Patents by Inventor David R. Clark

David R. Clark 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: 20250233233
    Abstract: A rechargeable energy storage system includes a housing including a tray and a sidewall structure. A plurality of beam assemblies extend in parallel across the housing, the plurality of beam assemblies each include a bottom cap having a base plate and pair of parallel ribs extending from the base plate. A coolant passage plate is sandwiched between a pair of undulating plates with a first end disposed between the pair of parallel ribs of the bottom cap. The coolant passage plate is connected to a coolant source. A plurality of battery cells are disposed in the housing and in contact with the undulating plates of adjacent beam assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2024
    Publication date: July 17, 2025
    Inventors: Hui-ping WANG, Lu HUANG, David R. CLARK, Travis J. SHEPHERD, Chengwu DUAN, Yunzhi XU, Blair E CARLSON
  • Publication number: 20250192350
    Abstract: A battery system for a motor vehicle or another electrical system includes a battery cover, one or more battery cells, and a diverter assembly. The cells define a battery cavity in fluid communication with a corresponding vent opening. An air gap may be defined in an exhaust volume within the battery system. The diverter assembly includes a diverter body arranged relative to the vent openings. The diverter body is moveable or stationary. In response to a thermal propagation event occurring in the module or at least one of the battery cells, each diverter body diverts a high-temperature flow of ejecta from the cavity into an exhaust volume in a predetermined flow direction when the flow of ejecta passes through the vent opening. The diverter assembly may include a support member connected to the diverter body and connectable to the battery cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Derek F. Lahr, Xiaoling Chen, Ryan P. Hickey, Diptak Bhattacharya, David R. Clark, Aaron Sussman, Andrew C. Bobel, Frances Remi Villalonga
  • Publication number: 20250105425
    Abstract: A battery cell assembly includes a battery cell and a battery cell holder. The battery cell has a cell casing. The cell casing has an outer casing surface. The outer casing surface has a first plurality of grooves formed therein. The battery cell holder has a plurality of cell pockets. Each of the cell pockets has a wall. The wall has a wall surface. The wall surface has a second plurality of grooves that interact with the first plurality of grooves on the outer surface of the cell casing. The interaction of the first plurality of grooves on the cell casing with the second plurality of grooves on the wall of each of the plurality of cell pockets cooperates to prevent the battery cell from moving relative to the battery cell holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Tejas R. Bhavsar, Mahesh A. Mummigatti, Chenzhi Wang, David R. Clark, Ryan Patrick Hickey
  • Publication number: 20250062488
    Abstract: A battery module, in accordance with a non-limiting example, includes a module housing including a plurality of walls defining an interior, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the interior. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a vent. A vent manifold is connected to each of the plurality of battery cells. The vent manifold includes a central passage fluidically connected to the vent in each of the plurality of battery cells and a fluid inlet that selectively allows passage of an amount of fluid into select ones of the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Hickey, Peter Paul Andruskiewicz, IV, David R. Clark, Matthew Swift, Chih-hung Yen
  • Publication number: 20250062441
    Abstract: A battery module includes a module housing including a plurality of walls defining an interior, an amount of fluid arranged in the interior, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the interior and at least partially immersed in the amount of fluid. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cell can having an interior portion defined by a first wall member, a second wall member arranged opposite the first wall member, a first side wall member, and a second side wall member extending between and connected with the first wall member and the second wall member. The second wall member including a vent. An electrode stack is arranged in the interior portion. The cell can includes a thermally responsive fluid inlet that selectively exposes the interior portion of the cell can to the amount of fluid contained in the interior of the module housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Hickey, Chih-hung Yen, Peter Paul Andruskiewicz, IV, David R. Clark, Matthew Swift
  • Patent number: 12113189
    Abstract: A battery includes a battery cell stack disposed within a housing such that a gap exists between the battery cell stack and an inner surface of the housing. The battery cell stack includes a plurality of battery cells that each include a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab electrically coupled to an electrode assembly and extending from the electrode assembly outside of a case. The positive electrode tabs and/or the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of battery cells extend into the gap between the battery cell stack and the inner surface of the housing. A filler material fills the gap and provides a thermally conductive pathway between the positive electrode tabs and/or the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of battery cells and the inner surface of the housing. The filler material includes a thermally conductive particulate component distributed throughout a polymeric matrix component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Su Jung Han, David R. Clark, Ryan P. Hickey
  • Patent number: 12051814
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells encased in an outer shell. The outer shell has disposed on an inner surface a flame retardant layer that comprises expandable graphite. The expandable graphite is operative to expand during an thermal event that results in an increase in battery module temperature. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising disposing in a battery module a flame retardant layer; where the battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells encased in an outer shell. The outer shell has disposed on an inner surface a flame retardant layer that comprises expandable graphite. The expandable graphite is operative to expand during an thermal event that results in an increase in battery module temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chih-Hung Yen, Taeyoung Han, David R. Clark, Su Jung Han, Kuo-huey Chen, Gustavo Cibrian Salazar
  • Publication number: 20230296448
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) that includes a plurality of battery cells is described. The monitoring system includes a sensor that is arranged to monitor one or multiple heat transfer plates thermally coupled to the plurality of battery cells, a controller is in communication with the sensor. The controller including an instruction set that is executable to monitor, via the sensor, a parameter of the heat transfer plate and detect a thermal runaway event when the parameter of the heat transfer plate exceeds a threshold. The thermal runaway event is communicated to a battery controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ryan P. Hickey, Kristopher A. Thor, David R. Clark
  • Publication number: 20230246266
    Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed and includes battery cells, an outer housing, a support structure, and a planar structure. The outer housing is configured to enclose and immerse the plurality of battery cells in a coolant. The outer housing includes multiple walls including side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The support structure supports the battery cells. The support structure includes dividing members separating the battery cells. The planar structure is disposed above or below the battery cells. A gap exists between a planar surface of the planar structure and a planar surface of one of the top wall and the bottom wall of the outer housing for flowing the coolant between the planar structure and the one of the top wall and the bottom wall. The planar structure and at least some of the walls direct the coolant to flow across and between the battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Peter Paul ANDRUSKIEWICZ, IV, Kristopher A. THOR, Chih-hung YEN, David R. CLARK, M. Saif SIDDIQUI
  • Publication number: 20230060247
    Abstract: A battery includes a battery cell stack disposed within a housing such that a gap exists between the battery cell stack and an inner surface of the housing. The battery cell stack includes a plurality of battery cells that each include a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab electrically coupled to an electrode assembly and extending from the electrode assembly outside of a case. The positive electrode tabs and/or the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of battery cells extend into the gap between the battery cell stack and the inner surface of the housing. A filler material fills the gap and provides a thermally conductive pathway between the positive electrode tabs and/or the negative electrode tabs of the plurality of battery cells and the inner surface of the housing. The filler material includes a thermally conductive particulate component distributed throughout a polymeric matrix component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Su Jung Han, David R. Clark, Ryan P. Hickey
  • Publication number: 20230057172
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells encased in an outer shell. The outer shell has disposed on an inner surface a flame retardant layer that comprises expandable graphite. The expandable graphite is operative to expand during an thermal event that results in an increase in battery module temperature. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising disposing in a battery module a flame retardant layer; where the battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells encased in an outer shell. The outer shell has disposed on an inner surface a flame retardant layer that comprises expandable graphite. The expandable graphite is operative to expand during an thermal event that results in an increase in battery module temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Chih-hung Yen, Taeyoung Han, David R. Clark, Su Jung Han, Kuo-huey Chen, Gustavo Cibrian Salazar
  • Patent number: 11224147
    Abstract: A switch of an inverter module is disposed in a coolant channel, is configured to be immersed in coolant in the coolant channel, and includes: a first terminal disposed on a first plane and configured to connect to a direct current (DC) reference potential; a second terminal disposed on a second plane and configured to connect to an alternating current (AC) reference potential; a gate, an emitter, and a collector; first cooling features that extend away from the first and second planes, that directly contact the first terminal, and that are configured to allow coolant flow therethrough; and second cooling features that extend away from the first cooling features, the first plane, and the second plane, that directly contact the second terminal, and that are configured to allow coolant flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chih-hung Yen, Goro Tamai, Konstantinos Triantos, David R. Clark, Tim M. Grewe
  • Publication number: 20210376411
    Abstract: A temperature regulation system for a battery is provided. The temperature regulation system includes an electrochemical cell, which may be in the form of a battery. The electrochemical cell includes a housing having a first side surface that extends from a first end to a second end, and a first temperature control chamber containing a dielectric fluid. The first temperature control chamber is located along the first side surface of the housing or along at least one of the first end or the second end of the housing. The dielectric fluid is in direct contact with the housing at the first side surface or at the first end or the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chih-hung YEN, David R. CLARK, Matthew SWIFT, Taeyoung HAN, Kuo-huey CHEN, Bahram KHALIGHI, Goro TAMAI, Chih-cheng HSU
  • Patent number: 9747034
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a data storage system having a group of processor-controlled intelligent storage elements (ISEs). Each ISE in the group individually includes storage resources and a network interface. The storage resources of all the ISEs in the group collectively define a field of storage (FoS). A portion of the FoS is addressable by a remote device or by another ISE via the respective ISE's network interface. An ISE FoS structure (ISEFoS) is individually stored in nonvolatile memory within each of the ISEs in the group. Each ISEFoS contains parametric data pertaining to every ISE in the group. Orchestration logic executed by one of the ISEs of the group (a recipient ISE), in response to the recipient ISE receiving a storage management operation request via the network interface, queries the recipient ISE's ISEFoS in order to optimally determine which ISE in the group to use in executing the storage management operation request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Xiotech Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Clark, Jeffrey C. Nicholson, Bruce R. Dehkes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9318778
    Abstract: System and methods for estimating a temperature of a battery are presented. In some embodiments, a method of estimating a temperature of a battery system may utilize measured battery system temperature data and measured ambient temperature data. Based on the measured temperature data, an average estimated temperature of the battery system may be determined using, at least in part, an extended Kalman filter and an energy balance process model associated with the battery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wahlstrom, Ciro A. Spigno, Jr., David R. Clark
  • Publication number: 20160079633
    Abstract: System and methods for estimating a temperature of a battery are presented. In some embodiments, a method of estimating a temperature of a battery system may utilize measured battery system temperature data and measured ambient temperature data. Based on the measured temperature data, an average estimated temperature of the battery system may be determined using, at least in part, an extended Kalman filter and an energy balance process model associated with the battery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: MICHAEL WAHLSTROM, CIRO A. SPIGNO, Jr., DAVID R. CLARK
  • Publication number: 20140201425
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a data storage system having a group of processor-controlled intelligent storage elements (ISEs). Each ISE in the group individually includes storage resources and a network interface. The storage resources of all the ISEs in the group collectively define a field of storage (FoS). A portion of the FoS is addressable by a remote device or by another ISE via the respective ISE's network interface. An ISE FoS structure (ISEFoS) is individually stored in nonvolatile memory within each of the ISEs in the group. Each ISEFoS contains parametric data pertaining to every ISE in the group. Orchestration logic executed by one of the ISEs of the group (a recipient ISE), in response to the recipient ISE receiving a storage management operation request via the network interface, queries the recipient ISE's ISEFoS in order to optimally determine which ISE in the group to use in executing the storage management operation request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: David R. Clark, Jeffrey C. Nicholson, Bruce R. Dehkes, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130007877
    Abstract: A system and method of owner control of an electronic device are provided. Owner identification information, such as data integrity and source authentication information, is stored on the electronic device. Received owner control information is stored on the electronic device where the integrity of the received owner control information is verified and/or the source is authenticated using the owner identification information. In one embodiment, owner identification information comprises an owner signature private key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Herbert A. Little, David R. Clark
  • Patent number: 8302185
    Abstract: A system and method of owner control of an electronic device are provided. Owner identification information, such as data integrity and source authentication information, is stored on the electronic device. Received owner control information is stored on the electronic device where the integrity of the received owner control information is verified and/or the source is authenticated using the owner identification information. In one embodiment, owner identification information comprises an owner signature private key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Herbert A. Little, David R. Clark
  • Patent number: 8090348
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for assigning a personalized indicium to a mobile communications device which includes logic means operable to generate a temporary Personal Information Number (PIN) for transmitting in a request to a network node. Upon validating the request, a response is provided by the network node to the mobile communications device, the response including a permanent PIN assigned to the mobile communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Graeme Whittington, Allan David Lewis, James Godfrey, Christopher Smith, Arun Munje, Thomas Leonard Trevor Plesid, David R. Clark, Michal A. Rybak, Robbie John Maurice, Marc Plumb