Patents by Inventor Francis Roy
Francis Roy 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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Publication number: 20240002155Abstract: A dolly has a frame; a plurality of rolling elements mounted on the frame for rotation about respective rotational axes generally parallel to the ground surface and defining a contact footprint of the dolly on the ground surface. The axes extend in a plane between a load contacting surface of the dolly and the ground surface at a distance between 30% and 50% of a height defined between the load contacting surface of the dolly and the ground surface. A swivel platform defines the load contacting surface extending at an elevation above the frame and mounted on the frame for rotation about a platform axis located within the contact footprint. An actuator unit is drivingly engaged to at least two rolling elements of the plurality of rolling elements, the at least two rolling elements disposed on opposite sides of the swivel platform. An on-board controller unit is operable to actuate the actuator unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2021Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Charles-Éric RAYMOND, Benoît SERRANO-PARENT, Alexandre CHARBONNEAU, Mathieu LABELLE, Francis BOUTHILLETTE, Brayaan DIAZ, Tommy FORTIER, David PETITCLERC, Laurier TREMBLAY, Pascal BEAULIEU, Anne-Marie COUPAL, Hugo SOUCY, Louis MASSICOTTE-MORISSETTE, Marc-André TETRAULT, Francis ROY, Olivier JULIEN
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Patent number: 11784505Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging an electrochemical cell of a rechargeable battery with charging pulse control (PL), the pulses (PL) being driven in voltage control mode in the form of voltage steps (Pt) of variable amplitude. According to the invention, the method consists in calculating the value (Ut+1) of each voltage step (Pt+1) with respect to the value (Ut) of the preceding voltage step (Pt) and according to a progression variable representative of the variation in the internal resistance of the cell (d(R)/dt), for a period ending on the preceding step (Pt), with respect to a predetermined tolerated variation threshold (?), where Var=d(R)/dt??. The method applies to high-voltage electric battery charging protocols for electromobility or stationary applications, or portable device batteries, for example.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignees: PSA AUTOMOBILES SA, INSTITUT POLYTECHNIQUE DE GRENOBLE, SAFTInventors: Gentien Thorner, Francis Roy, Jean Bernard Douet, Thomas Peuchant, David Herpe, Pierre Xavier Thivel, Jean Claude Leprêtre
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Publication number: 20230208174Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging an electrochemical cell of a rechargeable battery with charging pulse control (PL), the pulses (PL) being driven in voltage control mode in the form of voltage steps (Pt) of variable amplitude. According to the invention, the method consists in calculating the value (Ut+1) of each voltage step (Pt+1) with respect to the value (Ut) of the preceding voltage step (Pt) and according to a progression variable representative of the variation in the internal resistance of the cell (d(R)/dt), for a period ending on the preceding step (Pt), with respect to a predetermined tolerated variation threshold (?), where Var=d(R)/dt??. The method applies to high-voltage electric battery charging protocols for electromobility or stationary applications, or portable device batteries, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Gentien THORNER, Francis ROY, Jean Bernard DOUET, Thomas PEUCHANT, David HERPE, Pierre Xavier THIVEL, Jean Claude LEPRÊTRE
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Publication number: 20220285952Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a battery with integrated inverters comprising n basic cell modules (MEk) which supply a basic voltage Vcell and allow the application of a homogenous current to all the cells. More specifically, the method comprises a step of controlling the control signals (uik) from the basic modules (MEk) so as to provide the voltage waveform (VM1) on the basis of a selection of a group of q basic modules (MEk) according to a reference voltage setpoint Vref, where Vref=qVcell, determining a classification of the n basic modules, processing the classification of the plurality n according to a circular permutation of the positions of the basic modules (MEk) such that each basic module (MEk) of the plurality n is involved in producing the voltage waveform over a period that is the same for each module. The invention is applicable in the fields of electromobility and stationary energy storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2020Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Francis ROY, Adrien DITTRICK, Bertrand REVOL, Denis LABROUSSE, Thomas PEUCHANT
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Patent number: 11337854Abstract: An iris protector to reduce a likelihood of iris prolapse in an eye comprising an iris during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The iris protector comprises an iris engaging portion and a plurality of engaging elements configured to facilitate the insertion and the removal of the iris protector inside the eye through an incision. Once inside the eye, the iris protector mechanically prevents a portion of the iris in the vicinity of the incision from prolapsing through the incision. The iris protector may be provided as part of a sterilized kit alone or with an applicator (e.g. tweezers, etc.), a manipulator or any combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Inventor: Francis Roy
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Publication number: 20210264327Abstract: A system for reserving a movable equipment such as a trailer is disclosed. The system includes a user tracking device configured to track a location of a user. The system includes a reservation management system configured to receive the location of the movable equipment and the location of the user. The reservation management system is configured to provide to a user device the location of the movable equipment, a pick-up point for picking the movable equipment and/or access instructions to the movable equipment at the pick-up point. The reservation management system is further configured to determine whether the user has activated reservation of the movable equipment at the pick-up location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Sébastien Blouin, Francis Roy, Martin Hubert
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Publication number: 20200405536Abstract: An iris protector to reduce a likelihood of iris prolapse in an eye comprising an iris during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. The iris protector comprises an iris engaging portion and a plurality of engaging elements configured to facilitate the insertion and the removal of the iris protector inside the eye through an incision. Once inside the eye, the iris protector mechanically prevents a portion of the iris in the vicinity of the incision from prolapsing through the incision. The iris protector may be provided as part of a sterilized kit alone or with an applicator (e.g. tweezers, etc.), a manipulator or any combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2019Publication date: December 31, 2020Inventor: Francis Roy
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Patent number: 8994370Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated sensor, including terminals (1, 2) for connection to an electric generator, said terminals being connected to a metal measuring line (4, 5) in which a current proportional to the voltage or current of the generator to be measured flows, and magnetoresistors (31, 32, 33, 34). The metal measuring line includes elongate and parallel sections (4, 5) in which the current flows in opposite directions, said sections being connected to a portion (3) for closing the metal measuring line (3, 4, 5), which is arranged on a galvanic isolation layer (8) that is in turn arranged on an integrated circuit portion including the magnetoresistors (31, 32, 33, 34), each of which have a sensitive portion that is vertically adjacent to one of the elongate sections (4, 5). The sensor can be integrated into a diagnostic system.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignees: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA, Commissariat a l'energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Myriam Pannetier-Lecoeur, Claude Fermon, Alain Giraud, Francis Roy
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Patent number: 8778548Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid delivery head for an electrochemical cell, for example a fuel cell. The delivery head combines the inlets and outlets of the lines for delivering the fluids, notably hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen delivery line feeds an active part of the fuel cell and includes a cavity in communication with a discharge pipe via a solenoid valve. The invention performs several functions with a minimum of elements and with reduced bulk.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventors: Sadok Garnit, Francis Roy, Guillaume Joncquet, Jean-Philippe Poirot-Crouvezier
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Publication number: 20130337357Abstract: The invention relates to a current collecting plate (50) for a fuel cell. According to the invention, the plate comprises a substantially constant thickness of an electrically conductive material along the stacking axis of the cells of the fuel cell, forming a plane at the end of the stack in order to collect the current from the fuel cell. The invention is characterised in that it comprises holes (52) pierced in the thickness of the material, extending parallel to the plane of the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicants: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives, PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES S.A.Inventors: Xavier Glipa, Francis Roy, Eric Pinton, Pascal Schott, Sylvie Begot, Fabien Harel, Jean-Marc Le Canut
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Patent number: 8519685Abstract: In a power supply with n interlaced conversion cells, a control device activates m paths out of n paths, 1?m?n, as a function of the power or of the current handled by the power supply. The cell may have a boost, buck, buck/boost, Cuk, or SEPIC topology.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventors: Daniel Chatroux, Jean-Claude Dolhagaray, Francis Roy
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Publication number: 20130187645Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated sensor, including terminals (1, 2) for connection to an electric generator, said terminals being connected to a metal measuring line (4, 5) in which a current proportional to the voltage or current of the generator to be measured flows, and magnetoresistors (31, 32, 33, 34). The metal measuring line includes elongate and parallel sections (4, 5) in which the current flows in opposite directions, said sections being connected to a portion (3) for closing the metal measuring line (3, 4, 5), which is arranged on a galvanic isolation layer (8) that is in turn arranged on an integrated circuit portion including the magnetoresistors (31, 32, 33, 34), each of which have a sensitive portion that is vertically adjacent to one of the elongate sections (4, 5). The sensor can be integrated into a diagnostic system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SAInventors: Myriam Pannetier-Lecoeur, Claude Fermon, Alain Giraud, Francis Roy
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Patent number: 8456144Abstract: A power supply with non-isolated DC DC splitting includes n conversion cells that are interlaced. The splitting switch of each cell is placed in a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit makes it possible to obtain a switching to the open state of said switch at zero current and voltage. The ripple at the input and output is minimized and the efficiency improved. In particular, the wiring inductances in the charge transfer loop of each cell no longer have negative effects on the efficiency. The cell may be of boost, buck, buck/boost, Cuk or SEPIC topology.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventors: Daniel Chatroux, Jean-Claude Dolhagaray, Francis Roy
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Patent number: 8398412Abstract: The invention relates to a housing, including: electronic components (42); walls (44) mechanically insulating said electronic components from the outside; at least one electric connection pad (18, 20, 22, 24) arranged on an outer surface of one of said walls so as to be electrically coupled to a cable outside the housing, said connection pad being electrically coupled to the electronic components (42) inside the housing, characterized in that the connection pad includes: a printed circuit board (50) defining a portion of the housing wall (44) and having a surface exposed to the outside of the housing; and an electric connection outer plane (60, 62) engraved on said surface for directly contacting the outer cable, said plane being electrically coupled to the electronic components.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Jean-Claude Dolhagaray, Francis Roy, Daniel Chatroux, Roger Milly, Jimmy Roure
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Patent number: 8142951Abstract: The invention concerns a monopolar fuel cell endplate (4) of the type with proton exchanging membrane consisting of a cathode or anode monopolar half-plate (41) attached to a closure plate (42). The monopolar half-plate comprises, in its central part, a cathode or anode active region (411), and, at its periphery, at least two oxidant boxes, if the monopolar half-plate is cathodic, or fuel boxes, if the monopolar half-plate is anodic. Each oxidant or fuel box comprises at least one channel (414) emerging outside the active region (411) to enable oxidant or fuel to be circulated outside the monopolar plate on the monopolar plate side, the oxidant or fuel boxes not comprising an opening emerging into the central region of the closure plate, such that the central part of said closure plate is not swept either with fuel or with oxidant.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignees: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Francis Roy, Jean-Philippe Poirot-Crouvezier
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Publication number: 20120071041Abstract: The invention relates to a housing, including: electronic components (42); walls (44) mechanically insulating said electronic components from the outside; at least one electric connection pad (18, 20, 22, 24) arranged on an outer surface of one of said walls so as to be electrically coupled to a cable outside the housing, said connection pad being electrically coupled to the electronic components (42) inside the housing, characterised in that the connection pad includes: a printed circuit board (50) defining a portion of the housing wall (44) and having a surface exposed to the outside of the housing; and an electric connection outer plane (60, 62) engraved on said surface for directly contacting the outer cable, said plane being electrically coupled to the electronic components.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicants: Soprano Industry, Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Jean-Claude Dolhagaray, Francis Roy, Daniel Chatroux, Roger Milly, Jimmy Roure
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Publication number: 20110262821Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid delivery head for an electrochemical cell, for example a fuel cell. The delivery head combines the inlets and outlets of the lines for delivering the fluids, notably hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen delivery line feeds an active part of the fuel cell and includes a cavity in communication with a discharge pipe via a solenoid valve. The invention performs several functions with a minimum of elements and with reduced bulk.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2009Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SAInventors: Sadok Garnit, Francis Roy, Guillaume Joncquet, Jean-Philippe Poirot-Crouvezier
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Publication number: 20110189552Abstract: The invention relates to a draining device for a fuel cell (FC). The effluents from a hydrogen FC comprising a recirculation circuit have to be regularly drained in order to guarantee optimum operation. The draining devices of the prior art are characterized by significant variations in the hydrogen concentration of the effluents. The invention consists in incorporating the draining means in the device for separating the liquid and gas phases of the effluents. Advantageously, means for fine regulation of the draining flow rate are provided, which makes it possible to limit the losses of hydrogen the drained effluents.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicants: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives, Peugeot Citroen Automobiles S.A.Inventors: Sadok Garnit, Francis Roy, Guillaume Joncquet, Jean-Philippe Poirot-Crouvezier
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Patent number: 7964321Abstract: The invention relates to a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, of the type that comprises anode and cathode bipolar half plates (1, 1?) which are placed next to one another. The central part of each bipolar half plate comprises an active zone (2), while the periphery thereof comprises a plurality of cut-outs (4, 4?, 5, 5?, 6) which are intended to form at least two oxidant tanks, two fuel tanks and two coolant tanks. Moreover, at least one bipolar half plate comprises at least one connecting rib (8, 8?, 10, 12) between a peripheral cut-out and the active zone. Projecting out from the outer face, each coolant tank cut-out is surrounded by a sealing rib (7, 7?) and the periphery of each bipolar half plate comprises a rib (15, 15?) for sealing the active zone, which connects the coolant tank sealing ribs and which surrounds the oxidant and fuel tanks. Furthermore, each channel formed by a rib segment (15, 15?) between two coolant tanks is blocked by a blocking means (17, 17?).Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Francis Roy, Damien Lemasson, Jean-Philippe Poirot-Crouvezier, Patrick Le Gallo
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Patent number: D931327Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Inventors: Richard Saad, Francis Roy