Patents by Inventor Alain Blouin
Alain Blouin 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: 11385182Abstract: A LIBS system to detect constituent elements of interest within a sample from plasma light resulting from irradiation of this sample is presented. The LIBS system has a hybrid configuration which provides both a low-resolution spectrum of the plasma light covering a broad spectral range, and a high-resolution spectrum of the same plasma light over a narrow spectral range centered on a spectral line or feature of a constituent element of interest of the sample. In some implementations, the LIBS system has a portable design and can perform onsite sample analyses.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Inventors: Paul Bouchard, Mohamad Sabsabi, Alain Blouin, Christian Padioleau
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Patent number: 11333555Abstract: A method of quantifying at least one property of interest of an oil sands ore sample is provided using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method. The property of interest may include bitumen content, water content, particle size information, cation exchange capacity, methylene blue index, mineralogical content (e.g., quartz, total clay, and clay components), amorphous material content, total ash content, and connate water parameter (e.g., conductivity, chloride content, or alkalinity).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD.Inventors: Aïssa Harhira, Richard Paproski, Josette El Haddad, Mohamad Sabsabi, Alain Blouin
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Publication number: 20220003605Abstract: A method of quantifying at least one property of interest of an oil sands ore sample is provided using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method. The property of interest may include bitumen content, water content, particle size information, cation exchange capacity, methylene blue index, mineralogical content (e.g., quartz, total clay, and clay components), amorphous material content, total ash content, and connate water parameter (e.g., conductivity, chloride content, or alkalinity).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2020Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: AÏSSA HARHIRA, RICHARD PAPROSKI, JOSETTE EL HADDAD, MOHAMAD SABSABI, ALAIN BLOUIN
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Patent number: 11092553Abstract: A method for characterizing an aggregate sample involves using a first laser pulse to create a crater on the surface of a sample, using a second laser pulse to produce a plasma emission spectrum on the prepared crater surface, and detecting the emission spectrum to collect spectral data. Laser application, and detecting spectral emission are repeated on different points on the sample, then non-representative spectral data is discarded based on a ratio of ions to atoms in the data. Finally a calibration loading is used to determine a property characteristic of the aggregate sample. The sample may be an oil sands sample, and the properties detected may be percentages of bitumen, water, and solids. A laser-based system is provided for carrying out the characterization method.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: National Research Council of Canada (NRC)Inventors: Aissa Harhira, Mohamad Sabsabi, Josette El Haddad, Alain Blouin
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Patent number: 10948418Abstract: A method and a system for characterizing an elemental composition and a molecular composition of a material are provided. Laser-based IR spectroscopy measurements and LIBS measurements are performed at a same analysis spot on the material. The IR spectroscopy measurement data can be used to characterize the molecular composition of the material, whereas the LIBS data can be used to characterize the elemental composition of the material. 2D and 3D profiles of a sample of the material may be obtained based on this data.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Inventors: Alain Blouin, Mohamad Sabsabi, Jean-Pierre Monchalin, Francis Vanier
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Publication number: 20210072159Abstract: A LIBS system to detect constituent elements of interest within a sample from plasma light resulting from irradiation of this sample is presented. The LIBS system has a hybrid configuration which provides both a low-resolution spectrum of the plasma light covering a broad spectral range, and a high-resolution spectrum of the same plasma light over a narrow spectral range centered on a spectral line or feature of a constituent element of interest of the sample. In some implementations, the LIBS system has a portable design and can perform onsite sample analyses.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2019Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Paul BOUCHARD, Mohamad SABSABI, Alain BLOUIN, Christian PADIOLEAU
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Publication number: 20200182795Abstract: A method and a system for characterizing an elemental composition and a molecular composition of a material are provided. Laser-based IR spectroscopy measurements and LIBS measurements are performed at a same analysis spot on the material. The IR spectroscopy measurement data can be used to characterize the molecular composition of the material, whereas the LIBS data can be used to characterize the elemental composition of the material. 2D and 3D profiles of a sample of the material may be obtained based on this data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2018Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: ALAIN BLOUIN, MOHAMAD SABSABI, JEAN-PIERRE MONCHALIN, FRANCIS VANIER
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Publication number: 20190346370Abstract: A method for characterizing an aggregate sample involves using a first laser pulse to create a crater on the surface of a sample, using a second laser pulse to produce a plasma emission spectrum on the prepared crater surface, and detecting the emission spectrum to collect spectral data. Laser application, and detecting spectral emission are repeated on different points on the sample, then non-representative spectral data is discarded based on a ratio of ions to atoms in the data. Finally a calibration loading is used to determine a property characteristic of the aggregate sample. The sample may be an oil sands sample, and the properties detected may be percentages of bitumen, water, and solids. A laser-based system is provided for carrying out the characterization method.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2017Publication date: November 14, 2019Applicant: National Research Council Of Canada (NRC)Inventors: Aissa HARHIRA, Mohamad SABSABI, Josette EL HADDAD, Alain BLOUIN
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Patent number: 9999354Abstract: A method and system for inspecting biological tissue that has no applied coatings or treatments to improve reflectivity comprises an optical detection system with an exposed surface for inspection by an optical detection system; and a laser for exciting an ultrasonic wave within the tissue, which wave propagates within the tissue at least near the surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Guy Rousseau, Alain Blouin, Jean-Pierre Monchalin
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Patent number: 9719933Abstract: A method of quantifying at least one property of interest of an oil sands ore sample is provided using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method. The LIBS method may be applied to oil sands ore being conveyed prior to a slurry process to measure oil sand composition and provide information which may predict extraction characteristics. The LIBS method may be applied to oil sands core samples in a laboratory setting to reduce the cost and analysis time associated with conventional laboratory measurement techniques.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignees: SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADAInventors: Richard Paproski, Aïssa Harhira, David Duford, Josette El Haddad, Darcy Daugela, Alain Blouin, Mohamad Sabsabi
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Publication number: 20120200845Abstract: A method and system for inspecting biological tissue that has no applied coatings or treatments to improve reflectivity comprises an optical detection system with an exposed surface for inspection by an optical detection system; and a laser for exciting an ultrasonic wave within the tissue, which wave propagates within the tissue at least near the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Guy ROUSSEAU, Alain BLOUIN, Jean-Pierre MONCHALIN
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Patent number: 8004689Abstract: A technique for acoustic detection of a disbond within a bonded structure involves thermal excitation of the surface of the bonded structure to induce a lifting and membrane vibration and is applicable to laminates and coated structures, as well as foam core structures or a honeycomb structures. The technique does not require access to both sides of the bonded structure. A large etendue interferometer is used to provide surface displacement measurement. The surface displacement measurement can be analyzed both by frequency or amplitude to determine existence of a disbond by membrane vibration, and further a thickness of the disbond can be determined using traditional pulse-echo time analysis. The technique may allow detection of stick bonds.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Jean-Pierre Monchalin, Alain Blouin, Benjamin Campagne
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Publication number: 20090168074Abstract: A technique for acoustic detection of a disbond within a bonded structure involves thermal excitation of the surface of the bonded structure to induce a lifting and membrane vibration and is applicable to laminates and coated structures, as well as foam core structures or a honeycomb structures. The technique does not require access to both sides of the bonded structure. A large etendue interferometer is used to provide surface displacement measurement. The surface displacement measurement can be analyzed both by frequency or amplitude to determine existence of a disbond by membrane vibration, and further a thickness of the disbond can be determined using traditional pulse-echo time analysis. The technique may allow detection of stick bonds.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Jean-Pierre Monchalin, Alain Blouin, Benjamin Campagne
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Patent number: 6813951Abstract: In a method for ultrasonic testing of objects, ultrasound is generated inside or at the surface of the object. The surface of the object is illuminated with a beam from a long-pulse laser oscillator, typically in the range 1 &mgr;s to a few 100 &mgr;s, that is substantially free of intensity fluctuations. The light from the incident beam that is scattered or reflected by the surface of the object is collected and demodulated to obtain a signal representative of the ultrasonic motion. The method allows for the use of a compact and efficient arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Alain Blouin, Lionel Pujol, Jean-Pierre Monchalin
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Patent number: 6700666Abstract: In order to probe an object in motion subject to surface displacement, for example, caused by ultrasonic wave propagation, a laser beam is split into a first portion and a second portion. The first is scatted off the object to generate a signal beam. The frequency shift produced in the signal beam due to motion of the object is measured, and this is used to adjust the frequency of one or both portions of the laser beam so that both beams have substantially the same frequency. The surface displacements are measured by comparing the second portion of the laser beam and the signal beam after frequency adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Alain Blouin, Denis Drolet, Jean-Pierre Monchalin, Christian Padioleau
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Publication number: 20030172736Abstract: In a method for ultrasonic testing of objects, ultrasound is generated inside or at the surface of the object. The surface of the object is illuminated with a beam from a long-pulse laser oscillator, typically in the range 1 &mgr;s to a few 100 &mgr;s, that is substantially free of intensity fluctuations. The light from the incident beam that is scattered or reflected by the surface of the object is collected and demodulated to obtain a signal representative of the ultrasonic motion. The method allows for the use of a compact and efficient arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Alain Blouin, Lionel Pujol, Jean-Pierre Monchain
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Patent number: 6543288Abstract: A method and an apparatus for non-contact and non-invasive characterization of a moving thin sheet and in particular of a paper web on a production line. The method uses a laser for the generation of sonic and ultrasonic waves in the thin sheet and a speckle insensitive interferometric device for the detection of these waves. The generation is performed in conditions to avoid damage impeding further use of the sheet. When the generation and detection spots overlap, the method provides a measurement of the compression modulus. When the generation and detection spots are separated by a known distance and plate waves (Lamb waves) are generated and detected, the method provides a measurement of the in-plane modulus and of the tension applied to the sheet. By detecting waves propagating in various directions, either by rotating the detection sensor head or multiplexing the signals provided by several detection or generation locations, the anisotropy of the in-plane modulus is determined.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Alain Blouin, Benoit Reid, Jean-Pierre Monchalin
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Publication number: 20020167676Abstract: In order to probe an object in motion subject to surface displacement, for example, caused by ultrasonic wave propagation, a laser beam is split into a first portion and a second portion. The first is scatted off the object to generate a signal beam. The frequency shift produced in the signal beam due to motion of the object is measured, and this is used to adjust the frequency of one or both portions of the laser beam so that both beams have substantially the same frequency. The surface displacements are measured by comparing the second portion of the laser beam and the signal beam after frequency adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Alain Blouin, Denis Drolet, Jean-Pierre Monchalin, Christian Padioleau
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Patent number: 6128092Abstract: A method and system is provided for enhanced ultrasonic detection and imaging of small defects inside or at the surface of an object. The Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) has been used to improve the detectability and to enhance images in conventional ultrasonics and this method has recently been adapted to laser-ultrasonics. In the present invention, an improved version of the frequency-domain SAFT (F-SAFT) based on the angular spectrum approach is described. The method proposed includes temporal deconvolution of the waveform data to enhance both axial and lateral resolutions, control of the aperture and of the frequency bandwidth to improve signal-to-noise ratio, as well as spatial interpolation of the subsurface images. All the above operations are well adapted to the frequency domain calculations and embedded in the F-SAFT data processing. The aperture control and the spatial interpolation allow also a reduction of sampling requirements to further decrease both inspection and processing times.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Daniel Levesque, Alain Blouin, Christian Neron, Jean-Pierre Monchalin
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Patent number: 6078397Abstract: An apparatus and method for mapping out wall thickness of a tube or other object having motion in two directions. The device includes a first laser for generating ultrasound propagating inside tube wall over a particular generation spot on a surface of the tube, a second laser coupled to an interferometer for detecting produced ultrasonic echoes over a detection spot on the surface. A processor is provided for operating on recorded ultrasonic echoes and using a given value of ultrasonic velocity and the distance between the generation spot and the detection spots for determining wall thickness at a mid-point between the generation and detection spot. An optical displacement measuring device determines a displacement in two dimensions between the generation spot and arbitrary starting spot and a display for displaying wall thickness values over the surface of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: National Research CouncilInventors: Jean-Pierre Monchalin, Alain Blouin, Christian Padioleau