Patents by Inventor Austin L. Newman
Austin L. Newman 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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Systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces for adding effects in augmented reality environments
Patent number: 11941764Abstract: A computer system displays a representation of a field of view of the one or more cameras, including a representation of a portion of a three-dimensional physical environment that is in the field of view of the one or more cameras. The computer system receives a request to add a first virtual effect to the displayed representation of the field of view of the one or more cameras. In response to receiving the request to add the first virtual effect to the displayed representation of the field of view of the one or more cameras and in accordance with a determination that the first virtual effect requires a scan of the physical environment, the computer system initiates a scan of the physical environment to detect one or more features of the physical environment and displays a user interface that indicates a progress of the scan of the physical environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Andrew L. Harding, James A. Queen, Joseph-Alexander P. Weil, Joanna M. Newman, Ron A. Buencamino, Richard H. Salvador, Fernando Garcia, Austin T. Tamaddon, Omid Khalili, Scott W. Wilson, Thomas H. Smith, III -
Publication number: 20230299380Abstract: A battery interconnection system incorporating a temperature control mechanism having a first battery cell and a second battery cell is provided. The first battery cell has an electrically positive tab and an electrically negative tab. The second battery cell has an electrically positive tab and a electrically negative tab. The electrically positive tab of the first battery cell couples with the electrically positive tab of the second battery cell. Moreover, the electrically negative tab of the first battery cell couples with the electrically negative tab of the second battery cell. The first battery cell includes a cathode electrically coupled with the electrically positive tab of the first battery cell and the second battery cell includes a cathode electrically coupled with the electrically positive tab of the second battery cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Marc Juzkow, Edward Thomas Sweet, Austin L. Newman, Pum Sang Cho, Ernest Villanueva, JoeBen Bevirt, Luigi Abbate, Jon Wagner
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Publication number: 20230299382Abstract: A battery cell that includes a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes is provided. The battery cell has a pouch laminate disposed over the plurality of anodes and the plurality of cathodes along with a temperature control mechanism centrally located within the pouch laminate. The temperature control mechanism is disposed between anodes of the plurality of anodes and cathodes of the plurality of cathodes such that the temperature control mechanism is centrally located within battery cell. The temperature control mechanism can regulate a temperature of the battery cell while also regulate an amount of pressure applied to the plurality of anodes and cathodes. The temperature control mechanism can include passageways through which heat transfer fluid can pass that be used to regulate the temperature and the pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Marc Juzkow, Edward Thomas Sweet, Austin L. Newman, Pum Sang Cho, Ernest Villanueva, JoeBen Bevirt, Luigi Abbate, Jon Wagner
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Patent number: 11705749Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing multi-battery systems, such as those utilized in an electric vehicle. Multi-battery systems comprise batteries providing power in parallel, thereby making each battery available to the vehicle and avoiding the weight of transporting a backup battery. The methods and systems provided allow for a fault in one battery, in a parallel configuration with at least one other battery, to be detected and managed.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: NIO Technology (Anhui) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith, Adam H. Ing, Rick Rajaie
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Patent number: 11130196Abstract: Methods and systems for sequentially laser welding terminal tabs of a battery cell to corresponding terminal tabs of a busbar are described using a single laser position and path. The terminal tabs of a battery cell are aligned in contact with terminal tabs of a busbar. A laser welder, from a first position, generates a laser weld beam at a first diameter welding the first terminal tab of the battery cell to the first terminal tab of the busbar. Next, the laser weld beam is narrowed, reducing the first diameter to a smaller second diameter. Without moving the laser welder from the first position, the narrowed laser weld beam burns a hole through the welded first set of terminal tabs, traverses a gap toward a second set of terminal tabs behind the first set and welds the second set together.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventor: Austin L. Newman
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Publication number: 20210229569Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing multi-battery systems, such as those utilized in an electric vehicle. Multi-battery systems comprise batteries providing power in parallel, thereby making each battery available to the vehicle and avoiding the weight of transporting a backup battery. The methods and systems provided allow for a fault in one battery, in a parallel configuration with at least one other battery, to be detected and managed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith, Adam H. Ing, Rick Rajaie
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Patent number: 11034335Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems of a light imaging and ranging system are provided. In particular, the imaging and ranging system includes a LIDAR sensor and a low-profile optics assembly having a reflective element with a continuous and uninterrupted reflective surface surrounding a periphery of a LIDAR sensor in a light path of the LIDAR sensor. The reflective element is positioned at a distance offset from the periphery of the LIDAR sensor and directs light emitted by the LIDAR sensor to a second reflective element that is substantially similar in shape and size as the reflective element. The second reflective element is arranged above and opposite the reflective element directing the light emitted by the LIDAR sensor to a sensing environment outside the imaging and ranging system.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventor: Austin L. Newman
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Patent number: 10981468Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing multi-battery systems, such as those utilized in an electric vehicle. Multi-battery systems comprise batteries providing power in parallel, thereby making each battery available to the vehicle and avoiding the weight of transporting a backup battery. The methods and systems provided allow for a fault in one battery, in a parallel configuration with at least one other battery, to be detected and managed.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith, Adam H. Ing, Rick Rajaie
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Patent number: 10892465Abstract: A battery module cell cover is provided including a number of features configured to orient, capture, and isolate battery cell interconnections relative to battery cell locations in an array of battery cells. Isolation features may block a negative terminal battery cell interconnect from moving out of an orientation receptacle aligned with a negative terminal of a battery cell and into contact with a positive terminal of the battery cell, or vice versa. The battery module cell cover can include a number of structural connection features protruding from a planar surface into a battery cell containment cavity, between battery cell locations, that provide a number of surfaces for curing to structural adhesive of the battery module. These structural connection features, in conjunction with the structural adhesive, can assist in forming a unified strengthened structure of the battery module.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith
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Patent number: 10811663Abstract: Methods and systems for welding a terminal of a battery cell to corresponding terminal tab or busbar are described using a magnet that causes the terminal and tab/busbar to be placed in physical contact. The terminal of a battery cell is aligned in contact with the tab/busbar by the force of a magnetic field. A welder, e.g., a laser welder, can then generate a laser weld beam to weld the terminal of the battery cell to the tab/busbar. Next, the laser weld beam is narrowed, reducing the first diameter to a smaller second diameter. Without touching the tab/busbar or terminal of the battery (which could affect the welding operation), the magnetic field can cause a force that brings the tab and terminal in contact during welding.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith
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Patent number: 10784486Abstract: A tapered busbar for an energy storage device is provided. The tapered busbar is configured to interconnect with a first row of series-connected energy storage cells in a battery module at a first end of the busbar. As the busbar tapers from a first cross-sectional area at the first end to a larger second cross-sectional area at a second opposite end, the busbar is configured to interconnect with sequentially additional electrically-parallel rows of series-connected energy storage cells. The tapered cross-sectional area of the busbar provides a substantially uniform current density at any point along the length of the busbar regardless of the number of rows of energy storage cells connected before or after the point.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Alexander J. Smith, Austin L. Newman
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Patent number: 10775263Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting leakage and other issues with electrical battery housings are provided. By using an air compressor to alter the air pressure within a battery housing, a processor may detect an abnormal rate of change in the air pressure within the battery housing as compared to a rate of change of an ideal battery housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Adam H. Ing, Alexander J. Smith, Austin L. Newman
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Patent number: 10749156Abstract: A battery including supporting material is disclosed. The battery comprises a plurality of modules, each of which further comprises a plurality of battery cells that store and discharge electrical energy. To support the battery modules, a supporting material such as foam is inserted in the space between the battery modules. To support the cells within the modules, a supporting material such as foam is also inserted in between the battery cells in each of the modules.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Joshua Smith
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Patent number: 10741808Abstract: An energy storage device and structurally enhanced packaging for energy storage cells is provided. The energy storage device includes a number of energy storage cells spaced apart from one another and contained in a lightweight carrier. The energy storage cells and carrier are mechanically coupled together with a structural adhesive forming a unified structure and framework where each connection point acts as a node in a force distribution structure. The structural adhesive can be injected into the volume between the energy storage cells while in a fluid, or semi-fluid, state. While in this state, a retaining form or gasket inside the carrier can prevent the structural adhesive from leaking out of the energy storage device. When in a cured, or hardened, non-fluid state the structural adhesive may adhere to the various components of the energy storage device to mechanically join the component together into a structurally safe package.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith
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Patent number: 10741889Abstract: A multiple-zone thermocouple battery module temperature monitoring system is provided configured to determine a plurality of temperatures along a depth of the battery module at different locations. The system may include a number of temperature probes each including a first temperature sensor oriented at a base of a group of cells in the module and a second temperature sensor oriented at an upper portion of the group of cells in the module. Providing upper and lower battery cell temperature sensors in each probe of the system allows a battery management system to detect and record a temperature gradient of the battery cells in the module at a number of different locations. These recordings can determine a gradient and temperature difference between the upper and lower battery cell portions over an operable threshold difference, and command a thermal management system to return the battery module to limits within the operable threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith, Adam H. Ing
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Patent number: 10707471Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for interconnecting all of the battery cells in a battery module from a single side of the battery cell and module are provided. The cell busbar system comprises a number of thin formed strips arranged to interconnect individual battery cells in a row together in series and each row in parallel along a length of the battery module. In particular, the cell busbar system may include two high voltage, or edge, strips and a number of cell-to-cell, or internal, strips electrically interconnected to the edge strips. All of the battery cells in the battery module may be oriented such that all of the positive terminals are facing the same direction. The interconnections between series-connected rows of cells, and parallel rows of series-connected rows, may all be made in substantially the same plane on a single side of the battery module.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith
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Patent number: 10668578Abstract: Methods and systems for welding a terminal of a battery cell to corresponding terminal tab or busbar are described using a magnet that causes the terminal and tab/busbar to be placed in physical contact. The terminal of a battery cell is aligned in contact with the tab/busbar by the force of a magnetic field. A welder, e.g., a laser welder, can then generate a laser weld beam to weld the terminal of the battery cell to the tab/busbar. Next, the laser weld beam is narrowed, reducing the first diameter to a smaller second diameter. Without touching the tab/busbar or terminal of the battery (which could affect the welding operation), the magnetic field can cause a force that brings the tab and terminal in contact during welding.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventor: Austin L. Newman
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Patent number: 10644282Abstract: An energy storage device including a staggered energy storage cell internal array with two-dimensional inline terminal edges is provided. The energy storage cells in a battery module may be staggered in an internal array, such that a first row of cells in a line are spaced apart, or offset, in a first direction from an immediately adjacent second row of cells in a line, and wherein a first cell in the second row of cells is offset from a first cell in the first row of cells in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In some cases, at least two adjacent rows in the battery module may include energy storage cells that are offset from one another but aligned in one direction, such as, the second direction. A mechanical frame may define the arrangement of the energy storage cells relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith
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Patent number: 10604120Abstract: Sensor cleaning devices, methods, and systems are provided. Output from sensors of a vehicle may be used to describe an environment around the vehicle. In the event that a sensor is obstructed by dirt, debris, or detritus the sensor may not sufficiently describe the environment for autonomous control operations. In response to receiving an indication of an obstructed sensor, the sensor cleaning devices, methods, and systems described herein may proceed to remove the obstruction from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventor: Austin L. Newman
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Patent number: 10598734Abstract: Systems of an electrical vehicle and the operations thereof are provided. In particular, a vehicle is described with the ability to gather State of Charge (SOC) information as well as State of Health (SOH) information for one or more batteries in a vehicle and then display both SOC and SOH information to a driver of the vehicle as well as other interested parties. The displayed SOH information may be accompanied by suggestions to modify driving and/or charging behaviors that will improve or contribute to a slower degradation in the SOH of the batteries.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith, Adam H. Ing