Patents by Inventor Richard Gagnon
Richard Gagnon 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: 20230256430Abstract: A method for producing a microfluidic device includes creating a paper channel using a cutting device (e.g., a laser cutter, scissors, dies, blade, or the like), placing the paper channel between two sheets of PDMS, treating the PDMS sheets with a corona plasma to adhere the PDMS sheets together, and using heat to laminate the microfluidic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2021Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Zachary Richard Gagnon, Md Nazibul Islam
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Patent number: 11220235Abstract: An inflator-based system provides for the actuation of valves and other devices using automotive air bag inflators, for example. One or more inflators can be connected to a valve body with an adapter such that upon inflator activation, inflator gases can act on a piston or similar device to achieve desired movement or operation of the valve or device. An inflator-based actuator can provide for a single action or multiple actions of a valve or other device. Such a system can provide safer and more reliable alternatives to electro-explosive ordnance devices found in pyrovalves, for example. Other uses for an inflator-based actuation system can include a lanyard pull initiator, a dual cartridge cutter, a bolt cutter, a hot gas generator (HGG) body, and a HGG pressure cartridge, to name a few examples.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Systems Engineering Associates CorporationInventors: Andrew Delisle, Richard Gagnon, Barry Holland, Keith Amaral
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Publication number: 20200290553Abstract: An inflator-based system provides for the actuation of valves and other devices using automotive air bag inflators, for example. One or more inflators can be connected to a valve body with an adapter such that upon inflator activation, inflator gases can act on a piston or similar device to achieve desired movement or operation of the valve or device. An inflator-based actuator can provide for a single action or multiple actions of a valve or other device. Such a system can provide safer and more reliable alternatives to electro-explosive ordnance devices found in pyrovalves, for example. Other uses for an inflator-based actuation system can include a lanyard pull initiator, a dual cartridge cutter, a bolt cutter, a hot gas generator (HGG) body, and a HGG pressure cartridge, to name a few examples.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: September 17, 2020Applicant: Systems Engineering Associates CorporationInventors: Andrew Delisle, Richard Gagnon, Barry Holland, Keith Amaral
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Patent number: 10765123Abstract: A system and method for preparing a shelled crustacean body part for meat extraction are provided. The method involves capturing an image of said body part, evaluating the thickness of the shell from the image, determining from the thickness evaluation at least one laser parameter for forming a line of weakness within the shell, the line of weakness being dimensioned to facilitate meat extraction, while preserving the sensory characteristics of the meat, and sweeping a laser beam on the body part in accordance with the laser parameter to form the line of weakness within the shell. The method and system provide the advantage of facilitating meat extraction without compromising the quality or commercial value of the meat all while increasing productivity and performance in comparison with completely manual extraction techniques.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Investissement QuébecInventors: Denis Hotte, François Bédard, Richard Gagnon, Olivier Marcotte, Denis Lépine, Alain Martel
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Publication number: 20180360057Abstract: A system and method for preparing a shelled crustacean body part for meat extraction are provided. The method involves capturing an image of said body part, evaluating the thickness of the shell from the image, determining from the thickness evaluation at least one laser parameter for forming a line of weakness within the shell, the line of weakness being dimensioned to facilitate meat extraction, while preserving the sensory characteristics of the meat, and sweeping a laser beam on the body part in accordance with the laser parameter to form the line of weakness within the shell. The method and system provide the advantage of facilitating meat extraction without compromising the quality or commercial value of the meat all while increasing productivity and performance in comparison with completely manual extraction techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: Centre de recherche industrielle du QuébecInventors: Denis Hotte, François Bédard, Richard Gagnon, Olivier Marcotte, Denis Lépine, Alain Martel
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Patent number: 10099400Abstract: A method and system for detecting and controlling the quality of debarking at the surface of a wooden log provide information on main parameters related to the debarking quality of the log surface, including fiber loss and residual bark. The debarking quality detecting method and system involve measurement of three-dimensional profile of at least a portion of the log surface to generate corresponding profile image data, which is processed to generate data indicative of the texture of the log surface. The texture data is then analyzed to generate resulting data on the debarking quality parameters. That quality indicative information can be generated on a continuous basis to provide an objective assessment of the quality performance in real-time in view of target productivity, and may then be used to perform optimal adjustments of the debarker operating parameters, either manually by the operator or automatically through feedback control.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUÉBECInventors: Richard Gagnon, Jean-Pierre Couturier, Philippe Gagné, Feng Ding, Fadi Ibrahim
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Publication number: 20180284033Abstract: An optical apparatus and a method for color scanning a surface of an article moving along a travel path axis make use of an imaging sensor unit including a digital color camera capable of generating highly focused color images, even when distance from surface to camera varies, by providing the camera with an objective defining an optical plane disposed in Scheimpflug configuration. A beam of collimated polychromatic light of an elongated cross-section is directed within a Scheimpflug scanning plane of focus and toward a scanning zone to form a reflected linear band of light onto the article surface of an intensity substantially uniform within the depth of sensing field. The reflected linear band of light is captured by the digital camera to generate a two-dimensional color image thereof, from which a single line color image data is extracted. The line data extraction is repeated as the article moves to generate successive line color image data, from which a two-dimensional color image of the article is built.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: Centre de recherche industrielle du QuébecInventors: Yvon Legros, Richard Gagnon
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Patent number: 9403618Abstract: A carton for transporting and dispensing liquid-based materials including a sealed base, upwardly tapered sides, and a top portion with a gable top and a sealing portion to close the top portion. The sealing portion includes a perforation to permit the top portion to be opened. A tamper-proof seal is on the sealing portion revealing tamper evidence upon opening of the top portion of the carton. A handle of the carton includes two handle loops.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: LeisurePAK Inc.Inventors: Luke Dolby, Valentino Capone, James Richard Gagnon
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Publication number: 20160078678Abstract: Augmented reality-based method, apparatus and system for assisting an operator to perform a task on a moving object according to at least one characteristic of the object, uses projection of light onto the object according to object tracking task instruction data as it moves through the working zone to provide a visual instruction for the operator about the task to perform on the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2014Publication date: March 17, 2016Applicant: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUEBECInventors: Denis Hotte, Nicholas Drolet, Alain Martel, Richard Gagnon, Claude Lejeune
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Patent number: 9262809Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filtering noise of low frequency from an image of the surface characteristics of an object expressed with reference to orthogonal first and second axis and obtained with linear light scanning, involve calculating a difference between pixel values of an image column vector along the second axis adjacent a selected reference image column vector and respective pixel values of the selected reference image column vector to obtain a pixel difference vector. The pixel difference values not mainly associated with a corresponding atypical change of surface characteristics as compared with noise are then selected, and a mean value from the selected pixel difference values are calculated as an estimated value of the noise. The estimated noise value are subtracted from the adjacent image column vector to obtain a corrected image column vector.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUEBECInventors: Richard Gagnon, Jean-Pierre Couturier
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Publication number: 20150021381Abstract: A carton for transporting and dispensing liquid-based materials including a sealed base, upwardly tapered sides, and a top portion with a gable top and a sealing portion to close the top portion. The sealing portion includes a perforation to permit the top portion to be opened. A tamper-proof seal is on the sealing portion revealing tamper evidence upon opening of the top portion of the carton. A handle of the carton includes two handle loops.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Luke Dolby, Valentino Capone, James Richard Gagnon
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Publication number: 20140307119Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filtering noise of low frequency from an image of the surface characteristics of an object expressed with reference to orthogonal first and second axis and obtained with linear light scanning, involve calculating a difference between pixel values of an image column vector along the second axis adjacent a selected reference image column vector and respective pixel values of the selected reference image column vector to obtain a pixel difference vector. The pixel difference values not mainly associated with a corresponding atypical change of surface characteristics as compared with noise are then selected, and a mean value from the selected pixel difference values are calculated as an estimated value of the noise. The estimated noise value are subtracted from the adjacent image column vector to obtain a corrected image column vector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUEBECInventors: Richard GAGNON, Jean-Pierre COUTURIER
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Publication number: 20140218504Abstract: An apparatus and a method for scanning a surface of an article such as a wooden piece transported along a travel path axis, are capable of generating two complementary color image frames representing the surface of the article in an efficient way. While the sensing field of an imaging sensor is directed transversely toward the travel path axis, a first linear-shaped light beam characterized by a first wavelength is directed toward the scanning zone to form a first reflected line onto the article surface. A second linear-shaped light beam characterized by a second wavelength is directed toward the scanning zone to form a second reflected line onto the article surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUEBECInventors: Jean-Pierre COUTURIER, Richard GAGNON, Gregory DORVAL
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Patent number: 8708582Abstract: An enclosure assembly for a camera is designed to be mounted on the frame of an optical inspection apparatus for scanning the profile of a surface of an article moving along a travel path axis, the profile being associated with a reference axis orthogonal to a reference plane parallel to the travel path axis. The camera is part of a profile sensor unit and has an optical sensing field directed toward the travel path axis to define a scanning zone associated with the surface as intersected by the optical sensing field, the profile unit further having a laser source directing at angle with the optical sensing field a fan-shaped laser beam toward the scanning zone to define an associated scanning plane transverse to the travel path axis, to generate sensor output data related the profile of the article surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Centre de Recherche-Industrielle du QubecInventors: Richard Gagnon, Gaétan Sanschagrin, Denis Lépine
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Patent number: 8679293Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a process for refining lignocellulosic granular matter such as wood chips use a predictive model including a simulation model based on relations involving a plurality of matter properties characterizing the matter such as moisture content, density, light reflection or granular matter size, refining process operating parameters such as transfer screw speed, dilution flow, hydraulic pressure, plate gaps, or retention delays, at least one output controlled to a target such as primary motor load or pulp freeness, and at least one uncontrolled output such as specific energy consumption, energy split, long fibers, fines and shives. An adaptor is fed with measured values of matter properties and measured values of controlled and uncontrolled outputs, to adapt the simulation model accordingly. An optimizer generates a value of the target according to a predetermined condition on a predicted uncontrolled output parameter and to one or more process constraints.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Centre de Recherche Industrielle du QuebecInventors: Feng Ding, Ilich Lama, Richard Gagnon, Claude Lejeune
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Patent number: 8655048Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring size distribution of bulk matter consisted of randomly orientated granules, such as wood chips, make use of scanning the exposed surface of the granular matter to generate three-dimensional profile image data defined with respect to a three-coordinate reference system, The image data is segmented to reveal regions associated with distinct granules, and values of the size-related parameter for the revealed regions are estimated. Then, a geometric correction to each ones of estimated size-related parameter values is applied, to compensate for the random orientation of corresponding distinct granules. Finally, the size distribution of bulk matter is statistically estimated from the corrected size-related parameter values.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Centre de Recherche industrielle du QuebecInventors: Feng Ding, Richard Gagnon, Claude Lejeune
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Publication number: 20130333805Abstract: A method and system for detecting and controlling the quality of debarking at the surface of a wooden log provide information on main parameters related to the debarking quality of the log surface, including fiber loss and residual bark. The debarking quality detecting method and system involve measurement of three-dimensional profile of at least a portion of the log surface to generate corresponding profile image data, which is processed to generate data indicative of the texture of the log surface. The texture data is then analyzed to generate resulting data on the debarking quality parameters. That quality indicative information can be generated on a continuous basis to provide an objective assessment of the quality performance in real-time in view of target productivity, and may then be used to perform optimal adjustments of the debarker operating parameters, either manually by the operator or automatically through feedback control.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUÉBECInventors: Richard Gagnon, Jean-Pierre Couturier, Philippe Gagné, Feng Ding, Fadi Ibrahim
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Publication number: 20120275776Abstract: An enclosure assembly for a camera is designed to be mounted on the frame of an optical inspection apparatus for scanning the profile of a surface of an article moving along a travel path axis, the profile being associated with a reference axis orthogonal to a reference plane parallel to the travel path axis. The camera is part of a profile sensor unit and has an optical sensing field directed toward the travel path axis to define a scanning zone associated with the surface as intersected by the optical sensing field, the profile unit further having a laser source directing at angle with the optical sensing field a fan-shaped laser beam toward the scanning zone to define an associated scanning plane transverse to the travel path axis, to generate sensor output data related the profile of the article surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUEBECInventors: Richard Gagnon, Gaétan Sanschagrin, Denis Lépine
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Publication number: 20100121473Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a process for refining lignocellulosic granular matter such as wood chips use a predictive model including a simulation model based on relations involving a plurality of matter properties characterizing the matter such as moisture content, density, light reflection or granular matter size, refining process operating parameters such as transfer screw speed, dilution flow, hydraulic pressure, plate gaps, or retention delays, at least one output controlled to a target such as primary motor load or pulp freeness, and at least one uncontrolled output such as specific energy consumption, energy split, long fibers, fines and shives. An adaptor is fed with measured values of matter properties and measured values of controlled and uncontrolled outputs, to adapt the simulation model accordingly. An optimizer generates a value of the target according to a predetermined condition on a predicted uncontrolled output parameter and to one or more process constraints.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Centre de recherche industrielle du QuébecInventors: Feng Ding, Llich Lama, Richard Gagnon, Claude Lejeune
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Patent number: 7625441Abstract: Paper coating formulations having a reduced level of binder and processes for their manufacture are disclosed. Specifically, the paper coating formulations comprise a paper coating pigment and a binder. The binder comprises a strongly associated adhesive material that can bind to the other components, such as pigments, that is less prone to depletion from paper coating formulations into a paper web during use.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Solae, LLCInventors: Richard Gagnon, Donald Hiscock