Patents by Inventor Christian Brochu

Christian Brochu 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: 10076696
    Abstract: A method and a system are described for operating a bathing unit system to provide swim-in-place functionality to a swimmer. A communication link is established between the bathing unit system and an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer. A signal conveying information associated with the swimmer and originating from the auxiliary device is received. Control signals for controlling operational settings associated with a propulsion assembly of the bathing unit system are derived at least in part by processing the information conveyed by the signal originating from the auxiliary device. The control signals are then released to control the operational settings associated with the propulsion assembly. In another aspect, a graphic display is provided presenting the user with a customized set of selectable swim-in-place configurations derived at least in part by processing a signal originating from an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu, Brigide Mattar
  • Publication number: 20180193224
    Abstract: A method and a control panel are described for facilitating the control of a bathing unit system so that the bathing unit system is caused to transition between operating in accordance with a first operational mode to operating in accordance with a second operational mode. A control signal is generated in response to a unitary user input event performed by a user at a control panel of the bathing unit system, the control signal conveying an ambiance activation command associated with a specific ambience setting, the generation of the control signal comprising selecting the specific ambience setting from a set of ambience settings stored in a memory device. The control signal is then transmitted from the control panel to the controller over a communication link where it is processed to cause the bathing unit system to transition from being in the rest mode to operating in accordance with the specific ambience setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Benoit LAFLAMME, Christian BROCHU
  • Publication number: 20170273166
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LAFLAMME
  • Publication number: 20170257734
    Abstract: A programmable controller for operating a system is provided as well as a method and devices of configuring such controller. The controller includes firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the system, the firmware including a passive memory component and a processing unit programmed for operating the system at least in part based on the instructions of the firmware. The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received from an external device for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component and causing a firmware update process to be performed. Advantageously, the proposed controller can be configured in the absence of electrical power being supplied by an external source and in, some embodiments, using the signal carrying the firmware update information as the sole source of electrical energy in order to perform at least part of the firmware update process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LAFLAMME
  • Patent number: 9708332
    Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and n are defined herein, are useful as inhibitors of RSV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: MEDIVIR AB
    Inventors: Claudio Sturino, Teddy Halmos, Anne Decor, Martin Duplessis, Patrick Deroy, Araz Jakalian, Louis Morency, Cyrille Kuhn, Chantal Grand-Maitre, Martin Tremblay, Christian Brochu
  • Patent number: 9713235
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme
  • Patent number: 9641959
    Abstract: A programmable controller for operating a system is provided as well as a method and devices of configuring such controller. The controller includes firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the system, the firmware including a passive memory component and a processing unit programmed for operating the system at least in part based on the instructions of the firmware. The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received from an external device for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component and causing a firmware update process to be performed. Advantageously, the proposed controller can be configured in the absence of electrical power being supplied by an external source and in, some embodiments, using the signal carrying the firmware update information as the sole source of electrical energy in order to perform at least part of the firmware update process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme
  • Publication number: 20170100656
    Abstract: A method and a system are described for operating a bathing unit system to provide swim-in-place functionality to a swimmer. A communication link is established between the bathing unit system and an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer. A signal conveying information associated with the swimmer and originating from the auxiliary device is received. Control signals for controlling operational settings associated with a propulsion assembly of the bathing unit system are derived at least in part by processing the information conveyed by the signal originating from the auxiliary device. The control signals are then released to control the operational settings associated with the propulsion assembly. In another aspect, a graphic display is provided presenting the user with a customized set of selectable swim-in-place configurations derived at least in part by processing a signal originating from an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Benoit LAFLAMME, Christian BROCHU, Brigide MATTAR
  • Publication number: 20170071821
    Abstract: A method and a control panel are described for facilitating the control of a bathing unit system so that the bathing unit system is caused to transition between operating in accordance with a first operational mode to operating in accordance with a second operational mode. A control signal is generated in response to a unitary user input event performed by a user at a control panel of the bathing unit system, the control signal conveying an ambiance activation command associated with a specific ambience setting, the generation of the control signal comprising selecting the specific ambience setting from a set of ambience settings stored in a memory device. The control signal is then transmitted from the control panel to the controller over a communication link where it is processed to cause the bathing unit system to transition from being in the rest mode to operating in accordance with the specific ambience setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Benoit LAFLAMME, Christian BROCHU
  • Publication number: 20170041159
    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: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Benoit LAFLAMME, Michel BEGIN, Christian BROCHU
  • Publication number: 20160342323
    Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian BROCHU
  • Publication number: 20160345416
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LAFLAMME
  • Publication number: 20160272646
    Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and n are defined herein, are useful as inhibitors of RSV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Claudio STURINO, Teddy HALMOS, Anne DECOR, Martin DUPLESSIS, Patrick DEROY, Araz JAKALIAN, Louis MORENCY, Cyrille KUHN, Chantal GRAND-MAITRE, Martin TREMBLAY, Christian BROCHU
  • Patent number: 9442639
    Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component. The first operational setting and the second operational setting are pre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu
  • Patent number: 9445482
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the firmware includes a passive memory component having a near field communication memory (NFC memory). The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal. The programmable controller also includes a processing unit in communication with the firmware for operating the LED lighting element at least in part in accordance with the instructions of the firmware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme
  • Patent number: 9340548
    Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined herein, and their use for the treatment of hepatitis C viral infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingehleim International GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Chantal Grand-Maitre, Marc-Andre Joly, Cyrille Kuhn, Megan Bertrand-Laperle, Marc Pesant
  • Patent number: 9340539
    Abstract: A compound of formula (I) useful for the treatment or prevention of hepatitis C viral infection, (Formula (I)) wherein: X1 and X2 are each independently CRB or N; RB is H, (C1-6)alkyl, (C1-6)haloalkyl, halo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Chantal Grand-Maitre, Lee Fader, Cyrille Kuhn, Megan Bertrand-Laperle, Marc Pesant
  • Publication number: 20150381795
    Abstract: A network-enabled controller for a bathing unit is provided. The controller includes a network interface and a memory storing operational setting information associated with the bathing unit. Through the network interface, the controller connects to a home network and registers and maintains an active communication link with a gateway accessed over a network external to the home network. In response to receipt of a status request originating from a remote client, the controller processes the status request and selectively transmits operational setting information stored in the memory to the remote client. A system for facilitating remote control and monitoring of network-enabled controllers for bathing units is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Jean-Francois MONTPLAISIR
  • Publication number: 20150341969
    Abstract: A programmable controller for operating a system is provided as well as a method and devices of configuring such controller. The controller includes firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the system, the firmware including a passive memory component and a processing unit programmed for operating the system at least in part based on the instructions of the firmware. The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received from an external device for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component and causing a firmware update process to be performed. Advantageously, the proposed controller can be configured in the absence of electrical power being supplied by an external source and in, some embodiments, using the signal carrying the firmware update information as the sole source of electrical energy in order to perform at leas part of the firmware update process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LAFLAMME
  • Publication number: 20150342011
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the firmware includes a passive memory component having a near field communication memory (NFC memory). The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal. The programmable controller also includes a processing unit in communication with the firmware for operating the LED lighting element at least in part in accordance with the instructions of the firmware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LAFLAMME