Patents by Inventor David Monfette

David Monfette 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).

  • Publication number: 20240084752
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft is disclosed. The method includes: sensing a voltage of a capacitance connected to the ETM and configured to power the ETM; detecting a rotation of the crankshaft resulting from an actuation of a recoil starter; in response to detecting the rotation of the crankshaft, determining if an assisted start condition is met; in response to the assisted start condition being met, delivering power from the capacitance to the ETM and the ETM assisting the recoil starter; in response to the assisted start condition not being met, continuing to turn the crankshaft with the recoil starter without assistance from the ETM; determining if the ICE has started; and in response to the ICE being started, delivering power from the ETM to the capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Michel BERNIER, David MONFETTE, Bruno SCHUEHMACHER
  • Patent number: 11852087
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft comprises energizing an absolute position sensor adapted for providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM and applying a current to the ETM to generate a sufficient torque to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Publication number: 20220364520
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft comprises energizing an absolute position sensor adapted for providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM and applying a current to the ETM to generate a sufficient torque to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, David MONFETTE, Bruno SCHUEHMACHER
  • Patent number: 11448146
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft comprises energizing an absolute position sensor adapted for providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM and applying a current to the ETM to generate a sufficient torque to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 11415096
    Abstract: An electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) is operated as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. In the first control strategy, electric power is delivered from a power source to the ETM selectively through at least one transistor of an electrical converter. After switching from the first control strategy to the second control strategy, the ETM delivers electric power to an accessory selectively through the at least one transistor of the electrical converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, Jasmin Rouleau, David Monfette
  • Patent number: 11333120
    Abstract: An electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) is operated as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. In the first control strategy, electric power is delivered from a power source to the ETM selectively through at least one transistor of an electrical converter. After switching from the first control strategy to the second control strategy, the ETM delivers electric power to an accessory selectively through the at least one transistor of the electrical converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, Jasmin Rouleau, David Monfette
  • Patent number: 11300066
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (ICE) includes a crankshaft, a cylinder head defining in part a variable combustion chamber of the ICE, a direct fuel injector mounted on the cylinder head, a power source, an electric turning machine (ETM) rotating the crankshaft, an absolute position sensor providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM, and an engine control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the absolute position sensor. The ECU controls a delivery of electric power from the power source to the ETM based on the angular position of the rotor of the ETM and causes the direct fuel injector to inject fuel directly in the combustion chamber at a time selected based on the angular position reached by the rotor of the ETM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 11293363
    Abstract: A method for controlling delivery of electric power between a power source and an electric turning machine (ETM) comprises applying a start signal to a start-up power electronic switch to cause turning on of the start-up power electronic switch and to allow delivery of electric power from the power source to the ETM via the start-up power electronic switch. A recharge signal is applied to a run-time power electronic switch to cause turning on of the run-time power electronic switch for delivery of electric power from the ETM to the power source via the run-time power electronic switch. A circuit comprises a discharging circuit including the start-up power electronic switch for delivering the electric power when the start-up power electronic switch is turned on. A charging circuit includes the run-time power electronic switch for delivering the electric power when the run-time power electronic switch is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 10975824
    Abstract: A method and a system for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft are disclosed. An absolute angular position of the crankshaft related to a top dead center position of a piston in a combustion chamber of the ICE is determined. Electric power is delivered to the ETM at a first level to rotate the crankshaft. Electric power is then delivered to the ETM at a second level greater than the first level when the piston reaches a predetermined position before the TDC position. Fuel is injected in the combustion chamber after the piston has passed beyond the TDC position. The fuel is then ignited. In an implementation, the ICE is started in less than 110 degrees of rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Publication number: 20210062774
    Abstract: An electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) is operated as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. In the first control strategy, electric power is delivered from a power source to the ETM selectively through at least one transistor of an electrical converter. After switching from the first control strategy to the second control strategy, the ETM delivers electric power to an accessory selectively through the at least one transistor of the electrical converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, Jasmin ROULEAU, David MONFETTE
  • Patent number: 10883467
    Abstract: A method and a system for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. The ETM operates as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy, the second control strategy being distinct from the first control strategy. The system comprises an engine control unit adapted for controlling an operation of the ETM according to the first and second control strategies. Electric and assisted start procedures are available for starting the ICE by delivering electric power from a power source to the ETM which is co-axially mounted to a crankshaft of the ICE. Assisted start includes delivering the electric power to the ETM while a recoil starter is used to rotate the crankshaft. A manual start procedure is also available. The power source is charged by the ETM when the ICE is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, Jasmin Rouleau, David Monfette
  • Patent number: 10859052
    Abstract: A method for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. An engine control unit (ECU) controls the ETM to operate as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. The second control strategy is distinct from the first control strategy. The ECU controls switching the operation of the ETM from the first control strategy to the second control strategy when a sensor senses that a rotational speed of the ICE is equal to or above a minimum revolution threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, Jasmin Rouleau, David Monfette
  • Publication number: 20200080504
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (ICE) includes a crankshaft, a cylinder head defining in part a variable combustion chamber of the ICE, a direct fuel injector mounted on the cylinder head, a power source, an electric turning machine (ETM) rotating the crankshaft, an absolute position sensor providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM, and an engine control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the absolute position sensor. The ECU controls a delivery of electric power from the power source to the ETM based on the angular position of the rotor of the ETM and causes the direct fuel injector to inject fuel directly in the combustion chamber at a time selected based on the angular position reached by the rotor of the ETM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, David MONFETTE, Bruno SCHUEHMACHER
  • Publication number: 20200080505
    Abstract: A method for controlling delivery of electric power between a power source and an electric turning machine (ETM) comprises applying a start signal to a start-up power electronic switch to cause turning on of the start-up power electronic switch and to allow delivery of electric power from the power source to the ETM via the start-up power electronic switch. A recharge signal is applied to a run-time power electronic switch to cause turning on of the run-time power electronic switch for delivery of electric power from the ETM to the power source via the run-time power electronic switch. A circuit comprises a discharging circuit including the start-up power electronic switch for delivering the electric power when the start-up power electronic switch is turned on. A charging circuit includes the run-time power electronic switch for delivering the electric power when the run-time power electronic switch is turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Publication number: 20200080503
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft comprises energizing an absolute position sensor adapted for providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM and applying a current to the ETM to generate a sufficient torque to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, David MONFETTE, Bruno SCHUEHMACHER
  • Publication number: 20200056559
    Abstract: A method and a system for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft are disclosed. An absolute angular position of the crankshaft related to a top dead center position of a piston in a combustion chamber of the ICE is determined. Electric power is delivered to the ETM at a first level to rotate the crankshaft. Electric power is then delivered to the ETM at a second level greater than the first level when the piston reaches a predetermined position before the TDC position. Fuel is injected in the combustion chamber after the piston has passed beyond the TDC position. The fuel is then ignited. In an implementation, the ICE is started in less than 110 degrees of rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, David MONFETTE, Bruno SCHUEHMACHER
  • Publication number: 20190153990
    Abstract: A system for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. An engine control unit (ECU) controls the ETM to operate as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. The second control strategy is distinct from the first control strategy. The ECU controls switching the operation of the ETM from the first control strategy to the second control strategy when a sensor senses that a rotational speed of the ICE is equal to or above a minimum revolution threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, Jasmin ROULEAU, David MONFETTE
  • Publication number: 20190153989
    Abstract: A method for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. An engine control unit (ECU) controls the ETM to operate as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. The second control strategy is distinct from the first control strategy. The ECU controls switching the operation of the ETM from the first control strategy to the second control strategy when a sensor senses that a rotational speed of the ICE is equal to or above a minimum revolution threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, Jasmin ROULEAU, David MONFETTE
  • Publication number: 20190153988
    Abstract: A system for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft is introduced. An electric turning machine (ETM) is co-axially mounted to the crankshaft. The crankshaft is rotated using a recoil starter for starting the ICE. A position sensor detects the rotation of the crankshaft. While the crankshaft is rotating, an engine control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the position sensor controls a delivery of electric power from a power source to the ETM for starting the ICE. An ICE integrating the system for starting the ICE and the crankshaft with a cylinder, a cylinder head connected to the cylinder, and a piston connected to the crankshaft and disposed in the cylinder to define a variable volume combustion chamber between the piston and the cylinder head is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, Jasmin ROULEAU, David MONFETTE
  • Publication number: 20180347534
    Abstract: A method and a system for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. The ETM operates as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy, the second control strategy being distinct from the first control strategy. The system comprises an engine control unit adapted for controlling an operation of the ETM according to the first and second control strategies. Electric and assisted start procedures are available for starting the ICE by delivering electric power from a power source to the ETM which is co-axially mounted to a crankshaft of the ICE. Assisted start includes delivering the electric power to the ETM while a recoil starter is used to rotate the crankshaft. A manual start procedure is also available. The power source is charged by the ETM when the ICE is running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, Jasmin ROULEAU, David MONFETTE