Patents by Inventor Serge R. Lafontaine

Serge R. Lafontaine 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: 20190204369
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 10101370
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Nucleus Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9983243
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a foreign object is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics recognizable from the stored training data as characteristic of the foreign object is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Nucleus Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9954384
    Abstract: An energy storage system for use with an external device including: an energy storage cell; a microcontroller; an internal communication bus; an interface including two power terminals and a communications port electrically connected to the internal communication bus; power conversion circuitry for performing a charging operation during which energy is transferred from the power terminals to the energy storage cell and a discharging operation during which energy is transferred from the energy storage cell to the power terminals; and one or more sensors for monitoring one or more parameters of the energy storage cell, wherein it is all packaged to form a single, integrated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Nucleus Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Serge R. Lafontaine, Brian D. Hemond, Adam Wahab
  • Publication number: 20170322243
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9746506
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Nucleus Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9726701
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Nucleus Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20160336762
    Abstract: An energy storage system for use with an external device including: an energy storage cell; a microcontroller; an internal communication bus; an interface including two power terminals and a communications port electrically connected to the internal communication bus; power conversion circuitry for performing a charging operation during which energy is transferred from the power terminals to the energy storage cell and a discharging operation during which energy is transferred from the energy storage cell to the power terminals; and one or more sensors for monitoring one or more parameters of the energy storage cell, wherein it is all packaged to form a single, integrated unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: IAN W. HUNTER, SERGE R. LAFONTAINE, BRIAN D. HEMOND, ADAM WAHAB
  • Patent number: 9404950
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: NUCLEUS SCIENTIFIC INC.
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9397516
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for ultra-fast charging one or more batteries, including, for example, lithium ion batteries. A charging current is determined by optimization of a model based on functions of a set of internal state variables associated with a battery, and a set of model parameters or nonparametric data characterizing the battery. Instantaneous internal state variables are determined, and an optimized charging current is applied to the battery subject to a set of battery-specific constraints. Internal state variables are updated recursively based on behavior of the battery under charge as well as the behavior, stored in a database, or acquired via a network, of cognate batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Nucleus Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Hunter, Serge R. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 9306252
    Abstract: Operating a battery assembly that includes one or more rechargeable battery cells includes: monitoring one or more operational parameters of the battery cells; and dynamically controlling pressure applied to the one or more battery cells based at least in part on one or more of the monitored operational parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: NUCLEUS SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Grant W. Kristofek, Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 9129743
    Abstract: An energy distribution system and methods for coupling a plurality of energy storage cells to at least one of an energy source and an energy load. Each energy storage cell is coupled, at an interface, via a distinct power converter, to a winding, as is an energy source or load, coupled at an energy port to a secondary winding. The plurality of windings sharing a magnetic flux field and thus constitute a transformer. While separate processors are associated with each power converter, a subset of the plurality of processors may be intercoupled for control based on conditions associated with at least one of the plurality of energy storage cells. A central processor may govern operation of a subset of the processors, moreover, a subset of the plurality of processors may also be connected to a local area network and the central processor may communicate with other processors and may also be coupled to an external network such as the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Nucleus Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Hunter, Serge R. Lafontaine
  • Publication number: 20140225451
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Nucleus Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20140229132
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Nucleus Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20140167704
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a foreign object is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics recognizable from the stored training data as characteristic of the foreign object is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20140172338
    Abstract: A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20120098481
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for ultra-fast charging one or more batteries, including, for example, lithium ion batteries. A charging current is determined by optimization of a model based on functions of a set of internal state variables associated with a battery, and a set of model parameters or nonparametric data characterizing the battery. Instantaneous internal state variables are determined, and an optimized charging current is applied to the battery subject to a set of battery-specific constraints. Internal state variables are updated recursively based on behavior of the battery under charge as well as the behavior, stored in a database, or acquired via a network, of cognate batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: NUCLEUS SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ian Hunter, Serge R. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 6157113
    Abstract: A method for generating electricity is provided utilizing a conducting polymer, an electrolyte and a counterelectrode and applying mechanical work to the polymer thereby generating an electrical potential between the conducting polymer and the counterelectrode. Coupling of the electrical potential is then made to an external circuit. The resultant mechanical to electrical energy conversion efficiency is at least 0.01%. Also provided is a method for braking a mechanical member by utilizing a conducting polymer, coupling it to the mechanical member, generating an electrical potential between the conducting polymer and a counterelectrode and coupling the electrical potential to an external circuit. The step of coupling may include dissipating and/or storing electrical energy in the external circuit. The conducting polymer provided may preferably be polypyrrole. In another embodiment, a brake for the mechanical member is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Serge R. Lafontaine, John D. Madden
  • Patent number: 6084321
    Abstract: A rotary actuator for applying torque to a crank with respect to a member. The rotary actuator has a substantially planar sheet of anisotropic conducting polymer, portions of which are activated in temporal sequence to produce rotation of the crank with respect to the axis of the crank. Actuation is achieved by contraction of successive portions of the sheet as electrical current causes differential strain in the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Serge R. Lafontaine, John D. Madden
  • Patent number: 6059546
    Abstract: A pump for impelling a fluid includes a first variable volume, the first variable volume having a first inlet for allowing the influx of the fluid into the first variable volume and a first outlet for allowing the efflux of the fluid out of the first variable volume and a first membrane defining at least a portion of the first variable volume. The pump also includes a first contractile actuator, for displacing the first membrane from a first position to a second position in such a manner as to vary the first variable volume and a second contractile actuator, for restoring the first membrane from the second position to the first position in such a manner as to vary the first variable volume. A first check valve is coupled to the first inlet for regulating the influx of fluid into the first variable volume through the first inlet and a second check valve is coupled to the first outlet for regulating the efflux of the fluid out of the first variable volume through the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Colin J. H. Brenan, Serge R. Lafontaine, Ian W. Hunter