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).

  • Publication number: 20200009013
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Michel AUTHIER
  • Patent number: 10398624
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventor: Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20170224583
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventor: MICHEL AUTHIER
  • Patent number: 8624749
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 8164470
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7982625
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7843357
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20100219962
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LAFLAMME, Daniel GAUDREAU, Martin HARDY, Louis NOLLET, Florent GOUGEROT, Michel AUTHIER
  • Publication number: 20100152911
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Christian BROCHU, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7701679
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougereau, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20100018958
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Michel AUTHIER
  • Patent number: 7619181
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7489986
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Michel Authier, Jean-Luc Trahan
  • Publication number: 20080094235
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20080030358
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 7327275
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougereau, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20070200698
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20070012678
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventor: Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20050288821
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Michel Authier, Jean-Luc Trahan
  • Publication number: 20050168900
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gouger, Michel Authier