Patents by Inventor Michel Authier
Michel Authier 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: 20200009013Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises first and second heating modules and a controller for controlling operation of the first and second heating modules to heat the water of the water receptacle. The controller is also configured for deriving energy consumption information that may be used, amongst other, to convey energy savings and/or cost savings associated with use of the second heating module in comparison to the use of the first heating module. In some implementations, the derived energy consumption information may be instead/also be used as a parameter in the selection of either one or both the first and second heating modules to heat the water of the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventor: Michel AUTHIER
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Patent number: 10398624Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises first and second heating modules and a controller configured for activating a specific one of the first and second heating module at least in part based on whether the bathing unit is in use.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.Inventor: Michel Authier
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Publication number: 20170224583Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises first and second heating modules and a controller configured for activating a specific one of the first and second heating module at least in part based on whether the bathing unit is in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventor: MICHEL AUTHIER
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Patent number: 8624749Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
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Patent number: 8164470Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
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Patent number: 7982625Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
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Patent number: 7843357Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
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Publication number: 20100219962Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LAFLAMME, Daniel GAUDREAU, Martin HARDY, Louis NOLLET, Florent GOUGEROT, Michel AUTHIER
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Publication number: 20100152911Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
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Patent number: 7701679Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a processing unit for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system. In response to detection of an abnormal operational condition, the processing unit causes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) associated to the bathing system to trip. In a first example, the controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by respective bathing unit components under normal operating conditions. The processing unit is adapted for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part based on measurements stored on the memory unit. In a second example, the controller includes a plurality of actuators associated to respective bathing unit components operative for causing bathing unit components to acquire either one of the actuated state or the non-actuated state.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougereau, Michel Authier
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Publication number: 20100018958Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises a heating module, a power source and a controller in communication with the heating module and the power source. The power source includes an energy storage member for storing energy collected from a solar panel, and is operative for supplying power generated from solar energy to the heating module. The controller is operative for causing the power source to supply power to the heating module at least in part based on first information derived from a temperature of the water within the water receptacle and second information derived from a condition associated with the power source. The controller is further operative for selecting between a first power source and a second power source for supplying power to the heating module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventor: Michel AUTHIER
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Patent number: 7619181Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises a heating module, a power source and a controller in communication with the heating module and the power source. The power source includes an energy storage member for storing energy collected from a solar panel, and is operative for supplying power generated from solar energy to the heating module. The controller is operative for causing the power source to supply power to the heating module at least in part based on first information derived from a temperature of the water within the water receptacle and second information derived from a condition associated with the power source. The controller is further operative for selecting between a first power source and a second power source for supplying power to the heating module.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventor: Michel Authier
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Patent number: 7489986Abstract: A remotely controlled and monitored spa. An interface signal converter is electrically connected to a spa controller. A remote computer can control the spa and monitor the status of the spa via a communications link between the remote computer and the interface signal converter. The interface signal converter converts communications signals transferred from the remote computer via the communications link and directs the converted signals to the spa controller. Also, the interface signal converter converts signals from the spa controller to be communicated to the remote computer via the communications link. In a preferred embodiment, the interface signal converter comprises an IR and an RS-485 transceiver. In a preferred embodiment, the communications link is the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Michel Authier, Jean-Luc Trahan
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Publication number: 20080094235Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
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Publication number: 20080030358Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
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Patent number: 7327275Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougereau, Michel Authier
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Publication number: 20070200698Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a processing unit for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system. In response to detection of an abnormal operational condition, the processing unit causes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) associated to the bathing system to trip. In a first example, the controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by respective bathing unit components under normal operating conditions. The processing unit is adapted for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part based on measurements stored on the memory unit. In a second example, the controller includes a plurality of actuators associated to respective bathing unit components operative for causing bathing unit components to acquire either one of the actuated state or the non-actuated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
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Publication number: 20070012678Abstract: The present invention provides a control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle. The control system comprises a heating module, a power source and a controller in communication with the heating module and the power source. The power source includes an energy storage member for storing energy collected from a solar panel, and is operative for supplying power generated from solar energy to the heating module. The controller is operative for causing the power source to supply power to the heating module at least in part on the basis of first information derived from a temperature of the water within the water receptacle and second information derived from a condition associated with the power source. The controller is further operative for selecting between a first power source and a second power source for supplying power to the heating module.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2006Publication date: January 18, 2007Inventor: Michel Authier
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Publication number: 20050288821Abstract: An apparatus adapted for implementing a user interface module for monitoring or programming a spa is provided. The apparatus includes a communication port adapted for establishing a communication link with the spa controller for receiving a signal conveying status information related to the spa from the spa controller. The apparatus also includes a display module and a processing unit operative for displaying on the display module a visual representation of the status information. A first control is also displayed for enabling user to modify operational settings of the spa. A second control is also displayed for allowing a user to cause the visual representation of the status information to be updated at least in part on the basis of the signal received at said communication port. Alternatively, the processing unit is adapted for generating a spa programming signal conveying spa operational setting and for transmitting the spa programming signal to the spa controller via the communication port.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2005Publication date: December 29, 2005Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Michel Authier, Jean-Luc Trahan
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Publication number: 20050168900Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: August 4, 2005Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gouger, Michel Authier