Patents by Inventor Benoit Laflamme

Benoit Laflamme 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: 8164470
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7982625
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20100321202
    Abstract: A bathing unit control system suitable for controlling a set of bathing unit components in a bathing unit system and having multimedia control functionality is provided. The bathing unit control system includes a bathing unit controller suitable for issuing signals for controlling the set of bathing unit components in the bathing unit system. The control system also includes a multimedia source interface in communication with the bathing unit controller, the multimedia source interface enabling access to media content associated with an external media source. The control system also includes a control interface in communication with the bathing unit controller the control interface is operative for enabling a user to enter information indicative of a desired change in a certain operational setting of the bathing unit and for enabling a user to enter a media control command to cause media content associated with the external media source to be conveyed to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Michel Bégin, Christian Brochu
  • Patent number: 7843357
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20100219962
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LAFLAMME, Daniel GAUDREAU, Martin HARDY, Louis NOLLET, Florent GOUGEROT, Michel AUTHIER
  • Publication number: 20100152911
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7701679
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a processing unit for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system. In response to detection of an abnormal operational condition, the processing unit causes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) associated to the bathing system to trip. In a first example, the controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by respective bathing unit components under normal operating conditions. The processing unit is adapted for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part based on measurements stored on the memory unit. In a second example, the controller includes a plurality of actuators associated to respective bathing unit components operative for causing bathing unit components to acquire either one of the actuated state or the non-actuated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougereau, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20100070059
    Abstract: A bathing unit control system suitable for controlling a set of bathing unit components in a bathing unit system and having multimedia control functionality is provided. The bathing unit control system includes a bathing unit controller suitable for issuing signals for controlling the set of bathing unit components in the bathing unit system. The control system also includes a multimedia source interface in communication with the bathing unit controller, the multimedia source interface enabling access to media content associated with an external media source. The control system also includes a control interface in communication with the bathing unit controller the control interface is operative for enabling a user to enter information indicative of a desired change in a certain operational setting of the bathing unit and for enabling a user to enter a media control command to cause media content associated with the external media source to be conveyed to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Benoit LAFLAMME, Michel Bégin, Christian Brochu
  • Patent number: 7593789
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for a bathing unit that comprises a heating module, a temperature sensing entity and a heating module controller. The heating module includes a body that defines a passage through which water can flow, that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating module further includes a heating device that is operative for heating the water that flows through the body. The temperature sensing entity is mounted to the outer surface of the body such that the temperature sensing entity is in thermally conductive communication with water flowing through the body. The heating module controller is operative for obtaining temperature information associated with the temperature sensing entity for detecting at least in part on the basis of the temperature information the sufficiency of water flow through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Florent Gougerot, Daniel Gaudreau, Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard
  • Patent number: 7489986
    Abstract: A remotely controlled and monitored spa. An interface signal converter is electrically connected to a spa controller. A remote computer can control the spa and monitor the status of the spa via a communications link between the remote computer and the interface signal converter. The interface signal converter converts communications signals transferred from the remote computer via the communications link and directs the converted signals to the spa controller. Also, the interface signal converter converts signals from the spa controller to be communicated to the remote computer via the communications link. In a preferred embodiment, the interface signal converter comprises an IR and an RS-485 transceiver. In a preferred embodiment, the communications link is the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Michel Authier, Jean-Luc Trahan
  • Patent number: 7440820
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for a bathing unit that comprises a heating module, a thermal element and a heating module controller. The heating module includes a body that defines a passage through which water can flow, that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating module further includes a heating device that is operative for heating the water that flows through the body. The thermal element is mounted to the outer surface of the body such that the thermal element is in thermally conductive communication with water flowing through the body. The heating module controller is operative for obtaining temperature information associated with the thermal element for detecting at least in part on the basis of the temperature information the sufficiency of water flow through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Florent Gougerot, Daniel Gaudreau, Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu
  • Patent number: 7419406
    Abstract: A controller suitable for use in controlling components in a bathing unit is provided. The controller includes a controller body having a back surface and a front surface generally opposed to the back surface. The front surface includes a plurality of connector interfaces each being adapted for receiving a connector associated to a respective bathing unit component. A control circuit is positioned within the controller body for selectively providing electrical power to respective bathing unit components connected through the plurality of connector interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Daniel Gaudreau, Pascal Recoura, Benoit Laflamme
  • Publication number: 20080094235
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20080030358
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7327275
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougereau, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20070200698
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a processing unit for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system. In response to detection of an abnormal operational condition, the processing unit causes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) associated to the bathing system to trip. In a first example, the controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by respective bathing unit components under normal operating conditions. The processing unit is adapted for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part based on measurements stored on the memory unit. In a second example, the controller includes a plurality of actuators associated to respective bathing unit components operative for causing bathing unit components to acquire either one of the actuated state or the non-actuated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7112768
    Abstract: A temperature control system for a bathing unit that includes a water holding receptacle and a heating module. The temperature control system comprises a plurality of actuators associated to the heating module and a temperature regulation device in communication with the actuators. The plurality of actuators are adapted for acquiring a first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a non-heating state and a second set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a heating state. The temperature regulation device is operative for controlling the plurality of actuators to cause the heating module to acquire either one of the heating state or the non-heating state and for selecting a configuration from the first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire the non-heating state. Alternatively, the temperature control system includes a solid state device associated with the heating module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: 9090-3493 Quebec Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard, Benoit Laflamme
  • Publication number: 20060162719
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for a bathing unit that comprises a heating module, a temperature sensing entity and a heating module controller. The heating module includes a body that defines a passage through which water can flow, that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating module further includes a heating device that is operative for heating the water that flows through the body. The temperature sensing entity is mounted to the outer surface of the body such that the temperature sensing entity is in thermally conductive communication with water flowing through the body. The heating module controller is operative for obtaining temperature information associated with the temperature sensing entity for detecting at least in part on the basis of the temperature information the sufficiency of water flow through the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Florent Gougerot, Daniel Gaudreau, Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard
  • Patent number: D586787
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventors: Myriam Rivard, Benoit Laflamme, Mario Joyal, Martin Bouliane
  • Patent number: D601127
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Myriam Rivard, Benoit Laflamme, Mario Joyal, Martin Bouliane