Patents by Inventor Patrick Chouinard
Patrick Chouinard 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: 11911907Abstract: A control system for controlling movements of an end effector connected to a clutch output of magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatuses. A clutch driver drives the MR fluid clutch apparatuses between a controlled slippage mode, in which slippage in the MR fluid clutch apparatuses varies, and a combined mode, in which slippage between clutch input and clutch output is maintained below a given threshold simultaneously for both of the MR fluid clutch apparatuses, the two clutch outputs resisting movement of the end effector in the same direction. A mode selector module receives signals representative of a movement parameter(s) of the end effector, to select and switch a mode based on the signals. A movement controller controls the clutch driver and the motor driver to displace the end effector based on the selected mode and on commanded movements of the end effector for the end effector to achieve the commanded movements.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: EXONETIK INC.Inventors: Pascal Larose, Patrick Chouinard, Jean-Sebastien Plante, Guifre Julio
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Patent number: 11821471Abstract: A system for operating at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus may, in a first mode, vary an amount of torque transmission between a driving member and a driven member in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus. In a second mode, the system may cause torque transmission between the driven member and the driving member by setting a desired remanent magnetization level in a magnetic component of the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating the at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: EXONETIK INC.Inventors: Pascal Larose, Patrick Chouinard, Marc Denninger
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Publication number: 20220389976Abstract: A system for operating at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus may, in a first mode, vary an amount of torque transmission between a driving member and a driven member in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus. In a second mode, the system may cause torque transmission between the driven member and the driving member by setting a desired remanent magnetization level in a magnetic component of the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating the at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2020Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Pascal LAROSE, Patrick CHOUINARD, Marc DENNINGER
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Patent number: 11499594Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input(s) having an input shear surface(s). An output(s) is rotatably mounted about the input for rotating about a common axis with the input, the output(s) having output shear surface(s), the input shear surface and the output shear surface separated annular space(s), with magnetorheological fluid, configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the sets of input rotor and output rotor when subjected to a magnetic field. An electromagnet(s) delivers a magnetic field through the magnetorheological fluid, the electromagnet configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field, whereby actuation of the electromagnet results in torque transmission from the input to the output. A member(s) defining at least one of the shear surfaces is made of a low-permeability material.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: EXONETIK INC.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Jérôme Marchand, Pascal Larose, Patrick Chouinard, Marc Denninger, Jean-Philippe Lucking Bigue
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Patent number: 11465277Abstract: A tensioning set comprises an output member. A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) and connected to the output member, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA through the output member by controlled slippage. A tensioning member is connected to the output member so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action transmitted to an output when being pulled by the output member. The tensioning set, or a comparable compressing set, may be used in systems and robotic arms. A method for controlling movements of an output driven by the tensioning set or compressing set is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: SOCIETE DE COMMERCIALISATION DES PRODUITS DE LA RECHERCHE APPLIQUEE SOCPRA SCIENCES ET GENIE S.E.C.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Patrick Chouinard, Guifre Julio, Joel Viau, Pascal Larose
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Patent number: 11167671Abstract: An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: EXONETIK INQ.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Guifre Julio, Patrick Chouinard, Pascal Larose, Caroline Fraser
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Publication number: 20210317883Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input(s) having an input shear surface(s). An output(s) is rotatably mounted about the input for rotating about a common axis with the input, the output(s) having output shear surface(s), the input shear surface and the output shear surface separated annular space(s). with magnetorheological fluid, configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the sets of input rotor and output rotor when subjected to a magnetic field. An electromagnet(s) delivers a magnetic field through the magnetorheological fluid, the electromagnet configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field, whereby actuation of the electromagnet results in torque transmission from the input to the output. A member(s) defining at least one of the shear surfaces is made of a low-permeability material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2019Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Jean-Sebastien PLANTE, Jérôme MARCHAND, Pascal LAROSE, Patrick CHOUINARD, Marc DENNINGER, Jean-Philippe LUCKING BIGUE
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Publication number: 20210138645Abstract: A control system for controlling movements of an end effector connected to a clutch output of at least two magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus, the control system comprises a clutch driver configured to drive the at least two MR fluid clutch apparatuses between at least a controlled slippage mode, in which slippage between a clutch input and the clutch output of the MR fluid clutch apparatuses varies, and a combined mode, in which said slippage between the clutch input and the clutch output is maintained below a given threshold simultaneously for both of the MR fluid clutch apparatuses, the two clutch outputs resisting movement of the end effector in the same direction. A motor driver is configured to control a motor output of at least one motor, the motor output coupled to at least one clutch input.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2019Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Pascal LAROSE, Patrick CHOUINARD, Jean-Sebastien PLANTE, Guifre JULIO
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Patent number: 10788085Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input rotor adapted to be coupled to a power input, the input rotor having a first set of at least one input shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface. An output rotor is rotatably mounted about the input rotor for rotating about a common axis with the input rotor, the output rotor having a first set of at least one output shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface, the first sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a first annular space and forming a first transmission set, the second sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a second annular space and forming a second transmission set. Magnetorheological fluid is in each of the annular spaces, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the sets of input rotor and output rotor when subjected to a magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: SOCIETE DE COMMERCIALISATION DES PRODUITS DE LA RECHERCHE APPLIQUEE SOCPRA SCIENCES ET GENIE S.E.C.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Patrick Chouinard, Guifre Julio, Jean-Philippe Lucking Bigue, Nicolas Huppe, Jean-Francois Desrosiers, Raphael Pilon, Alexandre Landry-Blais
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Patent number: 10752139Abstract: An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: EXONETIK INC.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Guifre Julio, Patrick Chouinard, Pascal Larose, Caroline Fraser
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Patent number: 10689097Abstract: Actuators and methods useful in the operation aircraft flight control surfaces are disclosed. Some of the actuators and methods disclosed may be useful in the operation flight control surfaces when a fault condition such as a jam associated with an actuator is detected. An exemplary electromechanical actuator disclosed comprises: a motor; a first screw configured for translation movement relative to a structure of the aircraft when driven by the motor; a second screw mounted in series with the first screw; and a fuse element coupling the first screw and the second screw together to permit translation movement of the second screw together with the first screw. The fuse element may permit at least partial disengagement of the second screw from the first screw to permit translation of the second screw relative to the first screw. The fuse element may also allow an active flutter damping of the flight control surface. The fuse element may comprise magneto-rheological fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignees: BOMBARDIER INC., UNIVERSITE DE SHERBROOKEInventors: Gustave Nfonguem, Patrick Chouinard, Jean-Sébastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Vlad Iliescu
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Publication number: 20200189345Abstract: An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Jean-Sebastien PLANTE, Marc DENNINGER, Guifre JULIO, Patrick CHOUINARD, Pascal Larose, Caroline FRASER
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Patent number: 10625556Abstract: An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: EXONETIK INC.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Guifre Julio, Patrick Chouinard, Pascal LaRose, Caroline Fraser
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Publication number: 20200101595Abstract: A tensioning set comprises an output member. A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) and connected to the output member, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA through the output member by controlled slippage. A tensioning member is connected to the output member so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action transmitted to an output when being pulled by the output member. The tensioning set, or a comparable compressing set, may be used in systems and robotic arms. A method for controlling movements of an output driven by the tensioning set or compressing set is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Jean-Sebastien PLANTE, Marc DENNINGER, Patrick CHOUINARD, Guifre JULIO, Joel VIAU, Pascal Larose
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Patent number: 10525588Abstract: A tensioning set comprises an output member. A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) and connected to the output member, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA through the output member by controlled slippage. A tensioning member is connected to the output member so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action transmitted to an output when being pulled by the output member. The tensioning set, or a comparable compressing set, may be used in systems and robotic arms. A method for controlling movements of an output driven by the tensioning set or compressing set is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: SOCIETE DE COMMERCIALISATION DES PRODUITS DE LA RECHERCHE APPLIQUEE SOCPRA SCIENCES ET GENIE S.E.C.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Patrick Chouinard, Guifre Julio, Joel Viau, Pascal Larose
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Patent number: 10480594Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises a stator having at least an annular wall; a first rotor rotatably mounted to the stator, the first rotor having at least one first shear surface; a second rotor rotatably mounted to the stator for rotating about a common axis with the first rotor, the second rotor having at least one second shear surface opposite the at least one first shear surface, the shear surfaces separated by at least one annular space. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is in an MR fluid chamber including the at least one annular space, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the rotors when subjected to a magnetic field. An inner magnetic core and an outer magnetic core with an annular cavity therebetween receive the annular wall of the stator, the inner magnetic core and the outer magnetic core connected to at least one of the rotors to rotate therewith so as to be rotatably mounted to the stator.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: EXONETIK INC.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Guifre Julio, Patrick Chouinard, Pascal Larose
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Patent number: 10179643Abstract: An exemplary apparatus includes a common movable driving member for actuating a plurality of flight control surfaces; a first power transfer device configured to variably adjust power transfer from the common movable driving member to a first of the plurality of flight control surfaces; and a second power transfer device configured to variably adjust power transfer from the common movable driving member to a second of the plurality of flight control surfaces. The power transferred to the second flight control surface may be adjusted independently of the power transferred to the first flight control surface. Apparatus and methods for actuating flight control surfaces using magneto-rheological fluid or electro-rheological fluid are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignees: BOMBARDIER INC., UNIVERSITE DE SHERBROOKEInventors: Gustave Nfonguem, Patrick Chouinard, Jean-Sebastien Plante
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Publication number: 20180340579Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input rotor adapted to be coupled to a power input, the input rotor having a first set of at least one input shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface. An output rotor is rotatably mounted about the input rotor for rotating about a common axis with the input rotor, the output rotor having a first set of at least one output shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface, the first sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a first annular space and forming a first transmission set, the second sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a second annular space and forming a second transmission set. Magnetorheological fluid is in each of the annular spaces, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the sets of input rotor and output rotor when subjected to a magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: JEAN-SEBASTIEN PLANTE, MARC DENNINGER, PATRICK CHOUINARD, GUIFRE JULIO, JEAN-PHILIPPE LUCKING BIGUE, NICOLAS HUPPE, JEAN-FRANCOIS DESROSIERS, RAPHAEL PILON, ALEXANDRE LANDRY-BLAIS
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Publication number: 20180306253Abstract: An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2016Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Jean-Sebastien PLANTE, Marc DENNINGER, Guifre JULIO, Patrick CHOUINARD, Pascal LAROSE, Caroline FRASER
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Patent number: 10012273Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input rotor adapted to be coupled to a power input, the input rotor having a first set of at least one input shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface. An output rotor is rotatably mounted about the input rotor for rotating about a common axis with the input rotor, the output rotor having a first set of at least one output shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface, the first sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a first annular space and forming a first transmission set, the second sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a second annular space and forming a second transmission set. Magnetorheological fluid is in each of the annular spaces, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the sets of input rotor and output rotor when subjected to a magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: SOCIETE DE COMMERCIALISATION DES PRODUITS DE LA RECHERCHE APPLIQUEE SOCPRA SCIENCES ET GENIE S.E.C.Inventors: Jean-Sebastien Plante, Marc Denninger, Patrick Chouinard, Guifre Julio, Jean-Philippe Lucking Bigue, Nicolas Huppe, Jean-Francois Desrosiers