Patents by Inventor Michel Bernier

Michel Bernier 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: 12241428
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft is disclosed. The method includes: sensing a voltage of a capacitance connected to the ETM and configured to power the ETM; detecting a rotation of the crankshaft resulting from an actuation of a recoil starter; in response to detecting the rotation of the crankshaft, determining if an assisted start condition is met; in response to the assisted start condition being met, delivering power from the capacitance to the ETM and the ETM assisting the recoil starter; in response to the assisted start condition not being met, continuing to turn the crankshaft with the recoil starter without assistance from the ETM; determining if the ICE has started; and in response to the ICE being started, delivering power from the ETM to the capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Publication number: 20240301850
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a front suspension assembly, a pair of skis, an endless drive track, and an internal combustion engine. The engine has: a motor-generator having a rotor and a stator, the motor-generator being operable in motor mode and in generator mode; a recoil starter operable to rotate a crankshaft of the engine via the rotor in a same direction as does the motor-generator in generator mode; at least one sensor adapted for sensing at least one engine parameter; and an engine control unit (ECU) receiving a signal from the at least one sensor, the ECU controlling a rotation of the crankshaft by one of the motor-generator and the recoil starter based on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Inventor: Michel BERNIER
  • Patent number: 12012921
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a front suspension assembly, a pair of skis, an endless drive track, and an internal combustion engine. The engine has: a motor-generator having a rotor and a stator, the motor-generator being operable in motor mode and in generator mode; a recoil starter operable to rotate a crankshaft of the engine via the rotor in a same direction as does the motor-generator in generator mode; at least one sensor adapted for sensing at least one engine parameter; and an engine control unit (ECU) receiving a signal from the at least one sensor, the ECU controlling a rotation of the crankshaft by one of the motor-generator and the recoil starter based on the signal. The vehicle also has a display for displaying a message when the crankshaft is to be rotated by the recoil starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Michel Bernier
  • Publication number: 20240084752
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft is disclosed. The method includes: sensing a voltage of a capacitance connected to the ETM and configured to power the ETM; detecting a rotation of the crankshaft resulting from an actuation of a recoil starter; in response to detecting the rotation of the crankshaft, determining if an assisted start condition is met; in response to the assisted start condition being met, delivering power from the capacitance to the ETM and the ETM assisting the recoil starter; in response to the assisted start condition not being met, continuing to turn the crankshaft with the recoil starter without assistance from the ETM; determining if the ICE has started; and in response to the ICE being started, delivering power from the ETM to the capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Michel BERNIER, David MONFETTE, Bruno SCHUEHMACHER
  • Patent number: 11852087
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft comprises energizing an absolute position sensor adapted for providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM and applying a current to the ETM to generate a sufficient torque to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 11739720
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a snowmobile is disclosed. The method comprises actuating a start switch of the snowmobile; in response to the start switch being actuated, sensing a temperature; in response to the sensed temperature being above a predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a motor-generator; and in response to the sensed temperature being below the predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a recoil starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Michel Bernier
  • Publication number: 20220364520
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft comprises energizing an absolute position sensor adapted for providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM and applying a current to the ETM to generate a sufficient torque to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, David MONFETTE, Bruno SCHUEHMACHER
  • Patent number: 11448146
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft comprises energizing an absolute position sensor adapted for providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM and applying a current to the ETM to generate a sufficient torque to rotate the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 11415096
    Abstract: An electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) is operated as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. In the first control strategy, electric power is delivered from a power source to the ETM selectively through at least one transistor of an electrical converter. After switching from the first control strategy to the second control strategy, the ETM delivers electric power to an accessory selectively through the at least one transistor of the electrical converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, Jasmin Rouleau, David Monfette
  • Patent number: 11389415
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns the discovery of the use of fenoterol analogues for regulating cannabinoid (CB) receptor activity-related disorders and disease, such as dysregulated CB receptors, including treating a disorder or disease, such as a glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer, colon cancer, and/or lung cancer, which is associated with altered cannabinoid receptor activity. In one example, the method includes administering to a subject having or at risk of developing a disorder or disease regulated by CB receptor activity an effective amount of a fenoterol analogue to reduce one or more symptoms associated with the disorder or disease regulated by CB receptor activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignees: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Irving W. Wainer, Michel Bernier, Rajib K. Paul
  • Patent number: 11352996
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a snowmobile is disclosed. The method comprises actuating a start switch of the snowmobile; in response to the start switch being actuated, sensing a temperature; in response to the sensed temperature being above a predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a motor-generator; and in response to the sensed temperature being below the predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a recoil starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Michel Bernier
  • Patent number: 11333120
    Abstract: An electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) is operated as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. In the first control strategy, electric power is delivered from a power source to the ETM selectively through at least one transistor of an electrical converter. After switching from the first control strategy to the second control strategy, the ETM delivers electric power to an accessory selectively through the at least one transistor of the electrical converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, Jasmin Rouleau, David Monfette
  • Patent number: 11300066
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (ICE) includes a crankshaft, a cylinder head defining in part a variable combustion chamber of the ICE, a direct fuel injector mounted on the cylinder head, a power source, an electric turning machine (ETM) rotating the crankshaft, an absolute position sensor providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM, and an engine control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the absolute position sensor. The ECU controls a delivery of electric power from the power source to the ETM based on the angular position of the rotor of the ETM and causes the direct fuel injector to inject fuel directly in the combustion chamber at a time selected based on the angular position reached by the rotor of the ETM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 11293363
    Abstract: A method for controlling delivery of electric power between a power source and an electric turning machine (ETM) comprises applying a start signal to a start-up power electronic switch to cause turning on of the start-up power electronic switch and to allow delivery of electric power from the power source to the ETM via the start-up power electronic switch. A recharge signal is applied to a run-time power electronic switch to cause turning on of the run-time power electronic switch for delivery of electric power from the ETM to the power source via the run-time power electronic switch. A circuit comprises a discharging circuit including the start-up power electronic switch for delivering the electric power when the start-up power electronic switch is turned on. A charging circuit includes the run-time power electronic switch for delivering the electric power when the run-time power electronic switch is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 11136019
    Abstract: Monitoring is provided for a drive belt of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mounted in a vehicle having a motor driving the CVT. A rotational speed of the motor and a power level of the motor are sensed. An abuse indicator for the drive belt is set when, concurrently, the rotational speed of the motor increases at a rate that exceeds a change threshold and the power level of the motor exceeds a power threshold. A level of abuse of the drive belt is calculated based on a speed of the vehicle and on a drive belt temperature. Damage to the drive belt may be prevented by limiting a power output of the motor when an accumulated level of abuse exceeds an abuse threshold. A vehicle having an electronic control unit configured to perform the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Xavier-Pierre Aitcin, Bruno Schuehmacher, Marc Giguere, Michel Bernier
  • Patent number: 10975824
    Abstract: A method and a system for starting an internal combustion engine (ICE) having a crankshaft and an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to the crankshaft are disclosed. An absolute angular position of the crankshaft related to a top dead center position of a piston in a combustion chamber of the ICE is determined. Electric power is delivered to the ETM at a first level to rotate the crankshaft. Electric power is then delivered to the ETM at a second level greater than the first level when the piston reaches a predetermined position before the TDC position. Fuel is injected in the combustion chamber after the piston has passed beyond the TDC position. The fuel is then ignited. In an implementation, the ICE is started in less than 110 degrees of rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Publication number: 20210062774
    Abstract: An electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) is operated as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. In the first control strategy, electric power is delivered from a power source to the ETM selectively through at least one transistor of an electrical converter. After switching from the first control strategy to the second control strategy, the ETM delivers electric power to an accessory selectively through the at least one transistor of the electrical converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Normand LEBREUX, Michel BERNIER, Jasmin ROULEAU, David MONFETTE
  • Patent number: 10925840
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns the discovery of the use of fenoterol and (R,R)- and (R,S)-fenoterol analogues for the treatment of a tumor expressing a ?2-adrenergic receptor, such as a primary brain tumor, including a glioblastoma or astrocytoma expressing a ?2-adrenergic receptor. In one example, the method includes administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of fenoterol, a specific fenoterol analogue or a combination thereof to reduce one or more symptoms associated with the tumor, thereby treating the tumor in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignees: The USA, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, SRI International
    Inventors: Irving W. Wainer, Michel Bernier, Lawrence Robert Toll, Lucita Arenas Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20210038540
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns the discovery of the use of fenoterol analogues for regulating cannabinoid (CB) receptor activity-related disorders and disease, such as dysregulated CB receptors, including treating a disorder or disease, such as a glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer, colon cancer, and/or lung cancer, which is associated with altered cannabinoid receptor activity. In one example, the method includes administering to a subject having or at risk of developing a disorder or disease regulated by CB receptor activity an effective amount of a fenoterol analogue to reduce one or more symptoms associated with the disorder or disease regulated by CB receptor activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Service
    Inventors: Irving W. Wainer, Michel Bernier, Rajib K. Paul
  • Patent number: 10900455
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises at least one cylinder, at least one cylinder head connected to at least one cylinder, at least one piston disposed in the at least one cylinder, a crankshaft operatively connected to the at least one piston, a crankcase housing at least a portion of the crankshaft, a motor-generator operatively connected to the crankshaft, a recoil starter operatively connected to the crankshaft, and a drive pulley of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connected to the crankshaft, the motor-generator. The recoil starter, the crankshaft and the drive pulley are coaxial. The motor-generator operates in motor mode to rotate the crankshaft and in generator mode to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Michel Bernier