Patents by Inventor Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen

Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen 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: 9242551
    Abstract: A ventilation device including: a first enclosure including a first passage configured to be connected to a canister outlet and the atmosphere, and a normally closed shutter device configured to open to release the first passage; a second enclosure including a second passage configured to be connected to the canister inlet and a fuel tank, and a normally open shutter device configured to close to shut the second passage, the second passage being separate from and not in communication with the first passage; and a combined pressure/vacuum relief valve or OPR and UPR valve pair situated in or fastened to a bypass of the first passage configured to establish a connection between ends of the first passage when the shutter device is closed and when there is over- or under-pressure in the ends. A fuel system can include the device and a hybrid vehicle can include the fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Vincent Cuvelier, David Hill, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Patent number: 9242550
    Abstract: Process for reinforcing a plastic fuel tank comprising a wall defining an internal closed volume, according to which a structural member is fixed to the wall of the tank outside the closed volume, in at least two points being located in two different portions of said wall where a deflection induced when the tank is filled with fuel, is low; and said structure having at least one contact point with the tank wall in a portion of said wall where the deflection is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: James Edward Thompson, David Hill, Bjorn Criel, Vincent Cuvelier, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Publication number: 20150354755
    Abstract: A tank for storing a gas, the gas being stored by sorption to a compound. The tank includes a receptacle configured to contain the compound. The receptacle includes a shock-absorbing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Dominique MADOUX, Jules-Joseph VAN SCHAFTINGEN, Francois DOUGNIER
  • Publication number: 20150345355
    Abstract: A method and system for purifying exhaust gases of a combustion engine or an SCR method for purifying exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, according to which ammonia gas is exclusively metered in the exhaust gases. The method includes: releasing ammonia gas from at least one solid absorbing matrix where it is stored by sorption; metering the released ammonia gas in the exhaust gases; regenerating the solid absorbing matrix including: generating a refilling ammonia gas by chemically decomposing an ammonia precursor in a biochemical decomposition unit mounted on board the vehicle and storing at least one protein component adapted to decompose the ammonia precursor; directing the refilling ammonia gas to the solid absorbing matrix where it is stored thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Francois DOUGNIER, Jules-Joseph VAN SCHAFTINGEN, Dominique MADOUX, Paul WOUTERS
  • Publication number: 20150345429
    Abstract: A method and system for generating power on board a vehicle. The method includes: generating a gas by chemically decomposing an ammonia precursor in a biochemical decomposition unit mounted on board the vehicle and storing at least one protein component adapted to decompose the ammonia precursor; converting the gas into power in at least one power generator mounted on board the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Francois DOUGNIER, Jules-Joseph VAN SCHAFTINGEN, Dominique MADOUX, Paul WOUTERS
  • Publication number: 20150275924
    Abstract: A vehicle supply system including a reservoir for storing a fluid; and a supply circuit arranged for being in fluid communication with the reservoir. The supply circuit is such that it includes a thermo-hydraulic section configured for generating a temperature difference between a first portion and a second portion of the thermo-hydraulic section, the temperature difference being capable of causing evaporation in the first portion and of causing condensation in the second portion such that an oscillating flow is generated between the first portion and the second portion. The supply circuit is such that it is configured for using the oscillating flow for sucking fluid from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Pierre DE MAN, Francois Dougnier, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Publication number: 20150185101
    Abstract: A device for measuring a pressure of a gas in a pollution control or energy storage system, including: a housing including an inlet and an outlet; a compound disposed inside the housing and configured to absorb at least one portion of gas entering the housing through the inlet, the non-absorbed portion of gas exiting the housing via the outlet; at least one sensor configured to measure a temperature of the compound; a processing unit configured to determine the pressure of the gas by using the temperature measurement from the sensor and a predefined pressure/temperature ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Francois Dougnier, Dominique Madoux, Jean-Claude Habumuremyi
  • Publication number: 20150160078
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a system for storing a gas, the gas being stored by sorption on a compound, the system being mounted onboard a vehicle and including a tank configured to contain the compound and a control device configured to control a heating device to increase a temperature of the compound to release the gas. The control device obtains a set of information including at least one measurement of the temperature of the system, then carries out an estimation of the gas pressure in the system by using a predetermined kinetic model of desorption of the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Francois Dougnier, Dominique Madoux, Jean-Claude Habumuremyi
  • Publication number: 20150118132
    Abstract: An SCR method for purifying the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, according to which ammonia gas is exclusively metered in the exhaust gases, the method comprising a step of releasing ammonia gas from at least one solid absorbing matrix where it is stored by sorption and a step of metering the released ammonia gas in the exhaust gases. The method is such that it comprises a step of regenerating the solid absorbing matrix that consists in: generating a refilling ammonia gas by thermally decomposing an ammonia precursor in a heater mounted on board the vehicle; directing the refilling ammonia gas to the solid absorbing matrix where it is stored thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Francois Dougnier, Dominique Madoux, Jules Joseph Van Schaftingen, Paul Wouters
  • Publication number: 20140284224
    Abstract: A tank for storing ammonia by sorption, the tank including cells, or cells made of plastic, that communicate with one another and with at least one orifice that communicates with the outside, the cells configured to contain a solid intended for the sorption of ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Francois Dougnier, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Pierre De Keyzer
  • Publication number: 20140197188
    Abstract: A ventilation device including: a first enclosure including a first passage configured to be connected to a canister outlet and the atmosphere, and a normally closed shutter device configured to open to release the first passage; a second enclosure including a second passage configured to be connected to the canister inlet and a fuel tank, and a normally open shutter device configured to close to shut the second passage, the second passage being separate from and not in communication with the first passage; and a combined pressure/vacuum relief valve or OPR and UPR valve pair situated in or fastened to a bypass of the first passage configured to establish a connection between ends of the first passage when the shutter device is closed and when there is over- or under-pressure in the ends. A fuel system can include the device and a hybrid vehicle can include the fuel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Vincent Cuvelier, David Hill, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Publication number: 20140190456
    Abstract: A method for handling fuel vapors onboard a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine or ICE and a fuel system for the ICE, the method including at least partly condensing fuel vapors generated in the fuel system using an absorption refrigeration device. The absorption refrigeration device includes a regenerator that uses as a heat source, heat of combustion of part of the fuel vapors that are burnt in an adequate device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Bjorn Criel
  • Publication number: 20140131918
    Abstract: Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby: the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify; the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the moulding of a split or at least two-part parison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Jules-Joseph VAN SCHAFTINGEN, Pascal DE HENAU
  • Patent number: 8720732
    Abstract: A plastic fuel tank including an upper wall, a lower wall and at least two compartments, such compartments being established by a dividing wall including a part of the tank upper and lower walls, this dividing wall having at least opening enabling free flow of liquids between the at least two compartments and at least opening enabling free flow of vapors between the at least two compartments, such openings occupying less than 80% of the dividing wall, the at least 20% remaining of the dividing wall being constituted by at least one kiss point formed by welding together a multiplicity of contact points of the upper and lower walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (SociétéAnonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Vincent Cuvelier, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Benoit Devaux
  • Publication number: 20140034649
    Abstract: Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby : the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify; the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the moulding of a split or at least two-part parison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Pascal De Henau
  • Publication number: 20130334077
    Abstract: A system for storing an internal combustion engine exhaust gas liquid additive, and including a tank for storing the additive, the tank including two halve shells manufactured as two separate parts that are assembled, at least one of the shells including an active component fixed inside of it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Joel Op De Beeck, Jae Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 8608954
    Abstract: Liquid tank comprising: a first or storage volume for storing the liquid, bounded at least in part by a wall; a second or venting volume for venting the tank, bounded at least in part by the same wall; means of communication between the storage and venting volumes, situated in the top of these volumes; at least one orifice situated in the top of the venting volume, normally placing the venting volume in communication with a venting circuit; and means capable of closing off the means of communication, when the liquid in the venting volume reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Frederic Jannot, Barbara Mabed, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Thomas Eltzer
  • Publication number: 20130313137
    Abstract: A tank for storing an internal combustion engine exhaust gas liquid additive, the tank including a wall defining an internal volume, an electrical component located in the internal volume, and at least one electric cable configured to connect the electrical component to a voltage source outside the tank, at least one portion of the electric cable being inserted into an intermediate part connected to a base plate mounted over an opening in the wall, the base plate incorporating a casing mounted leaktight around an orifice in the base plate. The intermediate part is fastened by a quick-connect coupling including an electrical connector to which the electric cable is connected leaktight with aid of a seal and that emerges from the orifice in the base plate to outside the tank. The seal is inserted between the intermediate part and the connector and/or into a housing of the intermediate part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Dominique Madoux, Stephane Leonard, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Patent number: 8591798
    Abstract: Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby:—the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); —at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and—some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; —the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify; the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the moulding of a split or at least two-part parison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Pascal De Henau
  • Publication number: 20130284732
    Abstract: A vehicle tank and/or fill pipe for the vehicle tank, the vehicle tank and/or the fill pipe including a flexible part having an auxetic structure and/or a flexible part including helicoidal corrugations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen