Patents by Inventor Michael Charles LaCroix

Michael Charles LaCroix 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: 7622885
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and system for, linear speed control for an electric motor, in which a digital to analog converter means is used for converting an 8-bit digital signal to an analog voltage for setting voltage across a motor, a digital state machine means is used for converting the duty cycle of an input signal for output to the digital to analog converter means, and a closed loop feedback loop means is used for monitoring and setting the voltage across the motor. An over-current sense circuit can be used for monitoring the current across the electric motor. An over/under voltage sense circuit can be used for monitoring voltage of the electric motor. The resulting 8-bit digital control signal is converted to an analog voltage for the electric motor. Such methods and systems find particular use in automotive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: 2112376 Ontario Limited
    Inventor: Michael Charles LaCroix
  • Patent number: 7265516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and system for, linear speed control for an electric motor, in which a digital to analog converter means is used for converting an 8-bit digital signal to an analog voltage for setting voltage across a motor, a digital state machine means is used for converting the duty cycle of an input signal for output to the digital to analog converter means, and a closed loop feedback loop means is used for monitoring and setting the voltage across the motor. An over-current sense circuit can be used for monitoring the current across the electric motor. An over/under voltage sense circuit can be used for monitoring voltage of the electric motor. The resulting 8-bit digital control signal is converted to an analog voltage for the electric motor. Such methods and systems find particular use in automotive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Charles LaCroix
  • Patent number: 6833990
    Abstract: An electronic controller module including a heat-resistant material to substantially surround and physically protect the controller, at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the material to the controller, and a heat-resistant lid including a heat sink configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the electronic controller, wherein the material and the lid are operatively associated to completely surround the controller. These modules are particularly suitable for use in automotive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Carter Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Charles LaCroix, Marcus Beaumont
  • Publication number: 20040233634
    Abstract: An electronic controller module including a heat-resistant material to substantially surround and physically protect the controller, at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the material to the controller, and a heat-resistant lid including a heat sink configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the electronic controller, wherein the material and the lid are operatively associated to completely surround the controller. These modules are particularly suitable for use in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Carter Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Charles LaCroix, Marcus Beaumont
  • Publication number: 20030123224
    Abstract: An electronic controller module including a heat-resistant material to substantially surround and physically protect the controller, at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the material to the controller, and a heat-resistant lid including a heat sink configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the electronic controller, wherein the material and the lid are operatively associated to completely surround the controller. These modules are particularly suitable for use in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Carter Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Charles LaCroix, Marcus Beaumont
  • Patent number: 6587338
    Abstract: An electronic controller module including a heat-resistant material to substantially surround and physically protect the controller, at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the material to the controller, and a heat-resistant lid including a heat sink configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the electronic controller, wherein the material and the lid are operatively associated to completely surround the controller. These modules are particularly suitable for use in automotive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Carter Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Charles LaCroix, Marcus Beaumont
  • Publication number: 20030063900
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for linear speed control for electric direct current motors, in which a digital to analog converter means is used for converting an 8-bit digital signal to an analog voltage for setting voltage across a motor, a digital state machine means is used for converting the duty cycle of an input signal for output to the digital to analog converter means, and a closed loop feedback means is used for monitoring and setting the voltage across the motor. An over-current sense circuit can be used for monitoring the current across or passing through the electric motor. An over/under voltage sense circuit can be used for monitoring voltage of the electric motor. The resulting 8-bit digital control signal is converted to an analog voltage for the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Carter Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongyu Wang, Jesus R. Graterol, Michael Charles LaCroix
  • Publication number: 20030058617
    Abstract: An electronic controller module including a heat-resistant material to substantially surround and physically protect the controller, at least one electrically-conductive member to provide input or output of at least one electrical signal through the material to the controller, and a heat-resistant lid including a heat sink configured and dimensioned to dissipate a sufficient amount of heat to inhibit or avoid damage to the electronic controller, wherein the material and the lid are operatively associated to completely surround the controller. These modules are particularly suitable for use in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Charles LaCroix, Marcus Beaumont
  • Publication number: 20030057899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and system for, linear speed control for an electric motor, in which a digital to analog converter means is used for converting an 8-bit digital signal to an analog voltage for setting voltage across a motor, a digital state machine means is used for converting the duty cycle of an input signal for output to the digital to analog converter means, and a closed loop feedback loop means is used for monitoring and setting the voltage across the motor. An over-current sense circuit can be used for monitoring the current across the electric motor. An over/under voltage sense circuit can be used for monitoring voltage of the electric motor. The resulting 8-bit digital control signal is converted to an analog voltage for the electric motor. Such methods and systems find particular use in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Charles LaCroix