Patents by Inventor Francois Breynaert

Francois Breynaert 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: 20050200231
    Abstract: A commutator housing for an electric motor includes a support to receive a commutator having at least two integrated stops and at least two brushes each fixed on a spring component. The spring components force the brushes into a contact position against the commutator. The stops hold the spring components in a mounting position in which the brushes are distanced from the contact position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Michel Lehir, Stephane Omelezuk, Herve Laurandel, Philippe Mercadal, Francois Breynaert, Hermann Yvetot, Benoit Bazin
  • Publication number: 20050200230
    Abstract: An electric motor includes a commutator housing mounted integrally with a stator. The housing includes brushes and an interference suppressor filter that links the brushes pairwise. A commutator including a support ring is integrally mounted with a rotor shaft and has a plurality of metal segments arranged around a circumference of the support ring. A capacitor is connected between two adjacent metal commutator segments. Combining the two interference suppressor devices directly on the commutator and the commutator housing maximally reduces spurious signal emissions and satisifies the most stringent electromagnetic noise class requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Francois Breynaert, Hermann Yvetot
  • Publication number: 20050200229
    Abstract: A commutator for an electric motor includes a support ring, a plurality of metal segments arranged around a circumference of the support ring, and a plurality of capacitors arranged between the support ring and the metal segments. Each capacitor is connected between two adjacent metal segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Francois Breynaert, Hermann Yvetot
  • Patent number: 6867515
    Abstract: The invention concerns an interference suppression system in an engine with permanent magnets activating a functional motor vehicle element, wherein the engine (1) comprises powering brushes (8, 9), connected to an external power source (12) with wires (10, 1) and a metal field magnet frame (2). The invention is characterized in that each brush (8, 9) is connected to the engine metal field magnet frame (2) through at least an interference suppression capacitor (13, 14) and the engine (1) metal field magnet frame (2) is connected to the vehicle earth connection (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems France
    Inventor: François Breynaert
  • Publication number: 20050035759
    Abstract: A device for determining the movement of a drive shaft, includes the drive shaft, which is rotated around an axis and that can move along the length of the axis, a multi-pole magnet and a sensor. The sensor or the magnet is rotated by the drive shaft. The magnet presents the sensor with North and South poles that alternate according to the relative angular position of the sensor and the magnet, along the axis. The poles are made from a magnetizable material. The movement of the drive shaft along the axis can be detected according to the detected alternating poles. The invention also relates to a geared motor, a window regulator and a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Michel Herbert, Francois Breynaert
  • Publication number: 20040263159
    Abstract: A device for determining the movement of a drive shaft includes the drive shaft, which is rotated around an axis and that can move along the length of the axis, a multi-pole magnet and a sensor. The sensor or the magnet is rotated by the drive shaft. The magnet presents the sensor with North and South poles that alternate according to the relative angular position the sensor and the magnet along the axis. The poles are made from a magnetizable material. The movement of the drive shaft along the axis can be detected according to the detected alternating poles. The invention also relates to a geared motor, a window regulator and a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Michel Herbert, Francois Breynaert
  • Patent number: 6707183
    Abstract: A motor includes a magnetic ring which is the seat of a magnetic field related to operating parameters of the motor. A connector for the motor includes a magnetic flux conduction member forming a flux concentrator interposed, when the connector is fixed on the motor, between the magnetic ring and a Hall-effect sensor adapted so as to measure the magnetic flux the magnetic flux conduction member. Application to geared motors for window-raising systems, seat actuation systems or sunroof systems, in the automobile sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-France
    Inventors: François Breynaert, Jérôme Quere
  • Patent number: 6702301
    Abstract: An active window seal assembly is disclosed that operatively engages a movable window when the window is stationary and disengages the window when the window is in motion. The seal assembly comprises a stationary frame, a movable lip that is operatively connected to the stationary frame, and a cavity disposed between the stationary frame and the movable lip. Several configurations provide for movement of the movable lip when the movable window is in motion. The first configuration allows the cavity to inflate with air, thus forcing the movable lip away from the window. A second configuration provides that the air in the cavity be evacuated, thus pulling the movable lip away from the window. A third configuration provides that a voltage be applied to the stationary frame and the movable lip to create an electric field. The electric field draws the movable lip toward the stationary frame and away from the movable window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Davies, Charles Hopson, Christos Kyrtsos, Joseph Tyckowski, Francois Breynaert
  • Publication number: 20040021379
    Abstract: A connector for an electric motor, said motor comprising a magnetic ring (21) which is the seat of a magnetic field tied to operating parameters of the motor, comprises a magnetic flux conduction member (35) forming a flux concentrator interposed, when the connector (30) is fixed on the motor (2), between the magnetic ring (21) and a Hall-effect sensor (33) adapted so as to measure the magnetic flux conducted by the magnetic flux conduction member (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Francois Breynaert, Herve Laurandel, Jerome Quere, Didier Senecal
  • Patent number: 6580240
    Abstract: An activation device for a functional component of motor vehicle equipment having an electric motor includes a transmission device connected on the one hand to an output shaft of the motor and on the other hand to said functional component, so that the transmission device and the motor exert mutual forces upon one another, and a safety device adapted for modifying the electrical supply of the motor according to an operating parameter significant of said mutual forces. The motor is mounted on the equipment with at least one degree of movement with respect thereto, and the safety device has means of measuring the movement of the motor delivering measurement signals which determine the operating parameter. The activation device is particularly applicable to electric window winder or sun-roof systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-France
    Inventors: Marc Buchheit, Francois Breynaert
  • Patent number: 6515441
    Abstract: An object detection system includes a sensor in communication with a controller which identifies contact with the sensor. In a preferred embodiment the sensor is a piezo film which generates a signal when an object applies a predetermined force to the edge of the moveable glass member. This signal is identifiable by the controller in communication with the piezo film. Another embodiment of the sensor provides a pair of substantially parallel segments of conductive material applied along the edge of the window. When an object is in contact with both segments of conductive material an electrical signal is conducted and identified by the controller. When the controller determines an object is in contact with the sensor and therefore the moveable glass member, the controller halts or reverses the movement of the moveable glass member to prevent trapping the object between the closing moveable glass member and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Tyckowski, Christos Kyrtsos, Timothy Davies, Charles Hopson, Francois Breynaert, Pascal Bonduel
  • Patent number: 6452351
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame includes a sensor mounted on a drive motor that drives a regulator to move the window upward and downward. The sensor senses a resistive torque applied against the regulator and generates a signal having a value proportional to the amount of resistive torque sensed. The signal is transmitted to a control circuit which then determines whether or not an object is caught between the window and its respective frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Hopson, Timothy Davies, Joseph Tyckowski, Christos Kyrtsos, Francois Breynaert, Pascal Bonduel
  • Patent number: 6448729
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame includes an electric drive motor for opening and closing the automotive window. The electric drive motor receives power from a power supply via a primary brush assembly coupled to a power line. A piezoelectric sensor is mounted on the drive motor for sensing a resistive torque applied to the regulator and generating a signal having a value indicative of the resistive torque. The signal is then transmitted to a control circuit for determining whether or not an object is caught between the window and a frame based on the signal. The signal may be transmitted to the control circuit either by the primary brush assembly via the power line or by a secondary brush assembly coupled directly to the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Davies, Pascal Bonduel, Francois Breynaert, Charles Hopson, Christos Kyrtsos, Joseph Tyckowski
  • Publication number: 20020117985
    Abstract: An activation device for a functional component of motor vehicle equipment having an electric motor includes a transmission device connected on the one hand to an output shaft of the motor and on the other hand to said functional component, so that the transmission device and the motor exert mutual forces upon one another, and a safety device adapted for modifying the electrical supply of the motor according to an operating parameter significant of said mutual forces. The motor is mounted on the equipment with at least one degree of movement with respect thereto, and the safety device has means of measuring the movement of the motor delivering measurement signals which determine the operating parameter. The activation device is particularly applicable to electric window winder or sun-roof systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Marc Buchheit, Francois Breynaert
  • Publication number: 20020016087
    Abstract: A connector for electric motor, said motor comprising a magnetic ring which is the seat of a magnetic field related to operating parameters of the motor, comprises a magnetic flux conduction member forming a flux concentrator interposed, when the connector is fixed on the motor, between the magnetic ring and a Hall-effect sensor adapted so as to measure the magnetic flux the magnetic flux conduction member. Application to geared motors for window-raising systems, seat actuation systems or sunroof systems, in the automobile sector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Francois Breynaert, Jerome Quere
  • Patent number: 6308461
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame is provided. The window opens and closes via a regulator driven by an electric drive motor. A force is sensed at an interface between the window and the regulator proportional to a force exerted on the window. This force is compared with a predetermined value, and if the sensed force exceeds the predetermined value, an object caught between the window and its respective door frame is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Hopson, Timothy Davies, Christos Kyrtsos, Joseph Tyckowski, Pascal Bonduel, Francois Breynaert
  • Patent number: 6304048
    Abstract: A method and device for determining torque applied to a motor of an automotive power window system includes a motor having a rotor mounted on a rotor shaft wherein the rotor and rotor shaft move linearly along an axial length of the rotor shaft in response to an applied torque. A ring magnet is mounted on the rotor shaft for generating a magnetic field as the rotor shaft rotates. A sensor, in communication with the ring magnet, senses a strength of the magnetic field based on a linear position of the ring magnet in relation to the sensor and generates a proportional voltage signal. A control circuit receives the voltage signal and detects a torque applied to the motor in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Davies, Charles Hopson, Joseph Tyckowski, Christos Kyrtsos, Francois Breynaert, Pascal Bonduel
  • Patent number: 6291957
    Abstract: A vehicle window obstruction detection system looks for lateral forces on the window. A lateral force is indicative of an obstruction in the path of the window, and is particularly indicative of a living obstruction. The presence of the lateral force is utilized to identify an obstruction, and stop further movement of the movable closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Hopson, Timothy Davies, Joseph Tyckowski, Christos Kyrtsos, Francois Breynaert, Pascal Bonduel
  • Patent number: 6246194
    Abstract: A method and system for directly determining the presence of an object between a window and its respective frame during closing of the window is disclosed. A sensor is provided within the frame to determine a length of the frame being compressed when the window is closed against the frame. This length is compared to a predetermined value. If the compressed length is less than the predetermined value, an object is detected so that the window can be controlled to stop and change direction so as to release the object before injury or damage occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Davies, Charles Hopson, Christos Kyrtsos, Joseph Tyckowski, Francois Breynaert, Pascal Bonduel
  • Patent number: 6191512
    Abstract: A motor including a motor unit (2) has at least one plastics material portion (4). A two-part casing (5) receives at least one electronic circuit card. The casing is formed of two complementary portions (5a, 5b) joining on a plane (P) passing through a diagonal plane of the casing and provided with means (7) to receive the circuit card and complementary fixing means (9, 10, 11). One portion (5a) of the casing is in one piece with the plastics material (4) of the motor unit and the other portion (5b) includes an envelope (8) for a connector for connecting the motor to the remainder of the circuits of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-France
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Lekeux, François Breynaert