Patents by Inventor Frederic Jaffre

Frederic Jaffre 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: 11990857
    Abstract: A rotational feedback control system, and method of using same, including a rotating element, a sensor and a digital controller. The system capable of monitoring, setting, and adjusting the inter-rotational angular velocity within a single revolution of the rotating element. The digital controller implementing a control system with control parameters based on angular position, nominal angular velocity and steering angular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kaeli, Frederic Jaffre
  • Publication number: 20220329179
    Abstract: A rotational feedback control system, and method of using same, including a rotating element, a sensor and a digital controller. The system capable of monitoring, setting, and adjusting the inter-rotational angular velocity within a single revolution of the rotating element. The digital controller implementing a control system with control parameters based on angular position, nominal angular velocity and steering angular velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kaeli, Frederic Jaffre
  • Patent number: 11072406
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system for the release of low relief, self-orienting deployable payloads from a platform such as a submersible vehicle and a mechanism of passive buoyancy compensation of the vehicle. The system secures one or more payloads by a vacuum force without an additional mechanical restraining mechanism and deployment of a payload is accomplished by disengaging the vacuum hold to release the payload for its intended function. Once deployed, the payload may reorient itself to a functional orientation without additional assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Austin, Michael Purcell, Robin Littlefield, Frederic Jaffre, Gwyneth Packard, Glenn McDonald
  • Patent number: 10691993
    Abstract: A submersible tag device configured to operate within a liquid medium, including a liquid-tight housing defining a chamber that remains isolated from the liquid medium when the housing is immersed in the liquid medium, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a target selected by a user. A communication module is disposed in the chamber, the module including a receiver, a controller configured to receive input from the receiver, a power source operatively connected to at least the controller, and data storage. When the tag device is immersed in the liquid medium, the receiver is configured to receive a command signal through the liquid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Amy L. Kukulya, Thomas Austin, Frederic Jaffre, Robin Hunter Littlefield
  • Publication number: 20190279067
    Abstract: A submersible tag device configured to operate within a liquid medium, including a liquid-tight housing defining a chamber that remains isolated from the liquid medium when the housing is immersed in the liquid medium, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a target selected by a user. A communication module is disposed in the chamber, the module including a receiver, a controller configured to receive input from the receiver, a power source operatively connected to at least the controller, and data storage. When the tag device is immersed in the liquid medium, the receiver is configured to receive a command signal through the liquid medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Amy L. KUKULYA, Thomas Austin, Frederic Jaffre, Robin Hunter Littlefield
  • Patent number: 10303995
    Abstract: A submersible tag device configured to operate within a liquid medium, including a liquid-tight housing defining a chamber that remains isolated from the liquid medium when the housing is immersed in the liquid medium, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a target selected by a user. A communication module is disposed in the chamber, the module including a receiver, a controller configured to receive input from the receiver, a power source operatively connected to at least the controller, and data storage. When the tag device is immersed in the liquid medium, the receiver is configured to receive a command signal through the liquid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Amy L. Kukulya, Thomas Austin, Frederic Jaffre
  • Publication number: 20190100292
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system for the release of low relief, self-orienting deployable payloads from a platform such as a submersible vehicle and a mechanism of passive buoyancy compensation of the vehicle. The system secures one or more payloads by a vacuum force without an additional mechanical restraining mechanism and deployment of a payload is accomplished by disengaging the vacuum hold to release the payload for its intended function. Once deployed, the payload may reorient itself to a functional orientation without additional assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Austin, Michael Purcell, Robin Littlefield, Frederic Jaffre, Gwyneth Packard, Glenn McDonald
  • Patent number: 10112686
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system for the release of low relief, self-orienting deployable payloads from a platform such as an underwater vehicle and a mechanism of passive buoyancy compensation of the vehicle. The system secures one or more payloads by a vacuum force without an additional mechanical restraining mechanism and deployment of a payload is accomplished by disengaging the vacuum hold to release the payload for its intended function. Once deployed, the payload may reorient itself to a functional orientation without additional assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Thomas Austin, Michael Purcell, Robin Littlefield, Frederic Jaffre, Gwyneth Packard, Glenn McDonald
  • Publication number: 20180082166
    Abstract: A submersible tag device configured to operate within a liquid medium, including a liquid-tight housing defining a chamber that remains isolated from the liquid medium when the housing is immersed in the liquid medium, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a target selected by a user. A communication module is disposed in the chamber, the module including a receiver, a controller configured to receive input from the receiver, a power source operatively connected to at least the controller, and data storage. When the tag device is immersed in the liquid medium, the receiver is configured to receive a command signal through the liquid medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Amy L. Kukulya, Thomas Austin, Frederic Jaffre
  • Patent number: 9873499
    Abstract: An asymmetric propulsion mechanism capable of providing both axial thrust as well as lateral maneuverability from a single axis of rotation is described. The mechanism may be used on aquatic vehicles to minimize cost and maximize reliability and endurance. The mechanism comprises one or more propeller blades disposed asymmetrically around a rotating hub under the guidance of a control system including a motor capable of driving the propeller at various radial speeds throughout the course of a single revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Inventors: Thomas Austin, Michael Purcell, Frederic Jaffre, Jeffrey Kaeli, Ben Allen, Robin Littlefield
  • Publication number: 20160221655
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system for the release of low relief, self-orienting deployable payloads from a platform such as an underwater vehicle and a mechanism of passive buoyancy compensation of the vehicle. The system secures one or more payloads by a vacuum force without an additional mechanical restraining mechanism and deployment of a payload is accomplished by disengaging the vacuum hold to release the payload for its intended function. Once deployed, the payload may reorient itself to a functional orientation without additional assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Austin, Michael Purcell, Robin Littlefield, Frederic Jaffre, Gwyneth Packard, Glenn McDonald