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: 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: 20070249629
    Abstract: A compound, represented by formula (I): wherein A, B, R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R9, and R10 are as defined herein, or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer or tautomer thereof, including a salt, ester or derivative thereof, as an inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Pierre BEAULIEU, Christian Brochu, Stephen Kawai, Jean Rancourt, Timothy Stammers, Bounkham Thavonekham, Youla Tsantrizos
  • 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: 7241801
    Abstract: A compound, represented by formula (I): wherein A, B, R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R9, and R10 are as defined herein, or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer or tautomer thereof, including a salt, ester or derivative thereof, as an inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Pierre Beaulieu, Christian Brochu, Stephen Kawai, Jean Rancourt, Timothy A. Stammers, Bounkham Thavonekham, Youla S. Tsantrizos
  • Publication number: 20070142380
    Abstract: An isomer, enantiomer, diastereoisomer or tautomer of a compound, represented by formula I: wherein A, B, R2, R3, L, M1, M2, M3, M4, Y1, Y0, Z and Sp are as defined in claim 1, or a salt thereof, as an inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Pierre Beaulieu, Christian Brochu, Catherine Chabot, Eric Jolicoeur, Stephen Kawai, Marc-Andre Poupart, Youla Tsantrizos
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20060112953
    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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: Florent Gougerot, Daniel Gaudreau, Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu
  • Publication number: 20060052418
    Abstract: A compound, represented by formula (I): wherein A, B, R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R9, and R10 are as defined herein, or an enantiomer, diastereoisomer or tautomer thereof, including a salt, ester or derivative thereof, as an inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Pierre Beaulieu, Christian Brochu, Stephen Kawai, Jean Rancourt, Timothy Stammers, Bounkham Thavonekham, Youla Tsantrizos
  • Publication number: 20050222236
    Abstract: An enantiomer, diastereoisomer or tautomer of a compound, represented by formula I: wherein A, B, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are as defined herein, or a salt or ester thereof, as an inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Youla Tsantrizos, Catherine Chabot, Pierre Beaulieu, Christian Brochu, Martin Poirier, Timothy Stammers, Bounkham Thavonekham, Jean Rancourt
  • Patent number: 6929516
    Abstract: A controller suitable for use in controlling components in a bathing unit is provided. The controller includes a plurality of connectors adapted for providing electrical power to respective bathing unit components. Each connector includes a set of contact elements arranged in a common configuration. A first subset of the set of contact elements is adapted for generating a power signal characterized by a first current-voltage combination and a second subset of the set of contact elements is adapted for generating a power signal characterized by second current-voltage combination. In accordance with another aspect, a keying system is providing including a key member for engaging a connector and a complementary key member for engaging a electrical plug. The keying system enables the electrical plug and the connector to establish an electrical connection when the key member and then complementary key member match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: 9090-3493 Québec Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Pascal Recoura
  • Publication number: 20050167419
    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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard, Benoit Laflamme
  • Publication number: 20050168900
    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 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gouger, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20050151425
    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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Daniel Gaudreau, Pascal Recoura, Benoit Laflamme
  • Publication number: 20050090153
    Abstract: A controller suitable for use in controlling components in a bathing unit is provided. The controller includes a plurality of connectors adapted for providing electrical power to respective bathing unit components. Each connector includes a set of contact elements arranged in a common configuration. A first subset of the set of contact elements is adapted for generating a power signal characterized by a first current-voltage combination and a second subset of the set of contact elements is adapted for generating a power signal characterized by second current-voltage combination. In accordance with another aspect, a keying system is providing including a key member for engaging a connector and a complementary key member for engaging a electrical plug. The keying system enables the electrical plug and the connector to establish an electrical connection when the key member and then complementary key member match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Pascal Recoura
  • Patent number: 6874175
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control panel for controlling operational settings of a spa. The control panel includes a first portion having a first user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the operational setting of the spa, and a second portion joined to the first portion and having a second user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the same operational setting of the spa as the first user input device. The first user input device is included within a first user interface positioned such as to facilitate its use by a user situated within the spa. The second user input device is included within a second user interface positioned such as to facilitate use by a user situated outside the spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: 9090-3493 Quebec Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard
  • Publication number: 20050045621
    Abstract: A control system suitable for use in a bathing unit comprises a device including a body through which water can flow, and a capacitive water level sensor adapted for obtaining a capacitance measurement associated to a level of water in the device. The control system further comprises a processing unit in communication with the capacitive water level sensor for generating a control signal on the basis of the capacitance measurement, the control signal being operative for controlling the device. The device may include a heating module, a pump or any other suitable device in fluid communication with the water of the bathing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Francois Chenier, Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme
  • Publication number: 20040244103
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control panel for controlling operational settings of a spa. The control panel includes a first portion having a first user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the operational setting of the spa, and a second portion joined to the first portion and having a second user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the same operational setting of the spa as the first user input device. The first user input device is included within a first user interface positioned such as to facilitate its use by a user situated within the spa. The second user input device is included within a second user interface positioned such as to facilitate use by a user situated outside the spa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard
  • Publication number: 20040171626
    Abstract: An isomer, enantiomer, diastereoisomer or tautomer of a compound, represented by formula I: 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Pierre Louis Beaulieu, Christian Brochu, Catherine Chabot, Eric Jolicoeur, Stephen Kawai, Marc-Andre Poupart, Youla S. Tsantrizos
  • Patent number: 6744223
    Abstract: A multicolor lamp system. The multicolor lamp system includes a dimming circuit and an illumination module electrically connected to the dimming circuit. The illumination module has a detection circuit for detecting the output of the dimming circuit. The detection circuit generates a detection signal corresponding to the output of the dimming circuit. A microcontroller is programmed to receive the detection signal and to supply a corresponding electrical signal to a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs are able to generate a variety of colors corresponding to the electrical signal supplied from the microcontroller. In a preferred embodiment the illumination module also includes an infrared receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Quebec, Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu