines a first passage in fluid communication with a second passage. The first passage is disposed proximate to the first end and the second passage is disposed proximate to the second end. The valve further includes a chamber in fluid communication with the first and second passages. There are flow flutes formed in the chamber. A seal is disposed in the chamber and coupled to at least one of the first and second passages. The seal has an elastomeric member disposed on a planar surface transverse to the longitudinal axis. There is a closure member disposed in at least one of the first passage, second passage and the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Siemens Canada LimitedInventors: Frederic Gagnon, David W. Balsdon
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Patent number: 6648018Abstract: A bypass control valve including a wall that defines a first passage disposed along a first axis and having a first portion, a second portion, and a transitional portion disposed between the first and second portion. The transitional portion has a first port, a pivot point, and an annular locking member proximate the transitional portion, with the first port having a sealing surface disposed thereon. The bypass control valve also includes a first bypass passage disposed along a second axis oblique to the first axis. The first bypass passage has a second port, which projects into the transitional portion and which has a sealing surface and a receiver portion. The receiver portion is coupled to the locking members. The bypass control valve further includes a closure member having a first planar surface and a second planar surface with at least one elastomeric member disposed on each of the first planar surface and the second planar surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
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Patent number: 6648019Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve for fuel cells that includes an inlet, a plurality of first and second passages and at least two air mass sensors, seat positions, closure members and actuators. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and coupled to a housing, which has first and second banks of outlets disposed along second and third axes. The first and second banks of outlets are in communication with the inlet and are coupled to the plurality of first and second passages. One of the at least two air mass sensors is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two seat portions is disposed between the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed between the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two closure members is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.Inventor: Frèdèric Gagnon